Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2017 i Woman & Home

Ò It’s all about finding and following your own passion” Well, what’s yours? From baking to beekeeping, from flamenco to floristry, we’re celebrating the things you love doing this month. Passions are something our columnist Karren Brady says you find in your heart – not your head (p21), and I agree. It’s something you love to do, whether that’s part of your job or not. Be inspired by five w&h readers on p58, who explain how they found their intriguing “pastimes”… I agree with psychology professor Angela Duckworth’s sentiments on p51 that it’s not talent we need in abundance but effort and tenacity. She refers to this as “grit”. And the good news is, you can get “grittier” by nurturing your passions! Our cover star, Sophie Raworth, is…

Talent versus tenacity • We’re all fans of talent. We think of it as that “magic” ingredient. A sprinkling of fairy dust bestowed upon the lucky few. But what if, in fact, it’s not so much talent that sets life’s great achievers apart, but something else? When the author Angela Duckworth was teaching maths to high school students, she noticed it wasn’t the brightest, most talented students who excelled, but those who worked the hardest. Of course talent – the ability to improve quickly – does matter, but without practice and stamina, talent is useless. Angela refers to this as “grit” – the power to keep going through ups and downs. Grit means not giving up, but here’s the nub – not because you have to do something, or you…

“The colour took to my hair really quickly and left it feeling so soft. I love the shade and without doubt will be using it again, thanks to the upkeep not being onerous.” Madeleine Bowden, Fashion and celebrity stylist, brand and image consultant There’s been a revolution sweeping salons of late – ask any top colourist and they’ll agree that “plex technology” has raised the bar for professionals everywhere, helping to stop damage in its tracks and leaving freshly coloured, healthy, strong and soft hair. From the start of 2017, this innovation has been available in home hair colour. Schwarzkopf have recently launched their Color Expert with OMEGAPLEX Professional Anti-Breakage Technology, which enables you to enjoy salon-calibre colour and healthy looking hair – with no appointment necessary. So, how does…

“ The creation of a perfume is an act of love, whether real or imaginary. I am romantic. I couldn’t imagine living without dreams” NINA RICCI “A fragrance is like a cat burglar in your brain – it has the key with which to pick the lock and unleash your memories” ROJA DOVE, ROJA PARFUMS Do you truly appreciate your sense of smell? Try holding your nose while you taste a delicious meal – that’ll do the trick since 80% of the flavour of anything you eat is actually governed by your nose rather than your taste buds. Equally, imagine burying your nose in a bouquet of flowers or walking onto a freshly mown lawn after the rain. Now breathe in, hold that moment… and relax. Fragrance…

WASH AND GO… ON AND ON Tomorrow is another day! When my son, with his thick, floppy mane was recently told by his hairdresser to wash it once a week, you could see his eyes light up! To me, it felt more like 19 years of grooming flushed away! But word has it we are all extending our quality of life between shampoos. “Twice a week (or even longer) is becoming the norm,” says Tresemmé ambassador Aaron Carlo, “partly due to more home working and, of course, dry shampoo. But people still want their hair to be touchable, shiny and soft.” • SMOOTHER FOR LONGER? So, OMG how fabulous that my frizz-prone hair adores the new 72-hour Tresemmé Expert Keratin Smooth Shampoo and Conditioner, £5.49 each; I swear you can…

Tighter, firmer, higher and fuller? Can you spot the common denominator? Gravity = age. That undeniable slip of support in everything from muscle to collagen, by the time we’re through the menopause thanks to Mother Earth dragging us down! So while I’m known throughout the beauty industry for being Mrs Natural (to my face that is!), I’m not one to say “don’t do”, especially when there are a few genius top-to-toe beauty investments that no one else need know about (sharing is so overrated) that can make us feel more in charge of our ageing destiny… whatever that may be. So check these out for yourself. GO TO WOMANANDHOME.COM Find more beauty on our website, including tweakments…

THE SMOOTHER Not your usual tub of body scrub, Alpha H Liquid Gold Luxe Resurfacing Body Cloths, £27 for 25, are handy double-sided glycolic acid body wipes, slightly akin to sandpaper one side and velvet the other, designed to smooth and buff skin pre-self-tan and even out skin tone, blemishes, bumpy skin, dry patches and even ingrown hairs. THE SCULPTOR There are no get-fit-quick solutions, but the new Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert, £39, has caffeine and quince leaf extract found to work on not just one but three types of adipocytes, aka fat cells, that appear like cellulite. THE SLEEP ENHANCER Not just night-time – any time you need to pause and breathe, Bloom and Blossom Sleep Night-Time Pillow Spray, £15, with frankincense, linden blossom, rose flower water…

“I’ve always wanted to visit Madeira, ‘the floating garden in the Atlantic’. Its climate is ideal for growing a huge range of plants and there are fantastic gardens to visit.” Joe Swift, Gardeners’ World presenter Thanks to its balmy subtropical climate, Madeira is home to many of the world’s most beautiful gardens. So imagine exploring these horticultural heavens in the company of the UK’s top garden designer, writer and TV presenter – Joe Swift. We have joined forces with Joe to offer this exclusive six-day experience, during which you’ll get the benefit of Joe’s huge expertise – he’s been presenting Gardeners’ World for almost 20 years and will be reporting at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this month with our cover star, Sophie Raworth. You’ll get private…

Ros Carr, 62, from Knowle in the West Midlands, is married with three adult children and works in the family car business. “A bunion on my right foot wasn’t troublesome at first, but then it became more prominent and very red. If I walked for any length of time I had to sit down because it was so painful, plus certain shoes, like my favourite pair of boots, were out because of the pressure. Worst of all, I was finding it impossible to do yoga, which I love. “My GP referred me to a specialist podiatric surgeon on the NHS, who explained that an operation called a scarf osteotomy could help restore my toe to normal. It involves dividing and repositioning the metatarsal bone, as well as adjusting the ligaments…

Master Jurassic Coast jewellery making The course Silversmithing and gem course. The low-down One, two and three-day courses at Luccombe Farm, Dorset, in June, July and August. £225 for two days (tuition and lunch – materials bought separately), lists of recommended B&B accommodation provided. Visit fluxnflame.co.uk Imogen Waller, 42, is a manager for Oxfam. She lives with her partner in Woking, Berkshire. I love collecting seashells, but I never knew what to do with them. It was my partner who suggested I could use them to make jewellery. I’d always wanted to have a go at silversmithy, so combined it with a holiday staying in a lovely B&B just down the road from the ancient farmhouse, home to the state-of-the-art studio of silversmiths Jesa and Al. Verdict I made…

“I love flowers, but my chief motivation was to work for myself” THE BRAND NEW START-UP ‘A disappointing bouquet order helped me see a gap in the market’ JO LAMBELL, 37, lives with her partner in Essex. She founded Beards & Daisies, an online letterbox flower and floristry company (posted in a box for you to arrange yourself). • THE IDEA I was a regional business manager for a baby product company, working on the corporate side. I took redundancy in 2015 and looked for another corporate job, but I’ve always wanted to work for myself. I saw a gap in the market when I ordered some flowers for Mother’s Day. The experience was disappointing, expensive and frustrating, and I thought I could do better. I knew nothing about flowers,…

WHITE CHOCOLATE AND PISTACHIO MOUSSE WITH STRAWBERRIES This strawberry-topped dessert is deceptively light but still delicious! Easy/Prepare ahead • Ready in 40 minutes, plus chilling • Serves 6-8 250g white chocolate, chopped2tbsp brandy300ml double cream3 egg whites3tbsp finely ground pistachios, plus extra chopped, to servestrawberries, to serve 1 Gently melt the chocolate in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Allow it to cool a little then add the brandy. Lightly whip the cream and fold into the chocolate. Beat the egg whites until stiff then fold in. Fold in the ground pistachios and spoon into serving glasses. 2 Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. When ready to serve, top with chopped pistachios and strawberries. Per serving: 394-252 calories, 43-32g fat (25-19g saturated), 24-18g carbohydrate ROOIBOS…

IN THE PINK Bringing a favourite accent colour outside from the interior is a great starting point for an urban-style garden. The owners of a modernist Dundee home, Shobhan and Julie Thakore-Rodger, wanted an outside room to enjoy, so they contacted garden designer Tracy McQue in spring 2011. She quickly spotted a beautiful pink splashback in their kitchen and suggested it as the colour for the rendered blockwork seating. It was a bold choice but a beautiful link between inside and out, and Shobhan and Julie were very much in favour – they’d already asked for pinks and purples in the garden, preferring these to yellows and oranges. The garden was a blank canvas when they moved in, although there was an attractive stone wall on the south edge, which…

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (HarperCollins) Helping a man in the street is enough to start breaking down the walls Eleanor has built around herself. A wonderful, perceptive and very poignant read. MENACING THRILLER The Night Visitor by Lucy Atkins (Quercus) An apparently random act of violence sets off this fabulously dark, tension-filled read. Prof Olivia Sweetman discovers her reputation could be ruined by one woman who has her own mysterious agenda. HEARTBREAKING LOVE STORY The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo (HarperCollins) Lucy and Gabe’s love affair is intense. But they take different paths that lead Lucy into having to make a terrible decision. Keep out the tissues for this emotional page-turner. HISTORIC CRIME See What I have Done by Sarah Schmidt (Headline)…

COUNTRYFILE LIVE After a successful first year, the event that brings one of our best-loved Sunday night shows to life returns to the spectacular grounds of Oxfordshire’s Blenheim Palace. Presenters Anita Rani, Matt Baker, plus more, are getting stuck in once again with more live arena shows, animal displays, as well as debates and workshops. 3-6 August; countryfilelive.com CULT SCREENS Pull up a beanbag or deckchair and enjoy your favourite classic film or a new blockbuster at a unique location outside the capital – al fresco. This year’s offerings include Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman and La La Land – plus feast on fresh popcorn, German hotdogs and a superb selection of craft beers. June-September; cultscreens.co.uk KYNREN This spectacular open-air show takes place over the grounds of Auckland Castle, County Durham…

FROM OUR COVER SHOOT Sophie Raworth reveals the five things she’d tell her younger self. Watch it now at womanandhome.com/sophieraworth THE BERRIES ARE COMING! Find our mouthwatering recipes on page 176, and watch our video for the best strawberry cheesecake at womanandhome.com/ strawberrycheesecake SWEET SOMETHINGS Ever wanted to master the art of the macaron? Now you can! Watch our step-by-step video at womanandhome.com/macarons TOP CAKE Carrot cake is everyone’s teatime favourite. See how to make our version, which has a delicious orange twist, at womanandhome.com/carrotcake 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 IPSO. If you have a complaint about our editorial content, you can email us at…

Find a passion and life gains harmony Most people think that if they spend their life doing something they’re passionate about, everything else in their life will just click into place. It’s true that a career lasts a lifetime, and if you have a job you love, by God that improves things. But passions don’t always have to be jobs. Because passions are something you find in your heart… rather than in your head. Passions can be simple, like reading or making something. Or they can be more complicated, like learning or teaching. But mainly they are about doing. Doing whatever you want, regardless of what other people think about it and doing it with enthusiasm and energy. Discovering a passion is like finding harmony in your life and that,…

This summer, Phase Eight has everything you need for a stylish holiday wardrobe, offering a feminine and sophisticated collection of dresses and separates with stunning fabrics and beautiful prints. Classic white and neutral shades look great paired with accents of khaki green, while soft printed trousers will be your go-to for instant smart-casual style. Plus, with Phase Eight striving to be your ultimate “Dress Destination” this summer, you can choose from a variety of styles including printed maxis and simple shift dresses, so that whatever the diary demands, you will find the perfect dress for any occasion. HOW TO CLAIM Simply visit www. womanandhome.com/  phaseeight to receive your exclusive 20% off discount code. TERMS AND CONDITIONS The 20% discount is valid on all full-priced items within Phase…

“I’ve learnt to write my own rules” BELLA POLLEN, 55, is a bestselling novelist whose books include Hunting Unicorns . Previously, under the name Arabella Pollen, she ran a successful fashion label. She is married with four children. Her memoir, Meet Me in the In-Between , is out this month. I’ve never been very good at being told what I should or shouldn’t do. It’s more about working things out for myself than anarchy. I grew up in Sixties New York. It was the time of civil resistance, Martin Luther King and the Black is Beautiful movement. It seemed that the only people doing anything interesting were those kicking against the system. I took note – rules and the bending of them is how…

BARONESS EVANS “For me, it’s having confidence in yourself. Things have happened and you think, ‘I just can’t believe this is happening to me!’ But then you think, ‘Actually, I’ve been asked to do this, so I can do it, and I can do it well and I believe in myself to do it’.” BARONESS SMITH “When the nomination to stand for the party had come up in my hometown and I was dithering, my husband said, ‘If you don’t do it, someone else will’. And I thought, actually, I had nothing to lose.”…

1 Luxurious Volume Core Restore Protein-Infused Shampoo, £7 This gentle cleanser is your first step to empowering your hair. The formula strengthens from within, filling pores and creating space between hair fibres using volumising polymers. Build-up is cleansed away, while hair is left plumped and reinforced. 2 Luxurious Volume Core Restore Protein-Infused Clear Conditioner, £7 This unique transparent conditioner has been formulated without heavy ingredients traditionally found in conditioners, which can weigh fine hair down. Instead, it infuses the hair with body and lightly detangles, leaving it feeling soft, strong and full of movement. 3 Luxurious Volume Core Restore Advanced Protein Volumiser, £10 The final step in your journey to amazing volume, this works within your hair fibres, forming temporary bonds between natural protein chains to strengthen every strand from…

The eyes are the ultimate in body wellness. And when they look their best, you feel like dynamite, day and night “Eyes up boys.” Stop looking at my legs, my butt or my cleavage… my eyes hold more sensuality in them than any other part of my body. Across a crowded floor, they speak volumes without saying a word. Little wonder then, that when they start to sag and lose their perkiness midway through our thirties, if not before, we feel we’ve lost that ability to allure with one look, that cheeky “come hither”, as it’s now more “go wither” away. Stop! No more. Smooth, firm, tone and tighten. The eyes are the ultimate in body wellness. And when they look their best, you feel like dynamite, day and night.…

It’s impossible to watch The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its endearing cast of characters without thinking, “I must go to India and experience it for myself.” And clearly you agree: our Real Marigold Hotel tour has proved so popular, we’ve added an extra set of dates for February 2018. w&h’s exclusive 10-day tour takes in unmissable sights – including the Taj Mahal, the “Pink City” of Jaipur, and Udaipur – the “Venice of the East”, plus you’ll hear an exclusive talk from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’s writer Deborah Moggach (pictured), stay in some wonderful hotels – from the lavish Narwain Palace to stunning Castle Bijaipur – and enjoy a night in the real Best Exotic Marigold hotel itself. w&h experiences: • Meet The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel author…

I couldn’t even walk across a road without feeling faint NICOLE, 43, is a copywriter who lives in London with her husband, Michael, and their sons, Ben, ten, and Joe, eight. I was never a sickly child but, throughout my twenties and thirties, whenever I had a cold, an annoying tickly cough lingered. However, I didn’t experience the breathlessness that is asthma’s trademark. I noticed a big change when I had children, who are walking petri dishes for germs! I began to get more throat – and then chest – infections. One was so severe that I had to take extremely strong antibiotics, and I was ill for about a month. I became resigned to the fact that when I caught a throat infection, it almost always became a lingering…

Carolyn Bunting of not-for-profit organisation Internet Matters has these tips for establishing safe and healthy screen use. • Set an example. Children model their behaviours on you, so if you put away your tablet, turn off the TV and read a book, they are likely to follow your lead. • Agree on an appropriate length of screen time and establish screen-free zones at home. Put in place a family agreement to set boundaries – and don’t break them. • Make screen time a shared and positive experience. Play games together, look up new places to visit or teach each other about new apps. • Think quality as well as quantity. Make screen time count by understanding what your children are doing and suggesting appropriate and interesting content for them. •…

5 QUICK CHECKS 1 Credit check Noddle is a new website that enables you to get free credit reports for life – yes, no need to sign up for a free 30-day offer and then find you are charged! It’s very easy to register, you will get an instant credit score and you can also check your credit profile. Keeping your score high helps you to get cheaper deals on borrowing. Regular checks can also help you spot frauds. Visit noddle.co.uk Tip If you signed up for a 30-day free credit report and score in the past and forgot to cancel the offer, you could be paying £14.99 a month (£179.88 a year) for a credit service you do not use. Check your bank statements and cancel the payment. 2…

IN SEASON English strawberries are back! Enjoy them on their own, with meringues, make ice cream or make jam – we have the perfect recipe on womanandhome.com . Gooseberries are here for such a short time – check out our divine cheesecake recipe online now. There are peas and beans galore for salads. British crab is at its best in summer, as are lobsters. Healthy mackerel is perfect for the barbecue and your garden should be brimming with fresh herbs. BOOK OF THE MONTH Coastline: The Food of Mediterranean Italy, France and Spain by Lucio Galletto and David Dale (£25, Murdoch Books). Transport yourself to the Med with the delicious, healthy food in this gorgeous book. Full of traditional dishes, these are authentic recipes to…

ABOUT OUR EXPERT Christelle Guibert was brought up in the Loire Valley. 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 as well as for both 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. Gouguenheim, Malbec Bubbles Extra Brut, Mendoza Argentina, 12%, £9.95, tanners-wines.co.uk tanners-wines.co.uk A delightful Malbec sparkler, which is full of strawberry and cherry aromas. With a crisp palate and moreish fruit flavours, this has a lovely persistence of tiny bubbles on the finish. The ideal complement to canapés…

Topps Tiles is the UK’s leading tile specialist, with more than 355 stores, featuring hundreds of different products. They don’t just sell tiles – they’re passionate about them and will work with you to create a design and finish that’s just right for your home. Not only that, you can often find a great promotional extra – from June to September you’ll save £50 on every £600 you spend! This year, there are four new themes for the ranges that Topps Tiles buyers have used to make their selection… Lux Living is a classic look that’s subtle, elegant and sophisticated, giving a room a sumptuous, luxurious feel. Shown here: Caspari My Statement has an ethnic and heritage feel at its heart; this is a very tactile theme and we’re…

Emma Cline The Girls (Penguin) Compelling coming-of-age story as a teenage girl joins a Manson-like cult. This Must be the Place by Maggie O’Farrell (Headline) Riveting portrait of what holds a marriage together. The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry (Serpent’s Tail) A dazzling historical saga set in 19th-century England. Lyrebird by Cecilia Ahern (HarperCollins) A captivating story about a girl with an unusual gift. I See You by Clare Mackintosh (Sphere) Thriller that will stop you from travelling on the London tube again. Miss You by Kate Eberlen (Pan) This is an unconventional love story of two lovers kept apart by fate. What Alice Knew by TA Cotterell (Black Swan) A twisted thriller about…

SCENTS OF TIME Le Sablier Hourglass diffuser, £120, diptyqueparis.co.uk TOUCH OF SPARKLE Biba Marlene embroidered cushion, £35. Casa Couture Argento cushion, £40, both houseoffraser.co.uk HIGH SHINE Silver mules, £29.50, marksandspencer.com LET’S CELEBRATE Copper champagne bucket, £185, tomdixon.net. Distileria Bottega prosecco magnum, £49.99, selfridges.com BAGS OF STYLE Gold bag, £15, accessorize.com. Silver bag, £22, next.co.uk. Clutch, £39, Biba at houseoffraser.co.uk GOLDEN BUY Atelier Cologne Emeraude Agar, £220 for 200ml, harrods.com GLOW, GLISTEN, GLEAM Chanel Sublimage La Crème Yeux, £128, chanel.com. Revlon Colorstay crème eye shadow in 710, £9, boots.com. Hourglass Ambient Lighting bronzer, £45, spacenk.com. Cover FX Custom Enhancer drops in Rose Gold, £34, harveynichols.com PRECIOUS METALS Jewellery stand, £26, oliverbonas.com. Bangles, £6, accessorize.com. Ball bangle, £85; rose gold rings, from £30, all follifollie.co.uk. Silver rings, from £65, pandora.net…

THE DENIM DIARIES John Lewis taps LA’s rich denim heritage for its newest launch, AND/OR. Come the weekend, I want to wear most of this 90-piece collection, as it’s got that effortless relaxed feel. Selvedge jeans, £120, 26-34, available in store and at johnlewis.com DESIGNER STEAL One of my favourite shoe designers, Rupert Sanderson, has collaborated with Dune London to produce six styles, including this satin finish with Rupert’s signature scalloped edge. From £145, selected stores and dunelondon.com DUAL PURPOSE Make your accessories work harder by investing in a piece that does double duty. Sunglasses where the embellishment can also be worn as an earring? Yes please – from a selection, Jimmy Choo. A work bag with a detachable evening clutch – what’s not…

‘Louisa took her family to the other side of the world for a better life – who wouldn’t dream of that?’ THE STORY Based on Gerald Durrell’s classic memoir, My Family and Other Animals , The Durrells’ combination of a brilliant cast, sparkling script (thanks to Men Behaving Badly’s Simon Nye) and a backdrop of sun-drenched scenery is exactly what you want from Sunday night TV. The series follows the fortunes of the eccentric Durrell family’s four years spent in Corfu in the 1930s. Louisa, widowed and short of money, moves her children – Larry (Lawrence), Leslie, Margo and budding animal-lover Gerry (Gerald) – from Bournemouth to Corfu. Eight weeks is spent filming in Corfu, and then six weeks…

Sport England launched the This Girl Can campaign in 2015 following research that revealed a huge difference between the numbers of men and women who were playing sport. The advert showed women of various ages working out, sweating and their bodies wobbling; it was viewed online by 13 million people and helped 1.6 million women start – or restart – an activity. The new campaign is set to Maya Angelou’s poem Phenomenal Women , and sees women aged from 15 to 70 enjoying their favourite sport. “A new message this time is something women don’t usually hear: it’s OK to take a break, to have a week off, to walk not run,” says Jennie Price, chief executive of Sport England. “Many of the women we’ve featured talk about stopping, then…

Suzanne Venker, a self-confessed Alpha Wife, is convinced that in trying to be all things to all people and fulfil our true destiny as women, many of us are unwittingly putting strain on our marriages. • The Alpha Wife is easily identified as the woman who feels nervous or out of control when not in charge – both at home and at work. She might also be inclined to contradict her husband or tease him in public, talk over him or frequently interrupt. • An alpha husband will probably kick back and trigger fireworks, but if your partner has easy-going beta tendencies he’s more likely to stay quiet, convincing himself that the home is happier (and life is just easier) when you hold the reins. • “In taking over you…

THE LOOK Easy elegance PERFECT FOR A DINNER DATE • The matching top and bottom trend is a no-brainer – just keep fabrics on the luxe side (these are silk), so each piece drapes beautifully. • Avoid closed toed shoes – you don’t want to look too formal, but sandals in a neutral shade give it that easy edge. • Likewise, a clutch feels too try hard – a cross-body version will nail it. THE LOOK Sports luxe DRESS IT DOWN FOR A SHOPPING TRIP • A relaxed look doesn’t have to seem scruffy. Opting for tonal colours and adding a tailored long-line jacket keeps it on the smarter side. • Stay warm with simple layers: a zip-up hoodie can be peeled off for lunch. • Who wants to lug…

HOT HOUSE FLOWER The matchy-matchy trend continues strongly and is perfect if you don’t have time to think about what goes with what. Keep it chic with black accessories that pick out the outfit’s background colour. The print is the hero piece here so wear with low-key jewellery. “Anyone can pull off the sports luxe look – just add soft, drapey layers and go-anywhere slides” SPORTS LUxE Give an off-the-shoulder top and loose trousers a touch of cool nonchalance by dressing down with sporty slides. Loose layers are spot on for that relaxed, effortless look. Finish with a sporty backpack and you’re good to go. CARIBBEAN QUEEN A graphic striped sweater in Jamaican-inspired colours looks fresh with black shorts. Add further colour with fun pom-pom accessories. Black ties it all…

“So easy, so natural-looking and fades gradually (no patches!). LOVE it.” Fiona McKim, w&h Beauty Editor If you’re a seasoned self-tan fan, you’re probably au fait with St.Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower. Even bronzing novices will have heard about this revolutionary beauty buy. A convenient, light lotion that takes just three minutes to activate, St.Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower had pre-launch waiting lists of eager tan fans and has since become a multi-award winner. So what are the secret of its success? Innovation, ease and perfect results every time. St.Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower is the first tanning lotion that works in harmony with water to develop without streaks, telltale smells or that annoying wait to get dressed. Use it as part of your daily regime – apply to wet…

• If you’re a fan of blenders and brushes, do make sure you keep them clean, as make-up is a surefire way to encourage spots and blemishes on otherwise fresh skin. Best brush cleaner by far is the StylPro Makeup Brush Cleaner & Dryer, £49.99 at feelunique.com, that just makes it less of a chore. • Throw out any foundations you’ve kept longer than two years, especially if it’s not in a pump dispenser, as it oxidises every time you take the lid off; not to mention touching it with fingers. Plus new formulations are just getting better and better! • Holding onto a colour that isn’t quite the right shade for you? Really don’t bother. Chances of you, as busy as you are, spending time finding a different…

ZONE IN & SCULPT Get the knee perk New laser tech tackles “ninkles” – wrinkles above the knee – to help stimulate new collagen production that slows with age. Great for women over 45, therapist Debbie Thomas has launched her DNA Laser Ninkles Treatment that tackles the problem with a short-wave and long-wave Nd:YAG laser. “No matter how much you exercise, collagen depletion affects the skin above the knees with age, and laser helps boost collagen production.” NEED TO KNOW Pain-free, three to six treatments are recommended, £300 for 45 minutes. DIY Stretching forms of exercise, such as yoga and Pilates, target tiny muscles for a more sculpted silhouette. Slack skin Tighten up saggy skin with Ulthera (or Ultherapy), “one of the best-kept secrets in the industry,” says Dr Tracy…

It’s a common skincare conundrum; you want more than any cream can give, but the idea of ouchy needles and lasers still makes you squirm. Enter LED. Light has long been used by dermatologists at the fancier end of the market, but is now going mainstream, and with good reason. Firstly, it’s fast. A few mere minutes of light is enough to yield results. Secondly, it’s versatile. When LED light penetrates skin, it can boost a variety of functions determined by wavelength. So the shallowest, blue light, blitzes bacteria, red goes deeper, stimulating collagen, and infrared goes further still for an anti-inflammatory, healing response. Some results, like a nice glow, are immediate while some, like plumped skin or acne-clearing take a few sessions, but results you will absolutely get. Very…

“The magic of Gerald Durrell’s childhood can still be experienced, and it will be a privilege for me to watch as the sun, sea and flower-filled olive groves that so beguiled the young Gerry once again weave their spell.” Lee Durrell, naturalist, writer and film-maker A aside from Keeley Hawes, who plays a British widow who moved her family to Corfu in 1935, one of the biggest stars of ITV’s drama The Durrells is the island itself. Based on Gerald Durrell’s wonderful books, including My Family and Other Animals, the second series starts this month and, once again, many of us will start dreaming about visiting the sun-drenched Greek island. In fact, it’s almost impossible to read the books or watch the hit show without thinking, “I wish my family…

Most of us associate dieting with limiting how much and how often we eat. So the idea of following a plan that lets us eat six times a day AND gives us proper meals may seem far-fetched. But, say nutrition experts, it can be a winning formula to lose weight, especially if we struggle with energy dips or like to snack. Many nutritionists agree that eating lots of mini meals can make it easier to stick with a diet, so we’re more likely to reach our goal. Eating every three hours or so means blood sugar levels stay steadier, preventing drops that leave us tired and seeking out sugary foods to boost flagging energy levels. We’ve created the perfect plan that allows you to eat six meals a day! Just…

1 Warm, painful, red, swollen big toe… could be gout. A low-protein diet, staying hydrated and losing weight may help prevent future attacks. 2 Cold feet… could be an underactive thyroid. The GP can do a blood test to check thyroid hormone levels. Treatment involves taking levothyroxine, to top up thyroid hormone levels. 3 A cut or sore on your foot that isn’t healing… could be diabetes. See your GP, who can do a blood test to check. 4 Clubbed nails… could be a lung condition, heart disease or another serious health problem. Your GP can carry out tests. 5 Thick, crumbling, pitted or discoloured nails… could be psoriasis. Treatments include steroid creams, light therapy and oral or injected medications.…

THIS MONTH… BAD BREATH • AGE SPOTS • DIABETES • MEDICAL RECORDS Q I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a couple of years ago. I’m slowly losing the spare tyre my doctor said was to blame, but still need medication. Will I ever be cured of my condition? A In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. Fat cells cannot use insulin properly, and the more fat you have, the more insulin is required to control blood sugar levels. This means losing weight is really important, as this reduces insulin requirements. Some people find that reaching a healthy weight, taking regular exercise and eating a well-balanced diet means they can stop their medication. So think positive, keep going with your diet, but…

70s VIBE Aren’t these great? Bring back the 70s with hanging plant pots – so now. Spot Flower Oval Apple, £24; Linear Stem Apple enamel, £15, orlakiely.com CLASS ACT I can’t believe this fabulous teapot is so reasonable – they are normally much more dear. A perfect gift. Glass teapot, £16.99, homesense.com OUT OF AFRICA Rock both the monochrome and tribal trends. Vase, £25, debenhams.com GO TO BED Update your bedroom with paint splodge linen. Abstract bed linen set, £20, sainsburys. co.uk COLOUR AND PATTERN Brighten up your bathroom with fresh accessories. Havana tile dispenser, £5; tumbler, £3, george.com WIRED Want to update your lighting? It’s easy when you can buy funky lights for…

FIT AS A BUTCHER’S DOG You take him for walks, but is your pooch getting enough exercise to stay fit and healthy? The canine equivalent of a Fitbit, these trackers monitor activity so you know your best friend’s in his best shape. PitPat What is it? A collar-mounted fitness tracker for dogs. What does it do? Records how much time they’ve spent exercising and resting, how many calories burnt, and how much more they should do to stay fit. Pros Suitable for all breeds and ages, except young pups. Splashproof. No recharging – it uses a cell battery. Cons A PitPat can only link to one smartphone. £39.99, Argos FitBark What is it? A bow tie-shaped canine fitness tracker. What does it do? Monitors your dog’s activity, sleep, distance and…

Tell us about Anything is Possible … Anything is Possible is written in a similar way that Olive Kitteridge was written; each person gets their chance to have their story and they are all connected to each other in some way. Each character has their own story. I think my head works in a certain way at times, and the idea of stories – rather than a straight novel – helps me get down what I want to say about these people. What inspired the book? I was inspired to write these stories of their lives because as I heard Lucy Barton and her mother speak of these people, I thought: Oh, what fun, let’s have them have a chance too. Let’s see what happened to those…

Enterosgel® is an innovative drug-free intestinal adsorbent, developed for binding bacterial toxins, pathogens and allergens in the gastrointestinal tract, helping towards their excretion from the body naturally. It leaves behind the beneficial substances your body needs such as vitamins. Simply take ENTEROSGEL® with water an hour before or after food as a supportive treatment of diarrhoea, allergies with gastrointestinal disorders and IBS-D.…

I was diagnosed with IBS and some allergies last year. As a physical and nutritional practitioner who understands these conditions, I was devastated, suffering from regular diarrhoea and other IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. I took a lot of medical tests and tried food elimination diets, but no medicine or advice helped my condition. From the first day of using Enterosgel, my diarrhoea noticeably reduced. After a couple of weeks of using it, I noticed a huge difference in my general health. A month later, I had no symptoms of IBS or allergies. My confidence, looks and health had returned. A year later, I am married, pregnant and eating the food I like without IBS symptoms. Full credit to Enterosgel, I now have a happy professional and…

Star sign of the month GEMINI 22 MAY – 22 JUNE Appearances are deceptive. When situations are in transition they give off false signals. A setback is an opportunity and a gift may come with unwanted obligations. For weekly updates, call 09058-170543* THE MONTHS AHEAD The summer months may not deliver all you wanted and more but wait until November – a time of rewards and reckonings. To hear a detailed breakdown of the next few months, phone Penny on 09058-170092* CANCER 23 JUNE – 23 JULY You’re doing too much. Take a break on or near the 15th and don’t let a molehill morph into a mountain. The weekend of the 24th has sparkles all over it. Weekly update 09058-170544* Year ahead 09058-170093* LEO 24 JULY – 23 AUGUST…

On his new book… You’ll want this to hand if you’re planning a big dinner party. I wanted to include all the recipes I loved growing up – each with a healthy twist – so there’s everything from spaghetti Bolognese to chilli con carne. There are treats too – we need a guilty pleasure now and again. On his roots… I grew up on a council estate and I wasn’t very academic. I thought I’d be a PE teacher and when that didn’t work out, I started my own boot camp. That led to me making workout videos for social media – and people started asking me questions about diet and fitness. That was my launchpad. On being a sex symbol… Am I one? I don’t see myself that way.…