Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2016 i Woman & Home

It’s about losing fear, having fun and knowing what’s important. It’s a mindset that gives you permission to do something without guilt . It’s not just me saying this – it’s you, w&h readers, which is why we’ve filled this issue with examples of women – of all ages – living this way. Twiggy, our iconic cover star, talks about how her life has got richer with age (p18). She revolutionised the fashion world and is still at the top of her game. Her life hasn’t all been plain sailing but she’s remained positive and is still passionate about her marriage, family and developing new ideas for her business. And don’t miss her exclusive video on womanandhome.com to find out why she doesn’t believe in the word…

She was 16 when she became the model who revolutionised the fashion world – and now half a century on, Twiggy Lawson, 66, is still at the top of her game. She’s also an award-winning actress and singer, and a successful designer, with a sell-out fashion collection with Marks & Spencer. Twiggy lives in London and Suffolk with actor Leigh Lawson, her husband and business partner. She has one daughter, Carly, 37, from her first marriage to actor Michael Witney, and a stepson, Jason (nicknamed Ace), 39. She became grandmother to Joni (Carly’s daughter) and Solomon (Jason’s son) last year. ON NEW BEGINNINGS… My life has had its ups and downs, but I now know that we’re all stronger than we might believe. When I lost my first husband, Michael,…

PRINTS CHARMING Talented print designer Hermione de Paula has teamed up with Wallis to create a 14-piece collection featuring hand-drawn botanical flora and fauna. Perfect for summer occasions, you can mix and match separates and dresses. Jacket, £50; trousers, £40 each; cami, £30, all 8-18, wallis.co.uk , available from 6 May. STACK IT UP The trend for layering is still going strong, and we love Pandora’s newest take on ring stacking – cue mixed metals and graphic flowers. From £55-£315, pandora.net IN THE FRAME Designer eyewear retailer Bynnz Sunglasses has launched its own collection for spring in the purse-friendly £55-£75 bracket. £70, bynnz.com SWIM WINS Our pick of the labels that are hot right now… BLOCK COLOURS Those clever fabric technicians…

“I never thought about leaving him. To me, he’s still the same” “We grieved for the life we thought we were going to have” In October 2008 Steve was driving back from work when his motorcycle was hit by a car, sending him flying into oncoming traffic. Steve was left paralysed from the neck down, like the lead character in the film Me Before You , based on the novel by Jojo Moyes. Nichola and Stephen have two daughters, Grace, 11, and Emily, eight, and live in Hampshire. Nichola says: Until that day we had everything. Stephen and I met in 2000 while we were working in the Falkland Islands. I was an army telecommunications operator and he was in the Royal Navy. I couldn’t help being attracted to his…

“Perimenopause is a crazy time and lots of women I know were a bit over-flirtatious” “The temperature thing drove Nick to distraction, especially having a fridge-like bedroom” Writer Christa D’Souza, 55, lives in London with her partner, Nick Allott, and their two sons. Her new book about the menopause, The Hot Topic (Short Books), is out now. I honestly didn’t think the menopause was going to happen to me. I thought I’d be a medical revelation; the woman who never got it. Then, when it did, I wanted to write about it; I wanted to address the hot flushes, the peeing six times a night and the craziness that you go through in perimenopause. My friends call it the 49-ers club: right before you stop bleeding…

Kay, 64, lives with her teacher husband Anthony in Leeds. They have two grown-up daughters, actress Gaynor Faye and television producer Yvonne Francas. Writer of Fat Friends and The Syndicate , Kay’s latest BBC One drama, In the Club , follows the lives of a group of mums who meet at antenatal classes. I was always the kid at school who got up and told stories to entertain the class. When I wanted to go to drama school aged 15, my mum said, “Well, you’ll have to do a shorthand typing course first”. My father had left when I was two and I lived with my mum and two brothers in a two-bed council house. I did the course but…

We have teamed up with renowned novelist, film director and screenwriter, Julian Fellowes, famous for creating the multi-award-winning TV series Downton Abbey among others, for an evening of canapés, wine and conversation at the luxurious five-star The Royal Horseguards hotel on Whitehall, London, to celebrate his exciting new project Belgravia. Our event, on Tuesday 21 June, takes place at The Royal Horseguards hotel on London’s Embankment. The evening will begin with wine and a selection of delicious canapés in the Reading and Writing Room, which boasts stunning views across the Thames. Following this you will be guided through to the Gladstone Library, which previously belonged to former Prime Minister William Gladstone, and where over 30,000 books line the shelves to this day. You’ll hear Julian in an exclusive interview with…

I joined the Antiques Roadshow 11 years ago and I absolutely love it. People ask if everyone on the programme is as nice as they seem – and they are! My favourite moments aren’t about the money, they’re about the story – and then the money! I remember one man coming in with a bag of Art Deco posters. His mum had taken him to a boring house sale in the early 1970s. He discovered these posters in a paper bag – pictures of trains, ocean liners, boyish things. He bought them for 50p. Four were limited editions by an Art Deco artist Jean Dupas worth £10,000 each. Others were worth £100, others £1,000. He had about 100 of them! Every collector will tell you about the antique they didn’t…

I was never told ‘You can’t do this because you’re a woman’ Carole King is the Taylor Swift of the 60s and 70s, whose songs became the definitive soundtrack of her generation. Born Carol Klein in New York in 1942, she was a teenage musical prodigy who was originally taught to play music by her mother, Eugenia, an amateur actress who taught piano from their home. By 16 she was writing songs with her musical partner – and husband – Gerry Goffin, including Loco-Motion, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. Her album Tapestry remains one of the biggest selling albums of all time and sparked the award-winning stage musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Her concert, British Summer Time, in Hyde Park,…

In some ways, my life is better since my diagnosis – it made me appreciate just what I have Hilary Doxford, 57, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in December 2012. She is vice- chair of the European Working Group for People with Dementia, and a member of the World Dementia Council, the first person with dementia to hold this position. Hilary works as the head of business support and development for a renal charity, and lives in Somerset with her husband, Peter Paniccia. She has two stepchildren. I had suspicions for seven years that something wasn’t right, problems that, individually, wouldn’t worry me, but together, added up. I’d find myself forgetting who was the goodie and who was the baddie on a TV show, and I was forgetting familiar tunes halfway…

FLOWER POWER This classic shape nips you in at the waist and has that desirable upper-arm coverage nailed to perfection. PLEATS PLEASE Take cues from Audrey Hepburn, with a pleated skirt and a high-neck top – and keep it crisp with white. LUXE LACE Lace was a big hit on the catwalk and is super feminine. Pick out one of the colours in the dress to match your shoes. TWO-TONE The power of monochrome never wanes and the side stripe on the trousers acts as a leg lengthener – what’s not to love? Find your style at jdwilliams.co.uk . Sizes 10-32…

‘I’d always dreamed of a relaxing escape and on a whim I booked a week’s holiday on my own’ TRACIE BATES, 52, is married to John and she has a 34-year-old step- daughter, Katie, and two grandchildren aged four and eight months. She lives in Deal, Kent and runs The White House ( whitehousekent.co.uk ), a hair and beauty salon. Family holidays are huge fun but noisy water parks and theme parks aren’t exactly relaxing and I always dreamed of having my own Shirley Valentine moment – just me and a cocktail with the sea lapping at my feet (minus the holiday romance!). Last November I was feeling especially burnt out and stressed as I’d been working flat out to set up my new salon. I decided to…

The Rules: Florals 1 If you don’t want to overload with florals, stick to a piece with one large motif. It will still give a nod to the trend without being too girly. 2 Choose a dress or top with clever contouring that has all the print in the centre, with darker panels on the outside – it will slim you down in seconds. 3 Be clever with your positioning and use florals to distract from your worry areas – if you have a bigger bust, keep all focus on the bottom half of your body and vice versa. 4 For a softer finish, opt for a blended floral print that isn’t too graphic. Blush pink and gold tones ooze elegance. The Rules: Stripes 1 It’s all about direction –…

“The perfect colour tha t stands out in the crowd tends to be a healthy, glossy one, which is even and fresh.” Color Wow’s colourist Nicola Clarke THE FASTEST, KINDEST HOME COLOUR EVER? Ammonia- and peroxide-free Smart Beauty Express Colour, £6.99 , goes on like a conditioning treatment to temporarily colour and cover grey in three minutes. Choose from eight wearable shades. “Think of coloured hair as a delicate piece of clothing that can only by washed with the gentlest of detergents.” James Galvin KEEP COLOUR STRONG Color Wow Kale Cocktail Bionic Tonic, £22 , is a new sulphate-free post-wash tonic that strengthens hair and keeps your colour looking at its best. COLOUR TRENDS TO WATCH FOR FASHION Copper red or “cuivre” colour is the hottest…

You should begin no later than the onset of menopause, but even in your younger years, Plantur 39 can protect the hair roots. Regular applica tion of the Ph yto-Caffeine Tonic helps to reduce hair loss during and after menopause PLANTUR 39 PHYTOCAFFEINE TONIC Do I have to use the tonic every day? The phyto-caffeine complex quickly reaches the hair roots where it develops an active ingredient depot that lasts up to 24 hours. Use the dosage tip daily to apply the tonic directly to the scalp parting by parting, so that it can be massaged into the entire scalp. Massage in, leave on briefly, comb hair and style as usual. One bottle gives 40 to 50 applications. I have been using Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Tonic for a while now…

PURE EUPHORIA I opened t he box, I took off the lid and “Oh my”! Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Himalayan Bath Salts, £42 , contain soothing rosemary, lavender and ginger HINT OF SUMMER… Be bronze GOLDEN GLOW CHEEKS Creamy Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Limited Edition Gelée Bronzer, £33 , blends seamlessly into all skins. SUPERTAN BODY I can’t live without St Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Everyday Body Lotion, £15 , which has a skin-hydrating hydraglow complex to help the tan last longer, plus mood-enhancing fragrance. PRETTIER POUT Hot sunset kisses with MAC Versicolor in Tattoo My Heart, £18 , long-lasting lipgloss and lipstain. ENERGISING SCENT Enjoy lily, peony, magnolia and green mandarin in Molton…

1 HIGHLIGHT & CONTOUR You won’t want to spoil the beauty of Dior Diorskin Nude Air Glow Powder, £39 , but it gives a sunkissed glow to any complexion. Focus on the gold to contour and highlight. Ideal for eyes too. 2 EXFOLIATING CLEANSER Why wash, when you can super-cleanse at the same time? Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, £34 , contains the best skin-clarifying acids – lactic, glycolic and salicylic – that all 40+ skin needs. Done in one! 3 ALL-OVER BALM To nourish dry areas, use Lano All-Over Golden Dry Skin Salve, £18 , on cuticles, lips, elbows and knees, or over your make-up base to keep skin looking fresh. 4 LIP & CHEEK COLOUR Adorable, kittenish pots…

1 Chew!  It’s your no-cost shortcut to gut relief. “It’s not the job of your belly to break down food,” says Robyn Youkilis, author of Go With Your Gut (Kyle Books). “Swallowing whole or poorly chewed bites of food makes your body go into crisis mode, with organs forced to begrudgingly assist in digesting. They respond with inflammation, farts, belches, bloating and acid reflux.” How do we chew? Robyn suggests chewing each mouthful 20-50 times. “Chewing gives your brain time to catch up with your belly,” says Robyn. “It takes at least 20 minutes for our body to process that we’ve actually eaten anything.” No wonder we aren’t getting those “I’m full” signals! 2 Hydrate And do it with water. “Your body, of which 60% is made of water, needs…

Despite all your best intentions to shed those extra pounds, are they still there? With summer (and your swimsuit) just around the corner, top dietitian Nigel Denby has come up with a foolproof plan to help you shift those unwanted inches. How it works Our food group planner means you can eat pretty much what you want, when you want, as long as you stay within your daily portion allowances. The calorie savings in your portion-controlled diet plan have been calculated to suit most women, who are reasonably active, so you can lose around 1kg in just five days. What’s more, because you’ll be eating foods from all the food groups, you won’t miss out on any nutrition. This is a no-gimmicks, simple and effective healthy weight loss plan. If…

Nicola holds a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology, and is the founder of Yoga Gym. Follow her on Twitter at@NicolaJaneHobbs. To order your copy of Nicola’s book, Yoga Gym : The Revolutionary 28 Day Bodyweight Plan – for Strength, Flexibility and Fat Loss , sign up to an online Yoga Gym programme or for more information, visit the website yogagym  revolution.com or email nicola@ yogagym revolution.com…

Q My mother, who is in her early seventies, has just been diagnosed with glaucoma; it was picked up at a routine eye check. Is there anything I can do to stop me from getting it too, as I gather I’m now more at risk? A In glaucoma, there is increased pressure within the eye, which can lead to damage to the nerve cells of the retina. This usually occurs gradually, and vision is lost from the periphery of the visual fields. Most people are unaware it’s happening, and it’s possible to lose up to 40 per cent of our vision without realising anything is wrong. It can run in families, so you are more at risk. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent it, so to preserve…

It’s the phone call every mother dreads. “This is the A&E department,” says a voice. “Your son Henry is going to be OK, but he’s been in an accident. We need you to get here as soon as possible.” But instead of the usual panic, I feel only weary resignation. “What is it this time?” I sigh, pulling on my shoes. Because in the past three years, Henry, 21, has ended up in casualty so many times he should get frequent flyer miles. In half a dozen different incidents, he has broken his wrist (falling off his bicycle), his nose (a drunk girl ran into him at a party), his foot and his elbow (bicycle again). He’s sliced a tendon in his hand – requiring emergency micro-surgery (peeling an apple!),…

SWEET 90 Lyle’s Golden Syrup has held the Royal Warrant since 1922, and it’s launched a limited-edition tin, HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUR MAJESTY, only available until July. £1.15 (454g) and £1.95 (907g), widely available. IN SEASON Two crowning glories of British produce are at their best – asparagus and Jersey Royals. Keep cooking simple and steam. All both need is a sprinkling of sea salt and a dab of butter. We’re spoilt for fish now – clams, crab and sardines are perfect for lighter eating, plus British lamb is superb. Also look out for local radish, watercress, marsh samphire and our new season’s strawberries. Gooseberries will start to appear too. BOOK OF THE MONTH Grill, Smoke, BBQ by Ben Tish (Quadrille). Ben is chef director of the acclaimed Salt Yard…

MELLOW YELLOW Freshen up your bedroom with a new sunny bed linen set in a subtle safari-inspired design. Yellow and grey work well together – build up the look with a chevron cushion and grey throw. Nala double duvet cover, £110; Oxford pillowcases, £22 each, bedeckhome.com FLOOR FASHION Geometrics, zigzags… all bold patterns are still trending and this striking rug will add real punch to a room. Chatham 151A rug, from £75, kelaty.com CLEVER IDEA This funky vase is made of paper! Handmade and limited edition, it’s designed to put over a plastic or glass bottle, so no worries about it getting soggy! Chrome wave paper vase cover, £17, asplashofcolour.com SMALL SOLUTION With people living in smaller houses, oversized armchairs – or love seats – have taken over the market.…

Fashion gets bold and beautiful Print… colour… make them work for you! THE HOLIDAY EDIT: • SWIMWEAR • SUMMER DRESSES • SANDALS Ageless you Stay healthy, look and feel great with our simple wellbeing moves Eating outdoors • Delicious summer menu ideas • Wow factor cocktails PLUS the most stylish BBQs, firepits, lighting and tableware BEST IN BEAUTY 2016 Our award-winning must-buys from £5! JULY ISSUE OUT 2 JUNE…

SHORT STORIES The Pier Falls by Mark Haddon (Jonathan Cape) From the author of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time comes this terrific dark collection in which each story is as absorbing and powerful as the last. Not to be missed. HISTORICAL INTRIGUE Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen by Alison Weir (Headline Review) The first of six action-packed novels about the wives of Henry VIII that draw on research and new theories. Six women caught up, one by one, in the glittering but brutal world of the Tudor court. Compelling. FUTURE VISION The Mandibles by Lionel Shriver (The Borough Press) Set in the near future, the Mandible family falls victim to the financial crash that engulfs America. Without the inheritance they were banking on, each member…

SARA PASCOE Writer and comedian I’m fascinated by the recent discoveries on neuroplasticity and have just finished The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge. It’s a thrilling read because he relates the science through case studies (stroke victims, children with learning difficulties, etc) so it’s emotionally stimulating while being incredibly informative. I like to alternate fiction and non-fiction so followed my brain learning with a lush novel by Albertine Sarrazin called Astragal. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to read at different stages in your life, revisit and re-feel. It’s about love and prison and hope and prostitution and suntanning and the pleasure of drinking coffee and Champagne. Next up is We Are Our Brains by Dick Swaab, which comes recommended. I can’t wait to get started. Sara…

I’M VERY EXCITED TO tell you about our exclusive new foodie tour to one of my favourite destinations – South Africa. We’ve partnered with travel specialists Africa Travel to put together this unique ten-day itinerary just for w&h readers. It highlights the delicious food and wine of the Cape, and you’ll be joined by the brilliant TV chef and restaurateur Brian Turner for part of it. He’ll give his expert opinion, take part in a cookery demonstration and special gala dinner, as well as go shopping with you to a local farmers’ market. On arrival in South Africa, you’ll be met at the airport and escorted for the entire holiday by Africa Travel’s local guides. The trip leaves this November, when temperatures can reach 23°C, and with a favourable exchange…

FROM OUR COVER SHOOT: Twiggy reveals the five things she’d tell her younger self. Watch it now by clicking on womanandhome.com/twiggy THE HAIRCUT THAT CAN TAKE OFF TEN YEARS There’s nothing like a flattering new haircut to fill you with confidence. Watch our reader brave the chop and be amazed at the transformation! Go to womanandhome.com/ shorthaircuts FIND THE RIGHT CLOTHES FOR YOUR SHAPE If you love our reader looks on p106, see them on our video, including fashion and shopping editor Charlie Moore’s extra tips on how to shop to flatter your curves, bust, tum. Watch it now at woman andhome.com/fashion HOW TO MAKE THE ULTIMATE HEALTH SMOOTHIE Just six simple ingredients, two easy steps, and you can give your body a health boost in minutes! Try it today –…

TWIGGY’S HUSBAND, LEIGH LAWSON “Even after 30 years together, I still wake up next to Twiggy some mornings and she takes my breath away – this picture shows that timeless beauty. More than 20 years have passed since it was taken, but it feels like five minutes ago, and I put that down to having had so much fun together. It still astounds me that despite finding fame so young, she’s kept her warmth and grounding. What’s the secret to her success? Her bravery. You’ll very rarely hear her turn down a challenge. She’s got this fearless approach to life.” TWIGGY SAYS… “I didn’t expect Leigh to pick such a mature picture of me (I’m about 45 here), but it’s symbolic of a real turning point in my life. When…

IT’S A CINCH • When less is more, stick to one tone from top to toe. • Who says a pencil skirt has to team with a blouse? Try a trendier take with a tucked-in tee. • Work that waist with a sheeny patent belt. Nude patent upgrades everything. LOOSE BUT LUXE • A soft creamy blouse is summer’s simplest superhero. Name one time it hasn’t worked? See, you can’t. • Button it down and add a silky printed scarf. Soft, feminine and like you haven’t a care in the world. • Matching jacket and trousers? It’s a wise investment. Go formal for an occasion and make the split for those long sunny days. GOING GIRLY • Feeling a bit of a 40s vibe? Get your girly side going with…

OUR EXPERTS Dr Christiane Northrup, leading authority in woman’s wellness and bestselling author. Dr Northrup’s latest book is Goddesses Never Age (Hay House); drnorthrup.com  Sam Owen, psychologist and relationship coach; relationshipscoach.co.uk We all want to be that person you just can’t pin an age on and who isn’t defined by their age – and the older we get, the more likely we are to give birthdays the brush-off and declare that “age is just a number”. If you’re ageless, you know what it means to live life to the full. You don’t want to “outrun time” or “stop the clock” – and you certainly don’t base what you should or shouldn’t do on the age you are or wish you were. If you’re ageless,…

Although I hate to say it, you do have to throw some things away. I have a pleated skirt from Gucci that’s just above my knee; it’s so beautiful but it’s a little bit too short and a little bit too tight, and I’m going to have to let it go, which is sad. And I have a couple of tight black dresses that I keep thinking, “Could I do it with leggings, sneakers, a jacket?” But I might have to let them go too. MY SOLUTION I found a kind of uniform – I wear a lot of navy now. I don’t show my knees unless it’s summer. And although I might wear high heels in the evening, I generally wear nothing above a Cuban heel because it is…

I loved throwing the car around the track at speed – it was so liberating Easing myself into the gorgeous leather-covered cabin of a McLaren 570S recently, I felt a familiar stirring of excitement. My children are aged four and one, and the fastest car ride I’ve enjoyed in a long time was the one to hospital when I was in labour. I love cars and I love speed – but it has been a long time since I’ve had the liberty to take to a car alone. So you can imagine the thrill of being behind the wheel of this beautiful sports car that can reach 60mph in three seconds. I was due to interview the CEO of McLaren so I’d been invited to their headquarters in Woking, an…

In theory, it should be the ideal setting for meeting an eligible man. You’ve spent a small fortune on a lovely new dress, the Champagne’s flowing and the guest list is full of like-minded friends of friends. Besides, you’ve watched enough Richard Curtis films to know that nowhere is Cupid’s arrow more likely to strike than at a wedding. The entire occasion’s about celebrating love, for goodness’ sake. Yet as single women, like me, know, the reality is often so very different. Having attended at least ten of my friends’ nuptials solo over the past few years, I’ve sat on countless singles’ tables and made dodging bouquets thrown by well-meaning brides into a sport. I’m all too familiar with the way the feelings of hopeful anticipation when arriving at the…

I am delighted to announce that woman&home has become a media partner for Alzheimer’s Society, the leading dementia support and research charity, which works to support people to live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow. Dementia is the biggest challenge facing our health and care system, and most of us fear that we, or our loved ones, may be affected. Dementia – and the effects, not just for those who receive a diagnosis but also for their families, friends and employers – is a relatively hidden issue. At least 1.5 million people are either caring for someone with dementia or affected by the condition in the UK and by 2020, there will not be a single family in the UK that is not…

As an only child, I found the burden of responsibility overwhelming at times Fiona Gibson, 51, writes about being sandwiched between the needs of her family and those of her mother. Mum was convinced she’d been burgled. When it became clear that the “stolen” items had never existed, I agreed and sympathised. Walking back to my house, I reflected that, amid the turbulent world of Mum’s Alzheimer’s, today’s visit had gone pretty well. Managing to reassure her felt like a small triumph. Other times were less successful. A few days later, Mum greeted me at her door with a furious look on her face and refused to let me in. I hadn’t appreciated a present she’d bought me, she said. But there had been no present. As a mum to…

EMBRACE SUPER CURVY ANDREA ITA, 46, lives in London with her husband and has three children. Andrea has envious curves and, being a classic hourglass shape, needs solutions that showcase her assets rather than cover them up. • CINCH THAT WAIST! This is the number one rule to create curves, as you need definition at the smallest part of your body. • AVOID SKINNY BELTS Wider belts are key as it’s all about proportion. Wear one with more “give” – a suede obi is the most comfortable option as it will move with your body and won’t ride up. • BE UNAPOLOGETIC A bold print or colour works wonders on you. JUST ADD… FLATTER YOUR TUMMY KAREN SMYTH, 54, lives in Thames Ditton, Surrey with her husband, and has one…

Seaspray have been designing beautiful swimwear for nearly two decades and know that more than any other garments you wear, swimwear and beach cover-ups need to fit and flatter your shape. Seaspray want to ensure you look fabulous with no compromise on your comfort, and specialise in creating styles that you will treasure and enjoy wearing on your holidays. The secret lies in the cut and styling combined with a unique blend of fabrics: advanced Lycra yarn and power mesh support all crafted into beautiful suits that drape, flatter, contour, conceal and enhance your beach silhouette. The Spring/Summer 16 collection includes swimsuits, bikinis, pareos, kaftans and maxi dresses in a range of abstract prints, floral designs and colour-block styles. HOW TO CLAIM YOUR 20% DISCOUNT: Simply go to…

“Always make sure your hair moves,” says James Galvin. “There nothing worse than rigid hair: that’s so dated.” SUPER-SWIFT STYLERS Guaranteed to make any day a “great hair day” PREP TALK “Preparation is the most important stage of the haircare process,” says Mark Hampton. “Apply a small amount of mousse to the roots of towel-dried hair for full-bodied, glamorous texture.” SUPER SHINE “Keep hair looking freshly washed to avoid greasy roots,” says L’Oréal Paris UK hairstylist Syd Hayes. “The new pre shampoo Elvive Extraordinary Clay Clay Masque, £5.99, extracts excess oil and leaves your scalp feeling fresh.” GO NATURAL “Many people work against the natural texture of their hair, which means a lot of hard work,” says Bea Watson. “Look at your hair when wet to see where the natural…

SNEAKY STYLING! Don’t over style. “If you want to look slightly more polished and don’t quite have the time to style your whole head, rough dry everything until completely dry and just go over the very top sections with a round brush or tong to create movement,” suggests Joel Goncalves. This technique will always give you a bit more fullness, as the underneath undone sections will puff out the top sections. ADD LIFT  “Loosen your blow-dry up for a younger look,” says P&G global ambassador Ben Cooke. “Turn your head upside down, blast on a medium heat for 30 seconds, then on cool for another 30.” THE MODERN BACKCOMB “USE YOUR FINGERS” says Bea Watson. “Place your thumb and index finger together at the tips of a section of hair…

“Red lipstick endures with good reason: it flatters every face” Madonna does it. Liz Taylor was always at it. Marilyn hardly went a day without it… As beauty pedigrees go, the red lip is peerless. But that sexed-up status can be a problem too, making the rest of us worry it’s a bit conspicuous, only for special occasions or for the young and fearless. Ever hastily wiped off your lipstick just before leaving the house? This page is for you. Red lipstick endures with good reason: it flatters every face, and that very longevity means there is a formula, tone and texture out there for everyone – so let’s find your perfect match. “When wearing a bold lip, you cannot start applying the lipstick without shaping and priming the lips…

Think back to your last great skin day – how did it make you feel? Not to get too deep and meaningful about it, but we reckon there’s a real inner glow that stems from confidence in your outer one. So why leave happy skin up to chance? The Body Shop Drops Of Youth™ is the ultimate feel-good skincare collection, packed with fine ingredients from nature. Take the blend of three plant stem cells in the newly reformulated Youth Concentrate or the innovative Essence Lotion, a unique gel-to-water formula to deeply hydrate, soften and prime skin. Each product in the Drops Of Youth™ collection is beautifully light with silky textures you’ll love to layer up for your happiest, most hydrated skin yet. Why I love layering “When the sun comes…

Should I take a probiotic? Yes. Nutritionists agree that when bad bacteria outnumber good bacteria in your gut, digestive mayhem is the result. “Many factors can compromise the optimal balance,” says nutritionist Natalie Lamb. “Food, drink, stress, medications, travel, infections, antibiotics and chemicals. Traditionally we would eat fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and pickles. Now we use probiotic supplements in an easy-to-swallow capsule.” HOW DO I CHOOSE? Being able to withstand stomach acid is key, since friendly bacteria can be easily destroyed by it. Try Bio-Kult Advanced Multi-Strain Formula, £15.99 for 60 caps, revital. co.uk  – acid resistant and seriously well researched. Can mindfulness help? Experts say yes! “Stress can affect digestion negatively, affecting absorption of nutrients and food transit time,” says mindfulness…

Fresh air activities Games with a difference! • WHAT IS IT? RABBLE Did you ever play British Bulldog or “tag” as a child? Rabble aims to recreate those playground activities with a combination of mixed-ability team sports and games – think Dodgeball, where you bowl balls at each other while trying to avoid being hit yourself; and Capture the Flag, which involves guarding your own team’s flags while taking the other team’s. You’ll laugh so much that you won’t even notice that what you’re actually doing is interval training and running up to 10k in a one hour-long class. Expect to pay from £10 per game – visit joinrabble.com for a club near you. HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE? Beginner-friendly – if you want to push yourself, join…

I have kissed death – and I am hugging life Sue Sandars, now 53, is married and lives in the Cotswolds with her husband Nik. They have a son Edward, 18, and Sue has a son Charles, 23, from her first marriage, and a stepson Josh, 27. I’m a pretty active person; I’ve always loved swimming, and eat quite healthily. So when I went to a routine doctor’s appointment and my blood pressure was very high, I wasn’t particularly concerned. My GP did suggest I wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours but a second doctor said I didn’t need to. High blood pressure runs in my family but we have no history of stroke, and at only 48, I didn’t think any more of it. A few months…

LIFETIME ISA OR A PENSION? It depends on your age and stage. For those on the lower rate tax and wanting to buy their first home, Lifetime ISAs, or LISAs, are a great deal and also ideal for the self-employed who don’t get employer contributions to a pension scheme. The scheme will be launched on 6 April 2017, but you need to be under 40 on that date to qualify. However, for higher rate taxpayers, pensions are more generous. But they both have pros and cons, so if you can afford to, pay into both to max the free cash from the government. And always stay in your workplace pension or you’ll miss out on contributions from your employer. Also, LISAs could be the first step towards scrapping tax relief…

Use this fabulous butter on pasta, in risotto and on chicken too STEAK WITH PORCINI BUTTER The recipe for this delicious butter will make more than you need, but freeze it in small portions. It’s fab with pasta, risotto or chicken too.  Easy/Prepare ahead/Freeze (butter only) • Ready in 15 minutes, plus chilling • Serves 4 (with butter leftover to freeze/store) 25g dried porcini mushrooms 250g butter 4 flat iron steaks (see below) green salad and vinaigrette, to serve 1 Soak the mushrooms in boiled water for 30 minutes, then drain through a fine sieve. Use a small knob of the butter to sauté the mushrooms for 10 minutes over a medium heat. Set aside to cool. Then put the mushrooms and butter into a processor and whizz together. Put in the…

FABULOUS FLORALS Tap into this season’s favourite trend by pairing gorgeous florals with dramatic purple. Glass candle, £4. Gold effect tea light holder, £2.50. Gold effect mirror, £32. Manor House floral bed linen, £22 for a double duvet set. Purple velvet cushion, £10. Bolster cushion, £12. Throw, £14 JEWEL TONES Purple vases look stunning and will add depth to the scheme. Mix with gold for richness and fill with classic British flowers. Small faux floral, £14. Gold effect tea light holder, £2.50. Purple glass vase, £12 SUMPTUOUS FEEL Mix materials together for an eclectic look. Tactile fabrics in damask prints, antique-style frames in brass or a mirrored finish, complete with embellishments such as fringing on throws and tassels on cushions are ideal. Gold effect tea light holder, £2.50. Throw, £14.…

“Clients sign up for a minimum of one month of meals and snacks delivered to their door and we also offer weekly email and telephone support.” Jane Michell, founder of Jane Plan I think the main reason that various diets don’t work is because they are simply not sustainable. Yes you can achieve weight loss in a short period of time but of course you will if you are living off carrot sticks, shakes or juices for two weeks solid! As well as losing weight you lose your will and motivation to keep it up… and so when you resume your normal eating pattern, the weight will likely go straight back on, which leads to yo-yo dieting. If you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off, it…

I like to be seized by the story Marina Lewycka’s first novel, A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian , shot straight into the bestseller lists. Since then, she has written four more novels, including Two Caravans and her latest, The Lubetkin Legacy (Fig Tree). She lives with her husband in Sheffield. When I was a child, my parents spoke Ukrainian at home and I learnt English at school. English almost became my secret, something that I developed away from my parents, and my secret world was writing stories. I tried all the wrong things to become a novelist. One of them was to take a degree in English literature, so I thought you had to be like Jane…

Star sign of the month GEMINI 22 MAY – 22 JUNE After a stuttering start you’re off and running. You may need to rework a long-term plan and reconsider where your allegiances lie but you’ll end up with something better. For weekly updates, call 09058-170543* THE MONTHS AHEAD June is something of a watershed, after which you’ll be channelling your energies in new directions. This time next year it will all have been worth it. To hear a detailed breakdown of the next few months, phone Penny on 09058-170472* CANCER 23 JUNE – 23 JULY Take it easy and do not allow others to press-gang you into situations over which you have doubts. The week of the 20th puts you back in the driver’s seat. Weekly update 09058-170544* Six months…

STATEMENT PIECE A large showstopper of a vase at a great price! Amber Monsoon vase, £45, kellyhoppen.com GORGEOUS GLOW A sturdy wood-and-glass lantern finished with a copper top – great for indoors or out. £18, wilko.com SHADY LADY Stylish sunnies, from top: £315, Dior at harveynichols. com ; £188, ray-ban.com GLAMOROUS TOUCH Mix different metallics on your sofa and let them shine! Square cushion, £70; throw, £112, both amara.com . Rectangular cushion, £5, primark.co.uk LITTLE TREASURES Smudge on for precious metal eyes. Clarins Waterproof Eyeshadow Shimmering Cream Colour, £18, clarins.co.uk CUFF LOVE Chic rose gold: chevron, £125; star charm, £145, both nikkilissoni.co.uk WOW FACTOR Up the ante with a statement…

When I had my brain surgery eight years ago as a result of a brain aneurysm, it was a reminder that life is short, and I promised myself I would travel more, worry less and have more fun. Yet here I am, almost a decade later, worrying about almost all the same things I was worrying about then; still working just as hard and still pushing myself just as much! It’s not that I don’t want to have fun, of course I do, it’s just that I have responsibilities and I take them seriously. And maybe I’ve got so used to my responsibilities that I don’t know how to take a break from them. It dawned on me the other day when I cancelled yet another fun dinner to stay…

We have teamed up with the much-loved fashion label for an exclusive reader discount. Bold, beautiful Biba was created in the 60s and has been reinvented for today by House of Fraser. Biba is for women who want a touch of glamour in their lives and who aren’t afraid to go out and get it. This spring/summer, the collection comprises everything the Biba fan could want for the new season; from day to occasionwear to holiday dressing. The collection is a contemporary take on the iconic brand’s original creations, channelling the key trend of the season; the seventies. One of the star pieces of the season is the khaki fringed dress, which is perfect for day occasionwear. Go for a stand-out look in the leopard print jumpsuit, worn with Biba…

“We’ve got a photo stream where the whole family can see Aaliyah’s firsts” KATHERINE JENKINS, 35, lives in London with her husband, American film director Andrew Levitas. They welcomed their first child, Aaliyah, last September. Becoming a mum is the best feeling in the world and I want to capture all of Aaliyah’s first moments. We’ve got these little milestone baby cards where you take a picture, fill in the date and write, “Today I slept through the night” or “Today I ate food”. My mum visits all the time – she’s my hero at the moment – but I have a big family and Andrew’s parents live in America, so we set up a family photo stream using iCloud, where everyone can access the photos we save into it…

I wanted to know more… I became an auction addict Judith, 64, is an Antiques Roadshow regular and the author of over 100 books, including Miller’s Antiques Price Guide , the indispensable handbook for bargain hunters. Judith lives in north London with her second husband, John Wainwright. She has three adult children and three grandchildren. I didn’t grow up around antiques. I’m from Galashiels, in the Scottish Borders, and my family worked in the woollen mills. My parents were part of the “Formica generation”. In the 1950s, they not only got rid of everything my grandparents had owned, they actually paid people to take it away! When I was 15, my dad came back from a parents’ evening and wanted to see me…

Some people give you a lift, like flowers or a glass of Prosecco The first time I met my best friend, she burst into a meeting 20 minutes late. Rachel had chic tortoiseshell glasses, a large tattoo on her arm, and seemed entirely confident in a situation where I’d have been fizzing with apologies. I was immediately smitten. We got chatting afterwards, and as we were working on the same project, agreed to meet for a drink – the unspoken “friend audition” that determines whether it’s going to be a one-off date or a long-term thing. Back then, I was living in the suburbs with a young family, feeling old before my time at 31, and talking to her was like a door banging open to let the sunlight in.…

JEREMY HUGHES, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, welcomes the support of w&h readers. “Alzheimer’s disease is a cause that’s close to my heart – my dad had dementia, it wasn’t properly diagnosed and I know how much better his life could have been had there been better support. That’s why I’m thrilled to have w&h as Alzheimer’s Society’s media partner. Dementia is a challenge that affects more women than men, as they’re more likely to be family carers, looking after a spouse, parent or other relative with dementia. We want w&h readers to get involved. You could become a Dementia Friend (visit dementiafriends.org), or take part in a Memory Walk (memorywalk.org.uk). Over the next decade, we’re investing £100 million into research to increase our understanding both of Alzheimer’s and dementia as…

A trial showed an increase in both reasoning and verbal memory A new trial funded by Alzheimer’s Society showed that just six months playing online brain- training games significantly boosted brainpower in people aged 50+. Games, crosswords, learning a new language and brain-challenging activities have long been thought to help protect against dementia, but until now hard evidence was scarce. So there was huge excitement last year when the results of the trial showed participants experienced a 30 per cent increase in reasoning, as well as a 19 per cent increase in verbal memory (the sort we use to remember something like a shopping list). Lead researcher Dr Anne Corbett from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, says the next stage of the trial is…

‘The chance to navigate for my friend in a classic car rally was terrifying… but so much fun!’ RACHEL WAKEFIELD, 43, has two sons, Joe, 16, and Tom, 15. She is a photographer and lives in Nottingham. A series of chance events led to realising a dream that has given me so much fun and adventure. I had a friend, Claire, who had bought a Lenham Sprite so she could take part in classic car rallying. When she asked if I would like to be her navigator, I thought, why not? I was turning 40 and felt it was now or never. Terrified as I was, I wanted to do something for me. I’ve always loved cars, especially since I started photographing at Goodwood Revival, a yearly festival celebrating classic…

This season at JD Williams, there’s everything you’ll need for an instant wardrobe update. The new collection has got summer covered, meaning you can see it through in style. Whether it’s something new for a special occasion, your holiday essentials, or just easy styles you can throw on when you’re meeting up with the girls for lunch. With designs cut to flatter and clothing available in sizes 10-32, you can guarantee there’s something that will make you look and feel great. HOW TO CLAIM YOUR 25%* DISCOUNT This is an exclusive offer for woman&home readers when you shop online at jdwilliams.co.uk. To claim, simply enter offer code UUXX7 at the checkout. Find your style now at jdwilliams.co.uk Terms & conditions: *The discount is valid from 5 May to…

JUST ONE THING can keep everyone guessing! CUE COLOUR “Colouring hair a couple of shades lighter softens the face and complements your skin tone, taking years off,” says hairstylist Joel Goncalves at Daniel Galvin, London. FRINGE BENEFITS “Fringes are great for hiding lines on foreheads,” says celebrity hairdresser James Galvin. “Keep some shape around the face too, as this will soften your features.” AVOID “BIG” HAIR “A hairstyle that’s out of date will always age you,” says James. Instead of using styling products that stiffen hair, opt for gentler, flexible stylers that keep your hair touchably soft instead. FLIP OUT “Changing your parting makes a big difference,” says Ken O’Rourke, red carpet ambassador for Charles Worthington. “Simply move hair into a diagonal- shaped parting to create instant volume.” TOP CONDITION…

A BETTER BLOW-DRY “Get yourself a good-quality hairdryer, the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type, and a good heat protect prep spray and cream,” says Jonathan Long “and you’re done!” GO BESPOKE “Having regular treatments is a great way to correct concerns,” says Paul Edmonds. “But one size does not fit all, so go bespoke. If you use a lot of heat styling, choose a protection treatment; or if you want to thicken, focus on plumping treatments. Best of all, choose a mixture of moisture, protein, lipids and oils, which are lost as you age.” Try Kérastase Fusio Dose, £15, extra at the backwash, or the new Wella Professionals Luminessence Luminous Magnifying Elixir, from £10. INVEST IN A PERMA BLOW-DRY A must try for anyone with frizz, a…

It’s said that over 40% of us in the UK suffer from at least one symptom of a digestive problem at any one time – but we reckon there’s more – most of us just don’t tell! From a touch of bloating to disheartening IBS, everyone seems to have a dicky digestion these days. Understanding your gut and being kind to it is key to living in peace. Know your inside story… IT’S MORE THAN YOUR TUM! From your mouth to your… well, let’s not go there right now… food takes a bit of a wild ride via tum and intestines. It’s moved, sorted, relieved of nutrients, bathed in enzymes, acid and more – such scope for problems along the way! Good digestion starts really early in the game. “Things…

Burning and acidic HEARTBURN AND ACID REFLUX ARE A NASTY LITTLE DUO! The cause? The sphincter (a small valve in the gut) isn’t working properly and you get that burning sensation or acid taste in the mouth – sometimes both. Aim to Remove toxins and encourage normal sphincter function. Try Enterosgel Sachets, £18.43 for 10 sachets, to absorb acids; and A.Vogel Centaurium Tincture, £9.75 for 50ml, to help prevent acid reflux. Both victoriahealth.com Windy and explosive AND OFTEN A BIT EMBARRASSING IN COMPANY! The cause? It could be eating too fast or an intolerance. Slow down and keep a food diary to check – it could be that you have a problem with dairy. Aim to Neutralise the wind with charcoal – old fashioned but good. Or…

STROKE FACTS • 80% are caused by a clot in the artery that supplies the brain, which deprives the brain of oxygen. • 20% are the result of a bleed into the brain. • One in four occur in people under 65. In younger patients, it’s more likely to be a weakening in the arteries – for example, if you rip an artery in the neck, which creates a clot that travels to the brain. Or you can have a clot in the heart (possibly caused by a hole in the heart you were born with), which can travel to the brain causing a stroke. STROKE PREVENTION • The most common modifiable cause of stroke is high blood pressure: if you reduce your blood pressure by just five points, you’ll…

Lauren is in her fifties and married with three children. She read hundreds of scientific papers, talked to experts, attended medical conferences and visited labs while researching a book on ageing. She discovered that researchers now believe 70 per cent of how quickly we age is determined by lifestyle, and genetics might account for as little as 30 per cent. So to put this to the test, Lauren focused on the inside not the outside. “Sure, I dreamed of a flawless face and smooth neck, but surgery, fillers or Botox would reduce my bank account, not my biological age.” MY STARTING POINT Tests to determine my biological age ranged from the familiar (heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol) to the more complex VO2 max test, which measures how efficiently the body…

All of sudden, everyone seems to be talking about English wine. Even the French, who traditionally regarded our vino with the same contempt as they did our national cuisine, have started investing here, prompted by climate change and the realisation that we appear to be on to something special in these islands. We’re a tiny producer by global standards, with 2,000 hectares of vineyards. But there are now 135 wineries in England and Wales, and the quality can be outstanding. Two-thirds of what we make is bubbly, most of it made from the same grapes as Champagne: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Our climate and chalky soils are better suited to sparkling than still wines. There are one or two dry whites produced from the zesty, aromatic Bacchus grape…

TRAVEL Still haven’t booked your summer villa? Browse our pick of the best in the Mediterranean DIET Want to lose 8lb in two weeks? Give the Banting diet a go – it’s the new plan everyone’s talking about BEAUTY Need a beach confidence boost? These body make-up must-haves slim, smooth and cover veins GET OUR DAILY EMAIL Sign up to receive our brilliant new content in your inbox every lunchtime – subscribe at womanandhome.com FASHION Dreading the big reveal? Our feel-good swimwear edit has styles to flatter every body shape RECIPES Having a street party for the Queen’s birthday? Our tasty buffet recipes will wow a crowd JOIN W&H’S READING ROOM Search for our reading room on Facebook to discuss and review this month’s holiday read, The Girl in the…

“If Bond came knocking, it would be an extraordinary opportunity” You do all your own singing and guitar playing in I Saw the Light . How did you prepare for that? I’d played the guitar as a student and I knew a few Hank Williams standards. I stayed with a Nashville-based musician, Rodney Crowell, who’d seen Hank in concert as a two-year-old. He was playing at a folk festival in Michigan and let me join in. It was terrifying, but thrilling. Were you worried about upholding the legacy of an icon like Hank Williams? I saw it as my responsibility to be as authentic as possible. I was determined to honour him and be faithful to his legacy. When did you first realise you wanted to act?…