Innholdsfortegnelse for Jul-2018 i Woman & Home

“For me, loving life is as simple as taking the dogs for a walk on the beach” We read a lot in the media about different social groups criticising each other – apparently the baby boomers think millennials are the lazy me-me-me generation, whereas millennials think their baby boomer parents had it easy with their free education and cheap houses. In reality, however, in our real lives and in our homes, the generations are getting along together just fine – better than ever actually, according to our feature Meet the Billennials on page 70. People in their forties, fifties, sixties and beyond are determined to stay modern and in the know, and young people don’t feel the need to rebel any more, so the boundaries of age are being broken…

ON TURNING 80… I’m so excited because I never thought I would live this long! Much less be working at my age. And doing such fun things. ON BEING A GRANDMOTHER… When my first grandchild was born and I held him in my arms, I really understood intimacy. I felt a love I had never felt before. It broke me open, and I needed to be broken open. ON COSMETIC SURGERY… I did have plastic surgery. I’m not proud of the fact that I’ve had it. But I grew up so defined by my looks. I was taught to think that if I wanted to be loved, I had to be thin and pretty. That leads to a lot of trouble. ON HER DOG, TULEA… She’s a Coton de Tulear…

Phase Eight has everything you need for a stylish holiday wardrobe, offering a sophisticated collection of dresses and separates with stunning fabrics and beautiful prints. Classic stripes, whites and neutral shades will be your go-to palette for a capsule holiday wardrobe, while bold pops of colour will add bright accents that will complement a sun-kissed glow. Phase Eight’s holiday shop offers figure-flattering swimwear, versatile cover-ups and casual separates for days on the beach, while smart-casual skirts, trousers and day dresses will be perfect for city breaks. With Phase Eight as your Dress Destination, you can choose from a variety of styles including printed maxis, simple shift dresses or special occasion dresses and jumpsuits – taking you from beach to bar, day to night or wherever your summer social calendar demands.…

GO GLAM Dazzle everyone with a daring print. Tropical styles are totally on trend and with a cleverly ruched middle, you can keep all your secrets hidden from sunrise to sundown. Up the glam factor with an oversized hat… size really matters, so the bigger the brim the better! UNDER COVER You can’t beat black when it comes to pulling off that bikini body. A high waist with built-in control will hold you in where you want it most – make it your go-to shape for a sleek and stylish cut. Removable straps? Yes please… turn your back on those tan lines, the sun bed is most definitely calling. EASY ELEGANCE Want a cool, crisp cover-up? Look no further than your favourite white shirt. A loose linen style works so…

“I wanted to celebrate women’s creative voices” THE CO-FOUNDER OF THE WOMEN’S FICTION PRIZE • Kate Mosse OBE, 56, co-founded the prestigious Women’s Prize in 1996 in response to an all-male Booker shortlist. In its infancy, it was controversial to have a female-only award. She is also the best-selling author of the Languedoc Trilogy (Labyrinth won the Best Book Award in 1996), and has just published the first book in a new series, The Burning Chambers (Pan Macmillan). Kate says: “I wanted to celebrate women’s creative voices from all over the world, to make sure that the quiet and often overlooked experiences are put centre stage. My career has been haphazard, joyous and lucky, and every new book feels special and miraculous. But without the support of family and friends…

If I hadn’t taken a chance I wouldn’t be where I am today ‘I found love – and a whole new family’ BECKY SHEAVES, 51, runs a glamping business from the Devonshire farm she shares with husband John, 59. The couple live in Ottery St Mary with sons Luke, 16, and William, 13. On summer mornings, as I stand at the top of our meadow watching the sun rise over the roof of the farmhouse, I always feel a sense that anything is possible, if only you take a chance. If I hadn’t done just that in the summer of 2002, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Back then I was working in London. I had a great life, a career as a journalist, a flat, and was in…

Melanie Melvin, 51, and her husband Craig, 49, sold their Brighton home, found a nearby rental, and used their remaining equity to buy a traditional stone house in Andalucia, Spain. They have two children aged 15 and 14. Having a house in Spain is a huge privilege but it came about through difficult circumstances. I was working as a business coach as well as a yoga teacher, and Craig had a marketing consultancy, but after the financial crash in 2008, getting work was tough. We were struggling to pay our mortgage and building up debts. Four years ago, we sold our house and paid off everything we owed. We decided to rent a house in Brighton, where our children go to school, and invest the £75,000 we had left in…

1 STONE HOUSE WITH SEA VIEWS IN GREECE, €270,000 This two-story villa on the island of Thasos has sea and mountain views, a swimming pool and a private garden including a barbecue area. See tranio.com 2 BUILT-TO-ORDER VILLA IN SPAIN, €281,672 This detached villa in Guardamar, Alicante, has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a shared pool, with a Blue Flag beach just a 10-minute drive away. See propertyandspain.co.uk 3 HOUSE AND BARN IN WESTERN FRANCE, €149,330 Tucked down a quiet lane in the village of Nere in Poitou-Charentes on the Atlantic coast, this three- bedroom house is within walking distance of a bar/restaurant. See frenchestateagents.com…

CATE BLANCHETT, 49, plays nightclub owner Lou. Making Ocean’s 8 was too much fun; I hope and trust it will be as much fun to watch. It’s funny because you don’t worry about what you’re missing until you experience it. Something that all of us were saying is that an all-female starring cast is so rare. You get maybe one, two or three of you — but to get eight of you that have all got really interesting roles that are all playing off one another is very rare. It’s happened to me in the theatre a little bit, but it’s never happened to me before in film. So it’s hopefully to be oft repeated. Ocean’s 8 is released in cinemas on 18 June.…

Comedian and author Miranda Hart calls her bichon frise shih tzu cross, Peggy, her “best friend”, who “lies next to me, knowing when I am low and allowing me to hold her paw.” Chat-show host Graham Norton adores his Labradoodle, Bailey, and rescue terrier, Madge. “The emotional bond with my fur babies is profound and fully reciprocated,” he believes. TV cook Mary Berry has a respectful relationship with her working cocker spaniel, Darcey. “I’m the boss and she is very obedient. We simply adore each other.” Media mogul Simon Cowell loves his three Yorkshire terriers Freddie, Squiddly and Diddly. “I take them on holidays and I let them sleep in the bed with me.” Broadcaster Ruth Langsford adopted her border collie cross, Maggie, from the Dogs Trust in 2011. Maggie,…

The hardest part is the moment just before you begin. When everything is where it always has been. Your father’s writing desk. The armchair by the window where your mother used to sit. The higgledy-piggledy line of brass animals marching across the mantelpiece, the pig nose-to-tail with the elephant both, comically, the same size. Corner pieces of the jigsaw puzzle of your childhood. It has taken over 40 years to put it together; now you have to rip it apart and throw away the picture on the lid. There was nothing special about the house in suburban Dublin where I grew up with my four brothers and my sister. It was a small pebble-dashed semi-detached, on a street of almost identical houses, though ours was the one with the slightly…

It really is the best possible news. That the summer dress is having a moment. On the one hand, who cares about fashion’s whims? The sensible among us never stopped wearing this most flatteringly feminine of items. On the other, hurrah! So many beauteous frocks to choose from on the high street. And with stealth tweaks that add a cool edge to their womanhood-enhancing lines, such as a subtly asymmetric hemline. (Truly. Sounds odd. Looks awesome.) Or a modern floral print that’s brighter and bolder. Or a clash-match of contrast patterns. There’s more good news. Sleeves are two-a-penny. Remember how we used to lament their demise? Where oh where are the dresses with sleeves, we used to ask. Answer, finally: everywhere! “What does every woman look good in, whatever her…

The khaki military jacket £89, 6-16, Hush – worn by Amma Rhode, 40, from Ipswich. • Khaki suits every skin tone and this army-inspired jacket is just the ticket for a relaxed cover-up on holidays. • Style it your way. Turn your collar and sleeves up, style it with a belt or brooches, or tie it around your waist so you can go hands-free. • Choose a style that covers your bum for the most flattering length. Home Top, £90, 6-16, Jigsaw. Belt, £75; trousers, £75, 6-16, both French Connection. Bag, £139, Massimo Dutti. Sandals (just seen), £215, LK Bennett Holiday Pendants, £58 and £82, both Hermina Wristwear. Vest, £19, 6-22, La Redoute. Skirt, £45, 6-16, Hush. Camera, £250, leicastoremayfair.co.uk  . Scarf (on wrist), £65, Rixo. Sandals, £85,…

• Elemis Targeted Toning Body Moisturiser, £69, transforms from a rich cream to silky oil on contact. • REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum, £35, gently exfoliates dry, dull skin. • Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Body Buff Smoothing Scrub ’N Mask, £21, a great smelling skin smoother. • Paula’s Choice Resist Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA, £31, blitzes “bacne”. • Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30, £37, blends seamlessly into skin. w&h…

BEST FOR: GLOSS Fairy Drops Scandal Queen Waterproof Mascara , £18.50 Looks Cute! Japan’s favourite mascara brand (one sells every minute there) with a fun bubbly wand, unlike anything I’ve seen before. Lashes A little bit of everything: good lift and curl, easy-going length for everyday wear and a healthy, glossy finish often missing from waterproof formulas. Lasted Stayed intact through one of those “four seasons in one day” days, required a little scrubbing to remove but oil-based remover did the trick. BEST FOR: GLAMOUR L’Oréal Paradise Extatic Waterproof Mascara , £11.99 Looks Just like my favourite original Paradise Extatic mascara with its big bushy brush and pretty rose gold lid. Lashes Big, bold and glamorous, with a perfectly sooty sexy black pigment. Just the thing for parties. Lasts The…

A reader has recently written to me telling her story of suffering for years with vulval itching and soreness, which was treated by various doctors as either thrush or eczema. A specialist has now diagnosed her with lichen sclerosus, which she had never heard of – and she wanted to raise awareness in other women. Though it can occur in any area of the body, it most commonly affects the skin in the genital area and around the anus. It can occur at any age, including childhood, and though it can affect men, it’s more common in women. The cause isn’t known, but it is often linked with other diseases where the body’s own immune system attacks normal tissues, such as thyroid disease. Affected skin becomes inflamed, itchy and sore,…

Stay in the high-tech city of Tokyo with guaranteed views of the skyline Take part in a traditional tea ceremony See the sakura (cherry blossom) Day trip to magical Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic mountain Cable car and lunch in Hakone Scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi High-speed journey by bullet train 8-night Pacific Coast cruise Osaka and Kochi castles* See Geisha in Kyoto* Walk in the footsteps of the samurai and ninja in Nagoya *Available as a paid-for excursion from the cruise…

IN SEASON Our produce really peaks right now. The UK soft fruit season is with us, finally. Strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries and red and white currants are ready for desserts and jam. There are broad beans, French beans, peas, runner beans and mangetout. English asparagus should still be around too. For fish lovers, our native crab is at its best and you’ll also find sardines, wild sea bass and mackerel. BARBECUE TIME Field&Flower is a meat box subscription business set up by two friends who met at agricultural college. They work with some of the best independent farmers who share their high values. Check out their barbecue selections, which include jerk chicken wings, beef and Stilton burgers, a large selection of sausages and all free-range, fieldandflower.co.uk OH-SO ZINGY To add to…

HERO PIECES Joining Sofa. com’s Design Lab portfolio this year is Tamasyn Gambell, a textile designer who prides herself on creating luxurious, timeless products. Her two designs feature bold geometric shapes with a hand-drawn element to soften them – I love their Mid-century vibe. RIAD STYLE Inspired by this season’s explorer look (see more next month), I couldn’t resist these pieces from the Modern Riad collection by JD Williams. The duvet set comes with a great price tag, while the pendant is an easy makeover. JUST PEACHY Fresh and perfect for summer, peach, lemon and apricot are making a pretty comeback. I’m loving the high-summer collection at Next, where you’ll find these colours in its hero print called Sketched Leaf. It’s a great palette for lightening up…

RELAXED SUMMER Made for leisurely afternoons, Neptune’s low-lined contemporary Tresco range ( neptune.co.uk ), includes an armchair and 3-seat sofa, but also offers modular pieces that can be combined up to a 6-seater set (£2,750). Just add a few outdoor cushions and pot plants. PRETTY GARDENING KIT I love the detailing of this new design called Garden Birds, by Gisela Graham, which includes a handy carry-all for your gardening bits and bobs. Mug, £9; gardening gloves, £18; gardening bag, £18; jute ball, £18, all giselagraham.co.uk HANGING AROUND This trio of hanging planters makes it easy to follow the vertical gardening craze – I’m tempted to plant a set up with supermarket herbs for a fragrant kitchen garden and hang just outside my back door. Set of…

“Being my age is a very powerful terrain for both comedy and tragedy” The bestselling novelist lives mostly in Cambridge with her partner Anthony Lane and their son Tom, 18, and two poodles, Django and Maisie. Their daughter Eve, 22, comes home regularly. Welsh is my first language. My grandad was a coal miner so my sister and I were brought up in a small community in Pembrokeshire until we moved to England when I was about 10. My mother was a great lover of musical theatre. So, instead of books, we had long-playing records of The King and I, Mary Poppins, Sound of Music, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls. Those lyrics were my poetry. You can’t do better than some Lorenz Hart and Cole Porter. They really triggered my love…

Festival No.6 • 6-9 SEPTEMBER • Portmeirion, Wales • £190 per adult for the weekend including camping. The site is the strange but beautiful model village where TV series The Prisoner was filmed. Will Self, Irvine Welsh and Suggs are among those giving talks; festivalnumber6.com Port Eliot • 26-29 JULY • St Germans, Cornwall • £170 per adult for the weekend including camping. Demos from celebrity chefs in a Grade I-listed house, plus literary talks galore and survival lessons; porteliotfestival.com Latitude • 12-15 JULY • Henham Park, Suffolk • £197.50 per adult for the weekend including camping. Catch QI live, see the V&A’s sculpture exhibition, watch Ed Miliband’s podcast, plus the debut of hot new hip hop musical Suffrageddon; latitudefestival.com Green Man • 16-19 AUGUST • Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons •…

Dietland This comedic series, based on Sarai Walker’s bestselling novel, delves into the life of Plum, a ghostwriter for a top magazine editor, as she embarks on the road to self-acceptance. Amazon Prime Cargo Martin Freeman is a man on the run during a zombie apocalypse in this new thriller. When he finds himself infected with the disease, he has 48 hours to find a new guardian for his child. Netflix Preacher Dominic Cooper returns as the rogue Texan preacher, Jesse Custer, who’s on a road trip across the US to find God. The first episode launches on 25 June, with new ones available weekly. Amazon Prime…

• Picasso: Paper and Clay looks at how Picasso pushed the boundaries as much in drawing, printmaking and ceramics, as he did in painting. Until 24 June; thelightbox.org.uk • It’s a firm fixture in the British summer calendar and tickets for Henley Royal Regatta are selling fast. Grab them while you can. 4-8 July; hrr.co.uk • The Moderate Soprano, David Hare’s play about the love story behind the birth of Glyndebourne, finishes soon at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre. Until 30 June; themoderatesoprano.com…

Bill lives in London and has a grown-up daughter, Mary, with his ex-partner Diana Quick. My rise to fame... Love Actually changed my life in a very good way. Richard Curtis gave me a very good role, and it changed my professional life and a lot in my personal life. So it’s something I should be grateful for. But when fans speak with me in the street, I feel like I’m disappointing them because I’m not Billy Mack, I’m just a normal bloke! My early memories… I don’t love acting; I did acting because I didn’t want to do some other things. When I got into drama school, they said, “We hope you realise there may be long periods where you’re out of work,” and I had to keep…

LYNNE TRUSS is the popular author whose new book, A Shot in the Dark , is out 28 June. She writes about why dogs make the world a better place on p76. Lynne lives along the coast from Brighton. • What I love most about the British summer is… the light evenings – the amount of out-and-about time expands dramatically. • This summer I’m… doing a few literary festivals to talk about my latest novel, A Shot in the Dark , but there’s also a week with friends in Dorset. I suppose I shouldn’t say this, but I’m really looking forward to a rest from writing! LISA VERRICO is a pop critic for The Times , and writes two pieces for us…

1950 Jane (top left) with brother Peter, mother Frances (bottom left), half-sister Frances and father Henry. 1960 Jane makes her screen debut as a college cheerleader in the film Tall Story. 1968 Jane stars in the title role of Barbarella, which established her as a sex symbol. Late 1960s Jane turns political activist as she supports the Civil Rights Movement. 1980 She stars in the film 9 to 5 alongside Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin. 1982 The Jane Fonda Workout launches, the top-selling exercise video of all time. 2005 Jane’s first film in 15 years is Monster-in-Law, also starring Jennifer Lopez. 2014 Jane with her three children, Vanessa, Mary and Troy. 2015 She appears in Netflix’s Grace and Frankie with Lily Tomlin. 2018 Jane plays a book club member who gets a new lease of life after reading Fifty…

STYLE ICON The enigmatic artist Frida Kahlo’s personal possessions are going on show at London’s V&A museum, the collection’s first appearance outside Mexico. Cue bright Tehuana garments, statement necklaces and portraits of her wearing them – proving that her style legacy is as strong today as it was in her lifetime. MODEL MATERIAL? JD Williams have teamed up with woman&home and Models 1 to find their next midster models. You need to be 45+. Find details at jdwilliams.co.uk and look for updates about the open casting via Facebook (@JDWilliamsUK), and Instagram (@jdwfashion). Applications close 9 July 2018. GO FULL CIRCLE An easy way to update your look whatever your budget GET THE KAHLO LOOK… because imitation is the best form of flattery…

“EVERYTHING IN MY WARDROBE IS COLOUR CODED; IT MAKES IT QUICKER AND EASIER TO GET DRESSED” 1 LEARN TO LOVE COLOUR AND EXPERIMENT WITH IT. Neutrals and soft camels are a fresh way to ground colour in the summer. 2 ALWAYS HANG JACKETS AND COATS on correct hangers so that they keep their shape better and last much longer. 3 INVEST IN GOOD QUALITY TAILORING as this will elevate your basics. 4 I ALWAYS CARRY A MINI LINT ROLLER in my bag to ensure my clothes are fluff free. 5 BUY HIGH STREET PIECES A SIZE LARGER as a little more fabric can make the difference in making a piece look more expensive. 6 GOOD UNDERWEAR IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST – a well fitting…

Orla, 55, lives in London with her husband, Dermott Rowan, and their two sons, Robert, 22, and Hamish, 20. A COOKERY BOOK (OR 10!) You can never have too many. My latest find is Dining In by Alison Roman (@alisoneroman); it’s her first cookbook and it’s brilliant. AN ON-THE-GO MASSAGE When I have some spare time I like going to the Walk-in Backrub on Charlotte Place. You can have 10 minutes or an hour and there’s rarely a queue. FIG-SCENTED CANDLES I have to have one on my bedside table at all times – the aroma is incredibly soothing. NETFLIX’S THE CROWN It’s my absolute favourite show. Claire Foy gives such an amazing performance and the sets and costumes are just exquisite. MY 1960S PIANO I bought it at the…

BEST IN BUSINESS Doing exciting things in the world of work CHAMPIONS OF THE ARTS Fuelling our passion for culture “DON’T TELL ME I CAN’T” JD WILLIAMS AWARD Women making a difference in new and interesting ways CELEBRITIES DOING GOOD Stars of stage and screen who also do wonderful work for charities SOCIAL INFLUENCERS Best bloggers and vloggers shouting about midlife CHANGING OUR COUNTRY Women in high places dedicated to making our lives better SHAPING THE FUTURE Working with children for a better world for us all SUPER ENTREPRENEURS Inspiring stories of business start-ups PLUS OUR TWO READER-NOMINATED CATEGORIES: Community heroes and Friendship above and beyond. • Winners will be announced in our November 2018 issue.…

VICTORIA SAYS… TV presenter Victoria Derbyshire, 49, lives with her partner, Mark Sandell, and their two sons, Oliver, 14, and Joe, 11, in London. Cathy and I first met 10 years ago when she came bounding over to talk to me in the school playground. Our eldest sons had recently started in reception class and we were waiting to pick them up. I was feeling very low as my stepdad had recently died unexpectedly and Cathy came over and asked, “Are you 909 Victoria?” It took me a few moments to realise that she was talking about the frequency of the BBC Radio 5 Live show I hosted back then. She was very smiley and she instantly lifted my spirits. Our friendship developed over the next few months as our…

SANDRA BULLOCK, 53, plays Debbie Ocean, who has recently been released from prison. Working with this female cast felt like it was a long time coming. Too long, but I’m just so grateful that it happened. It felt like we had all been kept in solitary confinement from each other. Kind of like an “actress quarantine” and when we all found ourselves like sardines in the trailer that first day, it was like the dam burst and we all made up for lost time. I saw a group of women support each other in the most humbling way. Everyone wanting the other to “have their moment”. Early on in the shoot we started reading stories that we were at each other’s throats, but the opposite was true. A lot of…

“A couple’s massage is the antithesis of relaxing” The hotel spa receptionist is telling me 50% of her customers are men. A fact I find as astonishing as Michael Fabricant’s hair/ Kim Kardashian’s bottom. Really? Really? This means there must be thousands, no, millions of sucker-for-a-seaweed-wrap chaps, fanatical-about-facial guys and manicure-mad hombres. So how come I don’t know any of them? I glance at Alpha Male (AM), who has been coerced in here rather reluctantly on the way back from the pool and is now eating the display-only apples and dripping on the marble floor. “Can we book you in for a treatment, Mr Green?”, the receptionist asks, hopefully. NB, Alpha Male’s second name is not Green (I work under my maiden name), but as I have arranged the entire…

3 LUXE SUMMER LIPS If your lips are craving a slick of lightweight colour, a dash of shine and a hit of hydration then look no further than… • Tom Ford Lumière Lip, £36, is a balm that delivers a sheer tint of papaya, with a side order of moisture. • Sisley Phyto Lip Delight, £37 (out 15 June), has the colour and volumising effect of a gloss without the stickiness. • Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Lip Balm, £31, feels nourishing and adds subtle polish to a sun-kissed face. THIS JULY... I’M WEARING Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Volume 2 Mascara, £25, thickening and not smudgy. I’M SCARING THE KIDS by wearing the super-moisturising, slightly drippy Neutrogena Radiance Boost Hydrogel Recovery Mask, £3.50. I’M LIGHTING Jo Malone London White Lilac…

1 L’Oréal Infallible Pro Glow, £11.99 Normally I say foundation is like sushi – go cheap and you’ll pay the price later – but I ate my words when I tried this newbie. It melts into skin, gives full yet dewy coverage and really goes the distance. Shades for all skintones too, hurrah! 2 Sanctuary Spa Wet Skin Moisture Miracle, £8 I slap this sweetly scented lotion onto wet skin post-shower, dry off and dress right away, yet somehow it sinks in and softens like I’ve slathered on buttery cream and stood around for half an hour as it dries. 3 Superdrug Optimum Phyto Glycolic Pads, £4.95 I’m consistently impressed by Superdrug’s skincare, and these new pads give the same brightening and smoothing results as products 10 times their price.…

1 HAIR Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste, £42.50 I use this once a week as a scalp treatment with exfoliation, although it doesn’t feel scratchy in any way. It’s a weird gummy paste, but you put it on and it foams up and feels amazing. 2 BODY Aveeno Daily Moisturising After-Shower Mist, £7.50 I’m a late convert to this spray-on body lotion, which is amazing! I’m very lazy about looking after my body skin, but this really makes a difference to the texture, it has transformed it. 3 BATHING Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil, £49 I use this all the time, to the extent that I don’t even wear perfume any more and people think that that is my perfume. It’s the thing that…

1 HAVE A “WIFI WINDOW” Just keep it on when you need it – Susan Harmsworth, creator of ESPA skincare, swears by unplugging her WiFi at night. “It’s difficult to isolate your home because of neighbours’ tech,” she says. “But we know EMFs are disruptive and the more we can minimise these the better. By turning off your own WiFi you minimise the rays within your immediate surroundings, which are known to disrupt sleep.” 2 INVEST IN AN OLD-SCHOOL ALARM CLOCK It keeps your bedroom free from blue light and is the easiest way to make a difference to how tech affects your sleep, according to It’s Time To Log Off ( itstimetologoff.com ). 3 CONSIDER EMF- SHIELDING CURTAINS “Living in a rural area means you’ll be exposed…

Discover the flavours of France with world-renowned chef, author and presenter Raymond Blanc OBE. He’ll join w&h readers for two days of an 11-day gastronomic river cruise around Bordeaux. Savour this region’s foodie highlights while on board the five-star Scenic Diamond. As Raymond says, “There are few greater pleasures than drifting quietly along the rivers and canals, perhaps with a nice glass of wine in your hand. I look forward to meeting w&h readers on board and toasting together to beautiful Bordeaux.” Joining you in Cadillac, Raymond will take part in an exclusive talk and Q&A session plus a photo opportunity. You’ll also watch a special cooking demonstration by Raymond and his sous-chef. Plus TV wine critic Susy Atkins will guide you through wine masterclasses and private tastings. Throughout the…

“Just a few fresh ingredients is all it takes to create a delicious meal to be enjoyed in the sunshine” Beer and sugar- cured pork Curing meat in a wet brine makes it tender and won’t dry out when cooked. Easy/Prepare ahead • Ready in 20 mins, plus brining • Serves 6 6 pork loin chops 500ml beer, preferably IPA 85g ground sea salt 65g light soft brown sugar a little olive oil to serve 250g green beans, blanched; 200g baby courgettes, halved; juice of 1 lemon; 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil; micro herbs or mustard and cress 1 Put the chops into a bowl or ziplock bag. Stir together the beer, salt and sugar until dissolved. Pour over the pork, cover and leave overnight in the fridge. 2 When…

1 Frozen Strawberry Margaritas Sweet and refreshing. Serves 4 220g strawberries, hulled 100ml tequila 30ml triple sec 30ml lime juice 300g ice cubes 1 egg white 2tbsp caster sugar Blend the strawberries with the liquids in a blender, then add the ice cubes and blend again. Dip the rims of 4 glasses in the egg white, then into the sugar. Divide between the glasses. 2 Peroni Limoni Lager adds body to summer cocktails. Serves 1 bunch mint leaves 15ml lemon juice 5ml sugar syrup 30ml limoncello 150ml Peroni Shake the mint, lemon juice, sugar syrup, limoncello and some ice in a cocktail shaker. Sieve the mixture into a tall highball glass then top up with lager. Garnish with a lemon slice and mint. 3 Pink Sangria Great for serving a…

Summer days spent outside, with all you need to keep you fed and watered close by… sounds bliss? Well this season’s picnicware will make sure you eat alfresco in style. From bright melamine plates to classic wicker hampers for two (or four), on-the-go cool bags and rucksacks in fun prints to clever travel and serveware that will mean your salad survives the journey, it’s time to brighten up picnics once and for all. SHADY SPOT Outdoor rugs, plenty of cushions and a makeshift sun shade provide the perfect setting. Use a large basket to carry essentials from inside out. Plain outdoor cushions, £10 each; elephant cushion, £30; seat pads, £25 each; water hyacinth basket, £40; Taj throw in Saffron, £49; cool bag, £22; Himani voile, £45; Weaver Green washable outdoor…

Whether you like vivid colour combinations for instant impact or a minimal statement pot with one ornamental variety, planting up summer pots is a favourite moment. If you’re looking for inspiration, try our winning planting combinations to create an eye-catching focal point of your own. The plants we’ve chosen are readily available at garden centres or online, making it easy to recreate these seasonal looks. Once they’re ready be sure to position them where you will get the most out of them every time you pass – near a door, by a path or on the patio. Just remember to keep them fed, watered and deadheaded to prolong their flowering time all summer long. Plant a mini kitchen garden With their pretty ornamental leaves, enjoy salad and vegetables as a…

THE HEALTH MANUAL Reboot Your Health by Sara Davenport (Hay House) Most of us have little idea of how to listen to our body or build a clear map of our health. This manual aims to help you do exactly that by collecting the relevant information and taking practical steps towards feeling better and avoiding illness. THE CLASSIC SELF-HELP TOME The Road Less Travelled by M Scott Peck (Arrow) How facing difficulties can help achieve a higher level of self-understanding and a happy life. The multi-million-selling mother of self-help books that has helped many to change the way they live and love for good. THE WAY TO FIND PEACE The Gift of Silence by Kankyo Tannier (Yellow Kite) Channel the power of silence to control thought, overcome…

Watching… Nathan for You – it’s an American docu-reality comedy TV series and it’s hilarious. And I’ll definitely be watching Big Little Lies season two; the characters, the world and the dialogue, it all just works. Reading… I’m currently reading The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish, the stand-up comedian. It’s a collection of personal essays and it’s funny, filthy and brutally honest. Listening to… I’ve got Invasion of Privacy by Cardi B on repeat right now. I’m not a huge fan of rap, but I saw her play live and she’s such a great performer. Eating at… I’m a big fan of a restaurant called Trois Mec – it’s tiny and the music is loud, but everything on the menu is incredible. Learning to… Make croissants. I’ve tried…

After the Winter Without End – it kept coming back for another encore like some desperate actor who simply wouldn’t get off the stage – I reckon we’ve earned a truly wonderful summer. A few years ago, a GP told me he thought I suffered from SAD. That’s Seasonal Affective Disorder or, as Karen Carpenter put it in her lovely, mournful voice, “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.” My guess is that, like me, most British people have a touch of SAD. We crawl through the grey clouds and the Siberian sleet towards the glimmering promise of sunny days. Who knows, without the rain we’d probably be sultry Spaniards or impassioned Italians. Hard to be sultry when you’re always thinking, “Now, where did I put that cardie?” As…

Of the dozens of gigs that I saw last year, only one made me laugh out loud, dance arms-aloft down an aisle and not care that I could hear myself singing out of tune. Bananarama’s comeback concert at Hammersmith Apollo in December was a night of pure joy. Watching the “girl group” – now all in their mid to late fifties – fluff their dance routines just as they used to, gasp at the size of their 80s hair and tell stories about how they became friends wasn’t just a nostalgia trip. As a pop critic for The Times , I’ve seen scores of reunions over the years – from Simon & Garfunkel ignoring each other on stage in Manchester to The Police burying hatchets in Hyde Park. All were…

It takes just a glimpse of sun for most of us to begin the “What if and where… Would we, could we…” conversation. What if we had a holiday place that we could whizz off to at the weekend? Where would we buy, here in the UK or a cheap-flight bolthole abroad? Would we make the most of it – and could we ever afford it? Depending on who you talk to, having a holiday home is either the new property investment of choice, with returns of up to 12% a year. Or the next financial – and ethical – black hole, thanks to increased stamp duty and pricing out local residents. (St Ives and Gwynedd have imposed restrictions on second-home ownership and other councils are set to follow.) The…

HELENA BONHAM CARTER, 52, plays fashion designer Rose. This film is saying: we should be doing all parts that traditionally or automatically were going to men. Women have got to have 50% of the parts. I have a feeling things are changing, but let us hope that keeps going. My character, Rose, is a little bit eccentric. I’m the “non-con” – they all have a different expertise, but I am the innocent. She’s a really sweet woman, a fashion designer who is going bankrupt, that’s why she needs the money. I find dressing up fun – it’s liberating. And not being myself. I want to get away from myself. We all have the potential to be many selves. My children are not that interested in seeing me on screen. I’ve…

Think of a family home and you may picture either small children and their toys scattered everywhere, or hormonal teenagers leaving a trail of make-up, amplified emotions, enough trainers to stock a branch of JD Sports and an inert body on the sofa surgically attached to their phone. But there is a new family set-up in town – one that may very well be familiar to you, or about to become so. Who are they? While once you would have waved your children off to university with tears in your eyes, assuming they would never live at home properly again, things have changed. Now many find it impossible to make ends meet and stay at home well into their twenties. No more dropping by for Sunday lunch and a quick…

A dog creates eye contact and breaks the ice with strangers Years ago, I used to go for walks with a friend who behaved in a very odd manner. She kept stopping to say hello to dogs. Not being a doggy person myself, I would hang back in confusion until she’d finished. What was going on? It was true that the dogs responded to the attention, but on the other hand, what about the hilarious anecdote I was in the middle of telling when this random pooch came along? I honestly didn’t get it. Was she technically mad? Fast forward a bit, and I’m not confused any more. Nearly nine years ago, Hoagy the Norfolk Terrier entered my life, and now I am the maddest of the mad because I…

1 START SMALL  If you haven’t spent any time away as a couple for a while, start with a weekend break. Then see what works well and arrange the next trip accordingly. 2 TREAT YOURSELF  Now your budget only has to accommodate two people, you can indulge your dreams. That African safari could be possible. 3 MAKE PLANNING THE TRIP PART OF THE FUN Discuss your individual needs and decide what works for you both. Think about what holiday plans you can create that appeal to you both. The globe is yours! 4 ENJOY BEING A COUPLE Although you may want to send the kids a regular WhatsApp message, try not to spend the whole trip talking about the children. Going away together, without the stresses of everyday life, can…

SIGHTSEEING • Clash those colours but keep your print similar – so floral with floral, stripes with stripes. • Slides offer more comfort and, with a stylish bow, they’ll work around the clock. Top, £9 ; trousers, £10 , both 8-20. Sliders, £10 CASUAL COCKTAILS • Clever co-ords do the hard work for you so you don’t need to figure out what goes with what. • Pick out a colour in your print and match it with your accessories. • A straw trilby is always stylish and protects your hair from harsh sunlight. BEACHSIDE • If you don’t really do prints, then stick to just one piece. A roomy, striped tunic dress is an easy starting point. • A hoop-handle bag shows you’re on trend. • Tassel earrings will make…

Q Why is my hair falling out? HAIR EXPERT CAROLE MICHAELIDES, consultant trichologist at Philip Kingsley. A Temporary hair loss can be caused by crash dieting, iron deficiency, even a bout of flu. After childbirth is also a time when women may lose hair. But with most of the above, hair will recover. Prescription medicine is another trigger. The most common one is chemotherapy, but we see some hair shedding on statins, immune suppressants and blood thinners. And stress, too, plays a part in hair loss. Finally, there’s the menopause. Almost all women experience some degree of hair thinning at this time. The good news is, we can very successfully treat hair loss, often with topical anti-androgen hormones and Minoxidil. Q How can I make my hair grow faster? HAIR…

L-R, from top : Caudalie Thé des Vignes Body & Hair Nourishing Oil, £18. Tom Ford Soleil Shade and Illuminate Eye Kohl Duo, £32. IGK Swipe Up No-Frizz Smoothing Hair Wipes, £16 for 12. Real Techniques mini brushes, £5.99 each. Little MAC Lipglass in Nymphette, £10. Muji Oil Cleansing, £4.95. Beauty Pie Superactive Capsules Hyaluronic Acid & Biopeptide Microspheres, £50 (£9.27 members). Chanel UV Essentiel Multi-Protection Daily Defender UV-Pollution, £44. Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Jezebel, £23. Benefit BADgal BANG! Travel Mini, £10.50. Glossier You Perfume Solid, £19. Lixir Skin Universal Emulsion, £29. Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation, £25.50. Bourjois Le Duo Blush Sculpt, £6.49. Cowshed Cow Pit Spray Deo (from travel countdown calendar, £65). OM Skincare Mindful Traveller with Pure Glow Cleanser and…

Q I’ve been diagnosed with moderate osteoarthritis in my hips, which has really shocked me, as I’m only 53 and have never been overweight. Why has this happened, and what can I do now to stay active and not damage my hips any more? A The surfaces of the bones are covered with a protective cushion of cartilage, which, like many tissues in the body, is constantly undergoing repair because of the wear that occurs through daily activities. In joints affected by osteoarthritis (OA), the cartilage becomes damaged and worn, leading to inflammation in the joints, with pain and stiffness. The two main factors that are known to increase the risk of OA in weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, are being overweight and doing a lot of…

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN TOKYO Fly overnight to Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant and cutting-edge capital. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, where you can settle in for the next three nights. You’re guaranteed a room on one of the highest floors, which have fantastic views of the Tokyo skyline. DAY 2 TOKYO AND TRADITIONAL TEA CEREMONY Today you’ll get to explore Tokyo. Exclusive w&h experience You’ll take part in a Japanese tea ceremony and learn how to serve matcha. In the afternoon, choose to wander among the stunning cherry blossoms in Ueno Park or visit the Imperial Palace and Gardens. Or you could go shopping in the famous Harajuku district or Ginza for its department stores. DAY 3 MOUNT FUJI TOUR Today is all about majestic Mount…

• Return flight and airport transfers from one of up to 14 UK regional airports or direct from London Gatwick OR return Standard Premier Eurostar tickets from St Pancras International to Paris and on to Bordeaux • 10 nights full-board accommodation on the Scenic Diamond with all drinks included and one tasting menu in the speciality dining venue L’Amour • Talk and Q&A session with Raymond Blanc, plus a cooking demonstration • Wine masterclasses and tastings with Susy Atkins • Tours and admissions as detailed • Gratuities and taxes…

• Travel by private coach and Eurotunnel or ferry from London • Two nights bed and Champagne breakfast accommodation in a four-star hotel in the centre of Reims • Champagne-filled private dinner at the medieval Palais du Tau • Tutored Champagne tasting by an Arblaster & Clarke expert • Private party with Champagne and canapés at Taittinger’s Demeure des Comtes de Champagne in the centre of Reims • Behind the scenes visit to one of Champagne’s famous vineyards • Gourmet farewell lunch at the Champagne Vilmart Chateau • Local transport by coach – so if you’re usually the designated driver you don’t have to worry • The chance to buy superb discounted wines and Champagnes direct from the best producers…

• Joining National Trust for Scotland As a hack to save on National Trust membership, join the National Trust for Scotland instead. It’s cheaper, but still includes entry to all the beautiful National Trust places in England. Family membership costs £120 a year for the National Trust, but only £102 for the National Trust for Scotland. • Snapping up free theatre tickets Kids Week offers go on sale in June. During August – weirdly Kids Week is a month, not a week – you can get a free ticket to loads of London plays and musicals for a child aged 5-16 when buying a full-price ticket for an adult. Sign up for the family bulletin at officiallondontheatre.com for details. • Stocking up my Stocard Rather than stuffing my purse with loyalty…

Prawns in lime, honey and chilli A quick stir-fried rice dish with just a few simple ingredients. Easy • Ready in 20 mins • Serves 2 200g pouch cooked basmati rice 2tbsp sunflower oil 300g large raw prawns 8 spring onions, sliced 1tsp dried chilli flakes 1tbsp honey zest and juice of 2 limes 50g salted peanuts, chopped Microwave the rice according to the pack instructions, around 2 mins. Heat the oil in a wok and stir-fry the rice for a few mins, then add the prawns and fry until cooked through. Add the spring onions, chilli, honey, lime zest and juice. Stir through then scatter over the peanuts to serve. Per serving: 545 calories, 27g fat (4.5g saturated), 36g carbohydrate Sesame chicken salad with noodles Punchy flavours take chicken to…

• Start with a white backdrop – paint walls, floors and windows. • Upcycle furniture with a coat of paint in white or soft shades of blue. • Add hero pieces such as large vintage signs. • Be creative with lighting, hanging quirky pendants. • Choose nautical prints and stripes for cushions and accessories – the supermarkets have some affordable pieces.…

• CHOOSE A THEME Go for classic vintage style with ditsy prints, or more tropical with clashing brights. Buy a few hero-patterned melamine plates that can be used for serving, with cheaper plain or even paper ones for people to eat off. • LOOK FOR THINGS THAT STACK Serving bowls with lids, plastic or melamine glasses and dishes that fit inside each other will all help to save space and make the tidy-up easy. • SORT SEATING Are you going to go for a large picnic blanket or foldout chairs that come with carry-bags? How about a few box cushions with handles? There are some fabulous outdoor cushions, which are coated to make them weather resistant, perfect if the ground is a little damp. • REPURPOSE EXISTING KITCHEN KIT Small…

HEADY SCENT With its aromatic leaves, French lavender looks wonderful in a pot. Lavendula Pedunculata, £4 for 3; Bell terracotta lavender pot, £44.99; both waitrosegarden.com JEWEL BRIGHT Amethyst and Ruby Container Collection has Calibrachoa ‘Cabaret Red’, Cuphea ‘Torpedo’ and Verbena ‘Aztec Purple Magic’, £22.50; large zinc planter, £34.95, all sarahraven.com ENGLISH CLASSIC This hydrangea has elegant, spherical flowers that will bloom throughout summer. Gia hydrangea macrophylla (50cm high), £22.50, patch.garden w&h…

5 OF THE BEST Feel-good reads A Family Recipe by Veronica Henry (Orion) Empty-nester Laura is blindsided by a revelation that rocks her marriage. But it’s her grandmother’s recipes that give her new purpose. As sweet a read as the jams she makes. How to Keep a Secret by Sarah Morgan (HQ) Three generations of Stewart women are thrown together one summer. Each one must confront their secrets before they can fulfil their dreams. A delightful escape. The Hideaway by Sheila O’Flanagan (Headline) Fleeing grief, Juno goes to mend her broken heart in Spain. A beautiful backdrop to the story of a woman finding acceptance and new beginnings. In a Country Garden by Maeve Haran (Pan) Will sharing a country manor house with life-long friends be…

Poldark Aidan Turner is back as brooding hero Ross Poldark in a new series of the Cornish saga. The action picks up after Ross and Demelza’s marriage troubles of series three, with Rebecca Front joining the cast as Reverend Osborne Whitworth’s mother. BBC One Versailles Get ready for more lust, betrayal, stunning period costumes and flowing tresses in the third and final series of the drama that chronicles the rise of King Louis XIV. Brit actor George Blagden reprises his role as the King. BBC Two Flowers Olivia Colman and Julian Barratt return as husband and wife, Deborah and Maurice, in this six-part comedy. This series, the pair are entering a new era of their marriage following his suicide attempt and her infidelity in series one. Channel 4 Ackley Bridge…

Star sign of the month CANCER 23 JUNE – 23 JULY  There’s nothing like a solar eclipse in your sign (13th) to get you moving and motoring – in all senses of the phrase. For weekly updates, call 09058-170544* THE MONTHS AHEAD  Get creative. Going into business or marketing your assets is recommended. And September is the month to go all in. To hear a detailed breakdown of the next few months, phone Penny on 09058-170473* LEO 24 JULY – 23 AUGUST You’ve come a long way in six months, and some decisions require a rethink. The lunar eclipse of the 27th inspires closure. Weekly update 09058-170545* Six months ahead 09058-170474* VIRGO 24 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER Love and fear are mutually exclusive. If your heart is telling you who…