Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2017 i Woman & Home

You can have it ALL but not ALL at the same time You can have it ALL but not ALL at the same time… I like this quote as it’s what having a balanced life means to me. It’s about striving for an equilibrium between family, work and myself (in that order), but realising that, when it comes to carving up time, it’s not always equal in love and life. Like our columnist Karren Brady says (p19), “Be prepared to hop from one foot to the other and try not to lose your footing!” That’s why I’m intrigued by a new book by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less. On p41 he explains why you should leave the “busy” badge of honour behind.…

 I remember when I was young someone telling me that the secret to achieving a great balanced life was to have three psychological boxes. One for your family. One for your work. And one for yourself. Life’s ups and downs can rock us to the core The secret, I was told, is to try and make them all the same size. If you managed this you will have achieved the holy grail of “work-life” balance. And people with good balanced lives are among the happiest. I have to admit it is advice that has stayed with me, but I equally have to admit that over the years my boxes have not always been equal! When there is a crisis at the office my work box gets so big it would…

MELLOW YELLOW Kick-start your new season wardrobe with a burst of confident colour. Ageless and easy to throw together, yellow is the shade to be seen in. Work it in with black, white, navy or neutrals. LUXE DETAILS A powerful print in a high gloss finish will always make you look and feel expensive. Go all out like Gucci and mix and match tones and textures – just add fabulous accessories that will get everyone talking. ALL WHITE Crisp, clean and with those key details that give the new season the nod… all you need to show you’re so on top of the trends is a white shirt. Look for stylish sleeve details to make it even more modern. THE THIN BLUE LINE When in doubt, say it with stripes.…

“It’s important to remind yourself that life will never give you anything you can’t deal with” SARAH PARISH, 48, lives with her husband, actor James Murray, and their six-year-old daughter, Nell, in Winchester. They lost their eldest daughter, Ella-Jayne, to Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, a rare genetic condition that increases the risk of heart defects, at the age of eight months in 2009. Sarah stars in the third and final series of ITV’s Broadchurch . I’m a big believer that you’ve got to have a clean soul to let light in. One of the things I detest the most in people is lying. I’ve been hurt by liars in the past, but I admit I’ve also lied and hurt people myself too – and now I think, “Why…

“ I found love again at 50… after being inspired by w&h!” LOVE AT 50 HELEN HILL, 50, is divorced and lives in Upminster, and works as an admin assistant. She has two sons, aged 16 and 18. Kiron, 54, is a management consultant for the NHS and lives in New Eltham. He has two daughters aged 13 and ten. I’d been married for 15 years but separated for five years and was going through a divorce. I wasn’t interested in looking for “The One”. It takes a long time to get over a break-up, and my priorities were my boys. I also knew I wasn’t prepared to be with someone just for the sake of it. But when my ex-husband started seeing somebody in October last year, I strangely…

Author Alice Peterson, 42, tells of her own rheumatoid arthritis and the affinity she has for the girl whose life she captures in A Song for Tomorrow. I first learned about Alice in 2002 when she wrote an article for a newspaper. I remember looking at her picture and really connecting with what she was going through. At 18, I’d been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis so severe, I was often in a wheelchair. Reading about Alice’s experience at university gave me goosebumps. She’d devised ways to hide her illness – pretending to look at the pinboard when she was out of breath, getting up extra early to get to lectures on time. I’d been the same. When people asked why I was limping, I’d say I had new…

ANTI-POLLUTION TRICK… Get super clean Q “Do I really need to cleanse night and day?” A If you live in a city, or you smoke, drive almost every day, or are partial to log fires, yes, you really do. Recent studies show how toxic pollution really is to skin, affecting key ageing signs such as hyperpigmentation, dehydration lines and super sensitivity. “Air pollution is full of fine particulate matter called PM2.5 microns, which includes anything from bacteria to diesel, man-made construction particles, to pollen,” says Dr Tom Mammone, Executive Director of Skin Physiology and Pharmacology at Clinique. “Put even the smallest amount (of PM2.5) onto skin under lab conditions and you can see it’s highly toxic, with significant cell death shown within 24 hours.” But, and it is good news:…

It takes a ton of make-up to look good on Instagram, but in real life, if it looks like anything other than your skin to the naked eye, it’s just not “pretty”, and is downright ageing. Make-up artists stake their reputation on the idea that skin make-up should be so beautifully employed, an observer would need a microscope to detect it. So, to keep it “real”, stylishly covered and a way better version of you than when you got up this morning, try these beauties… START WITH THE PERFECT PERFECTING PRIMER It’s the Holy Grail: a base that blurs, smooths, primes, perfects AND highlights in one single stroke. 1 Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Radiance with Hyaluronic Acid, £30, is one easy suits-all peachy cream designed to mimic that radiant…

The brand that breaks the mould Would you be shocked to hear that a sizeable chunk of what you spend on cosmetics is mark-up? Probably not. How about that a beauty entrepreneur is not only publicising this, but also selling at cost price instead? That is surprising. For a fee of £10 per month, Soap & Glory founder Marcia Kilgore’s Beauty Pie gives members access to make-up sourced directly from luxury manufacturers with no mark-up. So the creamy, packed-with-pigment Future Lipstick is £2.23, and the excellent Great Skin Foundation is £4.75. Word has it skincare is coming soon – watch out beauty biz. “ Smith’s Rosebud Salve (£8.50) is my go-to. It is smells divine, and I use it on my lips, brows, under my eyes (this…

Looks to shout about The top five prints and palettes that took over the catwalk SEW CHIC After taking over in AW16, it seems embroidery is here to stay. Biker jacket, £200, 8-24, Very. Denim skirt, £200, 4-16, Needle & Thread All tied up From bags to skirts and tops, the key feature that every fashionista is getting fanatic about is the knot detail. Frill seeker Add a fancy frill to any item to make a bold impact. KEY BUYS Take inspiration from the catwalk and add eye-catching keyrings to your bag. SMALL TOUCHES The new ways to work it for SS17 5 happening heels…

DAY 1 Fly from your choice of UK airports to Hungary’s historic capital, Budapest, where your journey along one of the world’s great rivers begins. Raise your glass to the adventure ahead at this evening’s welcome reception on-board your luxurious home for the next seven nights, the five-star Scenic Amber cruise ship. Enjoy a gourmet dinner in the Crystal Dining Room. DAY 2 Budapest and “In Conversation with” Arlene Phillips Enjoy an expert guided tour of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, including a piano concert. Alternatively, relax at Budapest’s famous Thermal Baths and Spa. Or, if you prefer, venture into the subterranean caverns that contain the once secret Hospital in the Rock, first used before and during the Second World War. • EXCLUSIVE W&H EXPERIENCE: “In Conversation with” Arlene…

OK, it’s tempting to rifle the booze cabinet when you’re stressed, but this is a wellbeing feature so don’t push it! Nutritionist Rick Hay has a mocktail that does the relaxing biz perfectly. RICK’S SECRET “When you fancy a drink to take the edge off a mind frazzling day, try a mocktail version of a Long Island Iced Tea instead,” says Rick. “It mixes like a cocktail, looks like a cocktail and, thanks to the theanine in the tea, will promote alpha waves and contribute towards a feeling of wellbeing.” LONG ISLAND ICED TEA MOCKTAIL Into a jug, pour… 300ml filtered water, a whole lemon cut up, few sprigs of mint, small piece of ginger, 2 or 3 tea bags, ice cubes. Leave to infuse in the fridge until chilled…

BEAT INSOMNIA During sleep, we lay down new memories, and most of the body’s growth, rejuvenation and repair occurs – so getting enough is vital. In addition to adjusting lifestyle factors, consuming melatonin-producing foods can help. Insomnia is the subjective feeling of excessive wakefulness, whether from difficulty falling asleep, maintaining sleep or waking unrefreshed. Most people experience insomnia at some stage of their life – usually when they are worried or stressed. Insomnia can last just a few days (for instance, jetlag), from one to three weeks (stress), or last longer term (anxiety, depression, illness or alcohol abuse). People with persistent insomnia are more likely to have a serious accident, and to develop depression, high blood pressure or heart disease. Adults need seven to eight hours’ sleep, but this reduces…

PAULA WALKER, 43, from Bristol, is a finance director for a company supplying helicopters to Air Ambulance services. “The first week I lost 5lb, then 9lb came off fairly quickly. Jane Plan reeducated me about my ‘off switch’. I’ve learned that I don’t have to eat such big portions, and that I can leave food on the plate. Jane Plan takes all the worry about dieting away, so it’s much easier on the mental side. I would definitely recommend it.” ANNA COWIE, 42, a graphic designer from London, lost two stone in four months on Jane Plan. “At first it was tough sticking with portion-controlled meals while my partner, Spencer, had large helpings of pasta. But I would say to anyone struggling with willpower that once you get past the…

AGE Although AF can occur at any age, prevalence doubles with every decade. UNDERLYING HEART PROBLEMS eg valve problems or coronary artery disease. SMOKING AND ALCOHOL especially drinking a lot in one go. FAMILY HISTORY A third of people have an affected family member. OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA Temporarily stopping breathing/ choking during sleep (a clue is loud snoring). OVERWEIGHT AF sufferers who shed a tenth of their body weight are six times more likely to be symptom-free than those who remain overweight. OTHER CHRONIC CONDITIONS such as overactive thyroid, diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. HEART SURGERY 35-50 per cent of patients develop self-limiting AF shortly after a bypass or other heart surgery.…

SOLICITOR Total costs for a solicitor charging an hourly rate vary between £1,000-£3,000 for a negotiated financial settlement; up to £30,000 plus for a financial application requiring a contested final court hearing. MEDIATOR They typically charge anything from £100 an hour, with most couples requiring three or four sessions. DIVORCE COURT FEE It currently costs £550 to file for divorce in England and Wales, although some clients may apply for a reduction or exemption if they do not have the funds. CONSENT ORDER It costs £50 to apply for the document that makes your agreed financial arrangements legally binding. FINANCIAL ORDER If you can’t reach agreement you will pay £255 to apply for the courts to decide on division of finances. w&h…

Pensions should be shared on divorce, but often the spouse loses out because the true value of the partner’s pension is not taken into account. Pension valuations are usually based on what the individual would get if they left the scheme, rather than the value should they continue until retirement. But for final salary schemes this does not take into account how generous they can be. If you are divorced or are going through this process, contact sharingpensions.co.uk  which says that a proper valuation is usually 30 per cent higher. Divorcelifeline.co.uk can review your settlement if you think you missed out on the true value of half of your ex’s pension. In one case, a wife was given just £5,000 as her share of her husband’s pension – after…

1 CONNECT Be open and honest. Chat frequently with your children about online risks and stay knowledgeable on the latest trends. Make sure that if they are sharing locations, for instance, only the right people will have access to that information. 2 HAVE PASSWORD RULES Make sure you have access to their passwords and sites, and periodically check what’s being said and done. Don’t change the settings without telling your children. 3 MAKE IT NORMAL Checking browser settings together should be a regular part of everyday life. A simple step, such as routinely checking the privacy setting on Facebook, is so important but often overlooked. 4 START YOUNG Five-year-olds are getting passwords. We wouldn’t let a child play near water if they didn’t understand the dangers, but we’re too happy…

Whether you’re employed, self-employed, run a business or have a great idea for one, everywoman has resources to help you invest in yourself and enjoy more success. We know you are passionate about learning new skills and embracing change. That is why we have teamed up with everywoman, the global membership network and resource tool for women in business, to offer you a month’s free membership to help develop your career, or be your own boss and enjoy a better income! everywoman’s aim is to advance women in business, giving them a helping hand up the career ladder. The network currently has over 22,000 members active all over the world and covers everything from personal development –through the use of workbooks and webinars (seminars conducted over the internet) – to…

ABOUT OUR EXPERT Christelle Guibert was brought up in the Loire Valley and gained experience in the region’s vineyards before moving to the UK. Following stints in the wine department at Harrods and on the Waitrose wine buying team, she is now the Tasting Director   at Decanter, overseeing all the tastings for the magazine and the annual Decanter World Wine Awards. She also tends one hectare of Melon de Bourgogne in Muscadet, where she produces 2,000 bottles a year of Terre de Gneiss, her first wine. WINE of the month Cune, Barrel Fermented, Rioja, Spain 2015, 13%, £10.99, Waitrose From a highly regarded producer that has built a reputation for making traditional styled Riojas. While it is barrel-fermented in American oak casks, the oak characters are smooth and subtle.…

“Throwing open the bifolds makes the garden and kitchen the perfect entertaining space” Sarah Latham bought her Victorian house in Guildford, Surrey, with husband, Charlie, in 2008. “We were already living in Guildford in an Edwardian conversion flat but with hopes of a family, and Charlie’s children from his previous marriage often coming to stay, we needed more space,” explains Sarah. “I also wanted somewhere where I could expand my interior design business and this house had a freestanding garage.” The house is typically Victorian, tall and thin and arranged over four floors but the rooms aren’t that big. “For a largish house, there was only one bathroom, so the first thing we did was put a cloakroom in the basement as there was already a bedroom there and it…

The new blues Blue hues are everywhere this season, from gentle sky through to deep indigo, and can be found on everything from furniture to vases. It’s an uplifting colour and blends well with other shades, so it’s a good choice to use as a base. BLUE MOOD A calming scheme is created in a living room with duck-egg blue and cream walls, and a cosy corner sofa – so popular this season! – in the lightest blue. A mix of cushions in tonal shades add texture and interest. Liberty Corner sofa in Harbour Mineral, £1,399; Lucas tripod floor lamp, £139; Bingham metal dome pendant, £49; Quartz rug, £89; all dunelm.com CUSHIONS GALORE Add texture, pattern, different shapes and fab colours! FLOOR ART Subtle geometrics and a yellow…

New novel in a nutshell? It’s about four women friends, who all work in the male-dominated world of finance. They are in their late forties, variously married or single or mothers or gay, and the story is not just about women and work, but the way women’s personal and professional lives interweave. It’s a tale for our times. The inspiration? Just looking round at the modern workplace and the way young women all have jobs – a situation that was only painfully beginning for my generation half a century ago. Is it possible for women to have it all? Not all at once. Some determined or fortunate women can have most of the things they want at some point. But it seems to me that it’s unrealistic – and immature,…

“I miss the ‘water cooler moments’ I had working in an office” Adele, 47, lives in Guildford, Surrey with her husband, Jim, and their 16 year-old-son, Conrad. Each of her 16 novels have been bestsellers and she’s sold over three million novels in the UK, which have been translated into 26 languages. Her new book, The Stranger in my Home , is out now. I always describe my childhood as quite ordinary, which my parents get a bit upset about! But I mean it in a good way – it was very cosy and secure. I was the youngest of two sisters; my mum worked part-time around school hours and my dad worked for ICI. We’d spend every weekend with grandparents, aunties and uncles, had more TV…

1 TRX2 Molecular Food Supplement for Hair TRX2 Molecular Food Supplement for Hair is an innovative development of Oxford scientist Dr Thomas Whitfield, DPhil (biochemistry) and his team of Oxford Biolabs scientists. The idea of creating TRX2 hit Dr Whitfield when he was in Oxford, researching the process of hair loss. TRX2 is based on organic compounds which, when compared to some medicinal products, has no side effects. It’s the first hair loss treatment to contain potassium, Carnipure™ tartrate (L-carnitine – L-tartrate), BCAA and nicotinamide, and is delivered via a proprietary potassium channel-stimulating complex. Moreover, three of the key ingredients in TRX2 – selenium, zinc, and biotin – are officially recognised by the European Commission as contributing to the maintenance of normal, healthy hair. Hair treatments oft en promise a…

On Fifty Shades Darker … I felt more comfortable the second time around. I think when you’re making the first film of any franchise there’s a lot of pressure in terms of setting a tone and the way it’s shot and the way it’s played. This time, everyone was in a better place about it. So it was definitely a better experience. On fatherhood… We’ve got two little girls now, so it’s pretty insane. One of my best friends said that one is a pet, two is a zoo. It’s been a big adjustment and it’s definitely harder. But you have to just go with it and accept less sleep and less time, and accept less reading of books, and all the usual things you do in…

FROM OUR COVER SHOOT Nicola Walker reveals the five things she’d tell her younger self. Watch it now at womanandhome.com/nicolawalker NEED A BIRTHDAY PRESENT FAST? A gift voucher is the easiest solution – and we know how to make it look extra special. Watch our how-to video at womanandhome.com/ giftwrapping TIGHTEN THAT TUM Who doesn’t want a flatter middle! Try our simple exercises that will give your abs definition fast – watch it now at womanandhome.com/absexercise FAT V SKINNY Love mac ’n’ cheese? You’ll adore our new version with less cals, less fat, but loads of flavour. Check it out at womanandhome.com/macncheese EDITORIAL COMPLAINTS We work hard to achieve the highest standards of editorial content, and we are committed to complying with the Editors’ Code of Practice (https://www.ipso.co.uk/IPSO/cop.html) as enforced by…

Technology – friend or foe? Friend, but I’m rubbish at it, so I’m probably a bad one! The last thing that made you laugh out loud? My dog, Dora. She was asleep on her back with her arms and legs akimbo… completely out. She’s hilarious. The best piece of beauty advice you’ve received? Go to bed before 2am. In fact, try to go to bed before midnight. Somehow, I just can’t seem to do it. The trait you most deplore in others? Intolerance… on all levels. Your greatest fear? Death, illness, wasps (they’re evil), spiders, sharks… Your foodie weakness? Bread and cheese with really thick butter. Your dream dinner party guests? David Bowie and Prince, please. Desert island essential? A really thick book. It would start a fire really well…

Size matters Micro or supersized, there’s no in-between when it comes to the season’s strongest bag trend – size. Just stick to classic styles in low-key colours for longevity.…

“Effective rest is restorative and rejuvenating, it makes you happier, healthier and more productive” OUR EXPERT Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, a business consultant, academic and founder of The Restful Company talks to Anna Moore about his fascinating new book, Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less (Penguin) We wear “busy” like a badge of honour – whether that’s at work or as an “involved parent”. We leave our holiday allowance unused and in the evenings and at weekends, we compulsively check our emails. We’re always “available”. So rest has become something passive – the box set, the Facebook feed – to be squashed (if we’re lucky) in what’s leftover between work and sleep (once we’ve done dinner, supervised homework, taken the bins out…).…

‘I need to switch off from work and make time for dating’ The single high-flyer ALICE DOGRUYOL, 39, from London, is the founder and director of a publicity company and a jeans business, Beauty in Curves. She has been single for six months after a long-term relationship ended. I’ve been self-employed for the past six years and run two businesses, but since a relationship ended last year I’m aware that work is dominating. I work seven days a week, checking my email first thing in the morning, right up until midnight when I finally go to bed. My mind is constantly buzzing so it often takes me an hour to fall asleep. I don’t watch much TV and I rarely have time to go out. My weekends are spent working…

 LIZ MARTINEAU , now 74, is married to David. Having a transplant was Alice’s only hope Last year, when the writer Alice Peterson contacted us about writing a novel based on Alice, I thought it was a chance to talk about my lovely daughter so I said yes. After Alice was born, our GP had sat on my hospital bed and gently told me she had cystic fibrosis. I’d never heard of it before. Alice was born with a bump in her tummy that looked like a blockage, then whisked away for an operation before I’d even held her. Our GP explained that CF was an inherited condition affecting the lungs and digestive system. At first I didn’t cry. I didn’t take it in. But the next time I saw…

“Tackling the gender pay gap – women are paid around 18% less – is an important part of my job” ‘I want girls to know there are no boundaries for their talents’ Caroline Dinenage is the Conservative MP for Gosport, Hampshire, where she lives with second husband, fellow MP Mark Lancaster. She has two sons, aged 14 and nine, from her first marriage. Her father is broadcaster Fred Dinenage. Here, she talks about her work as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women and Equalities. Everything that has happened in my career has been unexpected. I didn’t start off wanting to be an MP; I loved books and writing and wanted to be a journalist. Growing up, I wasn’t aware that my dad’s job as a TV presenter was unusual.…

• Leading fertility guru Zita West, founder of The Zita West Clinic (zitawest.com) commented: “This isn’t uncommon. We often see women who are booked for IVF, then cancel as they are pregnant. I think many women facing fertility issues with no plan of action are left feeling lost and hopeless. Once they’ve made a decision to move on to adopt or start IVF, they ‘let go’ on some level and stress eases. I believe mindset and stress play a big role in fertility, and that, when women have a plan of action, there is a shift in their subconscious and the pressure is off. As a result of the stress being lifted, sometimes they then fall pregnant.” • Geeta Nargund, founder of CREATE Fertility (createhealth.org) and a pioneer of mild…

Ever find just a change in your routine – you blow-dried too late so there’s an impossible kink, or heaven forbid you switched shampoos – creates mischief in the way you “usually” style? Time to rethink your hair and give it a reboot, making it easier to manage so you can reclaim more time for you… Same style as this time last year? GO FOR A RESTYLE “Every so often it’s good to have a rethink on what’s working and what’s not,” says celeb stylist Paul Edmonds. “Normally as we age the jaw gets heavier and the upper parts of the face lose their fullness. To shift the emphasis away from the jaw and bring it back to the eyes, weight can be taken away from the lower part of…

THE PINK COAT EVON BRENNAN, 57, is a part-time music teacher and lives in London. • Make it look expensive by combining with other tones of pink. For a relaxed look, this coat looks great with mid-grey jeans. • A looser Crombie style makes this appear effortless. • Harmonise your outfit with accessories in shades of blush, cream, dove and nude. • There’s a pink for everyone, so try on different shades until you find the right one. THE RED DRESS DEBORAH BUSH, 49, is a dog walker and mobile hairdresser who lives in Warwick. She’s never out of jeans, so a dress that can be dressed up or down is the perfect antidote. • Red is the colour of vitality – making you feel more energised when you wear…

Apple shape Blouse, £125, 6-20, Jaeger. Dress, £109, 6-18, Mint Velvet. Bag, £50, Jones Bootmaker. Shoes, £19.99, New Look Pear shape Tunic, £245, xs-xl, Eileen Fisher. Scarf, £52, Bimba Y Lola. Belt, £12, Next. Jacket, £249, 8-22, Marks & Spencer. Trousers, £165, 6-18, LK Bennett. Bag, £350, Aspinal of London. Shoes, £180, Kurt Geiger Busty T-shirt, £27, xs-xl, Jigsaw. Dress, £65, 8-18, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams. Sleeveless jacket, £396, 14-28, Marina Rinaldi. Bag, £39.50, Marks & Spencer Collection. Shoes, £235, LK Bennett GOT THAT COVERED! Learn how to layer revealing pieces with confidence… • Opt for a laid-back look and layer a mesh top over a maxi dress. • A ribbed knit is just the thing to team with a super low top. The slimmer the knit the…

QUOTE REF TSCHINA  womanandhome.com/chinatour WHAT’S INCLUDED ✣ International flights with your choice of airline with the choice of regional departures. Book before the end of February to claim either a free upgrade to premium economy on your flight home (Gatwick or Manchester) with award-winning Cathay Pacific, or an upgrade to business class for £199 (Gatwick or Manchester; Heathrow upgrade fee is £399). ✣ Visa fees for UK and EU passport holders. ✣ All w&h exclusive experiences and excursions, including guides and entrance fees, including Yangtze cruise, tours in Beijing and Shanghai, Tai Chi, calligraphy and hot springs experiences, and visits to the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, UNESCO gardens of Suzhou and Chengdu pandas. ✣ All tour managers (called “national escorts”) and local guides – Wendy Wu’s award-winning national escorts offer…

Acupuncture is a sure-fire tension-relieving success, but when you need an on-the-spot fix, acupressure is the way to go. “It’s a brilliant age-old technique that is used to calm the mind,” says top aromatherapist Colleen Harte, creator of the gorgeous Lucy Annabella skincare collection. COLLEEN’S SECRET A couple of wonderfully simple techniques. Soothe your mind “Apply gentle but firm pressure in a clockwise motion to the middle of the palm side of the wrist, at the natural crease,” suggests Colleen. “By stimulating this point, you will calm the mind while softly grounding your thoughts.” Ease tension “A great second point is ‘joining the valleys’,” says Colleen. “This is my go-to point for calming when life is manic. It’s on the web between your thumb and index finger. Squeeze your thumb…

THIS MONTH… • MISCARRIAGE • NOCTURNAL LOO VISITS • VARICOSE VEINS • VITAMIN D NEW FROM YOUR DOCTOR – Noqdirna Needing to get up frequently at night to go to the loo is a common problem, thought to affect at least 55% of older women. The disturbed sleep it causes can lead to daytime tiredness, irritability, and also increase the risk of falls and broken bones. Normally the kidneys produce less urine during sleep, but this ability can reduce with age. Noqdirna contains a low dose of the urine-concentrating hormone desmopressin, and in trials it reduced the amount of urine produced at night by more than 200ml, allowing users to sleep for an average of 4.5 hours before their first nocturnal trip to the loo. It is suitable for older people, where other…

One million people in the UK have AF Barbara Casadei, BHF professor of cardiovascular medicine, Oxford University, and Lee Graham, consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist, expert in heart rhythm management at Yorkshire Heart Centre, Leeds General Infirmary and the Spire Hospital, Leeds, give the facts: What is AF? An irregular, fast heartbeat that happens when the two upper chambers of the heart or atria fire off electrical signals faster than they should, causing the heart to beat erratically and pump less efficiently. What are the risks? Untreated AF increases stroke risk 4-5-fold and doubles the risk of a heart attack. It also raises the risk of dementia. Who gets it? One million people in the UK have AF and while men are slightly more at risk, a US study reveals women…

Fiona Phillips, broadcaster and ambassador for People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “If you know someone with Alzheimer’s, or another form of dementia, you will know how devastating it is for everyone concerned. In memory of my parents – who both had dementia – and the 850,000 people with the condition across the UK, I’m proud to support Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Scotland. I feel passionate about the new Side by Side project, which will go from strength to strength thanks to a £1.5 million award from People’s Postcode Lottery players.” The Side by Side service helps people with dementia to continue doing activities they love, or to try something new, with the support of a volunteer. Anyone interested in becoming a Side by Side volunteer, or who would like to access…

IN SEASON One of our most special vegetables, forced Yorkshire rhubarb, is still in its short season for crumbles and fools. Or lightly bake with orange juice and honey to served with yogurt or ice cream. Winter veg are at their best, with purple sprouting broccoli, cauliflower, parsnips, sprouts and kale ready for that Sunday roast. Citrus from further afield are exceptional and there still may be time for Seville oranges for marmalade – watch our video on womanandhome.com LET’S TACO! From Mexican experts, Wahaca; with tortillas, marinade and a delicious salsa included in each kit, all that’s left to add is a choice of meat, fish or veg and a splash of oil to create the perfect taco in 30 minutes or less. Choose from Tomatillo and…

• Get organised • Find space • Feel in control • Solutions for every room! A calm living room An efficient kitchen – with a place for everything An organised wardrobe A spa-like bathroom Even help for your shed! THE BASIC RULES • Use a two-bag sorting routine: wherever you’re clearing, have one bag for rubbish, another for charity; don’t have another bag for “just in case” – that means you’re only storing clutter! Make a decision there and then on what you’ll keep, based on whether you use the item or not, whether you love it or not, whether it suits you or your home. • Never think “it might come in useful”. What’s the worst- case scenario? That you have to buy a new one? That your mum…

TUCK AWAY Ideal when you need another surface. Twain Nesting Tables, £99, made.com BE UPSTANDING An easy-assemble workstation. Standing desk, £200, in-spaces.com CORNER COMFORT Use every inch of space with this stunning chair. Latitude Corner Chair, £1,095, indian-ocean.co.uk CLEVER CABINET Keep all your bathroom essentials hidden away. Fushion Era Unit, £465, purebathroom collection.co.uk DUAL PURPOSE Take a seat while removing your boots, then store underneath. Whatsit Storage Bench, £275, loaf.com SLEEP SOUNDLY An easy-to-use fold-out bed, perfect for guests or confined spaces. Esme Sofa Bed, £970, livingitup.co.uk TOP TABLE Use the removable tray for serving, then fold up when not in use. Maryd Tray Table, £45, ikea.com STACKS UP The perfect solution for bathroom storage needs.…

COMPELLING READ My Sister’s Bones by Nuala Ellwood (Viking) War reporter Kate Rafter returns home after her mother’s death, where she confronts her own and her family’s demons. Brimful of tension, twists and darkness, this one grabbed me on the first page and didn’t let go. EMOTIONAL JOURNEY This is How it Always is by Laurie Frankel (Headline) A family deals with the challenges involved in bringing up a transgender child after Claude, aged three, announces he wants to be a girl. Thought-provoking and topical, with well-realised characters. CURL UP WITH The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir by Jennifer Ryan (HarperCollins) With the men of Chilbury gone to war, the vicar closes down the choir, so the ladies take matters into their own hands and set up their own. Told through their…

Mount! by Jilly Cooper (Corgi) Rupert Campbell Black is back! A saucy gallop among the horse-racing world. Jonathan Unleashed by Meg Rosoff (Bloomsbury) An unhappy copywriter gets help from his canine friends. The Gustav Sonata by Rose Tremain (Vintage) This understated masterpiece focuses on an unlikely childhood friendship. My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout (Penguin) A beautifully observed story of a mother/ daughter relationship. A Summer at Sea by Katie Fforde (Arrow) Cooking on board, things don’t go as Emily expects. Engaging romance. A Deadly Thaw by Sarah Ward (Faber) How can one man die twice? Who did Lena murder the first time? Five-star gripper. A Country Road, A Tree by Jo Baker (Black…

1 TINTERN ABBEY COTTAGE Acro ss fro m the magnificent Abbey, unsurpassed views. Idyllic Wye Valley Welsh borders. Fully renovated, warm 18C cottage. Sleeps up to 6 in 3 bedro o ms. Two smart bathrooms, whirlpool bath, cosy woodburner, CH incl., range cooker, sheltered garden, parking, WiFi. Easy M4/M5, close to castles, racing. Excellent golf, walking, eating. Pet welco me. 5 star. Winner Best Place To Stay. www.monmouthshirecottages.co.uk  01600 860341 2 Yoga & Wellness Holidays Canary Islands Yoga Island Retreats ofer exclusive relaxation holidays to pamper your body and mind, de-stress and learn yoga. You will learn how to meditate, treat your body to rejuvenating massages and reset your internal batteries in a boutique spa. Gift vouchers available. www.yogaislandretreats.co.uk  relax@yogaislandretreats.co.uk 0208 1233 163 3 ISLAND COTTAGE HOLIDAYS Delightful Isle of Wight…

ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL There’s no such thing as a dull day this month. On or near the 3rd and 30th the stakes are high, but if you are confident take the plunge. Weekly update 09058-170541* Year ahead 09058-170090* TAURUS 21 APRIL – 21 MAY If you’ve been dithering over a decision, push has come to shove. From the 10th you’re in the driver’s seat. Have the courage of your convictions. Weekly update 09058-170542* Year ahead 09058-170091* GEMINI 22 MAY – 22 JUNE It looks to be a case of two steps forward and one back, but you’re making progress. The 17th reveals where you’ve been going wrong. Weekly update 09058-170543* Year ahead 09058-170092* CANCER 23 JUNE – 23 JULY The cosmic clock is pointing to far horizons.…

SUPER STRIPES Saint James, the original manufacturer of the iconic Breton top, is launching its first UK website in March. Based in Normandy since 1850, the heritage brand has been awarded EPV status for its excellence in traditional skills – an honour bestowed on only 43 other brands, all of which are haute couture! saint-james.co.uk HOT LABEL We fell in love with Hobbs SS17 collection, with its injection of key trends – think optic white obi belts and gingham for grown ups. Belt, £69; heels, £139 NEW LABEL ALERT Enlist – think capsule wardrobe with on-trend colours and interesting textures. Prices start at £115. Black dress, £395; silk jacket, £295; both 6-16, enliststyle.com BEST FOOT FORWARD Talking-point shoes are going to be a winner in the style stakes…

• One in 25 people in the UK carry a cystic fibrosis gene. Babies born to parents who are both carriers have a 25 per cent chance of having CF. • People with CF experience a build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs, causing a wide range of symptoms, including chronic lung infections and reduced lung function, poor growth and diabetes. Life often involves a rigorous treatment regime including physiotherapy and oral, nebulised and intravenous antibiotics. • Those who are very ill are left breathless by basic tasks, may use a wheelchair to get around, and oxygen to help them breathe. When conventional treatments no longer work, a transplant – usually lung but sometimes liver, kidney or pancreas, can be the next step. •…

ELLE MACPHERSON MODEL AND BUSINESSWOMAN I believe that a healthy body and a balanced life comes from love, laughter, water and good nutrition. It’s all about that balance, no extremes. I am constantly on the go. This is my life as a mother, wife and woman in business. I’ve learned it’s important to do things you love with the people you love, and balance everything else around that. I have a strict wind-down routine: no screens 30 minutes before bed, quiet family time and a cup of my Sleep Welle Fortified Calming Tea in warm water. I make it a priority to get seven hours’ sleep a night. SARAH WILLINGHAM ENTREPRENEUR AND ONE OF THE DRAGONS ON DRAGONS’ DEN The single hardest thing I do in life is try to…

You read up, you tracked down, you even colour matched in the unkind glare of the beauty hall, so why is that promising new foundation sitting on top of your skin like parchment paper? Don’t underestimate the effect of the tools you use. If you’re still using fingers, you need to catch up! Superdrug has reported a 44% rise in make-up brush sales and there’s an embarrassment of choice out there – so we’ve tried and tested the lot to tip you off on the ideal tool for you. 3 of the best FOUNDATIONS TO TRY LIGHT Kiko Skin Tone Foundation, £15.90. Silky and moisturising, in a very inclusive 39 shades and 6 undertones. MEDIUM Bourjois Healthy Mix, £9.99. The cult bargain base, re-jigged with vitamins C and…

1 The ruffled skirt, £45, 8-18, Limited Edition at Marks & Spencer 2 The restyled white shirt, £30, 6-22, Dorothy Perkins 3 The metallic jacket, £245, s-l, Uterqüe 4 The sports luxe separates: top, £29.99, xs-xl; trousers, £49.99, 36-44, both Lindex 5 The round-handled bag, £180, Jaeger 6 The mismatched earrings, £70, Anton Heunis 7 The ribbon-tie heels, £248, J Crew 8 The sash-tie trousers, £24.99, 8-22, New Look 9 The mixed-print dress, £130, Sportmax Code at House of Fraser 10 The military jacket, £120, 4-16, Miss Selfridge…

• Research shows that maintaining good balance can help to reduce falls and fall-related injuries. • It may also be an indicator of brain health: a recent Japanese study found that difficulty balancing on one leg for 20 seconds or more was linked to a higher risk of brain blood vessel damage and reduced thinking in otherwise healthy individuals. • The Medical Research Council found a poor result in a standing balance test was linked to higher mortality. TEST YOUR BALANCE The standing stork test is a traditional, straightforward test to give you an idea of where you stand (’scuse the pun) balance-wise. Stand with hands on hips and place the bottom of one foot against the inside knee of the other leg. Lift the heel of your standing leg…

If your pulse is irregular or you feel breathless, dizzy or faint, make an appointment to see your GP. You can also check your own heart rhythm in these ways: TAKE YOUR PULSE Place the second and third fingers of your right hand on your left wrist. Check for a steady, regular pulse rhythm. Most adults have a heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. USE AN APP AliveCor’s Kardia mobile (RRP £99, pictured left) is a pocket-sized device you attach to your mobile. You place your fingers on two small metal sensors to produce an ECG reading, which links to an app. AliveCor’s Kardia Band – a wriststrap with a small integrated ECG sensor that attaches to an Apple Watch – works similarly (RRP £199). Results can…

The Government is planning a crackdown on this but in the meantime: BE WARY of unusual or unexpected contact about your pension. DO NOT MAKE any decisions on the phone or via email. ALWAYS SEEK independent financial advice – schemes have to offer this by law. NEVER ALLOW yourself to be pressured into a decision. REMEMBER, once you have transferred your money out of a scheme, you are now responsible for investing it safely and managing it. You cannot change your mind and ask the scheme to take it back.…

Stella looked at different sources for these statistics on internet safety, which cover everything from online bullying and chat rooms to sexual contact... • One in three five-year-olds now has their own tablet, while 71 per cent of five- to six-year-olds have a device in their bedrooms. • 39 per cent of nine-year-olds know how to turn filters off. • Three-quarters of children aged between ten and 12 have social media accounts – despite being below the age limit. • 63 per cent of 13- to 18-year-olds have been asked for a sexual image.…

Healthy boost SEARED TUNA RICE BOWL Nutrient dense with vits and omega 3 from the tuna, this is wonderfully comforting and an immune system boost. Easy • Ready in 30 minutes • Serves 4 1 litre chicken bone broth (or strong chicken stock) 5cm piece of ginger, peeled and sliced 4 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced 1 red chilli, sliced 250g cooked brown basmati rice 150g pak choi, sliced ½tsp sunflower oil 200g fresh tuna steak 1 Pour the broth into a deep pan with the ginger, garlic and chilli. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid; simmer for 15-20 minutes. 2 Add the rice and pak choi for a further 3 minutes, until piping hot. 3 Heat the oil in a frying pan until hot and sear the tuna…

TWO TRENDS Dulux made Denim Drift its Colour of the Year for 2017 and it’s been widely embraced by the design world. Corner sofas are having a revival too – so this design in Oxford Blue brushed linen cotton rocks two trends at once! Isla three-seat corner sofa, £2,950, sofa.com DESIGNER BEDDING Who wouldn’t love a Chanel piece designed by Karl Lagerfeld? If it’s a pipe dream, console yourself with the next best thing – some gorgeous bed linen designed by the man himself. KL Collection Grace pillowcase, £40 for two; cushion, £30; boucle throw, £90; dip-dye throw, £150, ashleywildegroup.com MIXED METALS A trio of pendant lights looks great above a kitchen island or dining table. These new designs, in perforated metal and smoked glass in…