Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2016 i Woman & Home

How do you unwind? A cup of tea (or glass of wine!), a hot bath, a massage… each of us has a favourite way to chillax. As our columnist Karren Brady says, “For me, relaxing is doing something I want, not something I have to do” ( p19 ). For many of us, it means getting stuck into a good book – which is why we’ve dedicated our Bonus to the 100 best holiday reads. We also asked you to vote for your favourites in our first Readers’ Choice Book Awards (see p185). Don’t buy or download a book before you read it! I know that switching off isn’t always easy, so I’ve been trying some of the tips on p38. Eating more mindfully, closing your eyes or writing down…

“The Countryfile presenters only meet up all together to film ‘the final goodbye’ and then we have such a laugh” First whisked off on Strictly’s live tour, Anita then swapped dance shoes for wellies to return to BBC One’s Countryfile . Since she joined earlier last year, it has recorded its biggest ever audience at 8.7 million viewers. Anita also appeared on BBC One’s Who Do You Think You Are? to trace the history of her maternal grandfather, Sant Singh, whose first wife, Pritam, died during the Partition of India in 1947. The Bradford-born presenter lives in East London with her husband, Bhupi, a technology executive. On breaking down barriers… There were times growing up when I thought my…

TAKE IT TO THE MAX • What’s not to love about a swishy floor-sweeping maxi dress? Fit for any occasion, it’s a stylish summer investment. • Choose a bold print but in understated colours… keep it smart and you’ll keep it sophisticated. • Up the glam factor with a bandeau-style headband. So retro, but so now. GET SHIRTY • So versatile, the summer shirt dress will be your work-to-weekend superhero. • Button it, roll it, cinch it or just wear it loose… reinvent it week on week. • A luxurious bag will get everyone talking. Treat yourself to a trendier take on a classic. GREAT LENGTHS • If you’re brave enough for body-con, then this is the dream dress to cling to those curves. • Work a woven texture with…

1. Identify what’s beyond your control It’s hard to think clearly when stressed, our minds whirring with “what ifs”. Take five minutes to identify what you’re worried about, then ask yourself if you have any control over it. If the answer is yes, then resolve to do it. If it’s no, agree to let go – and make “it is what it is” your mantra. 2. Put pen to paper Find somewhere to sit with pen and paper – writing manually is important as it’s a break from normal life. Write out your worries, your fears, whatever is on your mind – then when five minutes is up, stop. Burn the contents or stick it in the bottom drawer. The point is to get it out your head. 3. Play…

You’ve got to be mad to open a hotel – you have every tiny detail to stress over CREATING A DREAM ‘ The Siam Hotel was our third baby and our longest pregnancy!’ Melanie Giles-Clapp, 42, is married to Krissada Sukosol Clapp, an actor, musician and youngest son of Kamala Sukosol, Thai heiress and owner of luxury hotel group, Siam Hotels & Resorts. The couple have two children, aged nine and seven. They opened The Siam Bangkok in 2012. It’s funny because I’d wanted to work in the hotel industry when I was still at school. I was born in Hong Kong to a Chinese mother and an English father. I went to boarding school in England and studied languages at university. I’m a “people person”, so working in hotels…

We’re expected to get our wobbly, pasty, hairy bits out in front of strangers There are two words guaranteed to strike fear and self-loathing into the heart of any woman – more than “tax return”, “root canal” and even “stress incontinence”. Bikini body. One minute we’re tucked up in stretchy leggings and baggy jumpers, the next we’re expected to get our wobbly, pasty, hairy bits out in front of strangers. Every year I try not to let it get to me. There’s no way I’ll be able to lose 10lb in seven days (short of cutting off my arm), so I try to shrug off the pressure, dust off my black one-piece and invest in a massive kaftan. It’s not until I’m on the beach that I start to feel…

We’ve partnered with travel specialists Africa Travel to put together a unique ten-day itinerary just for w&h readers. Our exclusive new foodie tour highlights the delicious food and wine of the Cape. The trip leaves this November, when temperatures can reach 23°C, and with a favourable exchange rate, it’s the perfect time to go to this wonderful destination. Your trip itinerary After an overnight direct BA flight from London Heathrow to Cape Town, you will spend the first four nights on the waterfront at The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town. You’ll take in trips to Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Boulders Beach, and historic Simon’s Town, and enjoy afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel. The second part of the holiday will be in…

1 THE BELT BAR Add a belt wherever possible to show off a slim waist. The bolder the belt the better – it will draw all the attention to your small middle. 2 Know your stripes Vertical stripes are the slimming saviour when it comes to prints. Wear the print on the part of your body you want to slim down. 3 The V-neck Bigger busts always benefit from a flattering V-neck on a top or dress. It will make you seem smaller and automatically moves the eyes downwards. 4 KILLER CONTOURING Create an optical illusion of slimmer sides by going for pieces with darker edges. This trick also works by adding a darker coat over a bright outfit. 5 LOW VAMP AND POINTED TOE Take note ladies, heels with…

Looking to perfect your beauty routine? Let’s head you in the direction of Debenhams for everything you need to make finding the perfect skincare easy. In store and online, you’ll find a vast selection of the very latest must-have products from premium beauty brands including Clinique, Lancôme, Elemis, Elizabeth Arden, Clarins and Kiehl’s. You’ll also receive expert and personalised advice on every counter in store, whatever skin concern you have. Even better, Debenhams Beauty Club members can enjoy £5 worth of points when you buy any skincare product in store*, and there’s also 10% off skincare online** at debenhams.com. What more temptation could you need? Discover our pick of the best summer skincare at Debenhams right here. Not a member? Join today! Collect and spend points on your favourite beauty…

FOR LASHES THAT LAST Waterproof mascara is everyone’s desert island beauty buy. Try natural Rimmel Wonder’Full Waterproof Mascara with Argan Oil, £7.99, or MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof, £19, a fluttery curler that withstood a dip in water. FOR SKIN PERFECTION Unlike most hard-wearing bases, Makeup Forever Water Blend Face & Body Foundation, £29, is sheer and spreadable. It stayed impressively intact after a power shower. FOR ALLURING EYES I’d bet you could wear Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof, £19, in a triathalon without worrying, so indelible are these smooth line or smoke-em-out sticks. FOR YOUR SIGNATURE SHADOW Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, £18 , transforms any ordinary eyeshadow into something superpowered. I tested it on a humid day with not a single crease. FOR “WOW” BROWS…

GET THE LOOK A natural glow is more beautiful than big statement make-up, so try a defined yet creamy soft brown eye with tawny golden cheeks and lips. The latest skin tints will lift, brighten, shape and define your features in the summer sun and into the night. IT’S EASY…“The secret to a bonne mine (that’s ‘healthy glow’ in French) look is about using only the shades you need to create that healthy glow,” says Laura Mercier. “Apply bronzer to the areas of the face the sun naturally hits: the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose. Pick a colour and blend directly on apples of cheeks. Work the highlighter onto the high points of the face: centre of the nose, cheekbones, top of forehead, brow bone and Cupid’s bow. Blend to…

When you’re losing weight, you want to lose fat, not muscle When you’ve fallen off the healthy eating wagon, it’s tempting to think the only way to make up for indulgence is to starve for a day or two. Wrong! Now you can make up for diet excesses with a simple, science-based one-day shake plan. As well as shifting any gained fat, you’ll be giving your body a real boost to make it even more efficient at burning calories. Starving yourself may seem like it does the trick after a weekend of excess, but in the long run it slows down your metabolism and means it’s even harder to stay in control of your weight. You have to be sure when you lose weight it’s fat you’re losing, not muscle.…

OUR EXPERTS Dr Peter J Venn, sleep disorder specialist and clinical director of the Sleep Disorder Centre at the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, one of the largest centres of sleep medicine in the UK Dr Janet Kennedy, New York City Sleep Doctor, author of The Good Sleeper (Vermilion); nycsleepdoctor.com Alessandra Felice, nutritionist at thefooddoctor.com It’s barely 5am, you wake to the sound of birds outside and a room bathed in summer light. You need the bathroom. You hope you’ll be able to get back to sleep… but as soon as you’ve had that thought, sleep becomes ever more elusive. Summer can be tough on sleep – the heat, the light, the dawn chorus, the neighbour’s party spilling into the garden. According to a recent report by the Royal Society…

Dine like a local: EatWith Available in more than 150 cities, from Rome to Buenos Aires, EatWith connects travellers with local hosts. You go to their house, share a home-cooked meal and pay a fixed price. Dining experiences include sushi, tapas and Parisian brunches. Free on web. Take the best route: Citymapper This travel app gives you the best options for getting from A to B in more than 30 cities worldwide. It uses real-time data to let you know where there are travel problems and suggests alternatives. Free on Apple, Android and web. Plan the perfect itinerary: Voyagic This new app puts together a day’s itinerary for you based on what you’d like to do. It plots a map, tells you how many minutes apart the stops are and…

“ I had my lightbulb moment when I saw my first terrarium in Vancouver” THE BOTANY PIONEER Lucy Serafi, 40, has two sons aged six and eight, and is divorced. She lives in Cheshire and runs The Urban Botanist, selling terrariums. THE IDEA A couple of years ago I went to stay with relatives in Vancouver and was having coffee with my aunt when I noticed a glass ball full of plants in her kitchen. She explained that it was a terrarium, which were very popular in the 70s and having a revival in North America. I was sure it could catch on in the UK. Within 40 minutes I went online and bought the trade name, Terrarium UK, which cost £20. I spent that whole trip going to florists,…

The best Texan burger We asked chefs at barbecue specialist Weber for their secret to the best burger: “Chuck steak and pre-sliced cheese.” They were SO right! Get your butcher to coarsely mince the chuck – you can buy more and freeze extra burgers. Easy/Prepare ahead/ Freeze (raw burger only) • Ready in 30 minutes • Makes 6 burgers around 1.2kg coarsely minced chuck steak 4 avocados 1 jalapeño chilli, finely chopped juice of 2 limes 2tbsp chopped fresh coriander 12 slices strong cheese (we used Gruyère) 2 beefsteak tomatoes, sliced into 6 6 burger buns, to serve 1 Season the mince well with salt and black pepper. Divide into 6 and shape into burgers – it’s easier to weigh them. These are quite big burgers but the chuck does shrink.…

Marinated courgettes with asparagus in mint Ribbons of courgettes served raw in this marinade are a revelation and so quick to assemble. Easy/Prepare ahead • Ready in 20 minutes • Serves 4 200g asparagus tips 4 large courgettes 4tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2tbsp red wine vinegar fresh mint, to serve Blanch the asparagus in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until just tender, then refresh under cold running water. Peel the courgettes into long strips with a ribbon peeler. Mix them gently with the oil and vinegar, plus some sea salt and black pepper. Add the mint just before serving. Per serving: 114 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated), 3.5g carbohydrate Trofie salad with tomatoes and peppers This pasta salad is great for picnics and portable feasts, and is quick and…

Why is barbecuing generally regarded as a male preserve? Is it the glowing coals that bring out our inner caveman, or just the sight of all that raw meat? I’m not sure what the answer is, but the perception is changing. These days, you are as likely to find fish or vegetables on a barbie as lamb chops or a string of sausages. And women are just as likely to be cooking. I think it’s time to revise our view of what constitutes a barbecue wine too. Not so long ago, we were told to drink oaky wines with all that smoky food. There’s nothing wrong with a full-throated Malbec or Aussie Shiraz, but the way we eat now calls for a more diverse approach. Think of a barbecue as…

Japanese maples or acers are a lovely plant for a patio, with their delicate leaves and fabulous colour – the green-red foliage transforms to fiery red in autumn. It’s slow-growing, happy in a container and will make a striking focal point in any garden. To order, visit www.thompsonmorgan.com/xwh1104 or call 0844 573 6057 and quote XWH1104. Supplied as a 7cm potted pant. £1.95 P&P. Plants dispatched from July 2016. Contract of goods is with Thompson & Morgan, a company wholly independent of Time Inc. (UK) Ltd.…

PICK A FUN THEME All the best parties aren’t just random get-togethers! Create the mood by setting a theme. How about… • HAWAIIAN Decorate your garden by hanging up pompoms and garlands in tropical colours. Host a big barbecue with bold flavours and serve coconut cups of exotic punch and a platter of tropical fruit salad to finish. Turn up the music and get the crowd involved in a limbo competition. • “OLYMPICS” PICNIC Gather friends for a sports day party in the garden. Hold running, three-legged and wheelbarrow races and mix the ages so that everyone gets moving. Serve a picnic spread to hungry athletes on pretty Porcelain Blue partyware. • BRITISH FETE Hang up the bunting and create a traditional spread of homemade cakes and sandwiches on mismatched…

1 THE FORGOTTEN SUMMER by Carol Drinkwater (Michael Joseph) A decades-old feud, loss and hidden secrets power this compelling drama set on a family-run vineyard in the south of France. 2 TASTES LIKE FEAR by Sarah Hilary (Headline) DI Marnie Rome is back in a nerve-shredding story about young runaways and the search for the killer of a missing girl. 3 THE BUTTERFLY SUMMER by Harriet Evans (Headline) A wonderful, evocative intergenerational novel that centres on the inheritance of a house and the repercussions among the family. 4 BESIDE MYSELF by Ann Morgan (Bloomsbury) Identical Twins Helen and Ellie, aged six, trade places and Helen’s life is terribly changed. A twisting and gripping story. 5 ALONE IN BERLIN by Hans Fallada (Penguin) Classic novel about a deadly game with the…

1 SPECTACLES by Sue Perkins (Penguin) Comedian and Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins talks family, friends, pets, baking judges and much more in this terrific, straight-talking and frequently laugh-out-loud memoir. 2 A STREET CAT NAMED BOB by James Bowen (Hodder) The story of how a homeless man saved a cat’s life and how the cat saved his. A touching, true story that is now an upcoming film starring Luke Treadaway. 3 THE PENGUIN LESSONS by Tom Michell (Penguin) When he was teaching in Argentina, Michell rescued a penguin from an oil slick. The bird refused to leave him, so he took it back to the UK. A crazy, witty and enchanting story. 4 ALIVE, ALIVE OH! by Diana Athill (Granta) Wise, candid and all-round remarkable, Athill reflects on being in…

ABBEY CLANCY lives in Surrey with her husband, footballer Peter Crouch, and their two daughters. With two babies, reading on holiday is more difficult than it used to be, but Peter and I are having five days on our own in the south of France this summer so I’m going to read by the pool. I met Joanna Cannon and was intrigued by the sound of her novel The Trouble with Goats and Sheep (Borough Press) – it’s meant to be full of mystery and secrets. I’m also a sucker for a love story so I’m also taking Sunset in Central Park (Mira) by Sarah Morgan. Finally, Mad Girl by Bryony Gordon (Headline), a personal memoir about the ups and downs in her life. Abbey’s debut novel, Remember My Name…

The Spire by William Golding, narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch (Whole Story Audiobooks) About a Boy by Nick Hornby, narrated by Stephen Mangan (Penguin) Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee, narrated by Reese Witherspoon (Random House) Paradise Lodge by Nina Stibbe, narrated by Helen Baxendale (Random House) The Girl in the Glass Tower by Elizabeth Fremantle, narrated by Emily Watson and Rachael Stirling (Penguin) >> Download from iTunes or audible.co.uk…

Do you know about our online bookclub? The w&h Reading Room is free to join and each month we send a free book to 25 readers to review. This month’s choice is House of Dreams by Fanny Blake, who, in addition to being woman&home’s books editor, is also the author of five novels. The perfect holiday read, House of Dreams follows siblings Jo, Tom and Lucy as they journey to Spain to scatter their mother’s ashes at the beautiful hilltop villa that was her home. They expect the weekend to be a celebration of their mother’s life, but when secrets emerge, their assumptions about their own lives are tested to the full. Join us at facebook.com and search for w&hreadingroom…

Star sign of the month LEO 24 JULY – 23 AUGUST  Keep your eyes trained on the 18th, when a lunar eclipse illuminates the good the bad and the done and dusted. Nail your colours to the mast, especially where your love life is concerned. You won’t look back. For weekly updates, call 09058-170545* THE MONTHS AHEAD Thinking about adding to your bank of knowledge? Turn that thought into action. From September, your communication skills should be much in demand. For a detailed breakdown of the next few months, call 09058-170474* VIRGO 24 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER Taking time out is essential for your equilibrium. Mid-month, a problem could come to light. Deal with it in a practical fashion – leave the drama on TV. Weekly update 09058-170546* Six months…

FROM OUR COVER SHOOT: Anita Rani reveals the five things she’d tell her younger self. Watch it now at womanandhome.com/anita IT’S BARBIE TIME And this is one brilliant way of making sure your chicken turns out great! Watch our video of how to cook a chicken on a can at womanandhome.com/ beercanchicken HOW TO GET THICKER HAIR Trick your way to fuller and more fabulous hair – see how to blow-dry and style your hair for more va-va-volume at womanandhome.com/ hair-and-beauty HIGH STREET FASHION STYLE Our reader fashion feature this month shows you how to wear high street clothes and look high end… what are the details that make a difference? Discover Fashion And Shopping Editor Charlie’s styling secrets at womanandhome.com/fashion SO SAUCY! You’ll adore this dream chocolate sauce recipe… the perfect…

 The wonderful editor of this magazine asked me if I would share with you my idea of relaxing… but as I am writing this column I am in-between meetings. The first is with my football club manager to run through his pre-season plans and the other is with a government official to talk about my role as Small Business Ambassador. Find the balance, take a breath and enjoy the moment In between these meetings I will be running through the 56,000sq ft of corporate hospitality areas I am overseeing for West Ham Football Club’s move to the Olympic Stadium. I have sat in every chair I have selected, picked every bit of wallpaper, all the tiles and even the toilets! If you have even decorated one room, you’ll know how…

Leather wrap, £115, Salvatore Ferragamo at Harrods. Leather watch, £209, Marc Jacobs at Watch Station. Woven silk and 18ct gold bracelet, £95, Astley Clarke Silver labradorite cuff, £160, Dinny Hall. Silver metal bangle, £14.95, Fenwick. Steel and diamond watch, £895, Raymond Weil Rose-gold toned brass and agate bangle, £70, Lola Rose. Fabric and rose gold metal watch, £59.99, Timex. Set of 3 bangles, £19, Monsoon 18ct and enamel friendship bangle, £100, Halcyon Days. Leather strap watch, £95, Orla Kiely. Gold chain bangle, £475, Jennifer Fisher Rose gold and pearl bangle, £110, Joomi Lim at Harvey Nichols. Rose gold vermeil and topaz bangle, £225, Monica Vinader. Rose gold metal watch, £225, Larsson & Jennings Set of 3 metal bracelets, £19, Finery. Woven friendship bracelet, £100, Shourouk. Fluoroelastomer tech watch, £259, Apple…

“I do love putting on a pair of high heels as they make you feel a certain way” Meeting at the Martinez Hotel, Cannes, Dame Helen Mirren is just as genuine and graceful in life as on the screen. At 70, her infectious joie de vivre and constant desire to shake things up has her embarking on a road trip in a campervan with Donald Sutherland this month to film The Leisure Seeker . In preparation for the role, she’ll be getting a buzz cut, as her character has cancer. I definitely think we, as women, are now getting more confident with age and it’s all down to the changing political and economic climate. It’s about seeing more women in the workplace: in business, in medicine,…

It’s become more about managing expectations Until a few years ago, I always bought myself a smart new swimsuit or, at the very least, packed a freshly washed sponge bag before a holiday with my partner. Now, though, it’s a last-minute rummage for the costume that isn’t the Speedo one with the threadbare derriere. But surely a break with one’s partner deserves more? Shouldn’t it conjure blue skies, rekindled romance and the possibility of shared adventure? Alas, for me, it’s become more about managing expectations. When you’re suddenly sharing downtime with your loved one for two weeks, some emotional intelligence is a must if your relationship is to return intact. The problem is, the harder one works during “term time”, the higher the expectation when you’re on holiday together. I’ve…

Terrible pain issued from every part of my body Sarah, 62, is a research nurse at Sheffield Hospital, investigating best practice for diabetes and cancer patients. She is single and lives in Sheffield. I was raised with a healthy respect for farmland and animals, so when I go outwalking my King Charles spaniel, Meg, in the countryside, she always stays on a lead. This particular Saturday afternoon I drove to North Scarle, a village in Lincolnshire, and parked near the church to do a circular walk of about four miles. After a couple of hours I was heading back when the route took me over a stile and followed a public footpath across a field. It sloped away so I couldn’t see the bottom. I stuck to the path near…

Lake Garda, Venice and Verona HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR TOUR Your first two nights are spent at Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Pause and listen as the waters lap gently against the shingle shoreline, and gaze up to take in the magnificent Alpine backdrop. Take time to explore one or two of the charming villages that surround Lake Garda, such as Bardolino or Limone. Then your group will head by coach into the Dolomites, where you can admire the breathtaking mountains. The second half of the tour takes in two very special Italian cities – Verona, setting for Romeo and Juliet , and Venice, the city of love. Even if you’ve been before, you have to pinch yourself to believe it’s real. Admire the spectacle of St Mark’s Square, or lose…

If you haven’t hit a tennis ball since your school days, here are three ways to get back into the sport: Try Nike and the LTA’s initiative, Tennis Tuesdays – they’re women-only group tennis games every Tuesday throughout England, Scotland and Wales, which focus on a different aspect of the game each week. Sessions are available for all adult ability levels and start at £5. Drop in to sessions whenever you want, or go every week to get the most out of it. Book it: clubspark.lta.org. uk/tennistuesdays Join a friendly tennis team with Local Tennis Leagues. They welcome players of all abilities, from beginners to those with more experience, and it’s a fun way to reignite your competitive game. You pay a one-off fee of £15 per person for…

STYLE TIPS Nude tones instantly look more expensive • COLOUR CODE Tone- on-tone colour instantly spells luxury – the high street is particularly good at nude and putty shades. • IT’S ALL IN THE PLEAT Look for crisp, structured pleating in a heavier-weight silk or crepe. • SLEEVE STITCHING Don’t give your game away with obvious stitching. A neat hemline will make it instantly more expensive. • LESS IS MORE A silky bomber elevates your look while a suede bag finishes it. Stick to simple designs to keep it looking sophisticated. • BRIGHT WHITE Head-to- toe white shows how fashion confident you can be. • IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS Look for cut-out details on hems to make a standard pair of cropped jeans a stand-out. • FABRIC IS…

“I love a mist! Estée lauder N utritious Vitality8 Radiant Energy Mist, £25 , breaks down make-up so it looks like it belongs to your skin.”Lynsey Alexander, UK Ambassador for Estée Lauder FRESH, LEAN & GREEN Emotionally, it’s the colour of serenity, peace and the environment; style-wise, green is just about on every fashionista – and her bathroom summer shelf. FRESH IN THE HEAT Erborian Bamboo Splash Watery Lotion with Waterlock Complex, £29 , is a gel spray that gives an incredible fix of moisture in flight, in the office or on the beach; soak up Lancôme Énergie de Vie Liquid Moisturiser, £28 , a lightweight summer skin treat packed with antioxidant goji berries, gentian root and lemon balm. YOUR SCENT…

As so many of us will unfortunately know, during and after menopause, hair can become thinner and fall out prematurely. In fact, more than a third of women in the UK over 40 suffer from early signs of thinning hair or a receding hairline, or already have a hair loss problem. The effects on our self-esteem can be huge. Dr. Wolff-Research has discovered properties of caffeine that could help reduce this type of hair loss – and developed a Phyto-Caffeine Complex that can protect the hair roots. WHY DOES OUR HAIR BECOME THINNER? Up until menopause, a woman’s hair roots are protected by a high share of female hormones (oestrogen). After menopause, this share will decrease and the impact of male hormones will increase. Hair grows thinner, falls out prematurely…

PRICE: £685pp (two sharing) or £750 single occupancy. Costs for non-residents and partners sharing a room are also available – see womanandhome.com/walkactive  for more details. DATES: MONDAY 12 SEPTEMBER TO WEDNESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2016 INCLUDES: • Two nights’ accommodation at the five-star Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club with dinner, bed and breakfast. • The complete WalkActive Foundation Programme presented by Joanna Hall and the WalkActive Elite Team. There will be a minimum of 20 hours of workshops, workouts, educational seminars, video feedback and an exclusive “How to fit WalkActive into your life” take-home plan. • Dinner hosted by woman&home. • 10 per cent off all spa treatments booked during your stay. • A goodie bag, worth at least £50. YOUR LUXURY HOTEL: Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel…

GREEN EXTREME 200g low-fat Greek yogurt handful of ice cubes ½ cucumber 1 carrot, sliced 1 kiwi, peeled 2 handfuls of washed baby spinach BREAKFAST BOOSTER 30g protein powder 1 banana handful of sultanas handful of almonds handful of porridge oats 200ml skimmed milk MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC 30g protein powder ½ avocado 2 large tomatoes 1 red pepper, deseeded handful of fresh basil handful of ice cubes BLUE VELVET 200g low-fat Greek yogurt 2 handfuls of blueberries 2 stoned plums 1 banana handful of spinach handful of ice cubes SUMMER COOLER ½ cucumber 1 stick of celery ½ avocado 30g protein powder handful of fresh parsley handful of ice cubes BERRY BLISS 1 kiwi, peeled 200g low-fat Greek yogurt 2 handfuls of strawberries, hulled 2 handfuls of raspberries handful of porridge…

The National Lottery Awards, now in their 13th year, are an annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery funded projects, honouring unsung heroes who make a real difference to other people’s lives. Awards are given across seven categories – Art, Education, Environment, Health, Heritage, Sport and Charity/Voluntary. This year, woman&home is supporting the health category, and all the seven finalists have demonstrated the incredible work that can be achieved with Lottery funding. Since 1994, 490,000 grants have been awarded. It’s up to the public to vote for the winners, who will receive their awards at a celebrity-packed ceremony in September, which will be broadcast on BBC One. woman&home will be reporting live from the event so don’t miss your chance to have your say. THE PROJECT WHAT IT DOES…

 Wendy Hallett MBE, 52, started Hallett Retail in 1999 after working for Topshop and the Arcadia Group for 13 years. Her company operates as the “middleperson” between small- and medium-sized brands looking to sell in larger retailers, such as Debenhams and House of Fraser. She now employs 650 people. Seek a gap in the market… do your research and target that market 1 Has your idea got a point of difference? The retail market is tough so your idea must be innovative – you can’t think, “I want to start a shop and fill it with clothes that I love.” A good example of a new idea is Enclothed, an online service started by two women that sends a bespoke box of clothes every month to men too busy to…

Sticky, spicy chicken wings Always a big hit for a casual get-together, these are at their best cooked in the oven, as the honey will burn and flame on the barbecue. Easy/Prepare ahead/Freeze (raw in the marinade) • Ready in 50 minutes, plus marinating • Serves 4-6 4tbsp tomato ketchup 4 garlic cloves, crushed 6tbsp honey 6tbsp soy sauce 2tsp chilli flakes 2tbsp Dijon mustard 1.5kg free-range chicken wings 1 Simply mix all the ingredients apart from the chicken together. Pop the chicken and marinade in a ziplock bag and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours – they will happily sit there for up to 48 hours. 2 Heat the oven to 180C fan, gas 6. Line a roasting tin with a double layer of foil…

Plum meringue “mess” A new twist with a secret ingredient, pomegranate molasses! The quantities for this will vary depending on the size of your dish – be warned, it’s moreish! Easy/Prepare ahead • Ready in 40 minutes • Serves 8 40g butter 40g caster sugar 100g pecan nuts 450ml double cream 2tsp vanilla extract 12 plums, halved, de-stoned and sliced 4-6 meringues 4-5tbsp pomegranate molasses you will need a large glass serving bowl 1 Gently melt the butter and sugar in a large frying pan then add the pecans and stir to coat. Tip out onto a piece of baking parchment to cool. Lightly whip the cream with the vanilla until it forms soft peaks. 2 To assemble, crunch some meringues in the base of your dish. Add a layer of…

OCEAN WAVE Design guru Abigail Edwards has launched a new range of wallpapers all with a sea theme, in soft colours including this lovely dusky pink. It’s a subtle pattern that would work well in a bedroom. Seascape wallpaper in Sunrise, £75 per roll, abigailedwards.com SILVER LINING This gorgeous dip-dyed dining chair in white and silver is SO on trend. A traditional shape but funky colours – what’s not to like? Ercol Limited Edition dining chair, £360, barkerandstonehouse.co.uk COLOUR POP Aren’t these fab? Six different designs and six different colours – great for summer. Pols Potten Tumbler Blocks, £76 for 6, design55 online.co.uk STRIKING STORAGE More dip-dye, this time in gorgeous pink and white – useful storage baskets to brighten up any room.…

EAT AL FRESCO If the weather is good, take the table outside and enjoy the view. Use blue and white striped table runners, simple white china and raffia place mats. PERFECT PATTERN Keep warm on chilly evenings with a cosy throw. Navy blue Cobweave throw, £58, thebritishblanketcompany.com DESIGNER TOUCH A stylish addition to any coastal scheme. Ceramic seahorse sculpture, £150, uk.jonathan adler.com AHOY THERE! A fun lamp for any wannabe sailor. Anchor lamp, £22, direct.asda.com/george FRENCH CHIC Light up a table with a few of these candles. Sel de Mer candleholder, £8, thewhitelight housefurniture.co.uk SAIL AWAY Classic black and white prints always look elegant. Under Full Canvas (top), £150; Gently Floating By, £195, both neptune.com GO GREEK Get a Mediterranean look with turquoise shutters. Poplar wood shutters in custom paint,…

1 THE TROUBLE WITH HENRY AND ZOE by Andy Jones (Simon & Schuster) Boy meets girl when both are escaping their pasts. Are the stars aligned? Or is it the wrong time? A touching, funny story that shows life always throws up the unexpected. 2 THE MARE by Mary Gaitskill (Serpent’s Tail) Lives change when a young Dominican girl meets a 47-year-old artist and recovering alcoholic, and her academic husband. A poignant, beautiful coming-of-age story about race, class and motherhood. 3 SATURDAY REQUIEM by Nicci French (Michael Joseph) Psychotherapist Frieda Klein assesses a woman in a secure unit convicted of murdering her entire family 13 years earlier, but nothing is as straightforward as it seems. The sixth in this superior, addictive series. 4 THE FARM AT THE EDGE OF THE…

“I believe that my mother reading to me inspired me to be a writer” Barbara Taylor Bradford’s debut novel, A Woman of Substance , first published in 1979, has sold more than 32 million copies worldwide. Her latest, The Cavendon Luck (HarperCollins), is out now. CHILDHOOD READ… Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. I was enthralled by the strange and wonderful characters and I loved Alice. I honestly believe that my mother reading to me through my childhood inspired me to be a writer. She sent a short story of mine to a children’s magazine and they not only published it but paid me. So I can say that I’ve been a writer since the age of ten! MY TEENAGE FAVOURITE……

Louise Doughty has written eight novels, including the bestselling Apple Tree Yard , which has been adapted for the BBC. Her latest novel, Black Water (Faber & Faber), is out now. I didn’t want to write the script for Apple Tree Yard , but I was an associate producer and an extra in several scenes. It’s weird seeing your characters brought to life. I went to the filming of the party scene, where there were 100 extras in party gear and 60 or 70 cast and crew. I just thought, “Oh my God, this has all come to pass because I had that particular idea for this scene.” My latest novel, Black Water , is about John…

Former actress Jessie Burton shot to success as a novelist with her first bestselling novel The Miniaturist (Picador). She lives in London. Her latest novel, The Muse , is out now. I’ve always written, but I found writing more of a challenge than acting. I could throw myself into acting easily because it was more immediate, sociable and fun. But the acting started drying up when I was 28 and after a year of not working, I got a three-week stint in a play that I didn’t enjoy. That’s when I thought I’d give writing a serious go. All I wanted was my name on a book. I hoped about 500 people might read it, so what then happened was overwhelming. No…

1 WATCHING EDIE by Camilla Way (HarperCollins) When old schoolfriend Heather turns up, she and Edie’s shared past can no longer be buried. An unrelenting sense of dread shadows this story of a friendship gone wrong. 2 THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR by Shari Lapena (Bantam) Anne and Marco leave their baby at home while they have dinner with their neighbours. When they get home, the baby’s gone. A riveting thriller. 3 THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10 by Ruth Ware (Harvill) Lo Blacklock is convinced there’s a murderer on board the luxury cruise ship, but will anyone else believe her before it’s too late? Wonderfully claustrophobic. 4 LYING IN WAIT by Liz Nugent (Penguin Ireland) A judge and his wife murder, then bury, a young woman in their garden. Brilliant plotting…

Three days after my husband moved out, I found myself sitting in our old countryside farmhouse, gazing out across the fields and thinking: “beach”. I hadn’t been happy for a long time, but when the relationship ended, I was still in a state of shock. I googled beach cottages, thinking I would find somewhere light and breezy to rent for the summer, and found an ad for a tiny cottage just steps from the beach. I went to see it, still feeling raw, discombobulated, vulnerable. And so I moved in, with four children aged between two and six, three inflatable mattresses, four suitcases and a dog. I left everything else behind, and instantly felt the freedom I had longed for. We put paddling pools in the garden, and filled a…

W&H READERS BEST CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR The Bones of You by Debbie Howells (Pan) “A compelling read you can’t put down.” When 18-year-old Rosie is found dead, rifts in her apparently perfect family begin to show… W&H READERS BEST FAMILY DRAMA OF THE YEAR Us by David Nicholls (Hodder) “Very moving, a great read.” Family tensions between a couple and their teenage son as they journey around Europe. W&H READERS BEST HISTORICAL LOVE STORY OF THE YEAR The Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jefferies (Penguin) “Brilliant storytelling and so evocative of the period.” Newlywed Gwen travels to join her husband in colonial Ceylon in 1925. But Laurence’s past holds secrets… W&H READERS BEST HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE YEAR The Taming of…

“George Clooney is one of the best directors I’ve worked with” What made you reprise your role as Jason Bourne eight years after playing him in The Bourne Ultimatum ? I was very happy with the first three films and I didn’t want to do another one unless it was at least as good and maybe even better. You don’t want to spoil that kind of a legacy. [Director] Paul Greengrass and I tossed around some ideas and eventually we came up with a really good story… I think! This is much more a movie that reflects the current era. Who are your icons in the film business? I admire George Clooney – he’s also one of the best directors I’ve worked with and the more…

CHOCS AWAY! Light, fruity and oh-so indulgent. £10, hotelchocolat.com SHADY LADY Sunnies, from left: £99.99 toms.co.uk ; £59.50, bananarepublic.co.uk IN THE SWING What better way to relax? £69, en.smallable.com G&T WITH A TWIST Seaside Edinburgh Gin, £35; Fever-Tree Tonic Water, £1.69, waitrose.com ; gin & tonic glass, £29.95 for 4, riedel.co.uk IN TUNE Headphones, £180, Frends at veryexclusive.co.uk READ THE MESSAGE It says it all! Bliss cushion, £18, emmabridge  water.co.uk STYLE COMPANIONS Harlequin Savanna cosmetic bag, £16, and travel wallet, £20, heathcote-ivory.com FRESH SCENT Fill the house with a zesty aroma. Orla Kiely Sicilian Lemon Candle, £25, johnlewis.com SUMMER SCENTS…   to get you in the zone. Lumière…

FIRST LOOK – FINERY LONDON The new fashion favourite is packed with pieces that feel effortless in quality fabrics and cuts; they’ve also launched “Forever Pieces”, surely a sign that fast-fashion fads are on the way out. Top, £45, 6-18; culottes, £59, 6-16; dress, £69, 6-18; slides, £59, finerylondon.com CUSTOMISED DENIM Gap’s “Denim Addict” in store service lets you customise denim for free. Choose from distressing and studding while you wait, or hemming you can pick up next day. In 31 stores (UK and Ireland), drop in or by appointment; gap.co.uk JEWEL PURPOSE We love Joubi’s affordable diffusion line, which includes their signature “Kosey” bunny rings. Kosey ring, £65; earrings, £29, both JB by Joubi,…

TIP Create curves with a soft belt and show off a tiny waist Hide your tummy with a high-pleated waistline Cover up arms with longer sleeves. w&h loves this floral maxi version…

“My business life is so organised that I make days at home as unplanned as possible” Dragons’ Den investor DEBORAH MEADEN, 57, lives in Somerset with her husband Paul Meaden. You can’t beat a good girls’ night out. Paul tends to stay at home when I’m working in London, so that’s when my sisters, girlfriends and I will go out for drinks and to the theatre together. I like a real feel-good show; we recently went to see Kinky Boots, which was so much fun. Paul and I have never sat down and said, “Right, every Thursday night we have to go out for dinner together” because that’s not romantic, is it? He’s very thoughtful though, which is what really counts. I had to have my horse Jack…

Author Fionnuala Kearney and her husband find holidaying apart makes their marriage sweeter I am standing on a golf course at midday, sweltering beneath the blistering Spanish sun. My husband Aidan, who I’ve been married to for 31 years, is patiently trying to teach me how to swing a club, but I’m hot and bothered. The image of sitting on a breezy terrace sipping a cold glass of white Rioja enters my mind. I raise my club to take a mighty swing. Unfortunately Aidan is still hovering in his supervisory position behind. Result? I miss the ball but score a direct hit on my spouse, who jumps around clutching his jaw. When I realise he is, in fact, okay, it is at this point that it dawns on me –…

The minute we stepped on board we were greeted with a glass of Champagne and a cool face towel Perhaps because my most enjoyable holidays have always been a bit freewheeling, the idea of going on a cruise has never appealed to me. The thought of such an organised holiday that might involve competitive dressing up and vying for a seat at the captain’s table after a day playing deck quoits (whatever they are!) filled me with horror. Where was the pleasure in that? So it was bizarre to find myself and my husband Mark wearing a life jacket for a muster drill on the deck of a cruise ship in Florida, before setting off round the Caribbean for ten days. More surreal, too, when I realised I was humming…

Say goodbye to your fit frustrations with jeans from NYDJ! Designed by women, NYDJ jeans are made to fit and flatter women of all ages and sizes, to make them look and feel amazing, confident and the most beautiful version of themselves. With their exclusive Slimming Technology that flattens in the front and is featured in every pair, NYDJ jeans fit in all the right places and shape curves for a more beautiful silhouette. No matter what style you choose. The Bootcut Chloe Stone, 38, from Essex, wears the Billie Mini Bootcut in blue premium denim, £149.95. A brilliant pair of bootcut jeans that fit nicely around the waist and bottom, and are loose at the end. A real wardrobe staple, as bootcuts flatter all figures. For maximum leg-lengthening, make…

Slim down, fast! There’s nothing quite like an algae body wrap to remind you to lay off the macaroons and swap a few coffees each day for detox tea (I’m a fan of Caudalie Draining Organic Herbal Teas, £10 for 20). So just one hour of body scrubbing followed by a thorough slippery coating of algae in Thalgo 3 Algae Exfoliation and Wrap, from £75 for one hour (tried out at Harrods Urban Retreat) really does set you on a more righteous path. Infused with minerals and vitamins to help boost metabolism and increase circulation, even skin conditions such as eczema can see an improvement. It’s a muddy mess, but perfectly organised so you never seem to spill a drop and you definitely feel more body focused than after a…

TAKE CONTROL “You know what, I actually think you can have happy holiday hair,” says hair pro Lisa Shepherd and Pro:Voke ambassador. “In fact for some of us, ie those with flat, thin hair, it may look better: salty sea spray = double the volume!” She obviously talks from experience but if, like me, your hair just seems to get wider whatever the weather, it’s a different story. HER TIP? “Choose a styling cream instead of a trendy hair oil, as these give more moisture and control.” “Dry hair is ageing,” says the first lady of hair Denise McAdam. “Summer hair is all about condition and as a woman with curly hair I have two choices: flatten it with a Brazilian-style treatment, or embrace my curls and take it on…

Phyto-Caffeine Tonic This was created for women who want to reduce hair thinning, but who either don’t want to wash their hair every day, or who need to use a different shampoo than Plantur 39 Phyto-Caffeine Shampoos. This tonic contains caffeine to help prevent the negative impact of testosterone. It also contains the vitamin niacin, zinc salts and nature’s phyto-active substances, which can help to reduce hair loss. The Phyto-Caffeine Complex quickly reaches the hair roots and penetrates the hair follicle. HOW TO USE • Use the dosage tip to apply the tonic directly to the scalp parting by parting, so that it can be massaged into the entire scalp. Massage in, leave on for about three minutes, then comb hair and style as usual. One bottle contains 40-50 applications.…

Walking is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy and, if you improve the way you do it, you’ll also lose weight, tone up and transform your body. Sports scientist Joanna Hall (left) has developed the unique WalkActive system, which is all about moving your body in complete postural alignment to make every step you take effective and give you the feel-good factor. Using it has been scientifically verifed* to improve your posture, reduce joint stress, improve body shape and increase walking speed. The best way to learn the technique in depth is on our exclusive woman&home WalkActive minibreak, during which Joanna and her WalkActive Elite Team will teach you exactly how to transform your body. Over an action-packed three days, Joanna will take you through…

This summer, you won’t want to be hiding your arms under a cardigan, as these three 60-second arm routines will give you the tone – and the confidence – to go sleeveless throughout the summer. The three different moves will tone and tighten all the major muscles in your arms, focusing on engaging the muscles through the three planes of movement known as sagittal, frontal and transverse. The result of this is you get fully sculpted arms without having to spend hours in the gym lifting weights – and the beauty with these moves is that it won’t bulk you up like Popeye and, instead, just leave you with elegant, toned arms. Do them all in one go or fit them into your day when you get time – shouldn’t…

OUR EXPERTS Nick Harris, orthopaedic surgeon and sports injury specialist, Spire Leeds Hospital Sammy Margo, physiotherapist, north London John Miles, sports physiotherapist, Cardiff Blues rugby team Oliver Pearce, orthopaedic surgeon, Professor of Institute of Sports and Activity Related Research, University of Bedfordshire and member of the Talking Knees Panel (talkingknees.co.uk) A twisted ankle, swollen knee, stiff shoulder, strained wrist or sore elbow. These and other soft tissue injuries – affecting muscles, ligaments or tendons, can happen in a flash and not just as a result of sport. Maybe a trip on a step, rolling over on your ankle while walking, twisting awkwardly or just lifting a heavy bag into an overhead locker on a plane. The good news is, most soft tissue injuries clear up within a relatively short time…

THIS MONTH… • HIGH CHOLESTEROL • BARBECUE FOOD • VITAMIN D • PCOS Q My husband loves to barbecue food until it has a blackened skin, saying it adds flavour. But is eating burnt food bad for you? A Cooking meat at a high temperature can produce HCA and PCA chemicals that have been found to cause cancer in animals, and a high consumption of well-done meat has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal, pancreatic and prostate cancer in humans. Charred food is especially high in HCAs, so try to avoid eating blackened bits. You can also reduce the formation of HCAs by avoiding prolonged cooking over a flame, so try pre-cooking first in an oven, and turn it often when it’s on the grill. Q My 84-year-old mother was prescribed…

IN SEASON Soft fruit is at its best, naturally. Choose from apricots, blackcurrants, redcurrants, raspberries, strawberries and the best cherries in the world (see below). If you fancy trying your hand at jam-making, find a fab selection of recipes at womanandhome.com . All the beans and peas will be around, plus courgettes, cucumber, fennel and beetroot. For fish lovers, sea bass, mackerel, sardines and crab are caught in our native waters. CHERRIES BY POST… make a great gift or indulge yourself with a home delivery of English cherries from the Mount family’s farm, where they grow eight varieties. They expect picking to begin on 21 July for a month.englishcherry.co.uk VIP* (VERY IMPORTANT PRODUCERS) THE WASABI COMPANY The Wasabi Company was set up by the farmers behind The…

Miso salmon with cucumber salad A speedy way to jazz up a piece of salmon fillet – it works really well with cod too. Easy/Prepare ahead • Ready in 20 minutes • Serves 4 8tbsp miso paste (we used white miso but brown is fine too) 4 salmon fillets, skin on 1 cucumber 60ml toasted sesame oil 30ml rice wine vinegar 1tbsp toasted sesame seeds 1 Heat the grill to high. Spread 2tbsp miso over the top of each salmon fillet. Put onto a baking tray lined with oiled foil and grill for about 10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked to your liking and the top is nicely browned. 2 To prepare the salad, peel the cucumber into ribbons using a ribbon peeler, but don’t add the seeds as…

Strawberry Margarita To make 4 servings, you will need: 250g strawberries, washed and hulled 175ml tequila 60ml Cointreau or Triple Sec juice of 1 lime 60ml sugar syrup crushed ice Whizz the strawberries in a blender. Mix with the liquids, then pour over crushed ice and top each with a slice of fresh strawberry. Caipirosca To make 4 servings, you will need: 16 lime wedges 45ml sugar syrup (we used Funkin) 200ml vodka crushed ice sprigs of mint, lightly bruised Put the lime wedges and sugar syrup in a jug and muddle them together to extract the oils and juice. Divide between 4 short tumblers, and add lots of crushed ice and the vodka, plus a sprig of mint. Homemade Kir Basically a blackcurrant vodka liqueur that’s delicious over ice…

When you see this beautiful, tranquil garden, you would never believe you are only a few yards from a major London road. Peter Gardiner and his wife Amanda bought the house in 2001 and set about renovating it, so the garden took a back seat until a year later. “It was very overgrown,” says Peter, “we hired a digger to clear it and had a lot of bonfires, and found a family of foxes living in the shed at the bottom of the garden!” When Peter retired, the garden became his hobby and he wanted it to be perfect. “When we initially planned the garden, we looked through gardening books, tore pages out of magazines and created mood boards. I wanted it to be Gertrude Jekyll-style planting – cottagey and…

PAULA HAWKINS’ bestselling novel The Girl on a Train (Black Swan) is out in paperback now, with the film starring Emily Blunt due for release later this year. I love a good war story so I’m looking forward to Everyone Brave is Forgiven (Simon & Schuster). Inspired by the love letters of his grandparents, Chris Cleave’s latest novel has been hailed as one of his best. I’m also going to read Emma Cline’s debut, The Girls (Chatto & Windus). Set in a hippie commune and drawing loosely on the story of the Manson Family, it has at its heart the intense and sometimes dangerous relationships that blossom between teenage girls. SOPHIE KINSELLA, author of the bestselling  Shopaholic series, lives in London with her husband and their five children.…

THE WAY WE WERE by Sinéad Moriarty (Penguin) What would you do if your husband, who you believed to be dead, turned up just as you were about to marry someone else? That’s the dilemma Alice faces in this engaging, unusual love story. WHEN I WAS INVISIBLE by Dorothy Koomson (Century) Bound by a secret in their past, two childhood friends’ lives have taken them in opposite directions in this story of friendship and betrayal. Koomson just gets better and better. THE DAY I LOST YOU by Fionnuala Kearney (Harper) Jess’s daughter, Anna, is reported missing in an avalanche. Devastated, Jess’s subsequent unpicking of Anna’s secret life will impact both on her and on Anna’s young daughter, Rose. Have tissues by your deckchair! THE OLIVE TREE by Lucinda Riley (Macmillan)…

1 THE DEAD HOUSE by Harry Bingham (Orion) A young woman’s body is found in a church annexe. Enter DC Fiona Griffiths – a terrific, intriguing heroine. 2 THE SECRETS OF WISHTIDE by Kate Saunders (Bloomsbury) Introducing Mrs Laetitia Rodd, widow and Victorian private detective whose investigation into the suitability of a would-be bride is derailed by a murder. 3 IN THE MONTH OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN by Cecilia Ekbäck (Hodder & Stoughton Lapland, 1856. An investigation into three murders is set to uncover dark secrets in the settler community. 4 A CLIMATE OF FEAR by Fred Vargas (Harvill Secker) Inspector Adamsberg investigates three deaths in one week, all linked by a mysterious sign and a doomed expedition to Iceland ten years earlier. Crime gold. 5 BLADE OF LIGHT by…

KATIE ESPINER, Managing Director, Orion Publishing • From my list… I’m thrilled that we’ve published the new novel by Veronica Henry. How to Find Love in a Bookshop is warm, funny and charming. • From another publisher... Maggie O’Farrell’s This Must Be The Place (Tinder Press). I know it will be as good as it looks – she’s an amazing writer and the test will be whether I can wait until my holiday before I get stuck in. MARIANNE VELMANS, Publishing Director, Doubleday • From my list… Like almost every other woman in the country, I can’t wait for the secret pleasure of getting my hands on Mount! (Bantam Press), the naughty new Jilly Cooper out in September. • From another publisher... My Name is Lucy Barton (Viking) by Elizabeth…

• What is it? Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two is the eighth instalment of the Harry Potter saga in the form of a play written by JK Rowling, together with John Tiffany and Jack Thorne, which opens in London this summer. A book is also available (see below). • What’s the plot? It is now 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Harry is an overworked Ministry of Magic employee and father of three. While Harry struggles with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son, Albus, must deal with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. • What about the play? Jamie Parker, Noma Dumezweni and Paul Thornley lead the cast as…

1 Brenda Macleod Bags Versatile and timeless bags handmade in Italian natural leather for the refi ned and contemporary woman. Be bold, accessorise your style with a bag that is ethical, spacious and perfect for everyday use. 20% Off with Code: WAH20 www.brendamacleod.com Call 01463 772071 2 Th is is no ordinary plate... Clinically proven for weight loss and Type 2 Diabetes. You are 6 times more likely to succeed. Cook what you love to eat. Average weekly weight loss is 1kg. Portion Control Made Easy! Single plates £14.99 plus p&p inc. booklet. Buy now from thedietplate.com or Amazon or call 0800 644 0166 3 If Only It Had Sleeves An inexpensive fashionable way to expand your wardrobe. Stretch lace or tuille sleeves which can be worn under sleeveless dresses. Available…