Innholdsfortegnelse for Apr-2018 i Woman & Home

“woman&home is a positive force for midlife women who want to look good, feel energetic and have adventures” This is my fifth issue as editor and I really hope you’re enjoying the new modern look. We’ve given your favourite magazine a bit of a refresh, with new writers, stylish photography and smart layouts. But don’t worry, we wouldn’t dream of changing what lies at the heart of woman&home – inspiration and empowerment for grown-up women. I’ve just looked up empowerment in the thesaurus to find an alternative word, as it sounds a bit heavy and strident for us. But then I decided to leave it in because woman&home is about empowerment – not in a “taking ourselves too seriously” way but by being a really positive force in the lives…

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Susanna’s mum, Sue, joined us on the shoot. Sue, 76, is a retired nurse and health visitor and lives in London. She is also mother to Susanna’s two older brothers. SUE SAYS… One of my proudest moments was when Susanna performed the Viennese Waltz to the song You Light Up My Life on Strictly – because that’s exactly what she did for me. I love both my boys dearly, but when the midwife held Susanna up and said “It’s a girl”, I burst into tears; it was the most unexpected gift. Susanna and I did have some challenging years. When she turned 13, we started having a lot of spats and I felt as though I’d lost my…

THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE WAS TO FOLLOW MY DREAMS, TO DO WHAT I ENJOY What is your earliest cooking memory? A domestic science lesson with my teacher, Miss Date. I made a treacle pudding, which I brought home, and my father said, “It’s as good as your mum’s.” Miss Date was knee-high to a grasshopper, round and jolly and very knowledgeable. I loved every lesson because she was patient and gave praise. We kept in touch throughout her life. Did you have a career plan B? Cooking was the only thing I was good at. My headmistress told my parents that the other thing I could do was be a nanny. My father replied, “I’d pity the child.” That wasn’t kind, was it? Best decision you’ve ever made?…

HER ZEST FOR LIFE INSPIRES ME EVERY DAY NADIA SAYS... Nadia, 53, lives in London with her husband Mark Adderley and their two daughters, Maddie, 15, and Kiki-Bee, ten. Dina and I were inseparable as kids. She was painfully shy whereas I was loud and a bit of a show-off, but it meant we forged this incredibly tight bond. “You’ll be all right, just hold my hand,” I’d tell her when Mum and Dad [the actor Nadim Sawalha] threw these big family parties at our house. We made up our own language and shared everything – friends, secrets, clothes. Then when our sister, Julia [the actress], who’s four years younger than me, came along, she was an irritation to us, constantly crying and getting in the way of our games.…

First off, let’s consider just what a new phenomenon the very notion of workwear is. What was Marks & Spencer’s biggest selling item of women’s clothing in the 1930s? The apron. Back then, what work meant for the vast majority of women was the hard graft of housewifery. Only a tiny number of us were labouring out in the world. It was the Second World War that changed things. Women went out to work – in the fields and the factories – and many weren’t prepared to return to their aprons when the war ended. Cut to the 1980s, when we began to enter offices in bigger numbers and at higher levels, and the deal was to dress like a man, kind of. Now, praise be, you can embrace your…

SodaStream Crystal model with reusable glass bottle, £149, sodastream.co.uk Given my family’s fizzy water habit, using this means that’s six plastic bottles a week eliminated from our recycling instantly. Brew glass coffee cup, £14, uk.keepcup.com The perfect size for a flat white and made from toughened glass. You can customise your colour combo too. Reusable shopping bag, £4.50, typhoonhousewares.com Roomy, wipe-clean and they roll up to the size of a potato! Stash a few in your handbag. 16oz food canister, £22.95, kleankanteen.co.uk Great for taking salads or leftovers to work for lunch. Bamboo cutlery set, £20, Aspiga at notonthehighstreet.com Reusable cutlery made from bamboo. It’s heat-and stain-resistant, and won’t absorb flavours. Stasher storage bag, from…

1 THE MULTI-PRINT DRESS SUZANNAH AGRIPPA, 46, is a model and massage trainer. • Love print but don’t have the time to buy separates to mix and match? This dress does it for you. • Floral, leopard, multi-coloured and ruffled… It shouldn’t work but this clever dress mixes them all together perfectly. • Let your dress take centre stage and keep accessories simple and in the same colour. Move over florals… palm prints are taking over for spring 2 JUST ONE PIECE JULIE O’NEILL, 51, is a dog walker. • Never wear print? Ease in with an earthy coloured skirt. This leaf print is a subtle way to bring pattern into your wardrobe and works with most skin tones. • Pick out a tone in the print to wear as…

1 THE FAST FIX Extensions aren’t for low-maintenance types but they are a failsafe route to bountiful locks. Probably the fastest extensions ever at one hour is Great Lengths GL Tapes at London’s Daniel Hersheson and nationwide. Human hair is applied with micro-tape that lasts for six weeks until you have them gently removed in the salon. Go as subtle as you like, nobody need know, and expect to pay £150-plus, which includes colour matching and consultation. 2 THE LONG GAME Supplements don’t work overnight, but they absolutely work long-term if you can just remember to take the blasted things! Look for amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein and essential for every metabolic function in your body, hair growth included. I personally rate Viviscal, £49.95, with a…

GILLIAN ANDERSON Actress “It was just 8am and I remember throwing my coat on the floor in front of my children, saying, ‘This day sucks!’ As the day went on, I kept having to excuse myself from meetings and go have a cry. I felt like my life was falling apart, and friends suggested it might be hormonal… Perimenopause and menopause should be treated as the rites of passage that they are.” MARIELLA FROSTRUP Writer and presenter “We need to open up about the menopause. For two years I slept terribly and felt anxious but had no idea it was linked to the menopause. I didn’t have anything I thought I was supposed to look out for. We need to help women understand what is going to happen to their…

LEANNE OWEN, 49, was an operational fire fighter before being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Leanne lives with her husband, 53-year-old Peter, in West Yorkshire. She says: My life couldn’t have been more perfect. At 40, I was the highest ranked female in the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, and happily married with two young sons, Alex and Danny. I loved keeping fit and only had slight health niggles. I’d noticed that the finger I used on the computer mouse was stiff. And I was suffering pain in my right shoulder, which was diagnosed as a trapped nerve. I took ibuprofen and carried on. After completing a charity cycle ride, the pain didn’t ease. I tried acupuncture and physiotherapy, with no joy. Then in 2010, on holiday in Mexico, I…

Following on from the popularity of our first foodie cruise, we’ve partnered with tall-ship cruise specialist Star Clippers to bring you a holiday in the company of chef and restaurateur Aldo Zilli. There’s no better way to experience the wonders of Italy than on our new eight-day Ultimate Italy cruise, sailing from Rome down the coast to Sicily. Aldo Zilli is best known for his successful restaurants, including Signor Zilli and seafood specialist Zilli Fish. Born in Abruzzo, Aldo will be passing on his knowledge and insights during this exclusive trip. You’ll have the chance to meet Aldo, hear about his life and career, enjoy two cooking demonstrations and join him for a special lunch in Amalfi. “I’m over the moon to be travelling to some of my favourite parts…

Clutter spot one THE FRONT DOOR Create a hallway that works hard. • Watch and learn. Start by observing how the family come through the door. If you’re armed with school bags, coats or shopping, then areas to put things down and hang things up are a must. • Do a shoe count. Sort out everyday shoes from occasion ones (which you can pack away). Pull-out shoe boxes tuck neatly under a bench, which will also give space to dump things on. • Allow one coat per person and hang the rest in wardrobes. Now’s the time to swap thick coats for lightweight ones. Peg rails mean there’s little excuse for coats over banisters, but don’t forget to keep a few pegs clear for guests. • Give everyone a cubbyhole…

Great as a quick fix Work the industrial look for all your bits and bobs. Storage shelf, £8, sainsburys.co.uk Great for display Be creative with your styling. Balancing a shelf of books with a few vases causes a visual break. Shoreditch open shelving unit, £699, furniturevillage.co.uk Great for books Create a mini library in your hallway or landing. Alley Cat bookcase in inky blue, £195, loaf.com Great for bedrooms Max out with Salina eight-drawer tall chest, £995, ercol.com Great for lots of DVDs… ...and much more. Asha media sideboard, £599, johnlewis.com…

Nothing beats the thrill of a mystery parcel arriving at the front door. No wonder, then, that the subscription box market is booming, partly because so many of us these days are time-poor – and partly because, well, who doesn’t like a treat from time to time? Here’s a round-up of our favourites… 1 For Bookworms For lovers of literature, this is a real treat (and would make a lovely gift). Each month, a vintage paperback arrives, wrapped in Bookishly’s distinctive paper, as well as a little packet of tea or freshly ground coffee, whichever you prefer. We ordered the tea option, and received some lemon ginger loose tea along with a copy of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, a little notebook and a beautiful bookmark. With a list of “classics-I-must-read” as…

Pork with apple and fennel Who doesn’t love roast pork and crackling! The apple and fennel is used both as a sauce on the side and in a filling to add moisture and flavour. Easy/Prepare ahead • Ready in 2 hrs 20 mins • Serves 8-10 2 bulbs fennel, trimmed and cut into small chunks 600g Bramley apples, peeled, cored and chopped 2tbsp fennel seeds 2kg piece boned and rolled loin of pork sea salt 1 Steam the fennel until tender. Meanwhile, cook the apples with just a little water until soft and pulpy. Put into a sieve to drain off any excess water then blitz the fennel and apple together in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the fennel seeds. 2 Open out the…

Welcome in spring with the prettiest of pastel shades. Easter gives the perfect excuse to style your home with plenty of spring bulbs and flowers, lush fresh foliage and decorated eggs. Look out for crockery and ceramic finds featuring Easter designs, as well as textiles depicting signs of spring. Spring wreath Brighten up a dull door. Twig wreath with eggs, £16, tch.net Easy Easter living Fill large glass vases with hand-painted and string-wrapped eggs for a simple, yet effective way to add a seasonal touch to your living room. Oxford armchairs, £495 each, brissi.com , covered in Polka Dot in duck egg and peapod linen, £45 per m, sarahhardaker.co.uk . Bronte by Moon spot throw in grey, £59.95, black-by-design.co.uk . Cadby…

1 ART LOVERS Picasso 1932 – Love, Fame and Tragedy focuses on one year in the artist’s life, 1932, when he produced some of his greatest works. It’s the first time Tate Modern has held a solo Picasso exhibition and it will showcase more than 100 pieces. 8 March-9 September; tate.org.uk 2 FOODIES Head to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage Food Fair in Dorset for some gastronomic delights for all ages. 26-27 May; rivercottage.net/foodfair 3 THEATREGOERS Expect lashings of glitter, great music and a gripping story in Tina Turner The Musical. The show tells the life story of the rock ’n’ roll legend and it has the seal of approval from the woman herself. Altogether now: “Ooh, you’re the best!” 21 March-16 June; tinathemusical.com 4 FELINE FANS Cat art, cat literature…

MIMI SPENCER The award-winning journalist and author writes about why she loves her midlife body on p77. She lives in Brighton with her husband and two children. • If my self-esteem has taken a bit of a dip… No contest on this: a trip to the hairdressers. I go to Trevor Sorbie in Brighton, and seem to lose a decade during the couple of hours I spend there. • My instant confidence-boosting trick: I’m a great believer in the power of a mantra. Chanting “Om” to yourself can really help you stay calm and focused before a big event. JENNIFER MORGAN  w&h’s Homes Editor reveals how to sort out your clutter for good on p151. She lives in Surrey with her husband and three-year-old daughter. • If my self-esteem has…

“I LOVE IT WHEN AN OUTFIT IS SUPER STYLISH AND LAID-BACK AT THE SAME TIME” 1 WEAR COLOUR I’ve learnt I can trigger my mood with the colours I wear. On a grey day I will always wear something powerful and colourful to lighten up the day. Try it: it actually works. 2 MAKE IT YOU I don’t like it when my look becomes too classic or pretty, so I try to mess it up with a T-shirt, leopard flats or glitter socks worn with stilettos. I often wear trainers with a suit to add a twist to it; it’s very me and one of my favourite looks. 3 MIX IT UP I love jewellery and wear different pieces almost every day. It can alter the look…

The stepmum ‘Being a stepmother is a wonderful privilege’ Geeta Sidhu-Robb, 50, is the founder of Nosh Detox, a natural food delivery service. She lives in London with her two daughters, Simi, 17, and Chaan, 15, and son Amman, 21, from her former marriage; and stepdaughter Emma, 15, and stepson, Johannes, 20, from her relationship with partner Hannes. The Indian culture encourages a huge respect for family and I see all children as a blessing. I’d happily have had another child – so to have two extra in my home as a result of my relationship with their father is wonderful! I make no distinction between my birth children and stepchildren, and always think of myself as a mother of five. I love the strength and security that comes when…

“I feel so much more confident now” “That,” says my teenage daughter, pulling gently at the baggy skin of my elbow, “is your wenis!” “My what?” “Your wenis, Mum. It’s not an anatomical term exactly. More a slang word for that bit you’ve got right there.” I google it. She’s right. Good Lord! Without a jot of notice, I have gone baggy at the wenis. I was absolutely expecting Muffin and Bingo, those twin blights of life that descend on the waist and upper arms in middle age (though these days part of me thinks they sound more like a nice day out). But it turns out that there’s more, so much more: as your fiftieth year approaches, countless changes – subtle, undeniable – creep up on you, like ivy…

“I want the time I have to be filled with joy and love” Like most women, I have spent much of my life putting others first. After a spell of youthful abandon, I married, started a family and devoted myself to doing everything I could to helping my daughters grow up well. I worked at home so that I could be there to play or help with homework. I cooked nutritious meals, and wrote books about adolescence and family life, so that I could be a better parent and spare them the grief that I had experienced with my own warring, divorcing parents. Devastating diagnosis We would have years ahead of us to have fun and be selfish. Or so I thought. And then came the diagnosis. I had regular…

1 Mixing prints? Keep it pulled together with accessories in the same block colour that ties in the print. Top, £175, 6-18, Jigsaw. Skirt, £165, 6-16, Enlist. Mules, £245, Chi Chi. Bag, £949, Chloé at fashionette.co.uk 2 Polka dots are everywhere – mix oversized with tiny dots for a seasonal refresh. Top, £195; culottes, £150; both xxs-xl, Michael, Michael Kors 3 Mix up your stripes. Horizontally and vertically, thick with thin – anything goes. Jacket, £149; cardi, £149; tee, £39, all 8-18, Oui 4 Keep it simple and pull out two colours in the print for the jeans and accessories. Top, £159, 4-16, Whistles. Jeans, £45.95, 6-20, Joules. Trainers, £165, Senso. Bag, £110, Matt & Nat JUST A LITTLE BIT  Still a bit wary? Ease in slowly with just one…

Conventional wisdom suggests the moment the clocks spring forward we all throw on a floral dress, ditch dark polish and go barelegged and barefaced bar a rosy pout or flush of pink blush. Meanwhile, back in the real world, most of us have our own style going on and if girly isn’t it, the spring trends are unlikely to affect your make-up routine much. And why should they? The best look of all is inner confidence and feeling like you (see Claudia Winkleman’s perennial tan, fringe and eyeliner combo). But this being the season of renewal, it does feel like a nice time to freshen up your beauty bag with a new shade or clever texture. So if you fancy an update but aren’t partial to pretty-pretty, here’s my pick…

1 SKIN MV Organic Skincare 9 Oil Cleansing Tonic, £60 One of my top products. I massage the oil into my face, run a muslin cloth under a hot tap, squeeze the water out, hold it to my face then use the muslin to exfoliate. It really sets me up for the day. 2 TAN Tan-Luxe The Face, £35 These are tanning drops that you add to your moisturiser – I do that twice a week and it gives a bit of a boost without looking like I’ve been fake tanning. 3 SCENT Escentric Molecule 01, £46 I’m loyal to this perfume – it was the first brand we got on board at Cult Beauty. A friend plucked up the courage to ask Naomi Campbell what perfume she was wearing…

Dr Rosemary Leonard, w&h’s regular health columnist and author of Menopause: The Answers (Orion Spring), offers her checklist on what to look out for… • Irregular periods Not having a clue when the next one is going to be. And when you do get one, it may be horrifically heavy, or lighter than usual. • Hot flushes and sweats Though some women get one and not the other. Some women get them frequently 24/7, others less so, and some just at night. • Disturbed sleep Which may be due to night sweats, but sometimes occurs on its own and for no apparent reason. • Loss of libido Though this often happens about a year after periods have finished when your oestrogen levels have fallen to…

Always been confident and taken things in your stride – but recently started noticing you’re irrationally anxious in certain situations? Amanda, 51, can pinpoint exactly when a new fearfulness began to grip her. “Last year, my first significant post-divorce relationship ended and I was stressed at work. I flew to Berlin for a weekend with an old friend. When I got on the plane to come home, I became convinced we were going to crash. “The flight was actually uneventful but I spent all of it hyperventilating and crying. I know heartbreak and stress were probably behind it but I haven’t been able to get on a plane since. In the rest of my life, I’m a very self-assured person. This new flying phobia just doesn’t make sense.” Actually women…

What is Parkinson’s disease? Our brain communicates with our bodies via chemical messengers; one of these is called dopamine. But in people with Parkinson’s, the cells that produce dopamine start to die off and aren’t replaced. Once around 60% of those cells are extinct, symptoms start to occur. What are the symptoms? The most common are tremors, stiffness and slowness of movement – lack of dopamine means the brain can’t tell the muscles what to do. Plus other cells that use other chemical messengers die in the brain, causing depression, anxiety and memory loss. Who’s at risk? There are gene mutations that predispose people to getting rare forms of Parkinson’s, but the vast majority of cases happen sporadically. Can oestrogen help? The ratio of male-to-female sufferers can be as high…

Ever feel like you’re drowning in stuff? Do you have teetering piles of books, mountains of clothes, appliances you’ve never used and random items that don’t seem to have a home? Many of us struggle to deal with our clutter because actually finding the time to decide what to do with it can feel overwhelming. But it pays to get better at this because living and working in cluttered surroundings can have a detrimental effect on our emotional wellbeing. Psychological research has proved that clutter affects our brain’s ability to concentrate and process information, and has a powerful effect on both our mood and self-esteem. “Clutter impacts on our energy levels, stealing our focus,” says Cory Cook, an organising and time management expert ( corycook.com ). “Too much…

‘Make-up mirrors were my lightbulb moment” ELAINE WILKINSON, 62, is single with two children and three grandchildren. She lives in Elland, West Yorkshire, and is founder of Hollywood Mirrors, a company specialising in mirrors that create the right lighting in which to apply make-up. • THE IDEA I worked as an interior designer creating looks for new-build houses, and I’m very interested in functional, useful items that look gorgeous too. I was fed up with putting make-up on in electric light in my bedroom and then realising I looked orange in daylight! I was chatting about it with my son, and he googled make-up mirrors to see if he could buy me something. There wasn’t much choice. He suggested I use my skills to create the perfect make-up mirror and…

IN SEASON April is a great time for shellfish lovers. Oysters, mussels, clams and crabs are really tasty at this time of year. Greens-wise, there’s still native kale, purple-sprouting broccoli and roots to be had. Fruit-wise, we are still thin on the ground so rely on imported fruits to top up your five-a-day. The spring lamb will be coming in, but be prepared to pay top price for it early in the season. NEW ON THE SHELF The lovely people at Sacla’, known for their pesto range, have just launched a delicious Free From Mayonnaise. Free from dairy, gluten and eggs, it’s suitable for vegans as well as those with dietary intolerances. It also tastes really good. You could try it as a egg substitute in vegan baking too. £2.29,…

Turmeric chicken This is a sort of Coronation chicken without all the mayo, and lots of spice and flavour. Delicious served hot or cold. Easy/Prepare ahead • Ready in 1 hr, plus marinating • Serves 6 6 chicken supremes, skin on 1kg new potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges 1tbsp each turmeric, ground cumin, mustard seeds and coriander seeds 3tbsp olive oil 3 red onions, sliced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 130g coconut cream 1 bunch spring onions, finely sliced 1 small bunch coriander, chopped for the marinade 200g natural yogurt 1tbsp each turmeric and ground cumin 1 Mix the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the chicken and coat it well. Cover and leave in the fridge for a few hrs or overnight. 2 Steam the potatoes for 15…

AT ARGOS… Does your bedroom need a makeover? Then the new S/S range at Argos is worth a look. This shapely Condor bed frame is just £239.99, while the Sanna bedding costs £16.99 for a double. You’ll also find on-trend blush velvet pieces too, all argos.co.uk DINER STYLE I’ve always been a fan of Kate Spade’s bright and bold style, especially its fun stationery designs, and the new kitchenware collection at Amara has the same feel, perfect for injecting a little sophisticated fun into your kitchen this spring. Isn’t it time you replaced those tired storage containers with a few of these? While the dotty kettle has plenty of make-you-smile appeal. NATURAL VIBE Simple yet stunning, each piece of Habitat’s new natural lighting collection is handmade in Vietnam,…

Former police officer and bestselling thriller writer Clare Mackintosh’s new novel, Let Me Lie (Sphere), is out now. I love open water swimming, and am occasionally persuaded to join the dawn swimmers in beautiful nearby Llyn Tegid. In the winter, long swims need wetsuits, but we’ll run back into the water in just a swimsuit for a truly tingling start to the day. I’m back home by 9am, when I put on the kettle, stand in front of the Aga to warm up my toes and hands, and wave the children off to school. For breakfast I almost always have bacon, eggs, spinach and tomato. Otherwise I’m starving again by 11am, and start picking at biscuits and opening the fridge. I then start work in the…

THE DETAILS LK Bennett is collaborating with Jenny Packham for a 1930s-inspired collection of shoes and bags. We’re predicting the Dahlia (right) will be a sellout! From £195-£495, lkbennett.com DUNE LONDON As well as Dune’s 15-piece wedding collection of ivory satin footwear with memory foam (hello to dancing in your heels at midnight), we also love the shoes and clutches in 8 shades; great for bridesmaids. From £75, dunelondon.com ANNAMASON LONDON.COM This former Valentino and MaxMara alumni started her own label after being stopped by women asking whom she was wearing. Choose from made-to-order pieces, from £340 (takes up to 4 weeks), or if you’re short on time, the ready-to-wear collection is impressive. Secret slimming Shhh! Your secret is safe with us! Cheat your way to…

Our Experts • Margie Warrell, leadership expert and author of Stop Playing Safe. • Dr Russ Harris, Acceptance and Commitment Training specialist and author of The Confidence Gap. • Dr Hamira Riaz, clinical psychologist who works with blue-chip companies. It’s that magic ingredient that gets most human endeavours off the ground. With it you can shoot for the stars. Without it, opportunities can fizzle out faster than damp fireworks. It’s frustrating then that confidence is often such an elusive quality, especially for women. “We tend to doubt ourselves more and underestimate our own abilities,” believes leadership expert Margie Warrell, who says that confidence breeds more confidence. “It’s a snowball effect: if you’re confident enough to walk into a room and introduce yourself, for instance, you’ll learn things from it and…

“A good haircut will make ALL the difference” BEAUTY Josephine Fairley is an entrepreneur, beauty expert and co-author of The Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible . BUY THE BEST HAIR CUT YOU CAN AFFORD Prioritise hair over clothes – you wear it every single day of your life. There are no “rules” any more – it could be a bob, a pixie cut, long – but you have to keep it in fantastic condition. When it comes to colour, don’t stray more than two shades from your natural colour. It won’t suit your skin tone and the upkeep will be a nightmare. If you’re covering grey, don’t go darker. One shade lighter will disguise the grey, add dimension and flatter your skin tone. GET A MAKEOVER Before you even…

Celia, 65, lives in London and has a grown-up son, Angus. Her latest novel, Sail Away (Bloomsbury), is out now. FIDELIS MORGAN’S BOOKS She’s written a series of four, which are about the Countess Ashby De La Zouche, a former mistress to King Charles II, who ends up working as a journalist for a scandal sheet. I’m desperate to get them made into a film. MY LUCKY CHARM, “DOGGY” He’s a toy dog that my nanny gave to me when I was about five and he’s come to every dressing room on every first night with me. He’s covered in lipstick now because I always kiss him before I go on stage. MY “WONDER” CREAM Every year, I go to the Roscoff Onion Festival in France…

When I was asked to live without plastic for a week, it was as if my (single-use, non-biodegradable) contact lenses fell from my eyes and I saw the world in an entirely new way. My bathroom shelves, the supermarket aisles, my favourite cafés and clothes shops, all revealed as sources of planet-wrecking plastic. It’s everywhere. And worse, it’s not going away. Since the 1950s, 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced worldwide, and because none of the most commonly used plastics are biodegradeable, they accumulate in landfills and the environment, where they take up to 400 years to degrade. Only 14% of plastic is currently recycled and 30% of the plastic that could be reused isn’t because it contains multiple materials or is simply too small to collect and…

“I can see herds of deer from my window” RURAL BLISS Carol Forbes-Boulter, 58, is an illustrator and calligrapher. After her divorce in 2012, she moved near Cirencester in Gloucestershire. She has two grown-up children. MY HOME There are five converted farm buildings and I live in the dovecote. It’s tiny, around 8x5.5m, but beautiful. An exterior staircase leads to the first floor, where the living room and kitchen are tucked under the roof beams. Inside, there are steep steps down to my bedroom and bathroom on the ground floor. After my divorce, I couldn’t find anywhere affordable in Essex. My friend had moved to the Cotswolds and I found this place on a visit to her. It felt like it was waiting for me; that life could carry on.…

BEST FOR: ONE-STEP NIGHT-TIME SKINCARE • Starskin 7-Second Overnight Mask £32.50 The formula Cute double-sided pads that you pick up with even cuter tiny tweezers. The knobbly side cleans and massages, the smooth one slathers skin in a hydrating serum-mask and the whole process takes seconds, no need to rinse. The feel Fun to use but the residue is a little sticky, as hyaluronic acid serums often are. Let it sink in for 15 minutes before you put head to pillow. The finished result Despite involving almost zero effort, my skin behaved as if it had had the whole skincare shebang. BEST FOR: PLUMPING DEHYDRATED SKIN • Dior Hydra Life Extra Plump Smooth Balm Mask £44 The formula Even the classy glass jar is a thing of beauty, with a…

No 4711 Original Eau De Cologne, £17.49 Remember this? Woods and juicy citrus fruits in a pleasing throwback bottle. Atelier Cologne Iris Rebelle, £65 The prettiest of the lot, and longest lasting, thanks to iris, musk and a hefty concentration of perfume oils. Hermès Cologne Eau de Rhubarbe Écarlate, £75 All the best things about rhubarb: juicy, tart and mouthwateringly addictive. Jo Malone London Green Wheat & Meadowsweet Cologne, £47 Inspired by English fields. Bracingly crisp on first sniff, dries down to a warm musk. Roger & Gallet Extrait De Cologne Verveine Utopie, £30 Light, lemony verbena and heady vetiver. Looks and smells far spendier than it is. Byredo Sunday Cologne, £95 As sexy and sharp as a Savile Row suit, with bergamot and incense. Go halfers with your other…

There comes a day when we realise we don’t need to buy into the myth of middle age. Maybe it’s when we realise our yoga-honed body is stronger than ever, chair a meeting and don’t feel like an imposter, or wake up feeling focused, happy and in control. “Women in their forties and beyond are pioneers of modern ageing. Like icons Jo Whiley, Davina McCall and Lorraine Kelly, we’re not prepared to fade into invisibility,” says Rebecca Rhodes, founder of SuperHuman, a marketing agency that presents the value of women in their prime to the brands that routinely ignore them. “Our research shows that 67% of women in this age group feel more confident than they did 10 years ago, and 63% are optimistic about the future.” We are game…

Here’s what not to do if you’re struggling with a phobia – and that’s avoid the source of your anxiety. If you’ve suddenly become petrified of driving or public speaking, it can seem tempting to simply stop putting yourself forward for presentations, or to ask your partner to get behind the wheel. But if you do this, you’re narrowing your life and allowing your fear to grow larger. In fact, says Lidbetter, the earlier you can nip a phobia in the bud, the better. Here’s how: 1 SEE YOUR DOCTOR Your GP can check whether seesawing hormones may be connected and may suggest HRT. For anxiety related to hormone changes, it may be more appropriate – and have fewer side effects – than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the Prozac…

THIS MONTH… Itchy skin • Splinter removal • How to boost good cholesterol QI accidentally purchased biological washing capsules recently and they seem to have caused a reaction on my skin. I rewashed all my bedding and my doctor has prescribed aqueous cream, which is helping, but how long will it take for this terrible itch to go away? A One of the most common reasons I see for “total body itch” is biological washing detergents, and older people, who tend to have dry skin, are especially at risk. Rewashing everything, including not only bed linen, but also clothing is important, and it can help to put everything through an extra rinse cycle. Make sure you use a non-biological, unscented detergent suitable for sensitive skin – no matter what the…

Fans of the bestselling book and hit film will be delighted we’re offering more dates for this magical journey. Retrace the footsteps of the endearing cast of characters, made famous by Judi Dench, Bill Nighy and Maggie Smith, with our exclusive 10-day tour. Taking in some unmissable sights – from the Taj Mahal (far left), the “Pink City” of Jaipur, and Udaipir, you’ll get to stay in some wonderful hotels, from the heritage Narain Niwas Palace to the historic Castle Bijaipur – and even enjoy a night in the real Best Exotic Marigold hotel itself (left). THE DATES 11-20 October 2018 8-17 November 2018 15-24 November 2018 THE PRICE From £1,925pp* (without flights) HOW TO BOOK Call 020 8033 5984 Quote WHM MARIGOLD To find out more: womanandhome.com/indiatour…

Sailing through the world’s most beautiful glacial fjords, with the chance to see snow-topped mountains, waterfalls, seals, an abundance of birds and villages caught in time, is an experience like no other. So we’ve joined forces with Norway’s legendary coastal cruise line Hurtigruten to offer this fantastic high summer journey, which Lonely Planet have named “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage”. We’ll take you on an adventure from Bergen to Kirkenes and back, crossing the Arctic Circle twice and experiencing the “midnight sun”. Summer’s long, light days are the best time to explore the coast, as flowers bloom, rivers fill with fish and giant waterfalls cascade into the fjords. Plus, you’ll get to experience this incredible voyage in the company of former Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury. During your 12-day cruise, you’ll…

There’s a hashtag on Instagram that we love – #shelfie, which sees home owners taking pics of super-styled shelf arrangements – from books beautifully colour co-ordinated to a few well-curated pieces. Take a snap of your shelves now, and remove or rearrange anything that really leaps out at you. Deal with clutter hotspots, such as the shelf that’s sofa height and used for the remotes (how about a stylish tray to put them in?). Often, in our quest for clutter-free homes, we forget about the important pieces that hold memories for us, when all they need is space to shine. Space behind Bring your sofa forward in your living room and fit shelves behind, providing invaluable storage and display space. You can then hide unsightly things, while giving space to…

Curled up on the sofa, officially watching a documentary, my right hand is fiddling incessantly with my smartphone. I like the presenter’s top, so I google “white lacy T-shirt with collar”, but on the way to find it I’m distracted by a link about a tap-dancing whippet. I decide to check Facebook but in the middle of composing a witty reply to the status update of a woman I’ve never met but who for some reason counts as one of my “friends”, I’m distracted by my email pinging. What was the presenter saying about ancient Greece? I turn to ask my husband but he’s busy on WhatsApp. My name is Julia, and it’s fair to say I’m a smartphone addict, checking it all day long and panicking if I misplace…

Gingerbread bunnies Easter biscuits make a wonderful gift. Easy/Prepare ahead/Freeze • Ready in 45 mins, plus chilling • Makes 20 350g plain flour, plus extra for rolling 1tsp bicarbonate of soda 2tsp ground ginger 1tsp ground cinnamon 125g butter 175g light soft brown sugar 1 large free-range egg 4tbsp golden syrup for the icing 4 free-range egg whites 900g icing sugar a few drops of food colouring, from supermarkets or craft shops (just a tiny amount to make pastel colours) you will need rabbit-shaped cookie cutters (ours are from bakestore.co.uk ), disposable piping bags and fine-tip piping nozzles 1 Mix together the dry ingredients and put into a food processor. Add the butter, whizz together then add the remaining ingredients and pulse until it comes together. Wrap…

We’ve all been there. Our intentions are good, we want to be environmentally friendly as well as reducing our household bills, so our hand hovers over the 30-degree wash. And then… we remember how much we enjoy really clean laundry and we dial up the temperature. Because you just can’t get the results you really want on lower temperatures, can you? According to the people at Ariel, you can get brilliant results even on a cold wash – as long as you use the right kind of detergent. And for 30-degree or under washes, that means Ariel Gel. Ariel are on a mission to make it easier to help the environment by washing loads at under 30 degrees. In partnership with the Energy Savings Trust, they have revealed that reducing…

Absentia This exciting new thriller sees former Castle star Stana Katic take on the role of FBI agent Emily Byrne who, while hunting one of Boston’s most notorious serial killers, disappears without a trace and is declared dead – but is she? Amazon Prime Designated Survivor Series three is here, but if you missed the first two, there’s still time to catch up. The gripping political drama follows a low-level Cabinet member who becomes US President after an attack kills everyone else in the line of succession. Netflix Ladies First This documentary follows Deepika Kumari, a girl born into poverty in India, who became the world’s number one archer. Netflix…

PICK OF THE MONTH The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin (Headline) In 1969, four siblings – Varya, Daniel, Klara and Simon – visit a fortune teller who predicts the dates of their deaths. Saddled with this knowledge, they move through life despite – and because – of those predictions. Skilled storytelling, a complex structure that spans decades and vivid characters make this an intelligent, entertaining read. OBSESSIVE LOVE Almost Love by Louise O’Neill (Riverrun) Falling hard for Matthew, a successful businessman and father of one of her pupils, Sarah risked her job, friends and relationships to be with him. Now she lives with Oisin, but her thoughts still turn to Matthew. A raw, unflinching portrait of an all-consuming affair and its long-reaching effects. PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER The Fear by…

In Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn (Penguin), set in the 1950s, Eilis emigrates from Ireland to the United States. Permed and repressed, her mother is left to suffer in the way that women in traditional societies often do. Her willingness to sacrifice her happiness for her daughter is truly magnificent. Though Emma Donaghue’s Room (Picador) is told by five-year-old Jack, Ma, his mother, is remarkable. Abducted at 19, raped and imprisoned in a single room, she has devoted the past five years to nurturing her child while keeping herself sane. An extraordinary portrait of motherhood. The mother in Megan Hunter’s The End We Start From (Picador) escapes London with her partner and baby, after an environmental crisis has thrown the country into chaos. Her love for her child is lyrically and touchingly…

With an average weight loss of 7-14lb a month for clients and hundreds of hand written testimonials, Rachel’s results speak for themselves. It can be extremely soul destroying when you just can’t seem to lose excess weight, no matter what you do. If you have reached the stage where putting on any more weight is simply not an option for you, then read on! Improving your health Being overweight is no laughing matter when the physical strain on your body is starting to take its toll on your health. Your GP or your family may have expressed their concern and urged you to slim down – all very well if only you knew how to! Help is at hand to resolve your weight problem. Rachel and her team have helped…

Star sign of the month ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL Steely determination will get you where you need to go. On or near the 18th, what initially appears to be an obstacle is an opportunity. For weekly updates, call 09058-170541* THE MONTHS AHEAD Saturn’s passage through the area of career and life goals adds to your workload and your prestige. Do not settle for less than best, particularly in love. To hear a detailed breakdown of the next few months, phone Penny on 09058-170090* TAURUS 21 APRIL – 21 MAY It’s time to recharge, review and renovate. The full moon of the 30th draws a line in the sand. The future is a whole other country. Weekly update 09058-170542* Year ahead 09058-170091* GEMINI 22 MAY – 22 JUNE A…

My rise to fame… The first time I realised that The Wire was getting big in England was during a road rage incident. I started hurling abuse at this guy, then he went, “Oh my God, it’s McNulty.” I thought, “Crikey. I can’t be rude to people any more.” It was the first time I’d been recognised, which was embarrassing, but fortunately he managed to forgive me. My life is a bit different now, but I still get the Tube to work. My earliest memories… What amazes me is how my parents managed with us [Dominic has six siblings]. My mum always said once you have three they look after themselves, but mine [he has three, aged eight to 11, with his wife, film producer Catherine Fitzgerald, and a daughter…