Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2017 i Woman & Home

“Women don’t want to be defined by their age – that’s just a number on your passport. Being ageless is about having a ‘can do’ attitude. Everything really is possible” “ You are always at the heart of everything we do” I’ve had the time of my life as Editorial Director of woman&home. I joined w&h in 2000, and now, almost 200 issues later, I still feel as passionate about this magazine as I was the first day I started. It’s true what they say – time flies when you’re enjoying yourself. My vision was to make w&h the first brand to recognise that women didn’t want to be defined by their age. I’ve always believed that being ageless is an attitude, not a number on your passport.…

SAY IT WITH PEARLS MAKE IT A MINI GO HIGH, GO LOW BIG IT UP • Shot on location at The Racketeer, London’s hippest independent cocktail bar, just opened in the heart of King’s Cross, theracketeer.co.uk…

“It’s so important to have the freedom to be who we are – at any age” HELEN MIRREN is married to American director Taylor Hackford. She splits her time between London, the US and Italy. It might sound like a contradiction, but my tip for living agelessly is to recognise the fact that you are ageing – and to accept that. In my mid-twenties, my mother said, “Never be afraid of getting older because something amazing happens.” And it’s true. When you’re 25, the thought of being 45 is terrifying, but you get to 45 and go, “Hey, actually, this is cool, I like it.” Everything about you changes and you find that you’re in the right place at the right time. The best thing about being this age is…

When I first started modelling in my twenties, I never dreamed that I’d be working after 30 – let alone at 50! But here I am, still in front of the camera. Not only that, I’m lucky enough to be doing some fantastic jobs. For instance, I recently flew to Vancouver for a commercial, and it was like zipping back to the good old 80s when you always had a “down day” to explore. I managed to fit in a trek in the breathtaking Grouse Mountain. Since then, I’ve done shoots for L’Oréal, Boots, Matalan and Westfield among others. These days, not only am I busier than I’ve ever been but my voice actually counts. In fact, that’s the main difference between modelling now and when I was in my…

“Is there anything I can do now to prevent hair thinning before it starts?” Yes – avoid stress, imbalanced food and strong weight loss diets. Additional maintenance of healthy hair can be provided by the Plantur 39 caffeine complex. “How should I wash and dry my thin hair at home, and how often should I do it?” Daily hair washing is fine if you use a very gentle shampoo formula. The Plantur series has been developed with dermatologists and is recommended for daily use. Dry your hair with a hairdryer on a low temperature setting. “I started the menopause last year and my hair is thinning. Why is this?” In menopause, women undergo a deep hormonal change, with the loss of the female hormone estrogen, which protects the hair root…

BREAKFAST FULL ENGLISH BAP A wholemeal roll filled with slices of lean smoked bacon, large tomatoes and field mushrooms, and an egg fried using low-calorie spray – sunny-side up! LUNCH JACKET POTATO WITH MIXED BEANS AND SALAD Simple yet satisfying! Pile a generous serving of Heinz Five Beanz on top of a large jacket potato, with a big helping of crispy salad. DINNER CHICKEN CURRY AND RICE A homemade chicken curry with rice always hits the spot – it’s even tastier than the takeaway version! Enjoy with a glass of wine or beer. SNACKS Loads of fresh fruit and a 2-finger KitKat. For more information, including the delicious chicken curry recipe, go to slimmingworld.co.uk…

A pop of colour ties it all together KATIE PALMER, 40, is a branding strategist for the fair trade fashion pioneer People Tree; peopletree.co.uk The Sports Luxe Aficionado • Always on the go and prize comfort above all else? This one’s for you. • The key to getting it right is to temper loose layers with one well-cut tailored piece. • Up your texture game too as it’s the mixture of fabrics that will keep this looking polished. A faux fur coat adds a level of luxury KATHY HILL, 60, lives in London and is an Airbnb host. The Ladylike Look • Think ultra feminine in soft colours, which are taken up a notch in tones of pink. • Flattering tailoring is the lynchpin to getting it right.…

Following the huge popularity of our first ever woman&home holiday to see the Northern Lights with Michaela Strachan, we’re delighted to launch a new Northern Lights adventure – in the company of special guests (pictured): Dallas Campbell, the passionate star of popular BBC science shows Stargazing Live , Horizon and The Treasure Hunters , plus w&h’s resident astrologer Penny Thornton. During this exclusive w&h holiday, you’ll join Dallas for a private talk and Q&A about his globetrotting TV adventures, the science of stargazing and his new book about space travel. You’ll also take a guided trip with Dallas to visit beautiful Nordkapp, the northernmost place in Europe – plus hear a fantastic, award-winning talk by Dr Tamsin Edwards about how…

When bad things happen to good cells When the cells in our body get worn out and stop dividing and renewing in the normal cycle, they are called senescent cells. These release toxins that can damage surrounding healthy tissue, which contributes to the ageing of vital organs. • NEW RESEARCH? A drug that can kill these worn-out cells, while leaving healthy cells undamaged, has recently been discovered by Dr Diana Jurk and a team at Newcastle University Institute for Ageing. Their breakthrough research, so far only in mice, revealed that using this drug to kill senescent cells both reduced liver fat and restored liver function to normal. The drug – one of a new class called “senolytics” – was a combination of a chemotherapy drug already in use and quercetin,…

SAMIA AL QADHI is CEO of the charity Breast Cancer Care, which was the first charity to adopt the Pink Ribbon in its campaign to raise awareness. Breast Cancer Awareness Month began in the early 90s in the USA, when Evelyn Lauder introduced the idea. The businesswoman, socialite and philanthropist was a true inspiration; she also had personal experience of breast cancer and was determined to address a lack of funding in breast cancer research at the time. Evelyn worked with Alexandra Penney, the former editor-in-chief of Self magazine, and together they launched a special issue to highlight breast awareness, and devised the concept of the Pink Ribbon. The campaign started small, with Evelyn largely financing the little pink bows given to women at department store make-up counters to remind…

IN SEASON Autumn brings an abundance of delicious fruit with apples, plums, pears, damsons and blackberries to choose from. The game season is in its early days, with pheasant, pigeon and partridge. Oysters and mussels are back on the menu too. There are plenty of great veg around, including courgettes, runner beans, tomatoes, cabbage and chicory. We’ve a delicious tomato chutney recipe on womanandhome.com , which is great with Wensleydale cheese. BOOK OF THE MONTH  trullo The Cookbook by Tim Siadatan (Square Peg) The fabulous restaurant trullo is not far from my home and I have been waiting for this book for some time. The ethos is simple – great Italian food made with fabulous ingredients, cooked from the heart. A book for everyone who loves great…

ABOUT OUR EXPERT Christelle Guibert grew 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’s now the Tastings Director at Decanter , overseeing tastings for the magazine and the Decanter World Wine Awards. She also tends one hectare of Melon de Bourgogne in Muscadet, producing 2,000 bottles a year of Terre de Gneiss. Bonnet-Huteau, Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Sur Lie, Loire, France 2015, 12%, £10.95, Tanners This lusty white from biodynamic producers Jean-Jacques and Rémi Bonnet is refreshing and crisp, with aromas of lemon fruit and white fruits. It’s pure on the palate with a beautifully poised acidity and lively, mouth-filling texture,…

“We love to cook and we love to eat, so we spend a huge amount of time in the extension” When Natalie and Tom Routledge and their sons, Jake, 14, and Sam, 11, moved to London nine years ago from New York, they chose Richmond for its open spaces and its transport links to the hospitals, where Tom works as a consultant surgeon. “I was brought up in north London but I would often come to Richmond as a teenager – I knew it would be a great place to bring up the boys,” Natalie adds. Over the years, they have adapted the house to suit the needs of their growing family, the first phase being the kitchen extension. “Originally, the kitchen was a tiny room at the end of…

CURL UP WITH The Break by Marian Keyes (Michael Joseph) Letting her husband Hugh go off on a six-month break to South East Asia seems the best chance Amy has of saving her marriage. But if he’s on a break, she must be too. A glorious, life-affirming novel with Keyes on top form. COMPELLING CRIME The Seagull by Ann Cleeves (Macmillan) DI Vera Stanhope reopens a cold case that brings her up against a corrupt ex-cop and her own background. Darker and more intricate than ever, the novel shows a new side to Vera as she confronts her prejudices and the past. THOUGHT-PROVOKING The Wardrobe Mistress by Patrick McGrath (Hutchinson) Set in a London theatre in 1947, wardrobe mistress Joan Grice is mourning her late husband when she makes a…

SANDRA KEARNS is my brilliant assistant. She keeps me organised, on track and generally on time – I simply could not have functioned without her. She is the bedrock of the w&h team. EMMA JUSTICE is my BSME-awardwinning deputy – I was so proud when she won this year. She’s funny, warm and great at her job, and fixed some of our bestselling cover stars. TESSA HILTON, editor at large, turns our ideas into top-quality features, which make w&h stand out from the rest. She has launched many top writers and is an incredible mentor. CARRIE TAYLOR, associate editor and editor of Feel Good You , is calm, extremely organised and very capable. She’s a great problem-solver with a dry sense of humour – the perfect…

ISSA ARRIVES AT HOUSE OF FRASER I’m delighted to announce that Issa has relaunched under House of Fraser’s stewardship. The brand known primarily for that blue wrap dress Kate Middleton wore for the engagement photo keeps true to its roots with fun prints, flatter-every-figure wrap dresses and colour. We love it. From £25-£199. Pink ‘Kate’ wrap dress, £109; Marabou jacket, £149; leopard dress, £99, Yellow ‘Mila’ embellished dress, £179; all 8-18, houseoffraser.co.uk MY NEWEST DISCOVERY Tried and tested. This is so comfy you forget you’re wearing it. Irréstible non-wired bra, £52, 34-40, A-E, matching briefs, £20, xs-2xl, Chantelle GOOD LUCK CHARM How many times have you “touched wood” for good luck? Fine jeweller Annoushka has launched Touch Wood, a beautiful collection where every piece contains ebony. Ensure luck and protection…

WORK SMART OVER CASUAL Coat, £149, 6-18, Linea at House of Fraser. Hoodie, £79, xs-xl, Baukjen ADD A BELT Belt, £100, Elliot Rhodes WORK IT BACK TO FRONT Sweater, £88, s-l, Paisie. Lariat, £85, Stella & Dot CLASH TWO COLOURS Knit, £75, 6-18, Finery. Coat, £429, 10-22, Madeleine. Trousers, £30, 8-18, Very ADD A BLINGY BROOCH Trench, £89, 8-22, Autograph at Marks & Spencer. Crystal arrow evil eye brooch, £32, Butler & Wilson. Black crystal brooch, £98, Coccinelle. Belt, £75, Baukjen WEAR A GILET OVER YOUR JACKET Gilet, £69.95, xs-xxl, Gap. Jacket, £400, 6-16, Jigsaw. Roll-neck, £29.95, s-l, United Colors of Benetton. Trousers, £350, 4-14, Reiss MAKE YOUR DRESS A SHIRT Dress, £45, 8-22, Marks & Spencer. Bag, £495, Aspinal of London. Jeans, £20, 8-20, Matalan. Shoes, £140, Jones Bootmaker…

Birthdays have nothing to do with ageing On the 12 October I will be 73. At least, that’s according to my birth certificate, a piece of paper that calculates the number of years I have spent on this earth. And frankly, as far as I am concerned – that’s all it is. Because in my head, I’m still in my forties. And in terms of my physical health and wellbeing, I’m a good 20 years younger than that paper calculation. And you know what? I’m not alone. Thousands of women over 60 feel the same. Isn’t it great being alive in this the 21st century when advances in medical science are helping us to live longer, healthy lives? The knowledge we now have about diet and exercise is keeping us…

Like much of the nation, I was completely gripped by the first series of Doctor Foster back in September 2015. But it was also uncomfortable viewing, dredging up a raft of painful memories. Just three months earlier, my husband had left me for another woman. Edward and I met in August 1996. We worked for the same airline, me as cabin crew, him as a newly qualified pilot. We often flew together and it was a fun, exciting time. He was 6ft tall, slim, with dark hair and a dry sense of humour. He was the same age as me and we were friends initially but there was a real chemistry between us, and when he asked me out for a drink, that was it. Within…

BUSINESS: DAME MARY PERKINS DAME MARY PERKINS, 73, is the co-founder of Specsavers. She started the optical retail chain with her husband, Doug, in 1984. It is now the largest privately owned opticians in the world, employing over 30,000 staff, and has a turnover of £2.5 billion. She and Doug live in Guernsey and have three grown-up children. Specsavers was started on a ping-pong table in our spare room! We sold our first business, a chain of opticians around Bristol, for £2m in 1980. Theoretically, we could have retired in our thirties. We moved to Guernsey where my parents had retired, but I found it impossible to do nothing, even with small children! Plus I think it would have been a bad example for them to have seen us not…

PHYTO-CAFFEINE SHAMPOOS Choose from two caffeine-rich shampoos that help reduce thinning hair. Simply leave on your scalp for two minutes before rinsing. • Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo for Coloured and Stressed Hair protects with provitamin B5 and wheat. • Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo for Fine, Brittle Hair contains conditioning agents to ensure your hair maintains volume. PHYTO-CAFFEINE TONIC This caffeine complex – with caffeine, zinc and niacin – is perfect if you want to reduce hair loss but don’t want to shampoo your hair daily. • Apply directly to hair roots and massage into the scalp; don’t rinse it off. The formula penetrates the hair follicle, and its vitamins, salts and phyto-active substances provide protection from the effects of testosterone for the whole day. PHYTO-CAFFEINE CONDITIONERS These are perfect if you want more intense…

1 Keep calm & meditate It’s official, meditation can keep you young. “Having a regular meditation routine has been found to offset the age-related thinning of the prefrontal cortex of the brain,” says expert Sandy Newbigging, author of Calm Cure . “One study by the University of California found there was an increase in telomerase (the enzyme that builds telomeres) activity, and, quite remarkably, it found that meditation could slow the ageing process of cells.” Let’s start now… SANDY’S EASY MEDITATION… • With eyes open, be gently alert with your attention wide open. Don’t look to the left and right or up and down, instead, simply let your field of vision open up so that you have a forward and wide gaze. • After a few…

FLEXIBILITY Maintaining good flexibility is vital for everything, from preventing injury to maintaining healthy joints. • BEST SPORT Dancing is your flexibility friend. Whether you’re a salsa or Zumba fan, using a wide range of movement is great news for looser limbs. • BEST CLASS You might want to mix up your dancing with yoga. • BEST EQUIPMENT A resistance band adds intensity to a stretch – you can buy them for about £10 on amazon.co.uk. • BEST ANYTIME, ANYWHERE MOVE The Pilates Roll Up stretches upper and lower body. Sit on the floor with knees bent and feet flat, hip distance apart. Extend your arms in front of you. Inhale: lift up from the base of your spine. Exhale: begin to roll down your spine, creating a C curve…

BELT IT Never underestimate the importance of a belt when it comes to styling your outfit. It’s ideal for nipping you in and creating an hourglass shape. Plus, it can add a dash of colour or bling to the simplest outfit. ADD A SCARF The standout accessory of the season has to be a silk scarf. Wear it around your neck to disguise a bigger bust, as a belt to define your waist, or around your bag to shift the focus. Choose the brightest print you can find to amp up your look. WORK ONE PIECE Want that perfect piece you can instantly dress up or down? Cue the jumpsuit. Not only is it a great go-to for easy style, but it’s also perfect for balancing out your silhouette if…

“Never underestimate your skin’s ability to tell you what it loves and hates” OK don’t get me wrong, I rather love my skin and I’m doing my damnedest to look after it on a daily basis, but there’s just no way on this planet I will have, or have ever had, either the time or the inclination to layer on the 15 or so (at last count) different products that have fast become the regime rage with women across the globe, especially Asia. And here in the UK, we’re catching up! That basic three-step regime we all came to understand has been usurped by a multi-layering frenzy that’s fast becoming the norm. I love a layer or two, as skin feels more indulged and preened as a result, but…

Although just a short ferry ride off the coast of Cornwall, the beautiful, unspoilt Isles of Scilly feel like another world – with only 2,000 people living on the five inhabited islands. Thanks to the islands’ unique geography, there’s a wonderful array of flora and fauna. More than 400 varieties of seabirds, waders and migrants can be spotted throughout the year. Spring is when birds in song display brightly coloured breeding plumage, while April also sees the arrival of breeding puffins. The coastlines will be awash with alliums, wild primroses and sea thrift, and there’ll also be the chance to spot rare plants such as orange bird’s foot and dwarf pansy. For this exclusive w&h escorted tour, you’ll be staying at the St Mary’s Hall Hotel on St Mary’s, visit…

Two things are essential if you’re interested in having something done: take your time and do your research. There are hundreds of brilliant doctors, surgeons and nurses who get excellent results, but the whole area of cosmetic treatments is perilously under-regulated and almost anyone can set themselves up as a practitioner. HOW TO CHOOSE A SPECIALIST Personal recommendation is best. Alternatively, look for a practitioner who is a member of a relevant industry body: the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (bcam.ac.uk), whose members are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC); the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (bacn.org.uk); the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (baaps.org.uk); the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (bapras.org.uk); or the British Association of Dermatologists (bad.org.uk). The GMC has a leaflet on what…

More than 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK – that’s 150 cases a day. Though a few (around 390 cases) occur in men, the vast majority of cases are in women, and one in eight will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their life. So it’s not surprising I am often asked about increased risk of breast cancer following a relative’s diagnosis. The first step is to discover your family history. Research first-degree relatives’ health, but also the incidence among grandparents, uncles, nieces and nephews. Age of diagnosis is also important. See your GP to discuss your risk if you have: • Three close relatives from the same side of the family diagnosed at any age. • Two close relatives from…

Maxine Benson MBE and Karen Gill MBE started iconic women’s business networking organisation everywoman (everywoman.com) nearly 18 years ago. Since then, they’ve helped over 20,000 women achieve their career goals. They’ve created a brand new initiative, the everywoman Entrepreneur Programme, which will start in 2018. This will be an online service helping women access everything they need to start and grow their own business, with help and mentoring from award-winning entrepreneurs, including Dame Mary Perkins, ambassador of the programme and founder of Specsavers. But you don’t need to wait until next year to benefit. Read Karen and Maxine’s tips to take the next step. Be an ENTREPRENEUR… Sometimes, being an intrapreneur can be a springboard to being an entrepreneur and running your own show. It’s rewarding and addictive but it’s…

You can never have too many chicken dishes in your repertoire! Full of flavour, easy to make and ready in an hour EMBRACE SPANISH & PORTUGUESE FLAVOURS Chicken in garlic and sherry sauce Such a simple dish, best served with a crunchy green salad and some sautéed or steamed potatoes. Easy • Ready in 1 hr • Serves 4 4tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 bay leaves 8 garlic cloves, unpeeled 8 chicken thighs, skin on and bone in 75ml dry sherry 2tsp pimentón 4tbsp chopped fresh parsley 1 Put the oil, bay and garlic into a small pan and leave to infuse over a low heat for 15 mins. Heat the oven to 180, gas 4. Put the oil, bay and garlic into a large sauté pan. Season the chicken…

8 DAYS FULL-BOARD FROM ONLY £1,199pp River cruising is a wonderful way to explore the heart of Europe. Relaxing on board luxury five-star vessels in the company of like-minded people, you will discover exciting new cities, dramatic terraced vineyards, gentle rolling countryside and fabulous fairy tale castles. You’ll make new friends over a refreshing drink or while enjoying a fine evening meal, and find yourself captivated by new experiences. There’s a great deal included in a river cruise, making it excellent value for money. You’ll have return flights from a choice of regional airports or return Eurostar from your local station, beautifully appointed cabins with private bathrooms, river views and hotel-sized beds. The cuisine on board is excellent, with full-board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on…

FINISHING TOUCHES Vases are another great idea to give an existing room a fresh look. Group together and choose different finishes and heights for impact. Metallic vase, £19, very.co.uk . Amber vase, £12, tesco.com MAKE A STATEMENT Instead of looking at an empty fireplace, use this beautiful, sophisticated fireguard to make a feature of it. Lapis Arabesque Fire Screen in Gold, £105, outthereinteriors.com WINNING COMBINATION Dark green marble and gold geo legs make an elegant team for a neat side table, great for a small space. Ava side table, £199, marksandspencer.com GOLDEN GLOW Statement candleholders add a modern touch. Gold strand candleholder, £18, curiousegg.com FABULOUS FUR Who wouldn’t want to wrap up in this? It will look sumptuous on your sofa. Chestnut brown bear faux…

In the Midst of Life by Jennifer Worth (W&N) Final collection of the true stories from the author of Call the Midwife. City of Friends by Joanna Trollope (Pan) Four women juggle domestic life with their careers. Insightful and topical. The Good People by Hannah Kent (Picador) Bewitching story of 19th-century rural Ireland, based on reality. My Mother’s Shadow by Nikola Scott (Headline) Emotional and involving story of a child and a mother’s secret. Keep Me Safe by Daniela Sacerdoti (Headline Review) Mysterious tale of a child’s “other life” on a tiny island. The Best of Adam Sharp by Graeme Simsion (Penguin) Author of The Rosie Project returns with a wry romantic comedy. The Fatal Tree…

We’re delighted to invite you to join Penny Vincenzi and woman&home on the stunning rooftop of Penny’s publishers, Headline Review. Penny will be in conversation with w&h Books Editor Fanny Blake, talking about her novels, from Old Sins to her highly anticipated new release, A Question of Trust , her life as a writer and much more! A Question of Trust is vintage Penny Vincenzi: rich with characters, life-changing decisions, glamour, love, desire and conflict. It is Penny’s first book for three years. Set in 1950s London, we’ll meet Tom Knelston – charismatic, working class and driven by ambition, ideals and passion. His wife Alice shares his vision. It seems they are the perfect match. Then out of the blue, Tom will meet Diana Southcott, a fashion model. An exciting…

Star sign of the month LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 23 OCTOBER You have the astrological winds behind you. Months, if not years, of effort and preparation are rewarded. Get moving and motoring. For weekly updates, call 09058-170547* THE MONTHS AHEAD  Money is the big story from October onwards. This and a higher profile bring personal and professional fulfilment. Home moves are best made in January. To hear a detailed breakdown of the next few months, phone Penny on 09058-170476* SCORPIO 24 OCTOBER – 22 NOVEMBER On the 10th, Jupiter enters your sign all set to make the next 12 months the best in a decade. Prepare to shed some unwanted baggage. Weekly update 09058-170548* Six months ahead 09058-170477* SAGITTARIUS 23 NOVEMBER – 22 DECEMBER It’s all about teamwork. Only the…

On his Zoo Quest adventures… As part of filming [the 1954-1963 BBC series], we maintained this business that I was collecting stuff for London Zoo. And London Zoo would say, “We don’t want that, so we’ll exchange with another zoo – unless you want them?” One of the things I brought back was a pair of bush babies. We gave them a special room in our home. On his favourite wildlife experience… I would say getting up before dawn and going to a hide we had built in northern Australia. Going there in the pitch dark and just watching dawn, watching the animals coming to this billabong. You suddenly saw a kind of prelapsarian, paradisiacal, Rousseauesque, Breughel-like world of the Garden of Eden. On having regrets… I’ve been just so…

W&H BONUS The Little Black Book of Christmas gifts For him, her, couples & kids of all ages! 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 complaints@timeinc.com or write to Complaints Manager, Time Inc. (UK) Ltd Legal Department, 161 Marsh Wall, London, England E14 9AP. Please provide details of the material you are complaining about and explain your complaint by reference to the Editors’ Code. We will endeavour to acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days and we aim to correct substantial errors as soon as possible.…

Perfect summer escape? I’d rather be at home than anywhere in the world! What can’t you live without? Really good food. I get cross if food is bad. What has Bake Off taught you so far? That making TV can be fun. Signature bake? Polenta cake. What kind of grandmother are you? Neglectful. What’s the one thing you want to master? I want to be able to sing. I’ve tried – and I cannot. What are you best at? I have lots of energy so I don’t get tired. And worst? I’m very tactless and often offend people. The mantra you live by? Never be bored. And don’t eat anything if it’s not worth the calories!…

LONG STORY • Invest in a pair of wide woollen pants. Work or weekend, they’re a smart buy you can pull off with a blouse or a big knit. • Who says you have to buy a black coat? Try something different with a crisp, pale finish. • Ladylike bags are looking like the front runner for fall. Structured, sturdy and super stylish. CHECK MATE • Want to up your workwear game? Time to try on the trouser suit. Trust us, it’s back. • Choose a Prince of Wales or a houndstooth-type check and team with a fashionable fine knit. • Slim-cut pants work best with stilettos. Find a heel you know you can handle and you’re ready to do business. WOW FACTOR • If you’re buying just one new…

‘I have a problem with clothes, but shoes always fit, even on the fattest of days!’ Maybe I buy things that look good in the store… I am definitely not a hoarder. I religiously clean out my wardrobes every six months and only a few, and I mean a few, items remain until the next purge. Discarded clothes, some only worn once, go into black bin bags; I usually give them to people I know and charity shops. I am so grateful when they are out of the door, out of my way. I just don’t understand fashion. I don’t know the difference between a statement piece and a traditional classic. What does an “investment” piece mean? Is it that it costs more than £500, or does it mean…

There used to be a certain colour of clothing that I am sure manufacturers felt was ideally suited to people of my age and beyond. It was a sort of beige but, actually, to classify it as such would be pretty unfair to beige. It was dull, tan-like, light as dried mud, and it fell somewhere between dismal and neutral. I called it “dun”, not only as in “dun-roamin’” but as in “dun-with-everything”. That colour seemed to signify everything that is the opposite of the way we now live our lives and has, thankfully, been consigned to fashion history. That’s not to say finding the right clothes for my (mental) age is always easy. I turned 60 last year and, on holiday, I bought two (yes, two!) jackets in a…

As you get older, you either get braver or your world shrinks a bit CLARE BALDING OBE bounds into the restaurant as instantly likeable, enthusiastic and fizzing with facts as she is on TV. We’re here to talk about The Racehorse Who Disappeared , the sequel to The Racehorse Who Wouldn’t Gallop , Clare’s first book for seven-13 year-olds, which received rave reviews when it was published last year – from adults as well as children. Clare’s horsey upbringing was the inspiration for the books: she was raised in Hampshire where her father trained racehorses. Best known for her broadcasting – everything from six Olympics to presenting Crufts – Clare’s autobiography, My Animals And Other Family, shot to number one in the The Sunday…

“Why shouldn’t I look for love in my sixties?” ELAINE KINGETT, 68, is a writer. She lives in London and has three children. Like most women who find themselves dating in their sixties, I’ve had moments where I’ve thought, “How did this happen?” It’s not something you plan for at this stage in life, but I’m grateful that my generation of women have the option to look for a partner. In the past, a single woman my age had to accept she was probably going to be a spinster for the rest of her days. Today, there’s no cut-off age and women come to the dating scene by different paths, whether it’s through widowhood, divorce or simply having never met the right man, but it’s becoming less and less of…

1 We don’t need to completely cut out animal foods, but plant foods should be at the centre of our diet if we want to live healthier lives, says Lynne Garton, dietitian and co-author of The Plant-Based Plan . “Studies have found eating more plant foods such as fruit, veg, beans, lentils, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and soya have several health benefits, such as a lower risk of heart disease, certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Adding more healthy vegetarian dishes to your weekly menu is a great way to enjoy a wider variety of plant foods and make them a more prominent part of your diet.” At the same time, to reduce the risk of bowel cancer, health experts recommend limiting processed meats like ham and bacon and eating…

Keep skin clean and feeling fresh with this gentle foaming cleanser, part of L’OCCITANE’s award-winning Immortelle range. Use daily to gently cleanse the face and the powers of organic immortelle floral water will eliminate impurities, leaving skin feeling silky soft. Its foam texture gives a unique moment of relaxation, making it the perfect way to start and end your day. To claim your luxury Precious Cleansing Foam 50ml, head to www.womanandhome.com/lcoffer to collect your exclusive voucher. Simply fill out your details to receive your unique code and present this at your nearest L’OCCITANE boutique before 30 September 2017. PLUS EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT FOR W&H READERS! We all know the importance of a good skincare routine and, along with the chance to redeem this delightful cleanser, L’Occitane invites woman&home readers to discover…

FLORAL FANCY • The only way to wear floral print for autumn is with a black background. • Darker denim is the perfect partner to balance your look. DARK STAR • Black separates are given a new-season spin with high shine and stud detailing. Tick that new trend box with a bell-sleeved blouse. • Not bought a disco boot yet? These black heeled sparklers are on our shopping list.…

“On top of better digestion and elimination, I have seen improvements in sleep, moods, behaviour and other seemingly unrelated problems such as allergies and eczema”Dr. ARTURO M. VOLPE IF you are living with IBS, you will already be aware of the frustration it can instill in sufferers, the unpredictability with which it strikes, and the debilitating effects of its symptoms. Your days have to be planned with military precision, making sure that you’re never far from a loo! This can be tiring and stressful, to the point where many sufferers simply stay home when IBS strikes. For others, getting a diagnosis is a battle in itself. For those lucky enough to manage their condition whilst living a relatively normal life, there is the inevitable concoction of medications, pharmacy visits, doctors…

It was so exhilarating and challenging, and there was a great camaraderie Over the years, I have had many different homes and enjoyed renovating them, changing the looks and colour schemes. My husband and I bought a large, run-down house in the South of France, overlooking Pampelonne Beach and the Mediterranean, which we renovated to become one of the top hotels in St Tropez. We had no experience in running a hotel, but created a place that we would like to stay in and, luckily, this attracted like-minded guests. This is when my passion for interior design really came through. The hotel gave me great creative scope to try different interior schemes and colours, but I also had to bear in mind the practical requirements of our guests. There were…

Plum and marzipan cake Indulgent and super moist… the marzipan is a real surprise treat. Easy/Prepare ahead • Ready in 1 hr 15 mins • Serves 12 300g self-raising flour, sifted 150g butter, cut into small cubes 100g caster sugar finely grated zest of 1 orange 2 free-range eggs, beaten 100ml milk 350g firm plums, halved, stoned and sliced 100g white marzipan, cut into small cubes 2tbsp redcurrant, cranberry or quince jelly 20g flaked almonds, toasted icing sugar, to decorate you will need a 20cm deep, loose-bottomed cake tin, greased and the base lined with baking parchment 1 Heat the oven to 180C, gas 4. Put the flour and butter in the bowl of a food processor and whizz until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Put the mixture in a…

PATTERN PERFECT Add patterned cushions to plain bedding for a co-ordinated look that will help bring all your colours together SITTING PRETTY So useful in a bedroom, but this chair would look fantastic anywhere. Napea occasional armchair in night-grey velvet, £875, outthereinteriors.com WALL ART Instead of a piece of art, a striking mirror makes an impact. This retro one is on trend and stunning against a dark wall. Gold sunbeam mirror, £149.99, very.co.uk LIGHTING UPDATE Ditch the single pendant and bring lighting up to date with a cluster design – oodles of style for any room. Pendant, £219.99, wayfair.com PURE LUXURY There’s nothing as luxurious as silk bed linen, so indulge… even if it’s just a pillow! St Tropez silk bed linen, from £39, gingerlily.co.uk FAB FLOORING Rugs…

“Writing began as a means to perform. It’s one of my favourite parts of my job” Miranda, 44, was raised in Hampshire and, after Downe House boarding school, did a degree in politics at the University of the West of England, Bristol. She spent several years on the stand-up circuit before appearing in Smack the Pony, Absolutely Fabulous and Not Going Out . Her award-winning sitcom, Miranda – which she wrote and starred in – began in 2009, and in 2012, she began appearing in the BBC One drama, Call the Midwife , playing “Chummy”. Miranda penned her first book, Is It Just Me? later that year, followed by The…

Although our UK weather may not always be spectacular, much of our countryside is, and Derbyshire and the Peak District, the setting for Cathy’s new novel, is a great place for a staycation. There’s everything from countryside walks, quaint villages, historic houses and gardens, and bustling towns. The area includes the stunning Chatsworth House, wild moorland, caves, rolling hills, high peaks for walks and cycle trails, and peaceful villages. The Lemon Tree Café is set in just such a village, but when heroine Rosie takes her Nonna to confront her difficult past in Sorrento, Italy, you discover a contrasting destination… this gateway to the Amalfi Coast is an historic resort town, straddling the cliffs overlooking Naples Bay and Mount Vesuvius. Visitors sip coffee in the town square, shop for high-quality…