Nest building

It seems that everyone in the interiors world has gone crazy over chandeliers recently, myself included. Adding a pretty chandelier is a sure-fire and simple way to make your room ooze glamour and sophistication.

My advice is not to opt for a traditional crystal type chandelier but instead go for something more modern and contemporary. The pendant light from Barker and Stonehouse is ideal for matching with the very on trend bright colour schemes of the moment.

The chrome effect is sure to look absolutely sensational against the very modern shades of purple and green that have adorned the pages of décor magazines recently.

Just imagine how stunning a hallway, sitting room, dining room or bedroom could look with this contemporary take on traditional glamour.

For stockists visit www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk


Listen to it

Iron Maiden Somewhere Back In Time: The Best Of 1980-1989

They've been rocking out for over 30 years, but Iron Maiden remain one of the most exciting heavy metal bands in the world.

To celebrate their golden first decade they're releasing a 'best of' featuring the standout tracks like Run To The Hills and Number Of The Beast that featured on the eight albums they released over that period.

In an effort to give computer savvy metal fans get a taste of what they're missing, the album is being made available as a free download at www.ironmaiden.com. The download expires after three listens and you then get the option to purchase the album.


Get fit

REVERSE CURL

Targets: Abdominal Strength

Reps: 2 x 20 slow

Progression: Make the movement bigger

Easier option: Do smaller ones

Keep the legs slightly bent and the lower back imprinted

into the floor, try to bring the feet above the face slightly lifting the lumbar spine up from the floor. Lower down gently and repeat. A good one for those with weak necks who can't do everyday sit-ups.

Recommended by personal trainer Richard Hill. www.richardhill.org.uk


Eat it

Fig Salad

This is the simplest and most scrumptious of salads. It is essential to use really ripe fruit – once picked, an unripe fig will never ripen. Test the fruit by squeezing it gently – it should yield but not disintegrate.

Ingredients

Per person

2 ripe figs

handful of rocket leaves

2 slices of Parma ham

2 or 3 slices of buffalo

mozzarella cheese, torn

lemon zest, freshly grated

freshly ground black pepper

freshly squeezed lemon

juice

extra virgin olive oil

Method

Lightly wipe each fig with a clean damp cloth, then cut a cross in thetop of each one. Gently squeeze the bases so that the tops open out,exposing the flesh of the fruit. Spread the rocket leaves on a servingplate and arrange the figs on top.

Lay the slices of Parma ham in between the figs, together with themozzarella. Scatter the lemon zest over the top, season with blackpepper, then drizzle with a little freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Serve with crusty bread.



Read it

The Butt by Will Self

Bloomsbury £14.99

Tom Brodzinski is a man who takes his own good intentions for granted. But when he finally decides to give up smoking, a moment's inattention to detail becomes his undoing. Flipping the butt of his final cigarette off the balcony of the holiday apartment he's renting with his family, Tom is appalled when it lands on the head of one his fellow countrymen, Reggie Lincoln.

The elderly Lincoln is badly burnt, and since the cigarette butt passed through public space before hitting him, the local authorities are obliged to regard Tom's action as an assault.

Worse is to follow: Lincoln is married to a native from one of the rigorous, mystical tribes of the desert interior, and their customary law is incorporated into the civil statute. In order to make reparations to Mrs Lincoln's people, Tom will have to leave his family behind, and carry the appropriate goods and chattels deep into the arid heart of this strange, island continent.

Will Self's latest novel is set in a distorted world, in a country that is part Australia, part Iraq, part Greenland and part the heart of a distinctively modern darkness.

Recommended by Waterstone's, Albion Street, Leeds.