Innholdsfortegnelse for May-2018 i Woman & Home

“woman&home celebrates amazing women from all walks of life” Have you noticed the sea change in attitude to our generation? It was only a few years ago we were all worried about becoming invisible in our mid years and now women of all ages are taking the world by storm. Older actresses like our cover star Helen Mirren (seen below presenting the Best Actor Oscar with Jane Fonda at this year’s Academy Awards) are the most visible women waving the flag for ageing in style. How brilliant for us to have these role models speaking their minds and looking fabulous. But this isn’t just about famous women in Hollywood. It’s about all of us. Whether 40, 50, 60, 70 or beyond, women are suddenly very much centre stage in all…

WINCHESTER Helen plays Sarah Winchester, the widow of gun manufacturer William Winchester, who is haunted by grief in this gripping horror film. Out now THE LEISURE SEEKER A runaway couple [Helen and co-star Donald Sutherland] go on an unforgettable journey in their faithful old RV, The Leisure Seeker. Out 4 May THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS Disney’s retelling of the classic story about a young girl transported into a magical world. Out 26 October ...AND STILL THE FACE OF L’OREAL PARIS…

BEST FOR A CAPSULE WARDROBE  pic-style.com Uses locally sourced, sustainable and organic fabrics. Their key message is about creating 50 looks from just 8 pieces. Jumpsuit, £155-£175, xs-l. BEST FOR EVERYDAY  peopletree.co.uk Pioneers in ethical fashion since 1991, it’s the first clothing company to receive the World Fair Trade Organization Fair Trade product mark. Jumper, £85, 8-16. BEST FOR PRINTS  dagnylondon.com Former Vilshenko designer creates sustainable and ethically made pieces with killer cuts in luxe fabrics. Dress, £325; blouse, £175, xs-xl. BEST FOR JEWELLERY  sojustshop.com Working directly with women in vulnerable communities. Necklace, £45. arabellebrusan.com Precious metals and gemstones are ethically sourced. Braided 9ct gold ring, £237. Diamond 18ct ring, £918. BEST FOR TRAINERS  veja-store.com Organic materials, fair trade, sustainable, super-cool sneakers beloved of Emma Watson. Trainers, £89.99 each. BEST…

“BE BOLD AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY THINGS ON THAT ARE OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE” 1 I LIKE TO INVEST IN HIGH-QUALITY PIECES that instantly make me feel confident and in control. Make your money go further by shopping in pre-loved designer stores. 2 I LOVE A COAT. First impressions are important and very often it’s only your coat on show. A statement piece can take you places; it really doesn’t matter what’s underneath! 3 FIND YOURSELF A GOOD TAILOR. When I’m shopping, I never overlook an item that may not fit perfectly. If I find something that is just me but was not quite made for me, I can always visualise its potential once it has been altered. 4 ALWAYS KEEP AN OPEN MIND…

1947  Princess Elizabeth marries Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey. 1960  Westminster Abbey is also the setting for Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones. 1973  Like mother, like daughter. Princess Anne marries Captain Mark Phillips at Westminster Abbey. 1981  The fairytale wedding between Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer takes place at St Paul’s Cathedral. 1986  Andrew, Duke of York, and Sarah Ferguson tie the knot at Westminster Abbey. 1992  Anne, Princess Royal, and Commander Timothy Laurence wed at Crathie Kirk. 1999  Prince Edward marries his bride Sophie Rhys-Jones at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. 2005  Windsor plays host to the marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla. 2011  Westminster Abbey is the venue of choice for Prince William and Catherine Middleton.…

 What is your earliest memory? Going to Irish dancing classes when I was about five years old. As far back as I can remember, I was always the performer of my family, making up dance routines, copying music videos and starring in school plays. I just loved it. Success is waking up in the morning and being comfortable in my own skin Did you have a career plan B? When I left school I went to college to do a diploma in Sports Studies, and my plan was to become a PE teacher. Then I was approached about forming a girl group while at a dance class, so I put that to one side and joined Mis-Teeq [the group formed in 1999 and had three top-ten double-platinum albums]. It was…

Help us find an unsung hero and you’ll go into a draw for the chance to win two tickets for the fantastic w&h Christmas Lunch. Nominate a legendary woman in either, or both, of these categories: • COMMUNITY HEROES From volunteers to carers, these are the women who give their time and energy to improve the world around them. • FRIENDSHIP ABOVE AND BEYOND This is a woman who has done something exceptional and gone that extra mile for a friend. HOW TO ENTER Either write to us at 50 Over 50, woman&home Features Dept, 161 Marsh Wall, London E14 9AP or email 50over50@timeinc.com with the following information: • Tell us which category you’re nominating someone for. • Your nominee’s name, age, email address and contact number (please get their permission…

SWEET SENSATION After kale and avocado, the latest superfood to migrate from kitchen to bathroom is coconut, and I for one am thrilled. Firstly, that smell (sun tan lotion and Bounty bars – heaven), plus coconut oil is packed with vitamin E and amino acids, ultra-nourishing for hair and skin. I’m going nuts (sorry) for Origins Glow Co-Nuts Hydrating Moisture Mask, £26.50; IGK Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel, £29; and Pantene Gold Series Hydrating Butter Crème, £7.99. IS YOUR SKIN DRY OR DEHYDRATED? Confusingly, they’re not the same thing. Dry is a skin type that naturally lacks oil so feels tight and rough-textured, whereas dehydrated skin lacks water and that can happen to any type. If your face drinks skincare in seconds and absorbs make-up throughout the day it’s probably…

According to the Dairy Council, 98% of UK households still keep cow’s milk in their fridge. But with so many alternatives now available, it’s no longer just vegans or those with an intolerance trying something different. For many, it’s become a positive lifestyle choice. Cow’s milk “Cow’s milk is a cheap, nutritious drink that’s a valuable source of protein, calcium, B vitamins and iodine,” says dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton of the Health and Food Supplements Information Service (hsis.org). “Skimmed or semi-skimmed is lower in calories and fat and higher in calcium, but has less of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E,” she adds. Organic milk tends to be higher in omega-3 fatty acids and is less likely to contain antibiotics and pesticides. Dairy intolerance Around 5% of people have…

Who better to explore Portugal’s stunning wine region with than the marvellous Mary Berry? The Douro runs through one of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of countryside, and there’s no better way to see it than on our wonderful Emerald Waterways river cruise. “I can see why people are so taken with river cruising,” says Mary. “As someone who’s fascinated by travel, culture and food destinations, I think it’s the perfect way to experience them, plus Portugal’s Douro Valley, which has remained unchanged for centuries, is a real hidden gem. I can’t wait to join woman&home readers on-board next June.” Mary will join you for two days on the Emerald Radiance, a luxury ship custom-built to navigate the Douro (see box). Your wonderful itinerary, which starts and ends in the ancient…

Want to be the best dressed? Forget all your fashion woes, we have your wedding, party, races and special event outfit sussed from top to toe! Not sure if you can work a hat? Don’t dare to hit the dance floor in heels? No idea what cover-up is cool? You do now – here’s our step-by-step guide to getting it right and, more importantly… stealing the show…

If Carole Middleton can do it then why can’t I? This question has vexed me when it comes to hats and how to wear them. Mrs Middleton has pulled off not one but two killer mother-of- the-bride masterpieces, not to say countless hits at various summer events and christenings. My own relationship with hats, however, has proved far less successful. It began 30 years ago on the occasion of my brother’s wedding. I was 28 and had recently become a mum. Due to 24/7 breast-feeding demands I hadn’t seen the light of day for weeks and considered this major family event my big “comeback”. I really went for it. Bright peppermint all the way, complete with satin shoes dyed for a perfect colour match, topped off with a showstopper, large…

IN SEASON British produce now gets really exciting as we head to summer. May sees this first of the home-grown strawberries and gooseberries. Spring lamb is now much fuller in flavour and you’ll find the first of the English asparagus and, my favourite, Jersey Royals. For fish lovers, crab is on the menu along with sardines and sea bass. There’s English samphire, which you lightly steam and serve with lemon juice and butter, perfect with fish. SHAKE IT UP Our friends at Cornish Sea Salt have launched new flavoured salts, including roasted garlic, lemon and thyme, and my favourite, umami with seaweed, perfect mixed with butter to melt on a steak. £1.30, Sainsbury’s INDULGENT SNACKS Monty Bojangles make delicious truffles, and have brought out a new sharing bag, Scofflets. Available…

• Texture adds warmth to a neutral palette: grainy woods, fabric wallpaper and velvets. • Create boutique-hotel bedroom luxury with a super-sized upholstered headboard. • Feature statement lighting: dramatic pendants, matching table lamps and downlights.…

PLANT NOW There’s still time to plant a container with Agapanthus africanus (African lily). These summer-flowering perennials have beautiful showy flowers. They love well-draining compost (like John Innes No3) and a sunny spot. If growing in pots, don’t give them too much room, as you’ll get lots of leaves and fewer flowers. Feed fortnightly with a balanced liquid feed (such as Agapanthus Plant Food), during the growing season until flowers show colour and do water those pots regularly. PROTECT YOUR DECK I love the idea of this durable, easy-to-clean polyester mat designed to go under your BBQ. Give your outdoor cooking zone style, while protecting patios from grease and spills. £32.50, thefarthing.co.uk BOOK OF THE MONTH Garden Style by Selina Lake (Ryland Peters & Small). Selina has such…

The Alienist From the creator of True Detective, this 10-part crime drama is set in 19th century New York and follows an unlikely pair (Daniel Brühl and Luke Evans), who have come together to investigate the murders of young male prostitutes. Netflix The Week Of King of comedy Adam Sandler has co-written and stars in this new film about a devoted middle class father (Sandler) determined to pay for his daughter’s wedding despite the prodding of the wealthier father of the groom (Chris Rock). Netflix The Looming Tower If you haven’t seen this gripping 9/11 drama yet, then make time in your schedule. The 10-part series follows the rising threat of Osama bin Laden in the lead-up to 9/11. Amazon Prime…

1 Last Letter from Istanbul by Lucy Foley (HarperCollins) Set against the backdrop of Constantinople in the shadow of war, a stirring story of forbidden love. 2 Circe by Madeline Miller (Bloomsbury) Dazzling recreation of the Greek legend of Circe who turned the Odysseus’s men into pigs. 3 Mad Blood Stirring by Simon Mayo (Doubleday) 1815. American soldiers held captive in Dartmoor prison. A spirited read inspired by true events. 4 Pandora’s Boy by Lindsey Davis (Hodder) The possible poisoning of a young girl in ancient Rome brings private investigator Flavia Albia in a search for the truth. 5 The Blood by ES Thomson (Constable) Apothecary Jem Flockhart investigates a series of murders in murky Victorian London. 6 The Fire Court by Andrew Taylor (Harper Colllins) Government informer James Marwood…

Kit lives in Leamington Spa with her son Luke, 18. Her daughter, Bethany, 23, lives in Stratford-upon-Avon, where she’s a groom at a racing stables. My father came to this country from St Kitts in 1957. My mother’s from Wexford, Ireland, and met my father in Birmingham. My three sisters, brother and I were brought up on the edge of Moseley. Back in the 50s and 60s being mixed race was very unusual. My mother was regularly spat at. We weren’t part of the Irish community nor part of the black community so we made our own tribe. We had no books at home except for the Bible and some Jehovah’s Witnesses publications of my mother’s. I’ve probably read the Bible from cover to cover seven or eight times at…

VERONICA HENRY is a bestselling author. She is divorced with three sons and lives on the North Devon coast. Veronica writes about Harry and Meghan’s whirlwind love story on p40. • How do I make more me-time? Spending half an hour bullet-journaling keeps me focused on what I really want to do with my life. • If I had a whole day to myself I’d… Cook! I’d wake up and peruse my recipe books, choose the perfect menu, whizz to the supermarket then potter about all day in the kitchen with the French windows flung open. KAMIN MOHAMMADI is a writer and broadcaster whose life-affirming piece on living la bella figura can be found on p45. She lives with her husband just outside Florence. • How…

DRESS IT DOWN A smart shirt doesn’t have to pop out of a pencil skirt. Tuck it into some high-waisted trousers – the looser and less formal the better. A big bow gives it a girlier finish. TOP TO TOE Choose one colour and wear it with confidence. Pastel pink is the easiest to accessorise. Go all out with your glasses – the more glamorous, the more impact – and look for embellished satin mules for a souped-up finish. LOOSE ’N’ LUXE There’s nothing like a roomy tunic to give you the feel-good factor all day long. Soft, silky crepe layers perfectly over a fine knit… mix lemon yellow with white for your most flattering finish. SUITS YOU Try a new take on tailoring. No, it’s not just for the…

The engagement photograph of Meghan Markle in a sheer Ralph & Russo dress and Prince Harry looking impossibly debonair is a movie poster of a photo: the triumphant Hollywood ending to a story that did not have a happy beginning. As in all good love stories, the protagonist gets what he deserves. As a romantic novelist – and a mum – I’ve been cheering Harry on from the sidelines: it’s the ending we’ve all been waiting for. A fresh new page for the prince whose cheeky demeanour stole our hearts, and whose open personality seems so like his mother’s. Harry was just 12 when his beloved mother Diana died. His life may have been a little turbulent following his parents’ divorce in 1996, but pictures of him with his mother…

We’re launching these awards to celebrate fabulous grown-up women making a difference. Read all about the first two categories – and make sure to fill in the nominations to reward someone you think deserves to be noticed Annabel Simons, 59, & Grace Carnegie-Brown, 65 WEEKLY INSPIRATION FOR WOMEN OVER 50, countrywives.co.uk • Friends since their twenties in London, they now live in different parts of the UK. Eight years ago, they started a blog to stay in touch and share experiences of their rural lives. The blog took off when it captured the imagination of other women in a similar situation. • Highly commended UK Blog Awards 2017 in the lifestyle category. Grace says “Reading CountryWives is like spending time with your girlfriends, happy women who love sharing…

 Author Susy McPhee, 58, lives in Crieff, near Perth, with her husband Iain and their 18-year-old foster son, Ronan. The couple also have three adult daughters. ‘It’s a wonderful place to spend time with my grandson’ Having a gypsy caravan in the garden is so bonkers – I simply have to climb inside to feel like my imagination can take me anywhere. It’s the authenticity of the caravan that initially appealed to me; it’s as if its stories are painted on the wood and woven into the fabric. I bought it on eBay last summer for £2,600 and before that it had been lived in by generations of travellers. We drove from Scotland to Gloucestershire to collect it, hauling it home on a trailer. We had to get permission to…

Last year, something strange happened. A room full of Beauty Editors assembled for the trend presentation of a major make-up brand, which began with the declaration that actually, there’s no such thing as make-up trends. What a relief. Let’s face it, seasonal catwalk diktats tend to range from tenuously strung together (yes, three shows had berry lipstick but another five had none at all) to downright silly. Being “bang on trend” is not a top beauty priority for most of us, but we’re all keen on new make-up and modern ways of wearing it. So here are the true make-up heroes for this season, based not on Fashion Week’s finest but exciting product development, new textures and colours you will love to play with. THE SHADE Expensive eyes Electric eyeshadow…

1 FACE  Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, £30 This looks beautiful in pictures, it makes your skin look really healthy. I also like Filmstar Bronze & Glow, £49, as the highlighter has a warmer tone. For Asian skin with that olive tone, a gold highlighter is better than a white one. 2 SCENT  Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey, £78 I’ve worn this for 25 years. In my teens I wore Obsession, then this came out and I immediately loved it. It’s so light and not heavy or musky. I do try other fragrances, but I’m so used to my Issey Miyake that when I use a new one I can smell it on me all the time and I just can’t wear it. 3 LIPS  NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Liquid Lipstick…

Many of us know how much of a struggle it can be to control fine hair. Options seem limited, and you end up keeping to the same hairstyle as a result. No matter how hard you try, you can’t achieve a salon-fabulous bouncy blow-dry full of volume at home. That’s where John Frieda’s Luxurious Volume collection comes in. With ranges tailor-made for different needs, it’s possible for anyone to get volume and lift that lasts. We enlisted three woman&home readers to put the products through their paces… “When I blow-dry my dry hair, it normally looks good for 10 minutes, then flops”CLAIR HOOD “I often just wash my hair and let it dry naturally. When I blow-dry it, it looks good for about 10 minutes, and then it flops and…

It’s part of my identity – I wouldn’t change it I can pinpoint the precise moment when I started trying to explain that the world felt different to me. It had taken 37 years for me to speak up. I was standing in the middle of a London street, trying to get to the Museum of Childhood. My baby son was crying. There was nothing unusual about that: he was tired and needed a nap. If I could only get him into his pushchair, I knew he would be asleep in seconds. The problem was that I couldn’t handle it. Because I find it very hard to block anything out, the stress of trying to calm him amid so much noise was setting off a series of tiny explosions in…

“I discovered losing weight didn’t have to be torture!” It’s good to have a system – and at Slimming World we’ve worked out the science of weight loss to make dropping those dress sizes easy. Our plan is based on the science of energy density and satiety – so you fill up on healthy, naturally filling foods like lean meat and poultry, fish, rice, potatoes and pasta plus lots of fresh fruit and veg without having to weigh, measure or count calories. We call these foods Free Food, and you really can eat them in unlimited quantities so you never feel hungry – this takes away both hunger and guilt, two of the main obstacles to successful weight loss. On top of Free Food, you can enjoy foods that are…

It’s that time of year when you have probably got at least one wonderful day coalescing deliciously into view. A wedding maybe. Or a day at Ascot. Or a big-birthday drinks, perhaps in a sun-drenched rose garden, perhaps at a glamorous after-dark spot. Whichever it is – it might, if you are lucky, be all three – odds on you are worrying about what to wear. Stop right now. The days of strict event-related dress rules are over. Indeed, I would argue that there is now only one rule. Look fabulous. Or rather, two. Feel as fabulous as you look. In other words, don’t wear anything that makes you uncomfortable or awkward. Men may still be sartorially straitjacketed, but we are now lucky enough to be able to find our…

Valerie Taylor, 65, and friend Jo Sullivan, 54, both from Sheffield, are working sunshine yellow and white. • Make it match. Work one print from top to bottom. It may look like a jumpsuit, but the secret is... it’s separates. • Or cinch in your waist with a flattering fit-and-flare dress. Choose a hemline that finishes just below your knee for the most flattering length. GO BRIGHT, GO BOLD… GO ALL OUT TO PULL YOUR LOOK TOGETHER WITH STYLISH ACCESSORIES Liz Kitchiner, 44, and mum Jenny Sapsed, 68, from London and Bedfordshire, are working print and block colour. • Pick out a colour in your dress to match your hat, and remember, no fascinators – you’re far too chic for that! • Choose a bold tailored suit. The modern way…

‘Andy and I spent a lot of time learning new skills to start the business, but now we have our definite areas’ ‘We talk business, even during our romantic date nights!’ Rachel, 43, and Andy Peck, 47, live in Brighton. They own pet- and home-sitting website TrustedHousesitters. • THE IDEA Andy had the idea before I met him, but it was only when we got together that it took off. I was in PR and he had a small publishing company. He’d gone travelling and fallen seriously ill while abroad, and spent time convalescing in Spain looking after a friend’s house and dog. It sparked an idea. We met at a PR event, and our romance and the business blossomed. The premise was simple: people like their pets to be…

Seared salmon with beans & lime This is our take on a Peruvian ceviche, where the acidity of the lime juice “cooks” the salmon. EBTZ • RFBEZ JO 10 NJOT, QMVT NBSJOBUJOH • SFSWFT 4 1 garlic clove, crushed zest and juice of 3 limes 350g cherry tomatoes, sliced 400H HSFFO CFBOT 4 Y 125-150H TBMNPO fiMMFUT 1 CVODI GSFTI DPSJBOEFS 1 Mix together the garlic, zest and juice of 1 lime and the tomatoes. Blanch the green beans for 3 mins in boiling water, drain, refresh and chop into 2cm chunks. Toss in the tomato mix and stand for 10 mins. 2 Heat a large frying pan on a medium-high heat. Sear the salmon pieces on each side, for about 2 mins. Put the salmon in a bowl with the…

OH SO PRETTY At the recent launch of A by Amara’s new collections, we were treated to dinner seated at a beautifully styled table very similar to this. The tableware and accessories are from its Greenhouse collection, which is inspired by natural and organic living, with each piece evoking a relaxing and elegant feel. WELL TRAVELLED Embrace the global traveller trend without leaving home! Keep an eye out for sisal baskets, cushions with fringing, and wicker, all in neutral shades with a hint of spice to get the look just right. 3 OF THE BEST FAKES Fill your home with plants, even if you aren’t green-fingered, with faux ones. • Go for height with this one in a pot stand. Faux plant, £16, next.co.uk • Miniature marvel. Glass terrarium, £10,…

COLOUR RUN Pair inky blue with walnut and linen for a sophisticated dining scheme. Furniture and accessories, from a selection at marksandspencer.com WALL DISPLAY Take your pick from the gorgeous new plate designs on the high street, all with a common inky blue theme, then hang on your walls. Plates from the Denby Monsoon Fleur range, from £9, all debenhams.com CREATE A MOOD BOARD Homes Editor Jennifer Morgan has put her favourite swatches together to inspire you. Scion Wabi Sabi Dhurri wallpaper, £41/roll, wallpaperdirect.com. Miramar silk fabric in Lapis, £72/m; Chiltern faux silk fabric in Evening, £24/m, both james-hare.com. Kicho Indigo wallcovering, £55/roll, villanova.co.uk. Harlequin Java Indigo/Ink fabric, £89/m; Scion Shibori Indigo/Linen fabric, £34/m, both stylelibrary.com. Porches Blue wallpaper, £19/roll, jdwilliams.co.uk. Harlequin Kallianthi Fabric Grasses fabric,…

Does your garden need a boost? A few buys or quick tricks can transform your patch from tired and dated into stylish and inviting. From greening up walls with lush botanics and choosing on-trend colours, to taking indoor design outside and embracing the latest al fresco cooking ideas – here’s how to make the most of your outdoor space… Inside/outside style Turn your garden, terrace or balcony into an extension of your interior living space. “Focus on one area and give it the feel of an outdoor room by grouping furniture together, using an L-shaped seating arrangement or corner seat and low table,” says Jennifer Morgan, w&h homes editor. Create a statement with a pastel colour-washed wall or fence, and add pops of a bold accent colour by accessorising with…

Britain’s Best Cook Mary Berry is putting her judging hat back on for a new cookery competition that aims to track down Britain’s most accomplished home cooks. Dan Doherty and Chris Bavin judge alongside, while Claudia Winkleman presents. BBC One The Split Nicola Walker leads the cast of this brand new six-part drama as a divorce lawyer who quits the family firm for a rival company after her mother refuses her a promotion. Meera Syal and Stephen Mangan also star. BBC One Britain’s Got Talent Prepare for more tears and tensions as the talent show embarks on its 12th series. Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, Simon Cowell and David Walliams return to the judging panel, with Ant & Dec on presenting duties. ITV Hang Ups Stephen Mangan, David Tennant and Jessica…

1 GREEN-FINGERS New at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show are “space to grow” gardens – smaller gardens with tips on how to make the most of outdoor spaces in urban areas – plus a Friday night late opening with music, food and the chance to experience the gardens lit up. 22-26 May; rhs.org.uk 2 SOUL LOVERS Sing along to hits including Son of a Preacher Man in this new musical UK tour about the life of Mary O’Brien – AKA Dusty Springfield. 23 June-21 July; dustyspringfieldmusical.com 3 FESTIVAL FANS See your favourite artists perform in the stunning surroundings of the Tudor Courtyard at the Hampton Court Palace Festival. Confirmed acts include Lionel Richie, Paloma Faith, Jools Holland and The Beach Boys. Be quick, as demand is high. 5-20 June;…

Actress and screenwriter Ruth Jones has written her debut novel, Never Greener (Bantam), which is out now. Never Greener started life as an unmade screenplay that lay neglected for years on my computer. I’d gone away on a spa break in 2016 and one afternoon I found the beginnings of a Never Greener prose version on my laptop. I found myself racing back to my room after having a hopi candle shoved in my ear, just to get on with the book. Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night and have an idea. I’ve learned to my cost that if I don’t write it down there and then, no matter what I tell myself, I will not remember it…

Damian Barr Damian Barr is funny, wry, erudite, and has written about growing up as a gay boy in Scotland in his memoir, Maggie & Me (Bloomsbury). Lisa Blower Lisa Blower’s Sitting Ducks, set in Stoke-on-Trent (Fair Acre Press) is wonderful. She’s a lecturer in creative writing at Bangor University and a great writer who’s articulate, funny, bright and selfless. Stephen Kelman Stephen Kelman’s Pigeon English (Bloomsbury) explores what it is to be a young black boy living on an estate in London. Written from his point of view, it was one of the first novels written about those concerns. Lemn Sissay Lemn Sissay is an Ethiopian poet who grew up in care in Lancashire. He has forged a path as a fantastic poet and been awarded an OBE. His…

Star sign of the month TAURUS 21 APRIL – 21 MAY Uranus enters your sign (15th) and together with a Taurus new moon, brings change and releases the explorer within. Seat belts on. For weekly updates, call 09058-170542* THE MONTHS AHEAD You’re beginning a seven-year cycle that will take you places – literally and metaphorically. August and October are sprinkled with stardust. To hear a detailed breakdown of the next few months, call 09058-170091* GEMINI 22 MAY – 22 JUNE Romance glitters but until the 21st avoid reaching firm conclusions. Take a back seat and watch others make the mistakes. Weekly update 09058-170543* Year ahead 09058-170092* CANCER 23 JUNE – 23 JULY A month of mixed blessings. Keep your plans loose and your mind open. That way you won’t miss…

My rise to fame... When Take That came out [the band formed in 1989, split in 1996 and reunited 10 years later], the charts were full of faceless dance music so editors of the magazines like Smash Hits and Look-in couldn’t believe there was an act at last to put on the cover. But it still took us four attempts to get a hit record. My earliest memories... I had a happy childhood in Cheshire. My parents were one of the few couples in history who never argued and we always had dinner together as a family. We weren’t well off, but we weren’t poor. My dad had two jobs, so we had a colour telly before anyone else and a record player. My mum and dad loved music and…

Helen Mirren is married to American film director Taylor Hackford. She splits her time between their homes in London, the US and Italy. Have I ever had moments of self-doubt? Oh, every day! I used to be so terrified of parties and, although I’m much better than I used to be, I still have spells of massive insecurity. Sometimes it’s so extreme that I have to lock myself in the toilet to get myself together and talk myself into going out and dealing with what’s in front of me. I think that’s partly why I’m an actress because when I’m acting I can pretend to be someone else – it’s when I’m dealing with just being myself that things get tricky. I grew up in that era when, as a…

Our experts • Dr Jessamy Hibberd, clinical psychologist and co-author of the This Book Will… series. • Jayne Morris, life coach and author of Burnout to Brilliance . • Suzy Reading, psychologist and author of The Self-Care Revolution . When did you last have time to yourself? When “mum’s taxi” went on strike? The laundrette was off duty? The café you run alongside your actual job shut up shop? If that’s the sound of your frazzled laugh, we’re not surprised. But this is no laughing matter. Time to unwind is “like fuel in the tank”, says psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibberd. “You need ‘self-care’ to function at your best,” she adds. “We’re not meant to be doing and thinking all of the time; we’re not machines.” Me-time isn’t sitting in a…

• Add an eye-catching scarf, tucked neatly under your belt. • Don’t play it safe; clash your prints for a bolder finish. • Play with your proportions by wearing a short knit over a long shirt. • Restyle your scarf and loop it around your bag. • Smarten up your statement skirt with a tailored jacket. • Hints of lace will make your boy-ish blazer more feminine. 3 AMAZING BLAZERS Wear them over jeans, a maxi dress, or utility jumpsuit; you’re guaranteed to look smart in seconds. HERO PIECES You know the classics, here’s how to make them more modern. MAKE YOUR ACCESSORIES MATTER A bold belt gives you a more styled look. Plus pinches you in where you need it most. New way to wear it... Layer a pussy…

The all-important dress The dress reveal is, hands-down, the most exciting moment of a royal wedding, but Meghan has given us some clues. She said that her all-time favourite wedding dress is Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s sleek, fluid silk column by Narciso Rodriguez. Whoever the designer is, we should expect a classic, sophisticated style. Meghan is likely to borrow a tiara – possibly something elegant such as the Teck Crescent. It comprises three wild roses separated by 20 diamond crescents and hasn’t been worn in public since the Queen Mother visited Canada in 1939, a nod to Meghan’s adopted home country – she spent six years living in Toronto where Suits is filmed. A natural beauty, Meghan will not have to do too much to her face for her wedding day The…

The Italian women we idolise – Monica Bellucci (top), Gina Lollobrigida (bottom) – have style no matter what they’re wearing. As Sophia Loren (middle) says: “Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.” I remember seeing two sprightly old ladies when I first arrived in Florence who patrolled the street every morning, arms linked, visiting each of the shops – the butcher, the greengrocer – before arriving at the café for their cappuccinos. Their cheeks were always powdered, their lipstick always on. So take out those earrings, shoes or the special dress that you love, and wear them; bring the things that make you feel beautiful into your every day – Italian women are never knowingly underdressed. Since moving to Italy, I’ve also experienced the…

Her Honour Judge Anuja Ravindra Dhir QC, 50 FIRST NON-WHITE FEMALE JUDGE AT THE OLD BAILEY • State-educated, dyslexic, born in Dundee to Indian parents. • Barrister for 23 years and QC for two. • Appointed Circuit Judge in 2012 and Old Bailey Judge in 2017. Anuja says “I’m motivated by the professionalism of the people I work with and their commitment to getting it right every time. My proudest moment was being appointed as a Judge – it’s a huge privilege as well as a responsibility. I’m a mother of three. One of the advantages of a judicial career is the option of part-time work, which I hope means more women feel able to apply.” Air Vice-Marshal Sue Gray CB, OBE, 54 THE SECOND WOMAN TO BE MADE AIR…

Some of us are born to binge on box sets in the early hours, while others leap out of bed at 6am looking refreshed. Research suggests we can’t choose to be an owl or a lark, as our biological clock, or chronotype, is largely genetic. But we could all achieve more if we tweaked our days in line with our body clock. Only about 15% of us are true morning larks, 20% are natural owls, and the rest of us are in-between. For the larks and in-betweeners, our days follow a distinct pattern, believes author Daniel Pink, who examined 700 scientific studies for his book, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing (Canongate). There’s a morning peak of productivity from about 8.30am to 12pm, followed by a mid-afternoon trough, then…

Me time “God, Mum, you look like a ghoul” is the usual refrain from my teenage son when I exit the bathroom midway through my weekend morning beauty regime. Too bad, buddy: Sunday is literally the only day when I have more than the bare 10 minutes to shower, make up and get out of the door pronto. The week – and even shopping Saturdays – always require a rush. But, on those wonderfully lazy languid hours of a quiet Sunday morning, when my diary doesn’t dictate my whereabouts and my husband snores solo – it’s me time, not zero time. That’s when I squirrel myself away, open the bathroom cabinets, splay out the unguents delightedly and spend as long as I jolly well like applying oodles of gooey goodies…

Instagram is the home of the shelfie, with 900k+ posts tagged #shelfie showcasing beauty and interiors inspiration…

“Male menopause may be detected in trips to car showrooms or an investment in a £1,000 titanium road bike” Misunderstood, moody, snappy, tired, night sweats, feeling that life is passing by too fast? No, it’s not your menopause we’re talking about. It’s his. And he’s not necessarily just grumpy – he has hormones too. The Peri-manopause While women’s first symptoms tend to be erratic periods, thanks to fluctuations in hormones, the beginning of the male menopause may be detected in trips to car showrooms or an investment in a £1,000 titanium road bike and a wardrobe of designer Lycra. Surprisingly, this is potentially due to natural changes in the endocrine system. Dr Jeff Foster, a GP at Spire Parkway Hospital, explains, “Male testosterone levels start to…

THIS MONTH… Keratoconus eye disease • O Favism (severe reaction to broad beans) • O Mixing herbal remedies and prescription drugs Q My 17-year-old son recently went to the optician for an eye test after noticing his sight was sometimes a bit blurred. He was told he had keratoconus, which will need treatment with contact lenses. We’re waiting for an appointment for him to see a specialist, but from what I’ve read about it, there is no effective treatment, and his sight is likely to get worse. Is that correct? A In keratoconus, the cornea, which is the clear membrane at the front of the eye, becomes thinner, and becomes more cone shaped, causing blurred vision and sensitivity to bright lights. It affects about 1 in 450…

BLACK TIE An elegant dress code for formal events, such as Glyndebourne Opera. A light elegant evening dress, cocktail dress or evening trousers are preferable, with striking jewellery and a small bag or clutch. COCKTAIL Popular for more formal drinks and dinner parties, cocktail attire suggests a shorter dress for women, such as a little black dress. SMART CASUAL This can be the hardest of dress codes to interpret, and a great deal depends on the type and time of day of the event. A printed invitation suggests a more formal event than an email, and town/city events will generally be more formal that those held in the country. For women, a smart day dress with a jacket is a safe choice. LOUNGE SUITS This dress code is used for…

Shine out Make sequins work around the clock by teaming them with a lightweight trench. A stylish brooch will rev up your look. Sleek separates Master wearing just one colour by mixing different fabrics and shades. A touch of lace gives smart tailoring a feminine edge. All in one A wide-leg jumpsuit is an easy go-to for sleek, stress-free style. Soft leather will instantly amp up a cream cropped jacket. Luxe layers Keep everything covered by layering a long soft knit over your strappy dress. Cheat an hourglass shape by adding a belt.…

Q How can I dress up short hair without resorting to an Alice band? A If you want to embellish a bob or a short cut, but want to avoid hairbands, invest in an attention-grabbing hair slide. Diamanté is hard to beat for instant glamour. “Keep things modern by introducing some texture,” says Luke Hersheson, Creative Director of John Frieda and hairstylist to Victoria Beckham, Sienna Miller and Keira Knightley. A bit of salt spray to make hair wavy will prevent it looking too perfect. Pin the back and sides of your hair up and apply hairspray to keep it in place. Use a tail comb to gently “tease” the ends to create texture and height, then add your hair slide for a showstopping style. TOOLKIT • Leaf Crystal Embellished…

We all know that you can sell unwanted items on eBay and Gumtree, and put your property on Airbnb, but unless you’re prepared to put in the time and effort, you’re unlikely to make much money (Gumtree, for instance, gets a million new ads a week). There are, however, easier ways to earn some extra cash, as Niki Chesworth explains... Money for nothing This is a no-brainer. You can get paid while you shop, watch movies online or even order a takeaway. You won’t make millions, but you should be able to afford a few free treats. WHAT’S NEW? Swagbucks.com gives you cashback of around 2% on shopping online at places such as M&S and Currys, and for completing surveys. You receive the money in the form of a…

1 STYLE YOUR SPA Before your at-home spa session, spend a few minutes helping to create the perfect treat-you space with a few quick styling touches, making the family bathroom somewhere truly relaxing. Fill a basket with anything that would disrupt your relaxed mood – like the kids’ bath toys, laundry and other people’s towels – and pop them in another room while you spa. Remove any day-to-day toiletries and cleaning products. Then add a few vases with simple flowers, stacks of lovely clean towels, scented candles and a few lovely finds, such as shells or ceramics – anything that makes you feel calm. Turn your phone to silent, pop on a robe and slippers, and start the process of unwinding with a cup of herbal tea 2 UPDATE YOUR…

THIS MONTH, YOU’LL FIND ME… Watching... I’m in the middle of watching Netflix’s The People v. OJ Simpson at the moment and it’s brilliant. I love The Good Place too; I’m a big fan of Kristen Bell. Reading... The Woman in the Window by A J Finn and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman are both on my list. Listening to... I’ve got really into Ted Talks recently – they’re fascinating – and I always listen to BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs. Eating at... An Italian restaurant in Essex called Lucca Enoteca – they do the best stone-baked pizza. Learning to... Be a better cook. If someone could teach me five easy recipes that could each be whipped up in 30 minutes, that would be great.…

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. ENJOY! • Weekly one-to-one support with your very own fully qualified Nutritionist • Deliciously healthy dishes, perfectly portioned and beautifully balanced – delivered to your door • Easy, effective and economical meals • No need to shop and chop – or even think – we’ve done it all for you • It works! Join thousands of others who’ve lost weight the Jane Plan way 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 for you. We…