May 2012 Horoscopes with Russell Grant

Could May be the month you win the lottery? Could you be in for a surprise? Russell Grant explains your stars.

ARIES - A flirtatious conversation adds special zest to a May Day party or get together. A sizable debt puts a dent in your bank account near the 6th. Take extra pains to economise in the days surrounding the 9th. A quiet evening at home near the 10th settles your nerves. The 13th is perfect for closing a real estate deal. Your boss will welcome your mid month money minded ideas for cutting costs and economising. A health regimen yields impressive results on or around the 16th. The 20th could bring an unfortunate misunderstanding between you and a relative or neighbour. You can get a great price on a luxury item if you care to negotiate on the 22nd. Trust your head over your heart near the 23rd. Wild rumours circulate on the 25th; just ignore them. Defying popular opinion helps you stand out from the crowd as May makes space for June.

TAURUS – Keep financial talks around the 4th a secret, or rivals will take advantage of you. The Full Moon on the 6th brings a painful conclusion to a relationship matter; you need to stand up for yourself. People will be much more receptive to your ideas in the days surrounding the 9th. The 10th is ideal for getting a favour from a friend. Fame and fortune will be yours on the 13th, when you get singled out for a fabulous contribution. A transformative travel or educational opportunity is awarded by mid-month. An overseas trip puts you on the path to romance around the 16th. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th attracts a fabulous moneymaking opportunity. Neither a lender nor a borrower be around the 23rd. The end of May is ideal for negotiating a raise or landing a well paid job; hold out for top dollar.

GEMINI – The opening days of the month are ideal for making a public presentation. The Full Moon on the 6th forces you to get treatment for a nagging health problem. Keep a work project under wraps in the days surrounding the 10th. Trust your instincts regarding an intense flirtation on or around the 14th. The middle of May is perfect for launching a home renovation project. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th forces you to end a living or work arrangement that is no longer working for you. Confusing instructions from your superiors make it difficult to do your job in the days surrounding the 23rd. Temper your words with compassion on the 25th, especially when dealing with difficult clients. The 27th is perfect for hosting an impromptu party or dinner. Resist getting into an argument with a pushy relative as May turns into June.

CANCER – Trust your instincts in the early days of May, especially when it comes to anticipating your boss’s needs. The Full Moon on the 6th forces you to make a difficult decision regarding a romance; you can’t abandon your friends for the sake of love. Your ideas make a team effort a success on or around the 9th. A friend will invite you on a vacation in the days surrounding the 10th; be sure to accept. Help is forthcoming on the 13th, provided you ask for it. A friend gives you valuable financial advice around the 14th. If you want to launch a website or blog, do so in mid-May. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th brings an embarrassing secret to light. A difficult conversation with a friend or relative is slated in the waning days of May; just say what’s in your heart.

LEO – Go out and celebrate a friend’s good luck in the first days of May. The Full Moon on the 6th prompts you to look around for a new place to live. Job interviews are favoured in the days surrounding the 9th. An exciting career opportunity near the 13th allows you to make the most of your star power. Take steps to improve your work environment during the middle of the month. You’ll need to spend money to make money on the 16th. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th forces you to fend off advances from an amorous friend. Talk about your future job prospects on the 22nd with a high profile executive. The 23rd warns against turning a friendship into a romance. You’ll have a chance to take the reins of an impressive group project near the 28th. The final days of May warn against spending too much money on expensive social outings.

VIRGO – An award, raise or promotion will arrive in early May. The Full Moon on the 6th brings shocking news about a mentor or guru. You’ll get a chance to showcase your expertise around the 9th. Someone is attracted by your superior knowledge on or around the 10th. The opportunity to travel abroad will be granted to you near the 13th. Mid-May finds you studying alongside a respected expert; this is a great time to develop your raw artistic talent. Your sex appeal proves irresistible on the 16th. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th forces you to make a difficult choice between your personal and professional lives. You’ll have to do some serious negotiating with your boss in the days surrounding the 24th. Your gift for analysis wins you favourable publicity near the 27th. Be patient with the powers that be as May draws to a close.

LIBRA – The first days of May are perfect for taking a short trip to see a good friend. The Full Moon on the 6th forces you to fight for money that is owed to you; do not back down. Talking about a deep seated fear can be helpful in the days surrounding the 9th. A commission or bonus will be awarded to you on or around the 10th. The 13th finds you locked in a steamy embrace with a sensual lover. An emotional breakthrough in mid-May will be more than liberating. Trust your instincts about a household matter on the 16th. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th forces you to scale back a dream project; you have too many work responsibilities to launch a new endeavour. A close friend gets a promotion on the 28th; it’s time to celebrate! A legal decision could be made against you as May turns into June.

SCORPIO – Job interviews go well in the opening days of May. The Full Moon on the 6th prompts you to make an ultimatum to your best friend, lover or business partner. Sign a contract or make a financial deal in the days surrounding the 9th. The 10th is perfect for a first date or romantic rendezvous. A loved one will share their financial good fortune with you around the 13th. Let an expert take you under their wing over the middle of the month; you’ll learn something valuable. Use your influence on a powerful executive near the 16th; the results will be impressive. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th will result in a painful break up. A creative collaboration will be good for you around the 22nd. Starting a fitness routine on the 28th will result in an exciting transformation. Don’t fall victim to peer pressure as May turns to June.

SAGITTARIUS – The first days of May are perfect for making a love match. The Full Moon on the 6th brings an embarrassing secret to light. The days around the 9th are good for sorting out all kinds of health issues. Getting a massage or spa treatment soothes your raw nerves near the 10th. The 13th is perfect for launching a new health regimen. Negotiate a raise over the middle of the month, when your prospects for getting more money are at an all time high. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th forces you to change some assumptions about intimate relationships. Take a medical professional’s advice to heart around the 22nd. Don’t listen to a relative’s warnings about romance in the days surrounding the 23rd. Your best friend or romantic partner has exciting news on the 28th; go out and celebrate. Don’t argue with your boss in the closing days of May.

CAPRICORN – The first days of May favour a home renovation project. The Full Moon on the 6th puts an end to a toxic friendship. You’ll prevail at games of skill around the 9th. The 10th prompts you to sign up for a music, film, dance, or writing class. Flex your artistic muscles in the days surrounding the 13th. You’ll get favourable publicity for your handiwork over the middle of the month. Discount travel fares allow you to visit a glamorous place on or around the 16th. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th warns against overdoing it with rich food and intoxicating beverages. Buy a single lottery or raffle ticket on the 22nd. The 23rd finds you struggling with a set of unclear instructions. You’ll race through errands like a hot knife through butter. The closing days of May find you clashing with an annoying know it all.

AQUARIUS – You get lots of romantic attention in the first days of May. The Full Moon on the 6th forces you to pull away from a family event to deal with a work emergency. The 9th is perfect for launching a housecleaning project. Throw a dinner party for friends on or around the 10th. The 13th is perfect for adding a new member to your household. An emotional conversation draws you closer to a loved one at mid-month. An attentive lover strives to meet all your sexual needs around the 16th. A Solar Eclipse on the 20th prompts you to break off a troubled romance, for once and for all. Your heart and head are working in perfect harmony near the 22nd; this is a great time to make a difficult decision. Trust a romantic impulse on the 28th. Don’t confuse lust for love in the final days of May.

PISCES – A friend offers to share their financial good fortune with you in the first days of May. The Full Moon on the 6th prompts an authority figure to step down, putting you in line for a promotion. Begin work on a short story, novel, or screenplay around the 9th. The 10th helps you convert people to your point of view. Schedule a trip for pleasure on or around the 13th. A powerful executive gets you access to an esteemed educational institution at mid-month. The Solar Eclipse on the 20th prompts you to look for a new place to live. Don’t let a manipulative relative walk all over you around the 23rd. A surprising windfall allows you to spend more quality time at home near the 28th. You won’t be able to talk sense to a friend or lover as May draws to a close.

+ Check out Russell Grant’s website at www.russellgrant.com

All those that opted out of a high priced summer service – give yourselves a congratulatory tap on the tiara.

Course, weddings come in all shapes and sizes and are held at lots of varied locations these days, but over half are still married in church – although we love the skydivers, the Vegas trips and the Regency themes too. Traditional seasonal palates – yellows and oranges – seem to be back, with the favoured decor being a vibrant spring green.

But even if you’ve planned like a pro, it’s still easy to let some of the finer points of Big Day planning slip through the cracks. So if you’ve chosen not to let a wedding planner do your worrying for you, we’ve got 10 tips that could tweak a great day into a perfect one.

So if your Big Day is on the horizon, be it classic or kooky – good luck!

10. GET THE LOOK RIGHT
Book your hair appointment in good time and pamper yourself with a pedicure and manicure 1-2 days before the event.

9. PUT GUESTS IN THEIR PLACE
Work on your seating plan. Remember it’s partners at the same table (but not necessarily together), work colleagues together and divorcees at separate tables!

8. GET YOUR NAME RIGHT
If you’re altering your surname, take a couple of hours to notify as many companies as possible – utilities, credit cards, banks – this will make life much easier when you return from the honeymoon.

7. THINK OF YOUR GUESTS
Have you catered for vegetarian guests? Don’t panic – catering companies should be flexible.

6. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
If you’re doing your own make-up – practice! Keep close friends at hand and listen to advice.

5. IF THINGS GO WRONG?
Ensure important members have their mobile phones switched on and have exchanged numbers – hitches do happen!

4. GET YOURSELF COVERED
Are you insured? With the average price of a wedding nearing £20k, there’s a lot at stake. Policies start around £49.

3. ADD SOME STYLE
Brides and grooms – add an element of surprise! From a groom being driven in a Ferrari to a surprise firework display – this adds a nice personal touch and a dash of style.

2. A CLOSE SHAVE
Men – even if it’s just this once in your life – have a facial! If you’re prone to a 5 o’clock shadow go for a professional wet shave with a cutthroat razor.

1. TAKE IT ALL IN
Finally – relax! Have a deep, hot bath the night before. When the big day comes, take it all in, smile and enjoy every moment!

Are you adventurous enough for an outside wedding – or a traditional couple in love with a church? Maybe you’re creative types looking to make your mark with a beautiful barn wedding. To help you choose, here are five different venue types to suit five different personalities.

Churches
If you appreciate tradition, formality and a little pomp and ceremony, nothing comes close to saying ‘I do’ in a church. A church wedding suits couples looking to bring religious readings and music into their day (both of which are banned from civil ceremonies). They capture something very English and allow you to continue family tradition by marrying in the same church as members of your family in generations gone by.

Barns
Beautiful and rustic, barns offer a a certain amount of history with wide open, flexible spaces; a creative couple can let their imaginations run wild. The soaring wooden beams and warm brickwork make a simple but stunning backdrop, ideal for couples who want to attempt a big project design-wise. They are nearly always exclusive, providing your own slice of rural life, and most barns come without corkage, saving you money on alcohol. Barns particularly suit couples having a green or vintage theme, as well as people with vision who are organised and want to transform a space into their dream venue.

Outdoors
An outside event may not be right for everyone, but several venues will allow you to have key parts of your wedding in the fresh air, bringing a charming, natural feel to the day. Outdoor venues are suited to couples relaxed enough to accept the British weather in all its changeable glory, optimistic enough to let a little bit of control go, and who feel most relaxed in simple, elemental environments. Adventurous types, and those who simply love to be close to nature, are perfectly suited to an outdoor wedding.

Historic
If you want a connection to the past, with the conveniences of a modern venue, heritage buildings are perfect. Marrying in historic surroundings is ideal for couples with a love of drama, spectacle and romantic stories – Downton Abbey fans or those with a fairytale theme, in particular. You won’t always have the flexibility of a 21st century setting, so you should be willing to compromise, but if you love elegance and timeless beauty, you can celebrate your nuptials in the same setting as thousands of other brides through the centuries.

Hotels
Elegant and busy couples love hotel weddings. They still offer drama (anything from boutique chic to rambling rustic beauty), but the organisational skills of the staff make wedding planning a breeze. Many hotels run events every day of the year and handing your plans over to an expert frees up your time and reduces stress.

It may not suit a couple wanting to personalise every aspect of their day (most hotels only offer packages) but if you want to let go of the reigns, and use the spare time to focus on friends and family, a hotel is a great fit.

They are also brilliantly suited to those looking for an all-in-one venue. At a hotel, everything is taken care of, including the ceremony, in-house catering, party and guest accommodation. And the day after, your guests can enjoy breakfast together, or pick the concierge’s brain about the local area. Try the stunning Stapleford Park in Leicestershire for unadulterated luxury and historic splendour (www.staplefordpark.com).

Blank Canvas
Want something you can truly make your own? Try an out-of-town venue. They’re normally great value, and you can decorate how you wish. Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire is the perfect example (www.newarkshowground.com)

Next to your wedding day, the day you or your partner proposes should be among the most memorable of your life. Making it unforgettable for the right reasons can be a challenging though. For example, spelling out “marry me” in alphabet spaghetti could trigger a totally different response to proposing aboard a gondola in Venice.

But its not just men who have to worry about proposing, with the leap year upon us and in line with old traditions, many women will be entertaining similar thoughts. So if you’ve been thinking of popping the question to that special someone but are unsure when, where and how, worry no longer as online travel community and advice website TripAdvisor has compiled a list of the 10 best places to propose.

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris
Confirm Paris’s reputation as the city of love by proposing at the top of the Eiffel Tower, with spectacular views of the city. If you love the city but haven’t got a head for heights, why not set the tower as the backdrop by popping the question at nearby Trocadero Park.

2. London Eye, London
Lift that special someone off their feet and propose high in the sky on the London Eye — the largest observation wheel in the world. Avoid spectators by hiring a private capsule, complete with champagne, for that special moment.

3. Oia, Santorini, Greece
Watch the sun set over the caldera in Oia on Santorini, overlooking the breathtaking Aegean Sea, renowned for its striking sunsets. Squeeze through the narrow passageways and white buildings to the cliff-like Kastro walls, known for having the best views.

4. Alhambra, Spain
Described as a pearl set in emeralds by Moorish poets, the Alhambra in Granada, a former palace and fortress, is a perfect place to propose to your gem. Stroll through the magnificent gardens with cypress-lined walkways and listen to the water dance from the fountains.

5. Canals of Venice, Italy
For a dramatic movie-scene effect you could work up the nerve to pop the question while reclining on a gondola, gliding under the Venetian bridges, through the windy canals of Venice. For a really classy touch why not hire an opera singing gondolier so you’re hands-free for that perfect moment.

6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria
Propose like royalty at Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th century Bavarian palace and former home to King Ludwig II. Evoke medieval times by riding up the steep hill to the castle, located on Romantic Road, in a charming horse-drawn carriage.

7. Mount Pilatus, Lucerne, Switzerland
Don’t get cold feet at the summit of Mount Pilatus near Lucerne, Switzerland, after chugging up the side of the mountain on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Celebrate by shouting from the mountaintops, featuring panoramic views of more than 70 peaks and five lakes.

8. Trevi Fountain, Rome
For the exhibitionist couple, the Trevi Fountain in Rome guarantees an audience and a cheering crowd. Toss a coin – not the ring – into the fountain, which legend says will ensure your return to Rome, hopefully not alone.

9. Charles Bridge, Prague
Secure a life long connection at the 13th century Charles Bridge in Prague, featuring dreamy views of the city skyline. Lined with baroque statues and protected by three bridge towers, visit this walkway at night for a more peaceful moment.

10. Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence
With sweeping views of the entire city, Piazza Michelangelo overlooks Florence, the Arno River, and golden Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Get down on one knee near dusk when the crowds disperse, and a magical glow is cast on the city below.

The romance of getting married is quite often marred by the worrying costs involved. The consensus is that the average outlay is spiralling ever upwards, but new research now suggests that couples may be becoming more restrained in their attitude to spending on their big day.

The average cost of a wedding is now about £16,000. A survey carried out by Halifax Personal Loans reveals that only nine per cent of people think this is a reasonable amount to pay. Over half of those questioned thought this was too much to fork out on their nuptials, believing that £10,000 or less was a more appropriate figure. One quarter of people in the survey would hope to cut costs even further by spending between £1,000 and £5,000.

Singletons are the most likely to be dreaming of an extravagant wedding, with a quarter of this group prepared to consider spending more than £15,000 when they get hitched.

Interestingly, people who are already married or who had been married before were far less likely to see the need to splash out over the odds. Only 13 per cent and 15 per cent respectively believed it was reasonable to spend £15,000 or more.

Young love knows no financial bounds it seems, with one in five of the 18-25 age group considering £15,000 and over a reasonable amount to pay. This compares with one in 10 of the 25-34 age group and eight per cent of the 35-44 age group.

Northerners are most inclined to splash out on weddings. Four per cent said spending over £50,000 on their big day would be acceptable. Couples in the southwest are the least likely to pay over the odds, with 17 per cent considering less than £1,000 a reasonable amount.

When it comes to the honeymoon, more people appear to be comfortable with the typical costs involved. The average cost of a honeymoon trip is estimated at £2,475. Nearly half of those questioned agreed that between £2,000 and £4,999 was a reasonable sum to pay. One in five considered over £5,000 a more suitable figure. Only three per cent thought it would be more reasonable to spend under £1,000.

Ian Corfield, head of Halifax Unsecured Personal Loans, says, “Weddings seem to have come back in fashion in recent years and we have seen average costs increase dramatically.

“However, our survey suggests that there may be a change in opinion as to how much couples should spend. It may be that the costs typically involved have reached a level that is no longer considered reasonable.

“In contrast, people seem generally more comfortable with average honeymoon costs and do not see this level of expense as unreasonable or over-inflated.”

Over the two day event, the finalists were rigorously tested through a series of theoretical and practical challenges in order to demonstrate their knowledge and skills of Ferrari products. The tests focused on variety of different areas, including the current and previous model ranges, Ferrari Genuine Maintenance and Ferrari Genuine Accessories, in addition to knowledge of the history of Ferrari’s road and race cars. The event also included a driving competition which tested the finalists’ driving skills and techniques in the Ferrari California, 458 Italia and FF through a series of time trials and driving skill challenges.

Matteo Torre, Regional Manager for Ferrari North Europe, commented: “We are extremely proud of Dean’s outstanding performance at the 2011 Ferrari Technician Challenge. Competitions like this are important for Ferrari because they encourage technicians across the global dealer network to further their learning and knowledge through the many courses offered by the Ferrari Training Academy.”

Dean commented: “I was so excited when I found out that I would be competing in Maranello against the best Ferrari technicians from around the world. The competition was exciting and challenging and the whole experience was made that much better when I found out that I had won the title of Ferrari Technician of the Year!”

Dean began his career in the automotive industry as an apprentice and started as a Ferrari technician at Graypaul Nottingham in 2000. He is now the dealership’s head Diagnostic Technician. In addition, he has experience working on the Ferrari Challenge Series in 2004-2005 and currently supports the Graypaul Racing team.

Anyone interested in becoming a Ferrari Technician can apply for a Ferrari Apprenticeship. The Ferrari North Europe Apprentice Programme is open to all school leavers aged 16 or over, and includes 24 weeks of specific training at Ferrari North Europe’s head office during the 3 year programme.

Applications for the September 2012 intake of Apprentices are currently open, via www.ferrari-apprenticetraining.co.uk. Interviews with prospective candidates will begin in March 2012 for the September 2012 intake.

Nottinghamshire needs 50 more foster carers and 25 of these are needed for children over 10 who are often harder to place. There is also an ongoing need for adoptive homes.

The plea comes after charity Barnardo’s suggested that the care of older, vulnerable children needed more attention. Last year 43% of children entering care in England were over 10.

Cabinet member for children and young people’s services councillor Philip Owen said: “Figures are even higher in the county with just over half of the 776 looked-after children being older than 10.”

“We’re well aware that older children can be harder to place given that they come with more history. However, we have a number of schemes in place to ensure that carers receive the additional support they need, so I’d urge those receptive to fostering older children to get in touch with us.”

The County Council has launched a campaign to recruit more foster carers and adopters for Nottinghamshire children who need a safe, secure and stable home. And for those who are considering this, we would encourage them by saying that giving something back is rewarding.

To find out more about fostering and adoption call the Council’s fostering recruitment team on 0845 301 8899 or the adoption team on 0845 301 2288 or visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering

There are certain wines and foods that delight the taste buds when mixed. Wine seeks relationships with the finer ingredients in life, yet many have a tough time making a sound partnership with cheese. In fact, some cheeses can make a good red wine dull and lifeless.

If you love to end a special meal with a cheese platter, balance the flavours of your wines and cheeses carefully. The stronger the cheese, the more intense its partner should be. But remember that balance isn’t about matching like with like, it can be as different as chalk and cheese.
Soft, creamy cheeses such as brie and camembert coat the palate with a layer of soluble fat, masking tastes. Even if you are drinking an excellent red, you will loose some of its flavour. Team soft, creamy cheeses with extra-dry champagne and the effervescence will clean the fats from the palate.

If you must be awkward and insist on red with your cheese platter, choose a concentrated, rich red such as Amarone della Valpolicella. This Italian dry red is made from air-dried grapes and can stand up to the most pungent cheeses including Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino. A cheaper alternative is Ripasso di Valpolicella made in the same region.

A perfect partner at any restaurant or at a dinner party is port and creamy blue cheese. A non-vintage port is a perfect partner for creamy stilton, while vintage port pairs beautifully with feisty cheeses such as gorgonzola.

Epcurious.com wine expert Anthony Dias Blue says, “Port has an element known as rancio – a desirable, rich, oxidised quality, which meshes reliably with the luxurious flavours of such mould-laced cheeses.”

Sweet whites for cheese When serving a sumptuous cheese platter at a dinner party, remove the reds and opt for a fruity, vibrant white to complement your range of cheese. Sweet, spicy and fruity German wines such as gewürztraminers and rieslings are good all-rounders. For blue-veined cheeses, choose a sweet dessert wine. These will also work well if you are also serving desserts at the table.

Chablis is widely regarded as the king of French white wine – a special drink that commands far higher prices than many other types

Most experts are convinced that it is the peculiar and highly individual mixture of chalky limestone and clay of the Chablis area that accounts for the fact that the chardonnay wines produced there are quite different to those produced anywhere else in the world.

Located 160km north of the main portion of the Burgundy region of France, chablis is regarded as the most perfect example of a dry white table wine.

Unlike most chardonnays, the traditional terms for describing the taste of chablis are flinty and steely. This does not mean that the wine actually has metallic qualities. Rather, these terms refer to the wine’s dryness – a fresh, crisp, almost tart but clean dryness that serves as a surface coating through which one can easily perceive the underlying fruit of the chardonnay grape.

At the same time, the very best chablis has a bigness and richness that make it a virtual king among the world’s foremost white wines. With a bouquet of freshly cut hay, apples and an underlying mineral note, the best chablis wines are light gold in colour, with glints of green when they are young. As they age, they become darker and more glossy. More than any other white wine from Burgundy, chablis benefits from bottle age.

The Chablis region was first wined back in the 500s. A monastery was built there and invading Romans brought along wine wherever they went. When Charlemagne set up a base there, it was very important that wine be offered to visiting guests.

Chablis has been going through a planting bloom in the past century. In 1955, there were only 1,360 acres planted with vines. In modern times, that number is closer to 12,000 acres.

The secret of chablis wine lies deep in the soil. Prehistoric fossilised oyster shells and harsh gravelly ground create seemingly harsh conditions for growth, yet this blending of limestone, minerals and shells contribute to chablis’ uniqueness.

The four appellations of chablis are based on the type of land the vines are grown on.

Petit Chablis is from hilltop vineyards and north-facing slopes. The subsoil is hard Portlandian limestone. Petit Chablis is generally thin and acidic, except in hot years.
Village Chablis can be delightful, crisp and refined. It is fine for it to be steely, but it should not be mean. Look out for vielles vignes – old vine – cuvees, which are usually a cut above the rest. Soils are Jurassic era limestone, mostly Kimmeridgian.

Premier Cru is the third appelation. Though there are 40 Premier Cru vineyards, in reality about 12 names appear on labels. Fourchaume and Montée de Tonnerre are the most reputed and the most similar to the Grand Crus. Beauroy, Vaillons and Montmains are several good ones that you’ll come across quite often. In hot years they can be quite exotic. Vau de Vey and Vau Ligneau are two relatively new crus. All these wines can be lovely, some ageing capacity, but drinkable young.

Finally there are the Grands Crus. There are seven of these, capable of giving quite outstanding wines. They age beautifully. Vaudésirs and Les Clos are reputed to be the most serious, Les Preuses and Valmur are high on the slope, and Bougros and Grenouilles are low and sometimes described as ripe, full or easier. Blancot completes the list.

Wines from all of these categories can be excellent and it should be remembered that genuine chablis should be bought only if it comes from France. Some California and New York wineries continue the somewhat doubtful practice of calling their wines chablis but these are merely inferior copies, some of which do not even contain chardonnay grapes.

If you want the real McCoy it’s got to be French – and most certainly from a bottle and never from a cask. Enjoy it as the perfect accompaniment to chicken, pheasant, quail, turkey and any kind of fish, lobster, clams, oysters and crab.

As you’d expect being a fat loss specialist I talk to many women about training and how they can get in the best shape. It still amazes me that despite all the benefits you can read about, women still shy away from the very style of training that will get them the best results.

When I get past the usual weight loss questions, I find out that women really do want the tighter arms, a flatter stomach and a smaller bottom! Women want to look in the mirror in their underwear and like what they see.

So why do we still see more women than ever pounding out the miles on the treadmills and cross trainers or hitting it hard in spin classes every night? In many cases I feel its lack of knowledge and a lack of confidence about how to lift weights.
When I assess a female client who spends more time on the treadmill than she does at home, I come across poor flexibility in the thighs and hips, a pelvis that is tilted forward (especially post natal), glute muscles that aren’t firing correctly, complaints of lower back pain and rounded shoulders. These aren’t areas that can be improved by simply prescribing more work on a treadmill. These areas need strengthening and then progressing.

One of the main things that scares women when they learn that they’re going to be lifting weights is the worry about getting big muscles. You’ve probably heard this a hundred times before but you really won’t end up like Arnold Schwarzenegger if you start lifting. Why, well women typically have 10% of the testosterone that men have. Testosterone is the primary muscle building hormone, so since women have less of this hormone they’re really going to struggle to gain large amounts of muscle mass.

So what are the main benefits to strength training?

Stronger bones and connective tissue – lifting weights is load bearing exercise which helps strengthen your bones. Maintaining strong and healthy bones lowers your risk of osteoporosis.

Lifting weights increases EPOC (Excessive post exercise oxygen consumption) – Your body always likes to return to a state of natural balance after anything that it does, this is called homeostasis. When you lift weights your body has to work very hard to bring you back to balance. This extra energy required burns calories for many more hours after your session.

Your metabolic rate will increase: For every pound of lean muscle mass you gain you burn an extra 50 calories per day. Decrease your risk of injury – lifting weights helps you develop stronger tendons, this gives your joints more support and stability through daily task.

Boost stamina and energy levels: When you are stronger you have more energy for day to day tasks and you don’t get anywhere near as tired.

Increase your self confidence: I’m yet to come across a woman you hasn’t felt 100% better in herself from uncovering the body of her dreams. The benefits of increased self confidence carries over into your relationships, not just the ones with your friends but also with your loved ones.

Anti-aging: You lose muscle and strength as you age, however if you strength train you will develop and retain your strength and muscle mass helping to maintain your youthful shape.

Reduction in body fat levels: This goes hand in hand with having more lean muscle mass and speeding your metabolic rate up. Lowering body fat reduces the amount of toxins in your body which improves the quality and elasticity of your skin.

When women lifts weights regularly they tell me that they feel empowered, stronger and so much sexier. They feel amazing and have a completely different perspective on life.

The difference in women that change their body shape through strength training over weight loss and hours doing conventional cardio is night and day.