Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2018 i Woman & Home

“Lorraine Kelly is the poster girl for living your best life when you hit your fifties” As the new editor of woman&home, one of the best bits of my job is doing reader research. For the past few weeks I’ve been travelling around the country meeting the most impressive bunch of women – all readers or potential readers of w&h. This generation of midlife women are incredible and I feel so lucky to be in my fifties right now. The one thing we all have in common is our determination to make the most of things. We may be heading into uncertain times in 2018, but that won’t stop us getting stuff done and grabbing every opportunity. With this in mind, I’d like to give a big welcome to our…

I often find myself at the bottom of the giant to-do list I’ve been thinking about this huge advantage men have over women. There’s the larger pay packet for doing exactly the same job. Oh, and not having to join a queue of 49 during the interval at the theatre because you can wee standing up. But that’s not the advantage I’m talking about here. No, where men really score over us women is in this amazing power they have: they don’t notice anything needs doing. If you’re female you never stop noticing. From the second we wake up to the moment we’re boneless with exhaustion and heading up to bed, our empathy receptors are attuned to the needs of others. The Mummy Brain That Never Sleeps constantly presses the…

For the frill of it • A crisp striped shirt with a pair of front crease trousers. What’s your style update? A wearable front frill. It doesn’t say girly, but it gives you instant fashion clout. • Such a simple look can take bold accessories. A flash of snake print on your shoes or bag gives an expensive finish. In full flow • Some days you want just one piece that says you’re on point from top to toe. A belted kimono-inspired dress solves all your style dilemmas… and feels more luxurious in a loose flowing fabric. • White boots? Yes you can. Just keep them low-key. A longer length hem means you can work them without your tights for full fashion impact. Laid-back luxe • Envious of those women…

The Slimming World Food Optimising® eating plan makes losing weight easy. It’s based on the science of energy density and satiety – that means filling up on healthy, naturally filling foods like lean meat and poultry, fish, rice, potatoes and pasta, plus lots of fresh fruit and veg. This is what Slimming World calls Free Food®, and you really can eat as much of them as you like. You can enjoy foods that are vital to a balanced healthy diet, such as bread, cereals and dairy products every day, and a moderate amount of higher-fat foods too, so you never feel deprived. There’s no need to weigh, measure or count calories. THE SUPPORT YOU NEED It’s the warm and friendly support from Consultants and members of its groups that makes…

EXCLUSIVE: • Save £25 on your first month • Lose weight from £5.32 a day Woman&home Diet by Jane Plan is the diet delivery service that gives you perfectly proportioned meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner – plus snacks – all ready-prepared to make losing weight super easy. We know that having a larger tummy is one of your biggest body bugbears, so we asked Jane Michell, the founder of Jane Plan, to devise a special Flatter Tummy Box especially for you, at a great money-off price. PLUS! WOMAN&HOME DIET SUPPORTS YOU ALL THE WAY You’ll receive a step-by-step guide to following the plan, recipe ideas and a food diary. There’s also weekly email and telephone support to help you keep on track. It worked for me! ANNA COWIE, 42,…

MY LUXE EYE BUY! I’ve never known Chanel to offer so much in one palette! Chanel Les 9 Ombres Palette Édition No1: Affresco, £67, contains nine eyeshadows. You’ll need this too: Chanel Retractable Dual-Tip Eyeshadow Brush, £38. Make no mistake! Still getting the wrong shade foundation, eyeshadow, lipstick? You may well become a fan of Trinny London (as in T Woodall). Match2Me sleek & stackable make-up pots click together to travel well – handbag or in-flight – and all colour-matched by you, online, before you buy. Great textures, all creamy (nicest for skins over 40), and wearable colorways from £16 at match2me.com BEAUTY UNDER SCRUTINY These new products will up your make-up game: 1 Silky and sheer Giorgio Armani To Go Essence-In-Foundation Cushion, £59, is ideal if you…

It’s the beginning of the year, so I trust you’ve been enjoying yourself? Whether you spent the last days of 2017 party-hopping or popping Lindt in front of the telly, it’s no secret that more fun means less likelihood of looking your best, but what you do overnight can change everything. Steal every millisecond of sleep you can, obviously, but also employ this fix-it to graft away while you snooze and perk everything up by daybreak. SKIN SOS – Treat yourself After cleansing properly (no wipes, please, even if you’re knackered), pick one vitamin C and one Alpha Hydroxy Acid treatment. Use on alternate nights, as AHAs can neutralise vit C, moisturise as normal and marvel at the difference. VITAMIN C does so many good things; it prevents the dulling…

If you buy one thing says Jo GB, make it a pretty pink blush that helps lift, sculpt and shape your face If there was one overriding trend backstage at the shows that we should all reach for right now, it’s blusher. Whether you prefer the sheen of a cream, a “stay-right-where-you-are” powder, or something in-between, it’s where you put it that’s new. All the make-up artist greats played with blush, placing it higher up than ever before: starting on the tops of the apples of your cheeks, then brushing out into the temples, the hairline and even lightly over the eyelids. Does it work for everyone? Yes! Mature skin gets a much-needed kick that brings the flush back in flattering fashion, giving volume to cheeks instantly. My advice? Keep…

Denise Heaney, 61, lives in Redditch, Worcestershire, with her husband Jim. They have a grown-up son and daughter. Denise has been a Side by Side volunteer since October 2016, when she was paired with Pat Hill, 78. “When I retired, I wanted to do something meaningful with my time. My grandfather had dementia and I’ve seen how isolating it can be. My daughter, an admiral nurse, told me about the Side by Side scheme, and it seemed like a great fit for me. I met with Janet, an Alzheimer’s Society coordinator, in a local café. She explained the scheme, the requirements, and the reading and training I’d need to do. Janet took me to Pat’s house for our first meeting. Initially, she seemed a bit shy and, understandably, unsure, but…

t’s impossible to watch The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its endearing cast of characters, made famous by Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith, without thinking, “I must go to India and experience it for myself.” Well, here’s your chance. Not only does our exclusive 10-day tour take in some unmissable sights – including the Taj Mahal, the “Pink City” of Jaipur, and Udaipur – the “Venice of the East”, you’ll also meet The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’s writer Deborah Moggach, who’ll give an exclusive talk about how she wrote the book that inspired the hit film. Plus you’ll get to stay in some wonderful hotels – from the heritage Narain Niwas Palace to historic Castle Bijaipur – and even enjoy a night in the real Best Exotic Marigold…

Warming blueberry cobbler Frozen, thawed blueberries are fine for this warming, fruity pudding, a perfect ending to Sunday lunch. Easy/Prepare ahead • Ready in 50 mins • Serves 4-6 500g blueberries 2 Bramley apples, peeled, cored and sliced 1tbsp cornflour 60g golden caster sugar ½tsp ground mixed spice for the cobbler 150g self-raising flour 60g butter, chilled and cut into small chunks 100g golden caster sugar, plus 1tbsp, to sprinkle 100ml buttermilk you will need a 2.5 litre ovenproof dish, buttered 1 Heat the oven to 200C, gas 6. Put the fruit into the dish. Mix the cornflour with 1tbsp cold water and stir into the fruit. Sprinkle with the sugar and mixed spice. 2 To make the cobbler, put the flour into a food processor with the butter and gently pulse…

THE ULTRA FLATTERING JUMPSUIT ANNABEL HOBBS, 47, is a professional make-up artist ( annabelhobbs.co.uk ). • Cheat your way to that hourglass figure– T-shirt sleeves define and broaden your shoulders, and flared trousers are great for balancing out bigger hips. • Emphasise your smallest part by cinching in that waist. • Subtly draped fabric around the waistline will hide your tummy. • A cropped trouser length means you can show off slim ankles with low-key sneakers. • For extra arm coverage, layer a fine knit sweater underneath. Restyle the pieces you already have with a dress over jeans ABSOLUTELY THE RIGHT JEANS ANDREA ITA, 48, is a receptionist. • I ndigo jeans are the most slimming colour and look expensive styled with forest green. • A flared cut…

As we exit the season of excess, it’s hard to avoid those old body confidence clichés because really, most of us do want to feel a bit slinkier of silhouette and sharper of jaw right now. I’ll assume you’re covered for “eat less, move more” type advice, so consider this your bit-on-the-side beauty guide. No delays, no deprivation, no judgement if you’d like to keep drinking Baileys. Enjoy! Slim in the salon The right haircut and colour can do amazing things to flatter your face shape. Treat yourself to a new ’do or clever colour technique. THE CUT Sharpen up a round face by having a long sweeping fringe chopped in. It should graze your cheekbones to create flattering angles and, by falling over a portion of your face, visually…

Back in 2012, Louise Brown and her husband, Stewart, were living in a rented apartment near London’s Chelsea Bridge, searching for a period property in the capital that they could call their own. “As hard as we tried, we just couldn’t find anything within our budget, but I’m a keen follower of Rightmove and keep an eye on the market,” Louise says. ‘We’d always loved Tunbridge Wells in Kent, so when I spotted a Georgian house up for sale, we arranged to attend the open day simply to give us a reason to explore the area.” The Browns could see themselves living in the three-bed house as soon as they walked through the front door. “It’s on a private terrace but town life is just around the corner, with bars,…

On becoming a judge on The Voice … When I was 19 I was nowhere near the person I am now; I’ve had a lot of help and advice along the way, first from Simon Cowell, then from Robbie Williams. If I can do the same for someone else and coach them into being the star they should be, that would be amazing. And the people I’m working with are so inspiring. I’m in awe of Sir Tom Jones; he’s pop royalty and a lovely guy too. This is an exciting new chapter. On his passion for music… Mum and Dad were huge music fans and my dad was always forcing me to listen to what he called the “cool” music when I was into the…

ALLISON PEARSON is an award-winning journalist and author of the bestselling book, I Don’t Know How She Does It ; the sequel, How Hard Can It Be? is out now. She lives in Cambridge with her partner and has two children. • In 2018, I’m going to stop… putting off the things that give me joy. • And start… tennis lessons and doing those 10,000 steps a day. • My secret ambition is… to have a column in woman&home (shhh!) ANNA MURPHY is Fashion Director at The Times . She lives in north London. • In 2018, I’m going to stop… eating Green & Black’s ginger chocolate. • And start… eating Green & Black’s ginger chocolate approximately a week…

Everyday Reinvent a classic double breasted style by adding a three-buckle belt Off-duty Layer up a low-key version over a hip-as-can-be hoodie Night tales Elevate a simple blouse and pants for evening with a star print scarf…

Value In Movement Matalan’s Souluxe athleisure range is part of their Value of Movement campaign. This celebrates aspirational stories about how exercise can bring positive change to people’s lives. Like Anna Fooks, pictured. Anna was born with a congenital heart defect but it didn’t stop her from being active. After having to give up gymnastics at the age of 15 when she was fitted with a pacemaker, Anna is now a trained dance professional and works as a yoga teacher and aerialist.…

BREAKFAST SUNNY SIDE UP Poached eggs and tomatoes on top of two slices of wholemeal toast followed by melon and grapes. LUNCH CHICKEN PASTA SALAD Make a salad of cooked shredded skinless chicken, spring onions, peppers, gherkins, cherry tomatoes and rocket. Add cooked pasta, and stir in fat-free vinaigrette. Follow with a big bowl of fresh fruit and a fat-free yogurt. DINNER BEEF AND BEAN CHILLI A chilli made with lean mince beef (5% fat or less), peppers, onion, tomatoes and canned beans, served with boiled rice. Enjoy with a ½ pint of lager or a small glass of wine. SNACKS Fresh fruit, carrot sticks, 3 Mini Babybel light cheeses and a small bag of Cadbury Buttons. For more information, including the delicious beef and bean chilli recipe, go to…

Every cloud has a silver lining. Or maybe some silver brogues. Or perhaps some sparkly earrings. It’s understandable why we women sometimes feel cross about the effort we have to make with clothes. Men have it easy in comparison. But theirs is such a uniform that the only option they have is to conform. So men have it boring, too. For us women, it’s anything but. With a few tricks up our sleeve we can deliver instant confidence. We can dress our way to looking and feeling like the best possible version of ourselves. What power! What fun! Forget about trends. Or rather, keep an eye on them – they might provide you with a refresh here and there – but don’t get hung up on them. Instead work out…

“Mastering a multi-use product will save time and money on your make-up routine.” Mary Greenwell I’m not into layers of make-up: fact. What I am into, however, is real radiance. Accenting and defining your best bits with some clever “lifting”. Time to embrace the make-up stick! The ultimate for make-up on the go. From crayon to balm, pencil or stick, what I love is their texture: smooth, sheer, easy to glide and layer with no creasing. Cover all bases Speed, ease, cover and texture? What’s not to love about a stick foundation? Take the new Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Stick, £25.50, which is velvety enough to cover without drying, yet stays put. Super easy and portable when you’re on the go, use to target redness and blemishes then press…

Currant-like eyes are an instant giveaway when we’re not feeling too bright. Fine lines suddenly feel like deep furrows? That’ll be fatigue. Puffed-up and pulsatingly hot? Blame late-night screen time or top dehydrating duo alcohol and salty food. Genetics mostly account for dark circles, but a bad night’s sleep definitely doesn’t help. Bright eyes start with these bedtime hacks. Two pillows are better than one. The simple act of elevating your head helps fluid drain away efficiently overnight for instant de-puffing effects. A silk pillowcase is better still. That slippy fabric stops delicate skin around your eyes being squashed, creased and rubbed-up in the night, and won’t absorb moisture or skincare from your face like cotton does. SLIP, from £52, at Net-a-Porter, are beautifully made and come in plenty of…

Self-care. It’s the latest buzzword in the wellbeing world, conjuring up images of thick fluffy towels and expensive massages. In fact, far from being an indulgent treat, self-care is fundamental to your health and happiness, and it needn’t cost a penny. At its core, self-care means putting yourself first. Before your partner, your kids and most definitely your job. After all, just how much use will you be as a partner, a mother, colleague or friend, if you’re running on empty and completely burnt out? 1 Learn what nourishes you Satisfaction doesn’t come from drifting through life fire-fighting emergencies and ticking off a to-do list centred on other people’s needs. Many of us have fallen so far down our own list of priorities, we’ve forgotten what’s important to us. “When…

If you’re one of the millions who won’t get out of bed for less than a latte – or three – should you stop? Or, if coffee has never been the brew for you, is it time to acquire a taste? All coffees are not equal and, depending on the type you choose or how you take it, there can be a big difference in terms of caffeine and calorie content, associated health risks or benefits. So don’t play health roulette next time you’re queuing up for a java fix. Here’s the latest evidence to help you make an informed choice. It cuts disease risk It’s coffee’s powerful antioxidant compounds, called polyphenols, that seem to lead to a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes, liver disease, colorectal, liver and skin…

1 KEEP TRACK How much are you actually drinking? The unit calculator on the website drinkaware.co.uk  will help you compare your habits with the rest of the UK. 2 SMALLER SIZES You know how dieters are told to eat from a smaller plate? The same applies with drink – buy smaller glasses (125ml) for home and you’ll likely spread a 750ml bottle over a few days rather than pouring a third into a large 250ml glass. When out, order small again (or a single shot of spirit/half a pint of beer), and challenge yourself to make it last. 3 PACE AND SPACE It’s the mantra if you’re cutting back – drink slowly and intersperse with non-alcoholic drinks. 4 RULES THAT SUIT YOU Examine when you’re drinking and consider…

WHAT’S IN SEASON Green vegetables such as cabbages, sprouts, kale and leeks are all good and local now. If you can cope with the side effects, Jerusalem artichokes are in season for roasting and for soups. Forced rhubarb from the famed Yorkshire triangle will appear – just bake it gently with some orange and stem ginger, and who doesn’t love a crumble in winter? Shellfish are at their best too, so tuck into mussels and oysters for a hit of zinc to keep those colds at bay. BOOK OF THE MONTH Basics to Brilliance by Donna Hay (4th Estate) From one of my favourite writers and stylists, this gorgeous book belongs on the coffee table as well as in the kitchen. Donna shares her trusted basics, then adds her own…

1 Frog squat with leg burner TARGETS: Quads, glutes, hamstrings Start in a squat fold position (hands together, elbows into inner thigh), take hands to the floor and straighten your legs. Repeat this move, strengthening the legs. 2 High knee-ups, touch hands TARGETS: Legs, cardio fitness High-knee running on the spot, hold hands out in front of you and aim to get your knees to touch your hands. Take hands out higher for more of a challenge! 3 Inch worms plus push-up TARGETS: Abs, core, chest, shoulders From a push-up position, perform a push-up and then walk your hands up to touch your toes, walk back down and repeat. 4 90-degree squat jumps/ walking squats TARGETS: Quads, legs, core Perform a squat jump/squat and then jump, feet together, then repeat…

SHOES WATERPROOF SCULPTING LEGGINGS GADGETS…

AT HOME FaceGym Pro An investment for sure, but so worth it for dramatic results. This chic gadget uses electrical stimulations to give an intense workout to thousands of tiny face muscles. Tightens with every use for long-term firming. £429, facegym.com IN THE CLINIC CoolSculpting Mini works by pulling excess fat into a nozzle and holding it at -9˚ (cold enough to kill fat cells) for one hour. Over three months, up to 40% extra fat in the area is passed through your body, never to be seen again. It’s cold but not intolerable and you can have it anywhere there’s extra bulge. Around £800 per area, coolsculpting.com HOW TO PREP FOR YOUR BEST EVER SPRAY TAN “Any hair removal should be done at least a day before, avoid body…

SPICE THINGS UP We all know grey is the neutral to use if you want a sophisticated room scheme, but if your grey style looks a bit flat post-Christmas, then introduce flashes of burnt orange. Rupert footstool in Isla Fox, £345, duck feather filled cushions, from £60, all neptune.com MADE FOR SNUGGLING I’m a big blanket lover, with several draped over sofas, poufs and rolled up in baskets in my living room. These soft, silky baby alpaca blankets are gorgeous, £190 each, natuzzi.co.uk POCKET COLOUR BOOK Fancy being your own interiors colour consultant? Then you’ll definitely need The Little Book of Colour from Little Greene as your bible. This mini indispensable book is both inspirational and aspirational, with…

PICK OF THE MONTH The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar (Harvill Secker) 1785. Shipping merchant Mr Hancock receives the dried-up remains of a mermaid. High-class courtesan Angelica is looking for a new direction. How the mermaid brings them together and what happens next is the stuff of this spirited romp. Its energy, characterisation and great sense of period completely seduced me. WHYDUNNIT Lullaby by Leïla Slimani (Faber) Opening with the murder of two children by their nanny, the novel flashes back to the relationship between the parents and Louise, their seemingly perfect employee. Inspired by a real case, this is a shocking read laced with a sense of dread. MODERN ROMANCE Happiness for Humans by PZ Reizin (Sphere) Two artificial intelligences escape onto the internet and there…

My study used to be the dining room. Three walls are red and one’s a goldy colour so it’s very lush. It’s the untidiest room in the house: floor-to-ceiling shelves, lots of books, piles of paper, photos of my two sons and grandson. I start at about 8.30am but have lots of breaks. I always have music playing on iTunes – classical or modern but nothing too intrusive. I stop at 6.30pm and print off the day’s work. I like having physical evidence of what I’ve done. When I start a new novel, I buy two or three new porcelain mugs to suit it. So for Coming Home to Island House I chose lovely Art Deco ones. No one else must ever drink from them – they are magic mugs.…

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Penguin) This love story has passion, wit and the most lengthily delayed gratification. It changed the way I thought about love stories. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier (Vintage) The couple in question have a fleeting romance but their love lingers in the imagination long after the book is finished. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Penguin) Attraction grows between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth. Austen’s wisdom about human nature is evident in every page. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough (Virago) Forbidden love is always compelling and the illicit romance between Meggie and Catholic priest Father Ralph is a classic. Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny (4th Estate) I have rarely seen modern marriage reproduced so faithfully in print. It’s about love…

When Lorraine Kelly, 58, walks into a room, it’s impossible not to have a smile on your face. She bounces into our shoot with a warmth and energy that’s infectious, despite having been up since 5am to present her ITV breakfast show. Then she makes a request that reminds us that actually, she’s just like us. “Would it be possible to get a flat white?”, she asks in that familiar Scottish accent. Even the queen of breakfast TV needs her daily caffeine fix. But there’s a special reason Lorraine currently has a spring in her step; after three decades on the breakfast sofa, she’s landed a coveted spot as co-host of BBC One’s brand new Saturday night show, Wedding Day Winners . Alongside comedian Rob Beckett, it’s…

THE BRAND TO KNOW NOW Designer collaborations? Yes, we thought we were over them too and then we saw Label/Mix. Working with established and emerging designer brands like Isa Arfen, Kitri, Osman and Teatum Jones, expect great fabrics and craftsmanship with covetable designer detailing. S/S18 launches exclusively on next.co.uk/ label-mix  at the end of January. From £40-£300. 3 OFF-THE-RADAR SLEEPWEAR BRANDS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR STYLE Bridget Jones cosy comfort. YOU’LL LIKE Oysho – this will upgrade your look. Top, £25.99; trousers, £19.99, oysho.com YOUR STYLE SATC’s Carrie Bradshaw – ultra feminine. YOU’LL LIKE Ayten Gasson – handmade, 100% silk. Slip, £126, ayten gasson.com YOUR STYLE Coco Chanel on her chaise longue in silky pyjamas. YOU’LL LIKE Bluebella – slimmer…

• A darker coloured JUMPSUIT will look more flattering • A nipped-in waist will cheat an hourglass shape • A cling-free PLEATED SKIRT will skim over curvier hips • A long and loose knit will disguise a rounder middle • A classic TRENCH keeps everything covered but isn’t as bulky as a coat • Layer a cami over a long-sleeve top Weekend Hero Can I afford cashmere?  Of course! Invest in a round neck jumper that will never date. Here are our picks, from entry price to special treat… The top 3 high-street miracle jeans… … with secret built-in slimming and shape-enhancing fabrics Keeping Cosy Stay warm with M&S’s thermal top, available in 9 colours. Do buy a reversible coat It has endless styling possibilities and is light enough…

For women, life is in two acts – the trick, I believe, is surviving the interval. The menopause intermission I found to be demoralising, like being a hormonal teenager all over again, only this time with wrinkles instead of pimples. Not to mention fiendishly hot. Cripes, I was having my own weather! But now that I’m through that fraught phase, I find myself suddenly reassessing everything. A now-or-never feeling has taken hold of me. Not only have my husband and I separated on amicable terms, after a 28-year marriage, but I have also embarked on a one-woman show all around the country. Plus I have decided to take a gap year and go travelling. (Gap years are so wasted on the young, don’t you think?) I can’t stop thinking about…

“I was so horrified by the way they treated dogs in Puerto Rico that I spent my holiday feeding strays” “I ask everyone I meet if they want a rescue dog – no one escapes!” CELEBRITY FLORIST NIKKI TIBBLES owns Wild at Heart in London, where she lives with her six rescue dogs. Her unique and super-stylish arrangements adorn grand homes, celebrity weddings and lavish events throughout the calendar. Most people get used to seeing me with a dog or two by my side. I’ve always loved dogs, but I’ve now reached a point in my life where I can afford financially – and with my time – to give something back to the world, and that’s why I wanted to set up the Wild at Heart Foundation. Nadine and…

1 What can I do about the back gap that happens when I sit down in my jeans? It’s always worth trying a few different sizes of jeans when you’re buying a new pair – and bearing in mind that stretch denim will stretch a little bit more once you wear it. However, our four-way stretch infinity jean is guaranteed to hug curves – not only does the fabric stretch in multiple directions, but the back waistband is slightly higher and curved to fix the back gap problem. 2 What makes the JD Williams Denim range so inclusive? All you have to do is browse our fits of jeans, and our wonderful array of denim jackets, shirts, dresses and skirts to see there is definitely a piece of denim for…

Hair can be a tricky old business. A tiny percentage of women are “born with it” (you know the ones, all effortless shine and swishiness). As for the rest of us, we work to fake it: hot irons, sticky sprays, time spent building and backcombing that we’d rather wasn’t… it’s a battle barely worth the short-lived spoils, so why not try a kinder approach? Your hair will always be your hair, but it can also be your happiest hair ever if you treat it well. Let’s talk about less faff and more fabulousness. Happy days! My grey hair looks so dull – help! “Use shampoos that have a hint of purple to tone and add shine to grey hair. The pigment will negate any brassiness and brighten the silver or…

 Known as the “Queen of Flowers”, rose is synonymous with love and romance, yet it has the ability to calm our senses, balance our hormones, and smell divine, while also being the No 1 ingredient – from serums to soaks, cleansers to cuticles – to soothe and repair mature skin. Here are my top-to-toe favourite rose-scented must-haves. It takes over 20lbs of petals to make just 5ml of rose otto oil… that’s five dozen roses per drop! ROSE-TINTED Channel your inner artist with Chanel Poudre À Lèvres Rosso Parthenope Tinted Lip Powder, £31, a fab dual palette consisting of a clear lip balm and a rosy pink lip powder, designed by make-up artist Lucia Pica to echo the tempera paint technique of mixing colour pigment by hand to apply fresh…

Our beautiful online make-up brand for older women is “pro-age”, which means that it is specifically formulated to suit more mature faces, eyes and lips. At Look Fabulous Forever we believe in celebrating the beauty of older women without fretting about the odd wrinkle or two. The range includes specially formulated primers, moisturising foundations, smoothing eye colours, a pigmented cream concealer and a liquid brow shape among others. If you’re looking for inspiration or help with specific problems, we have more than 50 online make-up tutorials covering everything from disguising hooded eyes to creating a party look. Reader Offer We would like to offer w&h readers 20% off and free P&P on your first order*. Visit lookfabulousforever.com  and enter the code WH20 at the checkout.…

THIS MONTH… Metallic taste • App for diabetics • Genetic heart condition • Probiotics for IBS • Taking the pill safely Q For the past few weeks I’ve had a metallic taste in my mouth, which is worse after I’ve cleaned my teeth. I’m otherwise well, so should I be concerned? A The most common reason is inflamed gums, which can bleed, especially after brushing, and the blood in your mouth causes a metallic taste. See your dentist for a check-up, and clean between your teeth using floss or interdental brushes at least twice a day. Other possible causes of a metallic taste are some medicines, including antihistamines, and nicotine patches. Problems in your nose, such as a cold, or allergic rhinitis can also cause an odd taste, and occasionally it can…

WHAT TO PURGE… Overlooked outgoings It’s hard to keep track of your finances if you have too many payments going out of your account. Four in ten of us have direct debits, standing orders, subscriptions, donations and memberships we no longer want or use for things such as gadget protection on technology we have replaced and membership of gyms we never visit. Go online and edit your direct debits and standing orders. Watch out for CPAs – continuous payment authorities – on credit cards as they can be hard to cancel (contact the company taking the payment). Ancient accounts While you’re binning and shredding mountains of documents, look out for old accounts. There’s an estimated £15 billion in old savings and post office accounts, life policies that haven’t been cashed…

Prawn and broccoli rice bowl A healthy, filling meal with a zingy sesame dressing. Leftovers are great for a lunch box. Easy/Prepare ahead • Ready in 30 mins • Serves 4 a little oil, for frying 300g raw king prawns 400g tenderstem broccoli, trimmed 200g fine green beans, trimmed 250g pouch microwave wholegrain rice 1tbsp sesame seeds, toasted 1 red chilli, sliced for the dressing 2tbsp sesame oil 2tbsp soy sauce 2tbsp rice wine vinegar 1tbsp honey 1 Heat the oil and cook the prawns until pink and cooked through. Steam the broccoli and beans until tender, and cook the rice in the microwave. 2 Mix together all the dressing ingredients. Toss the broccoli, beans and rice in the dressing and sesame seeds, top with the prawns, then scatter over the chopped…

1 Write it off! Keeping a food journal is a cracking idea. Simply listing the never-ending snacks, nibbles and bites you take all day is an eye-opener and potential snack reducer. Treat yourself to Happy: The Journal by Fearne Cotton (Orion) – so inspiring! 2 Up your omegas “Essential fats boost metabolism and have a fat-burning effect,” says Dr Marilyn Glenville. “Omega 3 EFAs specifically help with fat burning as they direct blood sugar to be burned as fuel instead of being stored as fat.” Try NHP Omega 3 Support, £29.77 for 60, naturalhealthpractice.com 3 Add cayenne The capsaicin in peppers helps with thermogenesis – where your body converts fat into heat so burns more. Throw it in soups, stews and more. It’s said to increase fat burning by 16%.…

For a whittled waist swap Mash for sweet potato mash Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene and vitamin C. Breakfast-time eggs for porridge If you’re watching your weight – eating 30g of fibre will help you shed kilos. Meat and two veg for curry Avoid creamy sauces – tomato-based curries are a good low-fat option. For a healthy heart swap Coconut oil for olive oil There is far more research behind olive oil’s benefits for heart health. Green juice for an apple Crunch into a whole apple if you want to protect your cardiovascular health. Crisps for freshly popped corn Homemade popcorn counts as a serving of wholegrains, a great source of fibre. For uber-vitality swap Steak for venison Venison has more iron and less saturated fat than beef, so…

GO PRO Mobile beauty apps are booming, with good reason. A therapist pops a tanning tent up in your house at a time that suits you, leaving you bronzed and ready to go in 15 – no mess or awkward journey home. Download Perfect 10 or visit sienna-x.co.uk  to find a local therapist. In the salon, I rate Vita Liberata (in Benefit boutiques) for lifelike colour. Or try new Fake Bake Flawless Glow for a hint of colour so you can get on with your day as it develops. DOING IT YOURSELF? SEVEN RULES FOR FOOLPROOF TANNING  1 Always tan before bed Give it time to kick in undisturbed by waistbands and bra straps. 2 Smooth skin doesn’t streak Prep with exfoliating and hydrating Ameliorate Transforming Body Cream,…

There’s a new colour on the block when it comes to interiors, and it’s taking its inspiration from our make-up bags. Blush is a soft, dusky shade that works well with neutrals, especially grey. But it pairs equally well with blue, especially a navy shade, or can be used to balance the glitz and glamour of metallics such as copper, gold and brass. Buy a hero piece of furniture, a statement cushion, or take your pick from our mood board to base a home makeover around this shade. CREATE A MOOD BOARD Homes Editor Jennifer Morgan has put her favourite swatches together to inspire you HOW TO USE • Work as an accent colour for a look that’s not too feminine. A splash of blush can soften a room instantly,…

 Jojo,48, lives near Saffron Walden with her husband, journalist Charles Arthur, and her two sons Harry, 16, and Lockie, 12. Her daughter Saskia, 19, is in her first year at university. They have three horses and two dogs. “The message in my books is: don’t judge people – and be kind” The success of Me Before You has changed me a lot psychologically. Until then, I’d written eight books that hadn’t gone near the bestseller lists. Achieving international success means I’m more confident that I do have a readership. I’m a lot less of a catastrophist than I was too. What success has done is buy us the solution to problems. I still worry about the health of loved ones but I don’t have to worry…

1 The Woman in the Window by AJ Tracy (HarperCollins) Alcoholic Anna Fox spends her days spying on her neighbours. Threats mount when no one believes what she claims to have seen. 2 Need to Know by Karen Cleveland (Bantam) The discovery that her husband of 10 years is a Russian spy drives CIA analyst Vivian Miller’s life into freefall. 3 Fear by Dirk Kurbjuweit (Orion) Terrifying study of a family threatened by the tenant who lives downstairs. When no one can help, there is only the last resort. 4 This is How it Ends by Eva Dolan (Raven Books) Having hidden the body of a man in a disused lift shaft, female activists Molly and Ella weave a tissue of deceit in this superb thriller. 5 If I Die…

With an average weight loss of 7-14lb a month for clients and hundreds of hand written testimonials, Rachel’s results speak for themselves. Having had a weight problem for 35 years, Rachel was desperate to find a way of being able to lose weight once and for all. ‘I had just about resigned myself to the fact that I would be overweight for the rest of my life, when I came across the principles of the Metabolic Weight Loss Programme. I followed these and to my amazement, I lost 3 stone in just over 3 months and then went on to successfully maintain my weight. The relief was enormous to have found something that finally worked for me.’ Rachel became passionate about wanting to help as many people as possible with…

Star sign of the month AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 19 FEBRUARY Events of the 15th presage a new beginning. Have the courage to make the move of the decade. You won’t regret it. For weekly updates, call 09058-170551* THE YEAR AHEAD It may take until May before you feel the winds of change billowing you along. New people, new places and new pursuits add to your joys. To hear a detailed breakdown of the next few months, phone Penny on 09058-170100* PISCES 20 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH A change in your romantic fortunes. Prepare to be bowled over or released from a term of trial. Weekly update 09058-170552* Year ahead 09058-170101* ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL Teamwork rules! A new business project for some, for others a fresh relationship,…