Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2016 i Woman & Home

MARY BERRY, 81, lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, Paul. They have two grown-up children, Thomas and Annabel, and had a third, William, who died in a car accident in 1989. Mary has published more than 75 cookery books and has been a judge on The Great British Bake Off since its launch in 2010. PAUL HOLLYWOOD, 50, has been a baker since he was a teenager and worked in his father’s bakery. He is married to Alexandra. They have a son, Josh, and live in Kent. What have you learned from each other since working as judges? MARY When I started Bake Off I wasn’t a bread expert in any way. Now, I’m still not! But I do know a lot more about bread and…

THE PRETTY PLEAT SKIRT • Get it right. Choose a sharp knife pleat that hits just below the knee. And add heels – you want those legs to look longer than ever. • Up the ante with a metallic finish. Think more disco and less “everyday”. • For a more fashion-forward finish, add a lacy sweatshirt. Forget prim and proper – it’s the mix that makes it modern. THE SUMPTUOUS SHEARLING • What could be more indulgent? Invest in the best and make your outermost layer as luxurious as you can. • Show your fashion confidence and experiment with colour. Who says everything has to be camel? • A cropped version will work over skirts and dresses too… we’ll be wearing ours over a floaty chiffon maxi. THE SUPER STRIPED…

“My first panic attack was terrifying. It was 2012 and I was driving and suddenly had this awful feeling that I was going to have a heart attack. I thought I was going to die. I’m a physiotherapist, so I knew enough to focus on my breathing. When I went to my doctor, her first question was, ‘What’s happening at home?’ I explained that because of Mark’s work as GM of a multinational, in seven years we’d lived abroad and moved eight times. In the last two locations, I missed the support network of colleagues and friends that I’d had previously. I thought I could cope but my body was telling me I’d had enough. Although I didn’t have another panic attack as bad as the first, I struggled with…

Opening a carton of soup can lead to kitchen catastrophe They say the inside of your car is the window to your soul. So imagine my horror when, some time ago, I moved into an actual house with the owner of a messy car. Admittedly, to start with, the occasional build-up of newspapers and car magazines appeared quite manly and even quaint. Fast forward a few years… and we have invested in a paper recycling bin (on top of the free one provided by the council) as well as a storage unit that has sections for things that should have been thrown away. You’re already talking serious investment of gear just to, er, store gear the messy person can’t bear to chuck. Teetering piles of untended paperwork are especially irritating,…

“I wanted to help women the way I’d been helped” From member to CEO – my Slimming World story Like a lot of women, I first struggled with my weight in my early twenties, managing to lose a stone or two each time I gained it. Then when I was pregnant with my daughter Jane I put on four stone and felt dreadful. I lost some of the weight when Jane was born but still had a way to go. I knew all about healthy eating but didn’t particularly enjoy great healthy foods like veg, lean meat and salads! I’ve always had a sweet tooth and always loved a glass of wine! I heard about Slimming World through the teachers at Jane’s nursery and joined my local group in Wittering,…

We’ve joined forces with spa and wellness specialist Healing Holidays (who Clare Balding travelled with), to offer w&h readers an exclusive four-day break at the five-star Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa in San Cassiano, Alta Badia. A luxury Relais & Châteaux hotel, elegant Rosa Alpina makes the perfect base for your holiday, with mouthwatering Michelin-starred dining plus an indoor swimming pool, spa and gym. A walking holiday in the Alta Badia region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, can be as easy or difficult as you make it – you’re on holiday, after all! Trails range from gentle strolls to more challenging treks, so there’s something for all abilities. Plus when you return from a day in the mountains, you can relax in five-star luxury, ready for your next adventure. W&H…

KERRY ROBERTSON, 54, says: “When I found out that Paul had cheated on Jackie, I felt an enormous sadness for her. It was bad enough for me – Paul was unfaithful during our marriage too – but this was truly devastating for Jackie and I wanted to be there for her. When your partner is unfaithful it’s so easy to lay the blame at your own door. I wanted to reassure Jackie it wasn’t her fault. Of course, our relationship was frosty in the early days. I remember waving off the girls the first time Jackie and Paul collected them for the weekend and I felt resentful of this new woman in their lives. But you have to move on. I wanted to be civil for the sake of my…

1 Add a touch of glamour with a brooch to really amp up a simple coat or jumper. The more the merrier, we say. £12, Accessorize 2 The military coat is a timeless classic you need to invest in. The key colours for this season are khaki and navy. £100, 8-16, Oasis 3 Go back to basics with the Scandi trend – think tonal colours, clean lines and no prints. Shirt, £39.50, 6-22; leather trousers, £199, 6-18, both M&S 4 A luxe velvet dress works day and night. With a high neck and pleated skirt you’ve ticked all the style boxes. Dress, £75, xs-l, Oasis 5 For daytime, wear a fun full skirt tucked in with a thin knit, then move to the evening with a V-neck blouse and heels.…

 It’s brilliant when you find The One hairdresser who just “gets” your perfect style. But the flip side of a familiarity is settling into a comfort zone and missing new ideas that could take your hair from nice to next-level fabulous. We’ve tested the most exciting new developments in the top salons to inspire your next colour, style or blow-dry today. “The result is three months of plumped- up bouncier hair” Add secret volume with hair fillers They’re extensions for people who thought they’d never get extensions, myself included, strategically placed for volume, not length. “Extensions don’t have to look over the top,” explained Hershesons stylist Hadley Yates at my consultation, who decided to add a handful at the front and sides of my fine, flat hair. The ethically…

THE SWEETHEART To call Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Intense mouth-watering is no exaggeration. The almost-unbearably convincing candyfloss blend plus vanilla, blueberry and bergamot is gourmand scent at its most scrumptious. £71 for 50ml EDP THE LADY Not just Pinterest’s favourite flower, peonies make pretty perfumes too. In Acqua Di Parma Peonia Nobile they mingle with pepper, raspberry and patchouli to elegant effect. £76 for 50ml EDP THE JET-SETTER Tom Ford Orchid Soleil’s balmy white flower and vanilla blend may have you googling late summer breaks. £76 for 50ml EDP THE LIVE WIRE Stella McCartney POP is just the thing for dank mornings – a perky tuberose and sandalwood scent that’s as lively as its pop art bottle. £54 for 50ml EDP THE ROMANTIC For those unmoved by the unisex…

HAIR TRANSPLANT Strips of follicles are surgically taken from the back or the side of the scalp and replanted individually. This has a high success rate but the drawback is that it’s expensive; usually between £3,000 and £9,000, which can be prohibitive to many people. HAIR WEAVES Where human hair is attached to your scalp using a fine mesh. Lucinda Ellery, for example, uses an “intralace system”, where a breathable mesh is placed between existing hair and the scalp, with panels of ultra-fine mesh containing additional human hair then added to conceal hair loss. The results are very good but need maintenance every six to eight weeks and are also expensive. Prices range from £895 to £2,295, with each maintenance appointment about £150. See lucindaellery-hairloss.co.uk HAIR FIBRES A cosmetic solution…

THIS MONTH… • CHOLESTEROL • TRAVEL HEALTH • PSORIASIS • CHICKENPOX AND IBUPROFEN QI had a cholesterol test done recently and the result showed the level was slightly raised. I had it done after lunch – should I have it repeated after I’ve fasted for 12 hours? A Though it is true that cholesterol can go up very slightly between one and six hours after eating, even if you have a very fatty meal, the changes are incredibly small, in the order of 0.2 mmol/l. For this reason, it’s not necessary for you to have the test done again after fasting, as the levels are likely to be pretty much the same. Instead, look at your diet, try reducing saturated fats (in my experience, cheese is often the culprit) and base your breakfast…

KALE All greens are good for you but kale has a slight edge over its leafy cousins because it contains high levels of some key nutrients like calcium and iron. MATCHA TEA With its vibrant green colour, it certainly looks like it should be good for you and fans claim it offers health benefits including protection against cancer, boosting the metabolism, and reducing the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. It’s rich in a group of antioxidants called polyphenols and studies confirm that people who eat a diet rich in polyphenols have a lower risk of heart disease and some types of cancer, but you can get these polyphenols just as easily from many other foods like onions, regular tea and chocolate. Want to try anyway? £25 for…

Counselling, medication and exercise are all common treatments for combatting depression. But, increasingly, research shows there’s another thing we could add to that list. And the good news is it’s something that’s already in our daily life. We’re talking food! Many of us turn to classic comfort foods like chocolate, cakes and crisps when we feel down. But science suggests that to lift our mood – and stay happy – we should eat a balanced diet that’s packed with nutrient-rich foods. Ultimately, say the experts, eating for a healthy body means we’re also more likely to achieve a happy mind! Indeed, many studies show a strong link between food and mood: typical Western diets that contain a lot of processed foods are associated with a greater incidence of depression, while…

PORRIDGE AND MILK Low-GI oats keep blood sugar levels steady, while the tryptophan in milk boosts serotonin. EGGS AND WHOLEGRAIN TOAST The protein in eggs and fibre in wholegrain toast will help fight hunger. Eggs also have mood-enhancing vitamins B12 and D. SALMON AND PEAS Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fats, protein, vitamin D and vitamin B12, while peas provide folate and fibre. ROAST BEEF AND VEGETABLES Beef will boost tryptophan, while vegetables add fibre and a range of antioxidants. PASTA AND CHEESE Pasta has a low GI so is great for steadying blood sugar. Plus cheese is rich in tryptophan, as well as B vitamins.…

As her departure date neared I felt increasingly old and washed-up The trip turned out to be a profound release Louise, 52, is married with three children, Florence, 19, Isaac, 16, and Gregory, 14, and lives in Oxfordshire. Our eldest child was about to leave home for uni but not before she took a lengthy back-packing trip through Thailand and Cambodia. When I was Flo’s age I had done plenty of intrepid travelling but then I married, had a family and packed my wanderlust away. Travel, like everything else for the past 20 years, became all about compromise and holidays morphed into blustery camping trips and cheap, all-inclusive beach hotels. As her departure date neared I felt increasingly old and washed-up. More than that, I felt envious. She was about…

Pompeii, Capri and the Bay Of Naples Eight days half-board from £699pp Departures up to October 2016, and April to October 2017: • Return flights, taxes and transfers • Seven nights in three- or four-star Sorrento hotel with half-board • Visit Sorrento, Capri, Vesuvius, Naples Archaeological Museum, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and Ravello • Escorted by an experienced tour manager Dubrovnik, the Dalmatian Coast and Montenegro Eight days half-board from £829pp Departures up to October 2016, and April to October 2017: • Return flights, taxes and transfers • Seven nights in three- and four-star hotel with half-board • Visit Dubrovnik, Montenegro, Krka National Park, Mostar, Split and the Port of Trogir • Escorted by an experienced tour manager Sicily Eight days half-board from £869pp Departures up to October 2016, and…

IN SEASON September brings some quintessential British ingredients, most notably damsons for jam, cobblers and gin (check out our damson gin recipe on womanandhome.com ). Try sloes too. Both freeze really well. Our apples are at their best for eating and cooking. Visit farmers’ markets for more unusual varieties. There are pumpkins, squash and courgettes galore. Shellfish are good to eat now and there’s wild duck and partridge for game lovers. SOUTHERN BARBECUE Smokehouse is a delicious new range from M&S. The flavours are smoky with that real taste of the South – slow cooked, tender and spicy. Smokehouse Pork Belly Ribs, £6; Beef Rib, £5.50; Pork Shoulder, £6. BOOK OF THE MONTH Mr Todiwala’s Spice Box by Cyrus Todiwala (Mitchell Beazley, £25) Subtitled “120…

Coming back from a summer holiday is never easy, especially if the weather has been fine, the food tasty and the wine plentiful and well chilled. That’s why it’s so tempting to keep a bit of the holiday spirit when you’re back. As most of us holiday in Europe, I’ve chosen wines from France, Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal to keep you in the mood. Speaking from personal experience, I’d advise you against bringing a specific favourite wine back in your luggage. Bottles that you’ve enjoyed on vacation never seem to taste quite as good when you’re back home. What I would advise you to do is to drink similar styles of wine. The summer months are ideal for crisp, tangy whites, pale rosés and the odd glass of bubbles.…

INSPIRED BY NATURE Fern embroidered fabric will add the right look. Glass bottles hold eucalyptus stems or try a house leek in a simple terrarium, which continue to be on trend. Curtain fabric: Fern Embroidery Moss, £68/m, sanderson-uk. com . Terrarium, £27; vase, £17, both rockettstgeorge.co.uk.  Bottles, £5.99 for 3, dunelm.com NEW VICTORIAN This look will work equally well on a plain neutral sofa, just add a paisley throw and patterned or embellished cushions in reds and greens for a warm look. Cushions and candle, as before. Paisley throw, £195, oka.com . Tuscany wooden tray, £15, tg-woodware.com . Tortoiseshell tumbler, £36 for 4, oka.com THE NEW DINING IN Formality is definitely out! Potted dish, £15,…

If you’re looking for a new, feel-good read that’s packed with romance, plus a dash of food and travel for good measure, then Jo Thomas’s Late Summer in the Vineyard (Headline Review) should be at the top of your reading pile. The novel’s heroine, Emmy Bridges, feels that life isn’t exactly going to plan. She’s working in a dead-end sales job, earning almost nothing and, to top it all, she’s 32 and still living with her father. So when she’s asked by work to go to the South of France to learn about the wine she’s soon to be selling, it seems like a good idea. Except that Emmy doesn’t have the faintest idea about wine... You can almost feel the Mediterranean sun and see the…

New novel, Three Sisters, Three Queens , in a nutshell? The relationship between Margaret Tudor, sister of Henry VIII and Queen of Scotland; Mary Tudor, her sister and Queen of France; and their sister- in-law Katherine of Aragon. They all married very young for political advantage and lost their husbands. They all have issues around divorce, and Katherine of Aragon commands the army that kills her sister-in-law’s husband and throws her kingdom into despair and anarchy. They’re the only ones who understand each other, and are all making their way in a hostile, male-dominated world. What was its inspiration? I’ve been fascinated by Katherine of Aragon for years, and I think Henry’s sisters have been neglected. It felt fresh to try to imagine myself inside the psychology…

I wrote a romantic comedy, but was advised to try something darker A hit-and-run case from my time in the police stayed in my mind for years Clare, 40, lives in Chipping Norton with her husband Rob and their three children, Josh, nine, and eight-year-old twins Evie and George. Her debut novel, the psychological thriller I Let You Go , raced straight into the bestseller lists, has sold over 500,000 copies in the UK and has been optioned for TV. Her new novel, I See You , is just as chilling and is out now. Clare also founded the Chipping Norton Literary Festival, which is now in its fifth year. I was in the police force for 12 years. It brought me…

1 ShoeDolly espadrilles Handmade and so comfortable. Choose from many gorgeous classic colours to complete your holiday wardrobe. www.shoedolly.com  shop@shoedolly.com 2 STOP SEARCHING START EXPLORING Pride of Britain Hotels, Britain’s leading luxury & boutique hotel collection, have selected and approved 50 of the best independently owned hotels and spas around Britain for you to enjoy. To order gift vouchers or your free hotel directory call Freephone 0808 163 3765 or visit www.prideofbritainhotels.com 3 flopZ flip flops The humble flip flop has made way for flopZ; beautifully colourful flip flops with a unique massaging sensation. Massaging gel promises to keep hot holiday feet happy, from the beach to the spa. Featured are the ‘Emerald’ Flip flops, £30. Browse the vibrant range at www.flopz.com 4 CREEKSIDE COTTAGES Creekside Cottages offer a beautiful…

GO ON… TREAT YOURSELF! Follow our super-gooey Chocolate fudge cake recipe at womanandhome.com/chocolate fudgecake WE HAVE LIFT UP! Assistant beauty editor Fiona McKim tried A-list skincare expert Teresa Tarmey’s lifting face massage to wake up her looks. See it now at womanandhome.com/facialmassage HOW TO WEAR THE NEW TRENDS… …with what’s already in your wardrobe. The fashion trick is all in the styling – and we have expert secrets from fashion and shopping editor Charlie Moore at womanandhome.com/fashion WHITTLE THAT WAIST IN JUST 4 MINUTES! Dance-yourself-fit expert Maxine Jones has all the moves in this fast and fun workout you can do in the comfort of your own home. Watch – and try – it now at woman andhome.com/danceworkout PLUS! SEND US YOUR SELFIE AND WIN A W&H MAKEOVER Join us on Facebook,…

“Me time” is sacrosanct. A small treat but it’s heaven! This issue is all about sharing, and many things can be enhanced or achieved by joining forces because, after all, life is a journey best shared with people you love. All through my life I have shared my knowledge and my experiences, my ups and downs, in the hope that they inspire someone or help them cope when things are not going their way; trust me, no one has not in their life had their fair share of downs as well as ups. I have shared personal things, like my hairdresser’s number (he really is the best!) and my favourite places on earth (hotels, restaurants, shops!), my beautician’s details (she does the best facial in the world), and I’ve shared…

OUR EXPERTS Nicky Lidbetter is Chief Executive of anxietyuk.org.uk , a national charity that supports those affected by anxiety disorders. Lynne Frederick is Vice-Chair of nopanic.org.uk , which provides recovery groups and a mentor service to people suffering from panic attacks and other forms of anxiety. We all know the feeling. The racing heart, the jelly legs, the sudden brain freeze. Anxiety is a normal emotion and often to be expected. Life gives us plenty of reasons to be anxious – our own personal reasons plus uncertainties after Brexit – but, according to a recent Cambridge University review, one in every 100 people experience anxiety that has crept beyond “normal” and women are twice as likely to be treated as men. What’s behind it?…

“Getting active makes us all feel better… it’s as simple as that” TRACEY CROUCH, 41, is Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, and MP for Chatham and Aylesford. She forged her political career as a researcher in the House of Commons. Tracey lives in Kent with her partner, radio presenter Steve Ladner, and their six-month-old son, Freddie. What is your role? It’s up to me to make sure we get as many people participating in sport as possible – playing it, being physically active, coaching, volunteering or being a spectator. It’s my driving passion to get more people involved in sport at different levels. Is sport really for everyone? Yes, and I’m especially interested in encouraging isolated groups into sport. For example, there’s a great project called ASA Dementia Friendly…

Jamie, 41, lives with his wife, Jools, and their four children: Poppy, 14, Daisy, 13, Petal, seven, and Buddy, five. When we meet up at Jamie’s London offices, Jamie and Jools’s fifth child is about to be born. The family lives between homes in London and Essex. I waited for the right time to get involved in the super food debate. The idea had been growing in the public’s consciousness for five or six years, and then when I lost two stone last year by cutting down on sugar and fine-tuning my diet, and starting a diploma in nutrition, I thought it was the right time to try to shift thinking a bit on super foods. The TV series, Jamie’s Super Food, and the cookery book, Everyday Super Food, came…

Why should a woman need a male deputy? We have a new Prime Minister, and a stormingly decisive one: stating her case on the steps of No 10, sacking a Chancellor, surprising us by promoting an old adversary. Theresa May’s elegant shoes stride into office as firmly as any polished black male brogues. She is not the first woman PM, but after 27 years of alpha-male supremacy it causes a frisson, a sense of gender revolution. Even a month ago, brows were mopped in surprise when the finalists for Conservative leadership were both women – females, with breasts and everything! If it had been Mr Gove versus Mr Johnson I doubt that there would be news headlines about having two men on the list. It is worth thinking about this…

I was scrolling through Facebook recently, when the unnerving statement “A friend tagged you in a photo” popped up. It was a picture of me at a barbecue, gurning as I shoved a giant bap into my mouth, with wild hair and more chins than Garfield after a lasagne blowout. I hadn’t even known a photo was being taken, or I’d have thrown my body across the burning charcoal to stop it, yelling like Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones . That’s the horror of social media sharing – people can take a photo and bang it out there. I’m sure I’m not alone in wishing “tagging” had never been invented, particularly when it comes to holiday snaps. There has never been a picture of me taken on a beach…

LET’S TALK TEXTURE The fab five fabrics that took over the catwalks Stand out! Make a statement by teaming these wow-factor pieces with your wardrobe staples. SHOW OFF SHOES The new must-have shoe shapes of the season Copy that catwalk Little touches from the catwalk that pack a big punch…

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ROSE GOLD? While we have Charlotte Tilbury and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley fighting over the colour used in their make-up packaging (pictured: Rosie for Autograph Insta Glow Matte Bronzer, £20 , M&S; and Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Brows in Cara, £18.50 ), warm rose gold is THE colour of the moment. I’ve been loving super-softening Elemental Herbology Hyaluronic Plus+ Intensive Moisture Serum, £85 . Now check out new Nars Rigel Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow, £21 , a beautiful shimmer smudge for eyelids you can even use to highlight your cheeks; and the new “rose-Goldfinger-esque” Origins GinZing Peel-Off Mask, £24 , that feels dry like paper as you peel it off, which I rather love, but I…

THE CANVAS Featherweight, goes on like a cream, dries like a powder, yet doesn’t feel or look the least bit heavy on your skin. The updated Max Factor Miracle Touch Foundation, £12.99, is “perfect for older skins,” says make-up artist Caroline Barnes, “as you want something light that doesn’t spread.” For a more semi-matte texture, YSL Le Cushion Encre de Peau Foundation, £37, covers well without looking too visible on the skin. THE GLEAM The art of tonal make-up using glossy shimmer textures to contour your face is the way to go. Now referred to by make-up artists as “chroming”, it’s gone one step further by using metallic shimmer, rather than gloss, as a highlight. Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Sunlight, £34, gives the most incredible cyber gleam. Easier…

Q Do I really still need a smear test? Dr Adeola Olaitan, consultant gynaecological oncologist at University College London Hospital and medical advisor for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust ( jostrust.org.uk ), says: Absolutely. A recent survey* found that almost one in four women over 50 don’t think smear tests are important enough to have regularly – despite the fact that cervical cancer can be prevented through a smear test, which identifies cells before they become cancerous. Yet incidence of the disease is increasing. Some women put it off because they find it embarrassing or uncomfortable and there’s also a misconception that if you’re not sexually active or if you’ve been with the same partner for years, you won’t have the human papilloma virus (HPV), responsible for 99.7 per…

Alzheimer’s Society is calling on w&h readers to tackle the biggest health issue of our time and walk for a world without dementia. How? By joining the w&h team and taking part in a Memory Walk during September and October to raise vital funds – see where we’ll be walking at womanandhome.com/memorywalk. Whether you’re walking in memory of a loved one, to celebrate someone you know affected by dementia or just because you want to help, everyone, regardless of age or ability, is invited to sign up to a Memory Walk. This year, Memory Walk aims to raise £6.4 million and bring together more than 100,000 walkers to unite in the fight against dementia. Every person, every pound and every step counts. WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT FOR US ALL…

MEET OUR EXPERTS FIONA HUNTER has a BSc (Hons) Nutrition and a postgraduate diploma in Dietetics. She worked as an NHS dietitian before becoming a nutrition consultant, writer and broadcaster. JULIETTE KELLOW BSc RD is a registered dietitian, nutrition consultant and writer. She’s worked in the NHS and for the food industry and appears regularly on TV and radio. NIGEL DENBY is a registered dietitian, author of ten nutrition books and a TV and radio broadcaster. He runs a private practice at 132 Harley Street and Lees Place Medical Centre.…

It’s not just fast food that’s “supersized” these days. Everywhere you look, our portions have grown. Pints of sugar-laden cappuccino, grab bags of fatty, salty crisps and bucket-sized glasses of wine are almost the norm. Each can be adding 300-400 calories a time to your daily diet. Add to this trend giant-sized plates and pasta bowls at home and there’s just no escaping gargantuan portions. Even if your diet is beautifully balanced, too much of a good thing can lead to weight gain. Downsizing your portions is one of the easiest ways of getting in control of your weight – you don’t need to change what you eat as nothing is banned – all you need to do is get back into the swing of eating smaller-sized portions of the…

1 EAT REGULARLY… Skipping meals equals low blood sugar levels, causing irritability, tiredness, poor concentration, cravings and hunger. By the time you’re “hangry”, only quick-fix sugary carbs will do – setting off a rollercoaster ride of mood highs and lows. Have three small meals a day with healthy snacks in-between. 2 …BUT DON’T OVERINDULGE How do you feel when you’ve stuffed yourself silly? Happy and raring to go? Or lethargic and low? Say no more! 3 STICK TO SENSIBLE DRINKING LIMITS One or two drinks may make you feel happy, but booze lowers serotonin levels in the brain and is a depressant. See our chart (p113) or go to drinkaware.co.uk  to calculate the units in your favourite tipple. 4 STAY HYDRATED Even mild dehydration can affect your mood,…

BREAKFASTS • Gluten-free porridge oats • Gluten-free luxury muesli with dates, apricots and nuts • Gluten-free organic muesli with goji berries and cranberries LUNCHES • Carrot and coriander soup • Curried sweet potato and butternut squash soup • Three-bean salad • Moroccan salmon salad with quinoa • Salmon salad with dill DINNERS • Pork meatballs • Chilli con carne • Fragrant chicken curry • Rich ragu with beef • Chicken casserole • Thai chicken curry with coconut and red chillies • Chickpea tagine • Beef casserole • Comforting vegetable cassoulet • Vegetable chilli • Slow-cooked lamb with market vegetables SNACKS • Salted almonds • Mixed nuts and seeds • Luxury chocolate bar • Spicy ginger cookie • Lemon shortbread • Vanilla crunch…

Who is the hostess? The person who is holding the party for you at their house. They provide guests, coffee and biscuits, you bring the products and talk about the brand. The hostess gets a free gift from the company. What’s a starter pack? You buy this at the outset and it contains samples of everything you’re selling, plus brochures, order forms etc. You don’t carry stock but take orders and the company mails the products direct to your customers or to you to deliver to their homes. How do I earn commission? Through sales and by recruiting other people you know to sell the products as well. The company pays you a percentage based on your recruitees’ sales. This money comes directly from the company and isn’t taken off…

• Don’t waste time wondering whether they want to travel with you. Just offer to pick up some of their bills if you can. • Push your boundaries – pick somewhere out of your comfort zones so the fear and excitement bring you together. • Leave gaps in your itinerary to allow for spontaneity – you can book trains, flights and even budget hotels online when you’re there from your phone. • There’s no shame in a pull-along suitcase (no one really uses bumbags or backpacks any more).…

OUR EXPERTS Clare Rayner is a retail expert and high-street campaigner (retailchampion.co.uk) Fiona Ellis-Chadwick is a senior lecturer in marketing and retailing at Loughborough University This month includes Zero Waste Week (5-9 Sept; zerowasteweek.co.uk) and Recycle Week (12-18 Sept; wrap.org.uk). Both are supported by the charity WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) Shop smart, shop sustainably FED UP WITH THE CULTURE OF DISPOSABLE ITEMS? A new website buymeonce.com is an online resource that directs you to items that have a lasting life – such as Tweezerman tweezers (send them back to be sharpened) and Le Creuset dishes, which come with a lifetime guarantee. The site directs you to the relevant retailer, making its money from commission from retailers rather than customers. UPCYCLED HOMEWARES For unique and eco-friendly homewares, visit Remade…

Money expert Niki Chesworth has been writing about the impact of the EU on our finances since 1998, when she wrote The EMU Fact Book about the potential consequences of European monetary union. As an award-winning writer and author of more than a dozen finance books, Niki looks at practical ways we can all navigate these uncertain times – and says it’s not all bad news. KEEP SAVING – YOU’LL NEED A BUFFER The prospect of low growth, rising prices and possible tax hikes and benefits cuts means we all need savings more than ever before. However, the chances of getting a decent return are more elusive than ever. TIPS: Avoid long-term fixed savings rates with low rates and instead look at current accounts. If you…

FAB FORTIES As part of their 70th anniversary, Farrow & Ball have launched three contemporary wallpapers inspired by the 1940s Art Deco movement. Arcade is a soft, romantic take on the classic curved scallop design. Arcade wallpaper, £97/roll, farrow-ball.com FLOWER POWER These 60s-inspired cushions by Layla Faye in funky designs and primary colours bring a retro floral touch. Layla Faye cushions, £38 each, brewershome.co.uk BOLD INSPIRATION Make a statement with a brightly patterned rug. This wool rug will add warmth and comfort, and the bold, abstract shapes will bring your room to life. Brink & Campman Estella Harmony rug, £325, amara.com MAKE SPACE Perfect for smaller properties, the House range of furniture by John Lewis has a design-savvy contemporary edge. Arno chair, £599; Fletcher chaise, £1,299; Anton extending dining table,…

THE OTHER WIDOW by Susan Crawford (Faber) One dead man + three involved women = one unputdownable psychological thriller. THE BALLROOM by Anna Hope (Black Swan) 1911. A remote asylum; a love affair between two patients, as passionate as it is doomed. THE TRUTH ACCORDING TO US by Annie Barrows (Black Swan) Glorious coming-of-age novel that’s a particular favourite of mine. THE FORGETTING TIME by Sharon Guskin (Pan) A riveting story of motherhood, the paranormal and a 4-year-old. ALBERTO’S LOST BIRTHDAY by Diana Rosie (Pan) Delightful journey taken by a Spanish grandfather and grandson to uncover the past. THE READERS OF BROKEN WHEEL RECOMMEND by Katerina Bivald (Vintage) Captivating tale of friendship, love and books. THE WIDOW by Fiona Barton (Corgi) Man or monster? How well…

1 Style Never Goes Out Of Fashion Cobra & Bellamy make affordable, classically designed watches. Pictured is our latest addition to the range the LAMORNA, a ladies watch retro in design easy to read, a joy to behold. Available in Stainless Steel at £115, 21 Carat or Rose Gold Plated at £125 with a black or brown hand stitched leather strap. The LAMORNA is the watch we have all been waiting for. www.cobrabellamywatches.co.uk  Tel. 01736 732 112 2 This is no ordinary plate... Clinically proven for weight loss and Type 2 Diabetes. You are 6 times more likely to succeed. Cook what you love to eat. Average weekly weight loss is 1kg. Portion Control Made Easy! Single plates £14.99 plus p&p inc. booklet. Buy now from thedietplate.com  or…

Star sign of the month VIRGO 24 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER What came to pass six months ago has a part to play in September’s events. It’s decision time and what you do next is down to you. You’re on the crest of a wave. For weekly updates, call 09058-170546* THE MONTHS AHEAD You’ll be building something beautiful over the next few months. Be fearless because remaining stuck in the past is no way forward! To hear a detailed breakdown of the next few months, call 09058-170475* LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 23 OCTOBER Jupiter enters your sign, opening up your world in more ways than one. Make your boldest moves after the 22nd, and expect the best on the weekend of the 24th. Weekly update 09058-170547* Six months ahead 09058-170476*…

FROM ME TO YOU A fun gift for a couple. Kissing Couple teapot, £68; cup and saucer, £32, melodyrose.co.uk DISPLAY PROUDLY This beautiful bottle of Roja Dove A Midsummer Dream, £295, selfridges.com THE LATEST SCENT Givenchy Dahlia Divin Nectar Divine Powder, £46, debenhams.com ABOUT TIME Surprise a loved one with the hottest new watch from Marc Jacobs. £229, Watch Station International at houseoffraser.co.uk THE GIFT OF STYLE Tom Dixon-designed and perfect for the man in your life. Decanter, £75; glasses, £45 for 2, tomdixon.net TOUCH OF LOVE A sweet idea for newlyweds, £4.75, notonthehigh street.com SPOON-FED A classic gift for a christening. £25, notonthehighstreet.com MAKE IT PERSONAL You can engrave the lid. Basil & Neroli candle,…

1 THE OUTNET In-house label Iris & Ink have nailed that “buy now, wear forever” aesthetic, plus they use the same tweed supplier as Chanel. Cashmere sweater, £295; silk culottes, £135, both 6-14, theoutnet.com 2 THREE FLOOR When it comes to frocks, Three Floor know a thing or two about fabric, colour and cut – we adore their lace numbers. Dress, £250, 4-16, threefloorfashion.com 3 UTERQÜE Pronounced oo-ter-kway, this is Zara’s more expensive little sister (think luxury fabrics and designer details). We’re expecting this lipstick-red coat, £165, s-l, and earrings, £70, to be sell-outs, uterque.com 4 JOHN LEWIS We’re very excited about John Lewis’s luxury label launch on 8 September. Guest designer Palmer Harding’s white shirts are on every fashion ed’s hit list. From £50-£900, johnlewis.com 5 LA…

“ I’ve always believed fashion has no age limits and my god-daughters still raid my wardrobe” TV presenter Angela Rippon, 71, splits her time between London and Devon. Every day, I find myself in awe of people who believe in an issue and have the courage to see it through. It might be a neighbour who runs the local WI or the ex-serviceman you see on the Tube who’s lost a limb in Afghanistan and still has a smile on his face. We’re surrounded by all these incredible people, but we don’t always acknowledge them because they’re not looking for praise – for them, it’s simply the right thing to do. It’s about time we celebrated those people more. I’ve known my best friends, Thelma and Wendy, for over 40…

“There is a point on any long walk where your mind is totally clear” “So you want to hike?” Hugo Pizzinini greeted us at the reception area of the Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa. Alice and I nodded. We’d just arrived in San Cassiano, a village high in the Dolomites that has been inhabited by the Pizzinini family for generations. Hugo’s grandfather started the hotel in 1939. San Cassiano is just over the Austrian border (we flew into Innsbruck) into north Italy, but the locals are not Austrian or Italian – they are from South Tyrol and speak their own language, Ladino, as well as Italian, German, French and very good English. Hugo smiled. “Okay. Tomorrow we hike but tonight, you eat.” That first evening we not only ate, we…

Jackie, 54, met radio and TV presenter Paul Ross, 59, (elder brother of chat show host Jonathan Ross) in 2000 and they were married in 2004. Their relationship broke down in 2014 after newspaper reports revealed Paul’s affair with another man. Two summers ago I discovered that my husband Paul was having an affair. So what? These things happen. But I may just be in the minority because my husband had an affair with another man. It’s no secret, the man in question told his story to a national newspaper and so our dirty laundry was hung out for all to see. I felt angry, lost, worthless and yet, in a strange way, it was a small comfort that because it was a man there was nothing I could have…

The leopard print top EMILY BENDELL, 35, lives in London and is CEO of Bluebella lingerie, bluebella.com . She’s never worn leopard print before but now feels confident in pulling off this striking look. Top, £28, 8-22, Wallis. Skirt, £69, 8-20, Phase Eight. Boots, £295, LK Bennett. Bag, £575, Coach. Bracelets, from £105; ring, £85; all miansai.com STYLE TIPS • NOT ALL LEOPARD PRINT IS CREATED EQUAL The more natural the print looks, the more luxe your look. Blurry spots in a non-uniform style work well. • EMBRACE THE PRINTED TURTLENECK It’s the ideal investment as its sleek shape works equally well layered or on its own. • HAIR COLOUR COUNTS Brunettes look great in brown-based leopard print but blondes should stick to grey-based spots.…

Layer up! One top is never enough REBALANCE CURVES Flared jeans instantly flatter a pear shape. V-shape ruffles add width to your shoulders to balance out your shape. STREAMLINE YOUR TUM A loose long-line top disguises that tummy. Cover upper arms with a longer T-shirt- style sleeve. DIVERT ATTENTION Wear same-colour separates to streamline your silhouette. Use your accessories strategically – place a stand-out bag around your problem area. FLATTER HEAVY HIPS Disguise those hips with a dark A-line skirt. Shift the focus with a bright top and an embellished strap bag. SLIM LEGS, BUM & TUM Oversized prints are always flattering to fuller figures. Exaggerate your best bits! Roll up those trousers to show off slim ankles, and wear a fabulous pair of shoes. Mix loose layers with more…

SALLY LINDSAY “Dementia has an impact on the lives of so many people. My grandmother, Ellen, was diagnosed at the age of only 60, losing her battle with the disease ten years later. Memory Walk is a wonderful way to raise money for a fantastic cause.” SURANNE JONES “Last year I took part in the Kent Memory Walk to remember a very special person in my life. Memory Walk is a great opportunity for friends and family to spread the word about the great work of Alzheimer’s Society.” RUTH LANGSFORD “My father, Dennis, had Alzheimer’s disease. When people are diagnosed, they and their families are often in shock and feel isolated. Alzheimer’s Society services support people with dementia and their carers from day one. So sign up to a Memory…

BREAKFAST 1 slice of granary toast 2 scrambled eggs A handful of baked tomatoes 150ml glass grapefruit juice = 1 carb 1 protein 1 veg 1 fruit SNACK Handful of carrot batons 50g cream cheese = 1 veg 1 dairy LUNCH 4 Ryvita 2tsp low-fat spread Dessert bowl of salad Oil and vinegar dressing Small can of tuna + 2 tangerines = 2 carbs 2 fat 1 veg 1 protein 1 fruit SNACK Large flat white coffee = 1 dairy DINNER 1 small chicken breast 4tbsp ratatouille 2tbsp pasta 50g Parmesan + Handful of strawberries 2tsp cream = 1 protein 2 veg 1 carb 1 dairy 1 fruit 2 fat PLUS 400ml semi-skimmed milk for tea and coffee = 1 dairy TOTAL Carbs = 4Sugar = 2 (fruit juice)Protein =…

• Don’t fool yourself that your body “needs” the food you’re craving – there’s little scientific evidence that craving a certain food is your body’s way of letting you know your diet is lacking a certain nutrient. • Keep a food and mood diary – record everything you eat and drink, together with how you feel, for a week then see if there’s a link between certain emotions such as feeling sad, angry, miserable, tired or depressed and what you eat. Once you’ve identified any links, work out strategies that don’t involve eating for dealing with these emotions. • Avoid extreme dieting, fasting and skipping meals – without glucose, the brain can’t work properly, so craving a sugary snack when blood sugar levels are low is most likely a survival…

Fast track weight loss and I was enjoying myself – what a result! A few months ago, I decided to spend some time on me. I wanted to lose a bit of weight, feel fitter, recharge my batteries and generally be pampered. To do it properly I knew I needed expert advice. I wanted to go somewhere beautiful, which wasn’t in the UK, but not too far away. I also wanted to go on my own so I’d really get some “me” time. I booked a detox break at the Espace Chenot Health Wellness SPA at L’Albereta, near Lake Iseo in Lombardy. A five-star hotel known for being a luxurious place to escape. My husband simply smiled when I said I was going to Italy, famous for all the foods…

Easy/Prepare ahead/Freeze (sponges only) • Ready in 1 hour 15 minutes, plus cooling • Serves 16 225g unsalted butter, softened 4 free-range eggs 225g caster sugar 225g self-raising flour 60g cocoa powder 2tsp baking powder for the filling 250g unsalted butter, softened 100g cream cheese (Philadelphia) 100g icing sugar 1tsp vanilla bean paste for the ganache 300ml double cream 200g dark chocolate, chopped 1tbsp chocolate vermicelli you will need 2 x 20cm sandwich tins, greased and lined with baking parchment 1 Heat the oven to 160C fan, gas 4. In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, eggs, sugar, flour, cocoa powder and baking powder with an electric whisk. 2 Divide the mix between the tins and bake for 25 minutes, until springy to the touch. Allow to cool and slice…

woman&home INSPIRED BY NATURE Botanical prints are everywhere, with fern, butterfly and feather motifs on fabrics, lanterns, terrariums, and vases with woodland foliage. Blend with indigo blue for a sophisticated feel. Natural fabrics of cotton and linen rule, and vases, jugs, and tableware have a handmade look THE NEW DINING IN It’s back to the 70s with chunky furniture and heritage pottery. Rustic textures of wood and slate blend well with modern metals, and the key – multi pendants in smoked glass. NEW VICTORIAN The modern take on this look mixes square shapes on furniture in an updated Morris-style print with buttoned-back leather sofas. Tweed blends well or add a lighter touch with a windowpane check and faux tortoiseshell and horn on accessories. A warmer palette of cream and blush…

1 Find five things to throw away, five to give away to charity or a friend… in five minutes. When you have a deadline it can really focus the mind. You might also find five things to put away where they truly belong too. 2 Fill one dustbin bag with rubbish – and don’t stop until it’s full. Or fill one bag with cast-offs for the charity shop. Or both! 3 Investigate the spice rack – while it may be great to have lots of choice, do you really remember how long you’ve had that turmeric, and do you remember the last time you used it? Keep ones you know you use all the time and ditch the 50 or so you’re storing “just in case”. 4 Pick one item…

“I was drawn to the theatre and the kind of inspiration and excitement I got from acting” What attracted you to your role in The Libertine ? I like [John] Wilmot’s outlook on life. It was the 17th century and he decided that the country had been through enough repression, so he was going to have a good time. He hit the bottle and was constantly rollicking around – and he became ill very quickly. But I believe he enjoyed the sensation of trying everything. Was acting something you knew you were destined to do? I was drawn to the theatre and the kind of inspiration and excitement I got from acting. I had an incredible drama teacher who inspired me in a way that the…