Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2019 i Woman & Home

What is your greatest fear? Dying before my children are old enough to look after themselves. What trait do you most deplore in yourself? I always see the other side of an argument, even if I don’t agree with it, which is really annoying. What would be your desert island essential? Adidas. No, bubble bath. No, it would be some Garnier Ambre Solaire. I’ll stay on brand! What is your most treasured possession? Anything my sister gave me. [Davina’s sister passed away in 2012.] Who are the women that inspire you the most? Dawn French. I know her a little bit but I would love to know her more. She’s a gorgeous human. Kate Bush, for making me cry and feel so much with her music. JK Rowling for her…

BAGS OF STYLE A former CEO of a computing company, designer Sarah Haran took a career U-turn to pursue her dream of making luxe leather handbags. Each one has been made with busy women in mind. FEMININE FLORALS Extending their accessory line to now include delicate silk scarves, Ilse Jacobsen’s latest drop has us dreaming of spring. With a wide range of designs, we want one for every occasion. Left: £50; below: £55, ilsejacobsen.com PENDANT PERFECTION From gemstones to dainty flowers, pendant necklaces are the low-key jewellery trend everyone is wearing. Layer up or wear alone – the choice is yours. SHOW-STOPPING JEWELS Chalk Jewellery have created a stunning range inspired by the structural lines and glass of London’s Royal Opera House. Large earrings, £80; small earrings, £25, thechalkhouse.com NEW…

There is no one that can quite press your buttons like your mother. Now I know I’m a fully fledged grown-up, but still my mother can trigger the urge to eye roll. Ditto feelings of intense mortification that more befit a teenager. These feelings resurface double quick if, say, I have to call the hotel manager to unlock the room safe again because something’s gone, ahem, wrong with the code. (On the same holiday we were almost off to report her travel money as stolen, but then she found it neatly folded in a travel tissue packet. Her cunning hiding place that was so cunning she had forgotten about it.) “I have ample opportunity to assess her various habits – all of which I recognise I will be doing in…

What’s your earliest memory? Being in my nan and grandad’s garden and putting jewellery on the tortoise! I think I was always interested in fashion and style. I now have a blog with my best friend Em (astylealbum.com), covering fashion, style, beauty, travel and interior inspiration. And how early did you start loving music? My earliest and fondest memory has to be when I was four years old – I was bubbling up with the excitement of getting up on a Saturday and my mum taking me to the church hall for tap and ballet classes! I ended up going to Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and then going on to form the band Eternal. Music has always been a love. Did you have a career plan B? I…

Lucky me. For nearly a decade I’ve attended the Oscars every year with my life partner, who works in the film industry. And over this time, I’ve seen it all – the best dressed, the worst dressed and Lupita Nyong’o driving the paparazzi wild when in 2014 she turned up at the Oscars in a divine sky-blue Prada gown, and went on to claim the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for 12 Years A Slave . Once, just as we were entering the Dolby Theatre – the Oscars’ imposing venue on Hollywood Boulevard – I accidentally trod upon the flowing train of Viola Davis’s scarlet Armani Privé gown. Whoops! Ms Davis was not pleased. And rightly so. There was lot riding on that Armani train. Since the Oscars began in 1929,…

We’ve all experienced that jittery feeling, lump in the throat and “what if it all goes wrong” fear that whirs around our brain when we’re exchanging on a house sale, prepping for a job interview or waiting for hospital results. Anxiety may not be nice, but it’s normal, natural and motivating. Until it’s not. When nerves don’t go away, when those feelings of dread begin to dominate, then anxiety is a problem – it increases our risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and gastrointestinal disorders. One in 20 of us suffers from persistent anxiety, with mixed anxiety and depression affecting one in 10 of us, according to figures from Anxiety UK. “It’s normal for people to feel anxious at some point but nervousness can become extreme, with…

✢ Kalms Lavender One-A-Day Capsules, £6.99, kalmsrange.com May help relieve symptoms of mild anxiety. Studies suggest a daily lavender oil capsule can reduce physical and psychological symptoms after two weeks. ✢ Zenflore, £29.99 for a month’s supply, precisionbiotics.com Contains a bacterial culture that research shows can reduce the level of our stress hormone, cortisol. ✢ Promensil Original Red Clover Isoflavones, £19.99, maryonstewart.com Contains naturally occurring plant oestrogens that may help reduce side effects of menopause, such as anxiety.…

✢ BREAKFAST OVERNIGHT OATS A filling breakfast of porridge oats and fat-free natural yogurt, mixed with fresh or frozen berries. Make it the night before. ✢ LUNCH HAM AND MUSHROOM OMELETTE Quick and delicious, made with 3 eggs, chunks of lean ham and mushrooms, served with a big helping of salad. ✢ DINNER SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN AND NOODLES Chicken and veg in a sweet and sour sauce, served with egg noodles and a glass of wine or beer. ✢ SNACKS Loads of fresh fruit, 3 Mini Babybel Light Cheeses and a 2-finger Kit Kat. Food written in bold is Slimming World’s Free Food, which you can enjoy freely. Find more delicious recipes, like the sweet and sour chicken, plus more menu ideas, including a free seven-day eating plan, at…

I am a size 12. Which does not, believe it or not, make me an odd one out on the front row at the catwalk shows. Quite the reverse. Sure, some of my fellow frow-ers are thinner – a lot thinner – than me. (There’s that other Anna, for starters.) But there are also lots of women who are the same size as me, or bigger. Not that you notice their size. Because they dress well, and if you dress well – in a way that flatters your body – that’s what people register. Being fashionable, stylish, chic is absolutely not about being a size 10 or below. Which is just one of the things that makes it nonsensical that the catwalks are still hung up on the miniscule. Thankfully,…

Mood enhancers Sanctuary Spa’s new Sleep range has comforting textures and smells. I love the rich Relaxing Night Body Butter, £11, with calming lavender oil. Aromatherapy Associates Clear Mind Roller Ball, £18, uses frankincense to relieve anxiety. Portable therapy! WinTer hair hacks Want five minutes extra in the morning? Try Living Proof Restore Smooth Blowout Concentrate, £26, or Aveda Blow Dry Accelerator, £21. Not only do they cut drying time, they defrizz, smell divine and act to wet down the sections that have got too dry. Other hair newness? Dove have relaunched their Regenerate Nourishment Shampoo and Conditioner, £6.65 each. Together they brilliantly restore smoothness and shine to damaged hair. BEAUTY BOOSTER If you can’t afford a winter getaway, you can look like you did with Clarins Glow 2 Go…

The old adage “new year, new you” may sound like a cliché, but when it comes to your hair there’s never a better time for a fresh new look. Who doesn’t want to start a brand new year looking the best version of themselves? But if you’re not sure a dramatic restyle is quite what you need, how about switching up your colour? Maybe you’ve been dyeing your hair the same shade for years and it’s just not working for your skin tone any more. Or perhaps those pesky greys are becoming ever more prevalent and you want to disguise them. It doesn’t need to be complicated or scary, “the smallest of changes can really update a hair colour,” says hair colour guru Josh Wood, who is responsible for Elle…

Remember the TV show, 10 Years Younger? It wasn’t the new wardrobe and trendy haircut that got us excited, or even all that surgery, it was the teeth transformations that made us sit up and go “Oooh”. Psychotherapist Lucy Beresford explains: “In our psyche, good teeth equal fitness, vitality and above all, youth.” I’m currently having my own mid-life smile dilemma. OK, so my teeth aren’t as bad as the 10 Years lot, but decades of teeth grinding, too much red wine, wisdom-teeth problems, yada yada… means I’m now not smiling as widely as I should. And I’m not alone. A staggering 70%* of us are unhappy with our teeth. So what to do? “Today it’s less about invasive procedures and more about enhancing what we have with a little…

You might think that the only way to get fit and lose weight is by exercising non-stop; think long runs, intense workout classes and a no-days-off-ever mentality. But what if we told you that all it took was 21 minutes a day for 21 days? Not too long, but a positive step towards achieving something. Appealing, no? Personal trainer to the stars, David Higgins specialises in body mobility and flexibility, key factors towards better strength, muscle tone, weight loss and leanness. And with stars like Margot Robbie, Claudia Schiffer and Nigella Lawson relying on David to help them look and feel fabulous, it’s clear why we trust him. He says that 21 minutes “gives you enough time to reset and start to improve without really going to your end range…

✢ NU+CAO ESPRESSO 40g,  £2.79, Whole Foods, Amazon Made from raw cacao, hemp seeds and coconut blossom nectar, these are low-carb and filled with antioxidants. ✢ HOTEL CHOCOLAT HONDURAS 100% Dark Chocolate 50g, £3.95 The darkest of chocolate and full of good stuff. Just don’t eat too much before bed – dark chocolate contains caffeine! The Sugar Impact Diet (Headline Home, £14.99), is out on 10 January…

THE BRA Non-slip straps and double-back adjustment for an extra comfortable fit. Breasts can bounce up to 14cm when unsupported during exercise*, so this gives ultimate support. Shock Absorber Ultimate Fly Bra, £45, 32B-38F, johnlewis.com THE COAT Worth the spend; made with special technology to keep you extra warm without weighing you down. Ideal for outdoor runs and walks. Lifaloft Insulator jacket, £160, sizes xs-xl, hellyhansen.com THE TOP Loose fit with sleeves to cover any unloved upper arms, while the pink shade goes well with darker bottoms. Tee, £25, sizes xxs-l, bjornborg.com THE BAG Complete with a trainer compartment (and anti-smell lining!), bottle pocket and a laptop sleeve, this bag will take you from gym to work to dinner and back again. The epitome of versatility. Charli backpack, £135, shopfactandfiction.com…

Meat-free is the latest buzzword for health – both ours and the planet’s. And whether you want to eliminate meat from your diet completely or just enjoy the odd #meatfreemonday, plant-based eating doesn’t need to be boring. “It can be fun and full of flavour. I love meat but I also absolutely love my veg!” says Joe. “Veggie food is also a lot more sustainable than meat and less harmful to the environment,” he explains. Plus, it turns out, your favourite meaty meals can be just as good, veggie style… Steak and chips Joe says: Don’t be afraid to get inventive. What about a cauli steak? Cut a big chunk of cauliflower, pop it in a frying pan with some water and pop the lid on. Once all the water’s…

I've never been a huge fan of Valentine’s Day, and in recent years, it has become an annual reminder of being single. With a busy job, demanding teenagers and a house to run, my love life has not just been put on the back-burner, it has been completely neglected. As a teen I sent perfume-soaked Valentine’s cards to my latest crushes. And even though I had lots of boyfriends – and a husband for 12 years – only a couple of Valentine’s Days stand out. Once when I received 20 red roses from an Italian boyfriend. Another time, with no suitor to spend the evening with, I went out for dinner with my best friend, not minding that we would be surrounded by loved-up couples! This year, however, I may…

Andalucía is one of the most beautiful corners of Europe, where travellers are welcomed as honoured guests. Immortalised by the writings of Ernest Hemingway and beloved by Orson Welles, it’s the Spain of Carmen , The Marriage of Figaro and flamenco. Rich with the legacies of the Moors and Romans, its charm and serenity will captivate you. Your itinerary: DAY1 ARRIVAL IN MALAGA Fly to Málaga and transfer to the town of Mijas, where we stay one night. DAY 2 RONDA & TAPAS IN SEVILLE  Drive to Ronda, which is dramatically set on a ridge, bisected by an impressive gorge. There’s time at leisure before we continue to Seville, where we stay three nights and sample traditional tapas this evening. DAY 3 SEVILLE…

SPANISH CHICKEN BAKE A simple and easy recipe in one dish – just add lots of crusty bread! Serves 4 • Ready in 1hr 30mins 250g cherry tomatoes 2 shallots, sliced into wedges 2 red peppers, roughly chopped 8 chicken thighs 1 bunch each of thyme and oregano 2tbsp sweet smoked paprika 4tbsp oil 1 glass of white wine 6 garlic cloves, not peeled 100g green olives crusty bread, to serve 1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4. Toss the tomatoes, shallots, peppers, chicken, thyme and oregano with the paprika and olive oil in a large roasting tin. 2 Pour over the wine and bake for 45mins. Add the garlic and cook for another 30mins until the chicken is cooked through. Top with olives and serve with crusty bread.…

If you’re off the booze after the festive season, one of these will keep you refreshed: ✢ Swap an Aperol Spritz for the Italian-inspired, naturally non-alcoholic aperitif Monte Rosso, £2.50, from Ocado, Amazon and Waitrose. ✢ Ceder’s is the perfect guilt-free G&T for the 41% of us who are trying to cut back on alcohol. Made from South African botanicals, then handcrafted and bottled in Sweden, we think it adds a certain Scandi chic to the drinks trolley. Available from Sainsbury’s at £20, Ceder’s comes in three flavours: Classic, Crisp and Wild. ✢ We also loved Borrago #47 Paloma Blend as a gin substitute, and found the botanicals and aromas perfectly balanced. Apart from tasting delicious, the packaging is utterly beautiful too. £19.99, borrago.com…

✢ French greys, lilacs and off-whites create a soothing yet sophisticated palette, which when paired with navy blue, adds real drama to a room. ✢ Where possible, go for the same flooring throughout your home, so that each room flows seamlessly into the next, creating a more open and fluid living space. ✢ For a stylish country feel, choose rustic accessories such as zinc lighting, chunky knitted throws and simple linen cushions. ✢ Think about replacing open fireplaces with log burners for a cosy yet modern update in living spaces, and display extra wood in wire baskets nearby.…

My guilty secret is that I stay in bed to write. I have an office in the tower of my home in France, with a writing desk, lumbar-friendly chair, whiteboard, mood board, pictures and notes-to-self on the walls, but the writing happens in a large double bed opposite a window looking out at a lake. My husband brings me cups of tea and I am so immersed in the story, I often don’t notice he’s been. I know this all sounds a bit Barbara Cartland, but there is no frou-frou bed jacket. My editors would love me to be a spreadsheet sort of writer, but I can’t get into the habit. I hate writing a story twice so I do an outline for myself – the story in three acts…

Grace Atherton is about to fall out of love and into life, but she doesn’t know it yet. The start of this uplifting debut novel finds Grace running her violin shop, her life punctuated by romantic interludes in Paris with David, her partner of eight years. Grace’s world, in which she stifles her own talent and buries her musical dreams, revolves entirely around her unconventional relationship with David, her own secrets having kept everyone else at bay. Until, suddenly and shockingly, one act tips Grace’s life upside down, and the music seems to stop. It takes a vivacious old man and a straight-talking teenager to kick-start a new chapter for Grace. She learns that she’s not as alone in the world as she had thought, no mistake is insurmountable, and…

Ever wondered how authors find their inspiration? Then check out The Penguin Podcast, where a well-known presenter (think Richard E Grant and Konnie Huq) invites a writer to bring into the studio five objects that inspired or shaped their latest book. The ensuing conversation centres around these items, giving an insight into the author’s life and creative process. Fascinating.…

Star Trek: Discovery It’s all systems are go as Star Trek Discovery  returns for a second series. The crew of USS Discovery are back, while Anson Mount joins the cast as Pike, captain of the USS Enterprise. Netflix You Penn Badgley stars as New York bookstore manager Joe, who becomes obsessed with customer and aspiring writer Beck (Elizabeth Lail) in this chilling series. Netflix Sex Education Gillian Anderson takes on the role of sex therapist Jean in this coming-of-age comedy. The series follows Jean’s son Otis (Asa Butterfield), who decides to set up an underground clinic. Netflix…

PISCES 20 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH Talking things through with others goes well from the 10th. The full moon on the 19th marks a relationship hoo-ha. Try a new way of handling things –it works. Call 0905 789 4161* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL Your ruler in Aries during February’s first fortnight gives you the strength to make things happen. The change that comes mid-month looks thrilling. Call 0905 789 4150* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. TAURUS 21 APRIL – 21 MAY Mars in Taurus on Valentine’s Day sends passions sky-high. Mars shortens your fuse as your partner ups your libido – bear that in mind over the last fortnight. Call 0905 789 4151* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly…

KATHY LETTE is a well-known Australian-British author whose novels include How to Kill your Husband and Love is Blind. Many of her books have been made into films, including Mad Cows and Dead Sexy. How do you cheer yourself up when winter’s gone on too long? I get my girlfriends over for a dance-a-thon. We push back the furniture, pop open the Champers, crank up the volume on pop hits like Sister Sledge and ABBA, and simply jive the blues away. ISABELLE BROOM is our new books editor. She is also a journalist, author and passionate traveller. Her books include The Place we Met and One Thousand Stars and  You. She lives in the Suffolk countryside with her dog, Max. How do you cheer yourself up when winter’s gone on…

My friend Samantha is in her thirties with two gorgeous little girls. Like most women of her generation, Sam has a job outside the home. It’s not really a choice. Not if she and her husband Matt want to keep up the mortgage payments on their house. The other morning, a stressed-out Sam told me she’d been thinking of decreasing her working hours so she could spend more time with her three-year-old. Olivia had been very clingy to Mummy lately and screamed when she was dropped at the childminders at 8.15am. “In the end, I decided not to take Fridays off,” Sam reported ruefully, “I thought I really should be using my 30 free hours of childcare a week.” “Why should you use all 30 hours?” I asked gently. “If…

Winter warmer Cord is the fabric du jour this winter, and this stone-coloured jumpsuit is an all-in-one winner. The built-in belt will cinch in your waist for a flattering silhouette. Layer over a roll-neck for extra warmth, and keep the colour palette neutral for a smart finish. Jumpsuit, £99.99, sizes s-l, Mango Online Exclusive. Jumper, £119, sizes xs-l, Whistles. Boots, £69, M&S. Socks, £9.99, Sock Shop. Ring, £420, Taylor & Hart Sports luxe Give the casual trouser a sporty vibe with a stylish side-stripe. The tracksuit trouser is cementing itself into our everyday wardrobes and dressing them up or down is easier than you think. Wear with chunky trainers and a fitted knit for a laid-back feel. Jumper, £199, sizes xs-l; trousers, £79, sizes 6-16, both ME+EM. Trainers, £225, Russell…

“I find it so tricky to find jeans to fit my petite frame, but these are the perfect length. The classic blue wash will see me through all seasons” With the bestselling denim on the high street and 10 pairs selling every minute in 2018, M&S are the go-to destination for quality jeans you can rely on. From classic slim and on-trend wide leg, as well as the newly launched skinny flare and cigarette, there really is a style for everyone. PAULA MOORE, 45, Group Fashion Director ✢ Use a thin waist belt to add extra definition to your shape. ✢ Ankle-grazer jeans put the focus on the slimmest part of your leg. Skinny jeans, £19.50, sizes 6-24; jumper, £45, sizes 6-22; belt, £9.50, sizes s-l, all M&S Collection. Trainers,…

Not everyone goes for va-vavoom on the red carpet. Grownup elegance also appeals to a certain type of A-list actress. The simple silhouette of Charlotte Rampling’s Armani Privé dress balances out the intricate beading for an understated look. Nominated for the award of Best Actress in 2016, she kept it classic with tonal accessories. Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2015, Meryl Streep puts her own spin on suiting in figure-flattering Lanvin. The V-neck blouse and waist-whittling belt add definition to her frame. Elevating monochrome basics with fashion-forward detailing and standout jewellery, Tilda Swinton’s 2009 Lanvin look still makes a statement.…

NIKKI BLISSETT, 38, works in digital marketing and lives with her husband Craig and their children, Tristan, eight, and Aaron, 14 months, in Reading. I’ve always been an anxious person – it runs in my family; both my mum and sister are very anxious – but I began to suffer severe symptoms when my first son was born. It was a traumatic birth and afterwards I experienced severe postnatal depression, which meant even leaving the house became a mission. The first time I had a panic attack, I was in the supermarket. The noise, lights and people – it all became overwhelming. Soon the attacks began to happen anywhere, even while I was driving. The depression and anxiety took over and I was hospitalised. I had cognitive behavioural therapy, which…

FRAN McELWAINE, 60, retrained as a functional health and lifestyle coach after finding a solution for her anxiety. She lives in Farnham, Surrey, with her husband, Peter. They have six grown-up children. Five years ago, I sat at my kitchen table in floods of tears. I was trying to write Christmas cards but my inner voice was taking me down again, asking why anyone would want a card from me, and flaring up the underlying anxiety that I wasn’t good enough to be anyone’s friend. As I became aware of the internal narrative taking over my life, I was shocked. I knew things needed to change so, as a first step, I booked on to an eight-week mindfulness course. It took me a while but eventually I made the connection…

Tessa, 61, lives in London. She has a daughter Mollie, 27, and son Charlie, 18, with former partner Douglas Hope. THE BEATLES I grew up in the 60s so they were my thing. Their single Ticket To Ride is what I bought with my pocket money, and I used to play it over and over again on the record player. Nowadays I love Sting, Adele, Lily Allen and Wolf Alice – their bassist Theo is my mate’s son, so our families have grown up together. MONOPOLY I’m an only child so I used to play Monopoly with my mum and my godmother. I used to go for the light blue properties – they were just about affordable! SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE If I was stranded on a desert island, I’d eat spaghetti…

No one is exactly sure where tarot cards originated, but the earliest decks come from mid-15th century northern Italy and were originally created as a card game. Tarot cards enjoyed a burst of popularity in the late 19th and early 20th century in the US and Europe. A conventional tarot deck (there are many varieties) consists of 78 cards;  each card represents an emotion, situation or a stage in the journey of life, and its meaning will alter depending on many things: above all, which other cards are pulled from the pack during the reading and in what order. A client – or in tarot-jargon a “querent” – shuffles the pack and chooses cards at random. Once they’ve chosen three or four, it’s usually possible to identify what aspect of…

SIAN DELLAR, 35, is the owner of the Sian Dellar Clinic on London’s Harley Street; permanentmakeup-specialist.com ✢ Define your curves with a flattering shirt dress, which cinches your waist. ✢ Don’t shy away from loud prints. For the most expensive finish, stick to more luxe fabrics. ✢ Take it to the max! Go hem to hem with your coat and dress to streamline your entire look. ANNIE HAAK, 61, is the owner of jewellery company anniehaakdesigns.co.uk ✢ Instantly lift any outfit with a bright scarf. Leave long and draped to elongate your body. ✢ Worried about clashing prints? Mix muted with bold and tie it all together with touches of the same shade. ✢ Swap ankle boots for leg-lengthening knee-highs. Black will go with everything and…

1 BEST FOR: LUXE FEEL Shiseido Kajal InkArtist in Azuki Red, £22 First Impression This glides like a dream even on less-than-firm lids, then you’ve got about 30 seconds to play before it sets. Yes, it’s red, but don’t be put off. It’s more terracotta than tomato and that on-trend tone really intensifies green or hazel eyes. Lasting power I smoked it out for an easy wedding look, proceeded to well up at the vows, sink a few glasses of fizz and get down on the dance floor. Not a smudge. 2 BEST FOR: A BARGAIN CYO Sweeping Statement Metallic Eye Stick in Wasted Youth, £3.50 First impression Cheap as chips, possibly cheaper depending where you buy them. Twist the bottom to dispense a semi-sheer crayon that draws softly on…

Glowing skin is the start point for this relaxed look. Try a lightweight primer that blurs blemishes, but is invisible on the skin. We love Rosie for Autograph Amazing Radiance Cream, £18 at M&S. It makes skin look glowy and refreshed. Studio 10 Youth Lift Glow-Plexion, £26, is perfect for older skins as it illuminates without any wrinkle-magnifying glitter, and has youth-boosting skincare ingredients. Then just touch out blemishes with Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Longwear Highcover Concealer, £32.…

✢ BABYLIGHTS Love highlights? Try this instead, which Josh Wood favours to achieve natural-looking seamless colour. Essentially, these are super-fine highlights that he concentrates around the mid lengths to ends of the hair for a really natural-looking result. ✢ 14-PIECE BALAYAGE Leading balayage expert and Schwarzkopf global BLONDME ambassador Jack Howard has created this technique as a lower- maintenance way to update your colour. The idea is that hand painting just 14 sections of your hair will really lift your colour and refresh your look, as well as highlighting cheekbones and your eyes. Who needs a face lift when you can have this? ✢ THE COLOUR ROOT MELT Worried about thinning or fine hair? Colour maestro Adam Reed swears by this technique to make hair look thicker. ‘“If you go…

1 SKIN  Elemental Herbology Vital Cleanse Facial Cleanser, £29 I once had to take off Liz Taylor’s make-up in Harrods – she had amazing skin and I asked for her secret. She told me to never wash my face! What she meant was that rinsing it with water dries it out. So now I massage this in, then wipe it away with a face sponge dipped in lukewarm water. 2 BASE  Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, £42 I’ve always struggled to find the right shade of foundation. My skin has a yellow undertone and most makeup for dark skin is quite red. This foundation stick is an exception; I use it as my base and concealer in one. 3 HAIR  Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil, £48 My scalp gets…

Despite it being one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy – according to the NHS, regular exercise can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke by 35% – over a third of UK adults never work out. Seana Forbes, training and nutrition specialist at fitness app freeletics.com  shares the most common exercise excuses and how to overcome them… THE No1 EXERCISE EXCUSE ‘I don’t have time’ We work, look after our families and see our friends, which leaves little time for ourselves, let alone exercise. But making time is key. “Exercising has many physical and mental benefits, plus it can make you more productive at work and active in your social life,” says Seana. She recommends scheduling in your workouts like you would a…

So many of us have learnt particular habits that we swear are beneficial to us. Whether it’s brushing our teeth straight after eating, to catching up on lost sleep at the weekend, there’s a whole host of everyday things that we do, which we think are helping us lead a healthier, happier life. However, the experts have spoken and suddenly, these habits aren’t as great as we thought. In fact, they could actually be detrimental to our health… Brushing your teeth straight after eating This isn’t wise if you’ve consumed acidic foods and drinks, as Guy Barwell, dental surgeon at The Implant Centre, explains: “The acid softens the tooth surface and then the abrasive action of tooth brushing removes the enamel – it’s best to wait around 30 minutes.” Guy…

It’s a key building block for healthy muscle, bones, skin and blood, but can you get enough protein when meat is off the menu? “There are so many other ways you can get protein,” says Joe. “Beans, pulses, lentils – they’re all packed with protein and are super rich sources of it if you’re going all veggie. Then there’s also tofu and tempeh, which can go into your meals as a meat substitute.” He adds, “Foods like buckwheat, soya and quinoa are complete protein sources, which means they contain all essential amino acids. As with meat eaters, you can be a healthy vegetarian or an unhealthy one – it’s all about finding balance.”…

✢ Lumen is a free mobile app (iOS and Android) that makes it easy for over-50s to meet like-minded singles in a safe community. ✢ 100% of profiles are verified, with zero tolerance for ageism. ✢ Users are required to upload a selfie that’s cross-referenced with their photos to prove they are who they say they are. ✢ The app is free to join and use, and every day, each member can start three new conversations with other users. This encourages users to take time and think about who they contact and what they say. ✢ Lumen is available to users in the UK – download it on iPhone and Android.…

TREAT YOURSELF Many gyms and fitness clubs let you try before you buy rather than forking out on expensive joining fees or eye-watering membership. Look for extras including exercise classes, swimming pools and saunas, and make a day of it. Then switch between free trials for as long as your motivation lasts. Nab a free three-day pass at dwfitnessfirst.com , get a free day pass at better.org.uk/guestpasses  or book a one-day trial at nuffieldhealth.com/campaigns/gyms/free-pass NEED TO KNOW Could you cope with a financial shock to the system? Nearly 18 million people couldn’t, according to insurer Zurich UK, who found that one in three UK adults would struggle to recover from an unexpected financial shock or loss of income. Almost a quarter had no savings to…

Malaysian laksa with prawns A ready-made paste is a clever shortcut that takes the faff out of making a laksa. Serves 6 • Ready in 30mins 185g jar laksa paste 1 litre fish or shellfish stock 2 x 400ml cans coconut milk 6 garlic cloves, sliced 2 stalks lemongrass, split lengthways and bashed thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 4 spring onions, sliced 225g raw king prawns 250g flat rice noodles 200g beansprouts juice of 1 lime 3 boiled eggs 1 bunch of coriander 1 red chilli, finely sliced 1 Heat the laksa paste in a large pan for 2mins until fragrant, then add the fish stock, coconut milk, garlic, lemongrass, ginger and half the spring onions. Bring to the boil then simmer for 10-15mins until the mixture has reduced slightly.…

STATEMENT STYLE Graham & Brown have unveiled their Wallpaper of the Year for 2019 and it certainly has the wow factor! The Oriental-inspired design features exotic birds and metallic finishes, giving your walls showstopping style. Tori wallpaper, £50 per roll, Graham & Brown PAMPERED PETS Pet accessories for the design savvy? Now that’s a good idea! With 44% of all UK homes now owning a cat or dog, this new range at Made was designed for customers who love their interiors just as much as their fluffy friends. Pet bowls in copper and marble, sit alongside mustard, teal and chic grey pet beds, and plywood pet sofas (pictured here, £159). SPECIAL DELIVERY Just in time to gift your valentine (or treat yourself) comes Posy & Posy, the flower subscription company…

With the festivities behind us, now is the perfect time to make those bedroom updates that may have previously been put aside. This sacred space is our personal haven, a place where we can switch off from our busy lives and retire for a restful night’s sleep, and it doesn’t take much to create the dreamiest of boudoirs, just for you. “It’s so important to your wellbeing to have a space where you can really wind down and sleep well, so choose a scheme that calms you”…

1 Scrublands by Chris Hammer (Wildfire) This compelling novel is set in a remote Australian town and follows a journalist investigating a shocking act of violence. 2 Between The Lies by Michelle Adams (Headline) Struggling to regain her memory after an accident, Chloe turns to her family for help, but is she foolish to trust them? 3 The Anniversary by Hilary Boyd (Penguin) Divided by tragedy, Stella and Jack are drawn together once more in this riveting novel. 4 Village Of The Lost Girls by Agustín Martínez (Quercus) Set in the Pyrenees, this creepy and atmospheric thriller charts the mystery of two missing 11-year-olds. 5 The Cult On Fog Island by Mariette Lindstein (HQ) Written by a former Scientologist, this unsettling drama peers under the…

Watching… A show called Chewing Gum. It’s a fantastic watch and it’s quite out there. But I tend to watch things that I can catch up with because I just don’t get any time when they’re actually on TV. Reading… At the moment I’m just reading scripts for musicals, TV shows or new ideas. Every time I try to get any form of book out another script gets sent through! Eating at… Bob Bob Ricard in Soho, I love that restaurant. The “Press for Champagne” button and the beef Wellington are simply amazing. Learning to… I’m trying to learn how to play the piano, but I’m just teaching myself at the moment. I know a bit of the basics, but it’s all about practising. I’m useless but I quite like…

Louise Dear’s work is instantly recognisable – glamorous, glittering designs filled with exotic blooms and beautiful women – and her pieces hang in galleries, restaurants and homes worldwide, including those of celebrities such as Sir Elton John and Rick Stein. Exuding a feminine sensuality, her paintings are enriched with elaborate decorations of gold leaf, glitter and Swarovski crystals. Fashion is a big influence on Dear’s art, and in fact she studied the subject until she was 21, before taking off around Europe in a pink-painted 1963 Bedford ambulance. She began her art career as a sculptor, and the skills she learned in those early years underpin her current work, as she now produces multilayered pieces on aluminium panels, full of texture and intriguing materials. Dear’s intention as an artist is…

✢ Had your fill of panto? Oh no you haven’t! Get your fix of double entendres at Snow White , starring Dawn French, at the London Palladium until 13 January. ✢ Famous for uttering those magical words “…And bake!”, presenter Sandi Toksvig brings her warm and witty live show to a close on 8 February in Liverpool; sanditoksvig.com ✢ Get your skates on – literally – for the magical Brighton Pavilion skate rink, which closes 13 January. There’s even a rink-side bar and restaurant for pre- or post-gliding relaxation.…

AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 19 FEBRUARY  The 4th’s Aquarius new moon is your power moment – brilliant for new starts. Plus the communication magic of Mercury in Aquarius until the 10th helps negotiations go your way. THE MONTHS AHEAD  Friendships bring joy in 2019. A holiday with mates will be one long laugh. From March, Uranus’s influence brings unexpected changes to your family. Call 0905 789 4160* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates.…

Matthew lives between New York and LA with his wife Renee Puente and their one-year-old son Revel. My earliest memories… I was never really exposed to dance in my life until much later. My upbringing was very much outdoors. I just remember camping and going on ski trips with my family. My rise to fame… My career was really a fluke. One year, my parents sent me to Arizona to visit family over the summer and they threw my cousin and me into a children’s theatre. It was kind of a way to get us out of their hair, but it turned into the moment that I found my purpose and my passion. My best career moment… The  Light in the Piazza [2005] really solidified me as a legitimate…

Woman&home have teamed up with national hair salon chain Regis to bring you a 30% discount on their salon services, so you can treat your hair to some tender love and care. Experts in the latest cuts, colours, textures and finishing services, Regis stylists will guide you to find a style that perfectly matches your own unique look. From a crisp haircut to a bold new colour or even a blow-dry to impress, you can be sure to start the new year in style. HOW TO CLAIM 30% OFF REGIS SALON SERVICES Simply mention the woman&home reader offer code WH30 when booking your salon service and be sure to bring this page with you on the day of your appointment. Find your nearest salon at regissalons.co.uk TERMS & CONDITIONS 30%…

WHEN TONY MET BRENDA The Teen Shotgun Wedding Brenda Humphreys, 65, is a retired teacher. She and husband Tony, 67, a former signwriter, met aged 15 and 18 and married in 1970. They live in Wrexham, North Wales. I can remember the day I met Tony as if it were yesterday. It was Saturday 9 August 1969 and my friend and I were sitting in the bay window of our caravan in a holiday park in Tenby, when two teenage boys strolled past. One of them, in a smart Crombie coat and herringbone trousers, was good-looking, with a moustache and shoulder-length hair. He caught my eye as he passed. “I like the one with the moustache,” I said to my friend, who was prettier and usually caught the attention of…

✢ Make eye contact It’s vital they see you, so try to be at the same level as their head. Don’t stand or hover over them. ✢ Speak slowly Halve your normal speed, ideally, and take a breath between sentences so they can catch up. ✢ Avoid the R word (remember) They may feel angry, insulted or embarrassed. ✢ Don’t talk down or correct them They’re not children. ✢ Validate their feelings Phrases like “I can see you’re angry/sad/ upset” may help them to feel less isolated. ✢ Take props Photos or music may bring up happy memories. ✢ Allow them to repeat themselves Let them tell the old stories on a loop. If they’re asking the same question over and over again, be patient and answer as if for…

Trying something new can be daunting, especially if it’s out of your comfort zone and raises more than a few eyebrows among family and friends. But pursuing something you love – even if you’ve never considered it before – can bring a wealth of positives, from lowering stress and boosting brainpower to encouraging new friendships. And bringing about change doesn’t have to mean learning a language or taking up a cookery class at your local college (as fun as that can be) – it could involve hitting the road, navigating the high seas or finding yourself alone in a different country. We talk to three women who realised it’s never too late to do something new, and that maybe there’s never been a better time… The SAILOR DAWN GREGORY, 56,…

Simple lifestyle changes may help. Try these tips from Dr Paschos: ✢ Reduce stimulants Cut back on alcohol and caffeine, which increase stress. Water and herbal teas will keep you hydrated and enable your body to cope better with anxiety. ✢ Get active Exercise helps to metabolise the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, and restore calm in the body. ✢ Tackle poor sleep Sleep deprivation or interruption can increase stress levels. ✢ Try meditation This is a great way to unwind and clear the brain. It also reduces the level of cortisol. ✢ See friends Socialising helps to reduce anxiety and depression, and improve mental sharpness.…

Our Food Optimising eating plan makes losing weight easy – it’s flexible and generous. Based on the science of energy density and satiety, you’ll fill up and satisfy your hunger with naturally filling Free Food like lean meat, poultry and fish, pasta, rice and potatoes, eggs and pulses, and plenty of fruit and veg. There’s no need to weigh, measure or count calories. As well as Free Food, you can enjoy foods like bread, cereal and dairy products that are vital to a healthy balanced diet. And so that you never feel deprived, you can also enjoy your favourite treats such as a little chocolate, sauce, wine or crisps every day too. There’s no better way to get started and stay committed than with the support of a group led…

It used to be the preserve of sinister Bond villains, but tarot has had a modern refresh. Here are some truths and myths: ✢ FICTION: It’s a way of predicting the future First used as an entertaining trump game similar to bridge, the cards were never intended to be predictive. Today people use them as a creative tool, similar to storytelling, to help navigate problems they face. ✢ FACT: Tarot has gone digital You can play online with modern decks with updated imagery, eg, a businessman instead of the king. Too busy to see a reader? Then get a reading sent to your phone or download a tarot app. ✢ FICTION: It’s linked to the occult In the 18th century, followers of the occult adopted the tarot, believing the pictures…

The woman&home Diet by Jane Plan is the diet delivery service that provides you with meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner – plus snacks – all ready-prepared for you. We know what it’s like not to feel confident in what you’re wearing, which is why we’re here to help – and with a great money-off offer. Choose a plan that suits your weight-loss needs Plans include: perfectly portioned meals, weekly support, breakfast, lunch, dinner (just 1,200 calories a day), food diary and personalised menu. PLUS! WOMAN&HOME DIET SUPPORTS YOU ALL THE WAY with weekly email and telephone support to help you keep on track…

Now that you’ve had your fill of festivities, picked the last speck of glitter out of the carpet and even the strawberry creams have been snaffled from the chocolate tin, aren’t you craving a bit of a clean break? Obviously the dream would be a fortnight of fresh smoothies by a sparkling sea, but if you’ve missed the boat on that, escapism also comes in the form of this punchy little number by Atelier Cologne. Cocktailing uniquely high concentrations of bright Mexican lime, juicy Sicilian orange and smile-inducing coconut, just one spritz will shroud you in a dreariness antidote that’ll last from (long, dark) morning to (longer, darker) night. Repeat until the daffodils are out. Atelier Cologne Pacific Lime, £55 for 30ml, selfridges.com…

1. THE ULTIMATE SKIN REFRESHER? PROFHILO “INJECTABLE” MOISTURISER CASE STUDY: CAROLINE BARNES, MAKE-UP ARTIST, 44. WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE? This treatment uses a hyaluronic acid liquid that is injected into the superficial layer of skin. WHO IS IT FOR? Anyone with visible signs of ageing. WHAT DOES IT DO? Stimulates collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother skin, and delivers deep-down hydration with no volume. DOWNTIME? Minimal. CAROLINE’S TAKE? I had Profhilo injected along my cheekbones and jaw by Dr Tonks. The pain was bearable. I saw puffiness for the first 24 hours, but after that, the quality of my skin looked really fresh, dewy and plump. I would totally have it done again. Profhilo, from £450 at The Lovely Clinic or £850 for the face or neck, for two treatments,…

THE TONER Clairol Conditioning Colour Booster, £6.99. Five different shades keeps colour fresh between appointments. THE CONDITIONER Charles Worthington Everyday Gentle Miracle Jelly Leave-in Conditioner, £6.99. Helps maintain the vibrancy of your colour. THE SERUM Oribe Power Drops Color Preservation Booster, £55. Skincare meets haircare with this radiance-boosting vitamin C serum. THE ROOT TOUCH-UP L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Precision, £8.99. Hides grey stragglers at the hairline and temples, in-between treatments.…

Year by year, we start to lose small amounts of muscle, which slows the metabolism and can make weight loss harder. Falling oestrogen levels during the menopause also means that our bodies tend to reshape – with fat redistributing from the bum and thighs to the stomach area. But now you can shift that stubborn belly fat in one month with this easy, step-by-step guide. HOW IT WORKS 1 This diet has low-GI (glycaemic index) foods to stabilise blood sugar and target stomach fat. 2 It’s calorie controlled yet packed with filling and nutritious foods. 3 The plan is rich in high-fibre wholegrains and monounsaturated fats to help counter a flabby waistline. 4 It includes protein at every meal to help curb your appetite and prevent muscle loss. WHAT TO…

1: CHOOSE ORGANIC Eating more organic foods may help lower your overall risk of developing cancer, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Researchers studied 68,946 volunteers and found that those who most frequently ate organic food products had 25% fewer cancers than adults who never consumed organic foods. 2: SOCIALISE MORE Social isolation increases the risk of premature death from every cause and for every race, according to new research from the American Cancer Society. Without human contact our blood pressure rises, inflammation is boosted and many end up engaging in a poor diet and lack of physical activity. 3: SWITCH UP YOUR CARBS Despite their bad reputation, certain carbs offer great fibre, vitamins and minerals. “The key to consuming carbs healthily lies in the foods you…

Q Every winter I get two nasty colds, which lead to a chesty cough that usually goes on for weeks. My GP says antibiotics won’t help, but what will? A There are more than 200 different viruses that can cause coughs and colds, and though once you’ve been infected with one strain you develop some immunity against it, this doesn’t protect you from all the others. On average, adults get between two and four colds a year. Antibiotics don’t have any action against viruses, which is why they are not prescribed by GPs. Though a cold with a runny nose usually lasts about a week, a viral cough can last three weeks – more than most people expect. Recent official guidelines from NICE suggest that the best remedy for coughs…

Live your long-haul dreams GRAND CANYON, AMERICA EXPERIENCE A FORCE OF NATURE If you’ve never been to the Grand Canyon in Arizona – at 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and one mile deep, it’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world – this year is the perfect time to go as 2019 marks a century since it was given National Park status. There are so many ways to explore this phenomenon (which, unlike the Great Wall of China, can actually be seen from space) – you can hike down it, mountain bike over it, see it from above by helicopter, and even raft through the Colorado River that runs along the bottom of it. Whichever method you choose, you will have memories of this stunning attraction for…

On this exclusive tour, you’ll explore the places that Gerald immortalised in My Family and Other Animals, as well as the enchanting setting of the TV drama, which is back on screen in the spring. Your special guest will be Lee Durrell, the naturalist and widow of Gerald Durrell, who has also dedicated her life to wildlife conservation. Leeis an advisor on theTV show and is the honorary director of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, which works to save endangered species from extinction. She’ll give two special talks and share family anecdotes as you tour the Durrells’ favourite spots. You’ll stay in the five-star Corfu Palace Hotel in Corfu Town, one of Greece’s most beautiful cities. Fans of the show will recognise its pastel-painted houses and maze-like old quarters. You’ll…

MY PICK OF THE MONTH Louis & Louise by Julie Cohen (Orion) In 1979, in a small Maine town called Casablanca, Peggy and Irving Alder welcome their first child. In one reality, they have a boy, Louis, and in the second, a girl, Louise. The two have similar interests, identical friends, and both dream of moving to New York, but because their genders are different, they’re not treated in the same way. This tender and thought-provoking novel explores the reasons why. LITERARY DEBUT The Distance Home by Paula Saunders (Picador) Set in South Dakota in the 1960s, this evocative, moving and deeply immersive novel follows an average family torn apart by expectation. Older brother Leon shares his passion for dancing with his younger sister René, but their father…

The War of The Worlds HG Wells’ classic sci-fi story is a three-part drama starring Rafe Spall and Poldark’s Eleanor Tomlinson as George and his partner Amy, attempting to survive a terrifying alien invasion in Edwardian England. BBC One Dancing On Ice Remember Frenchy, the ditzy Pink Lady, from Grease? American actress Didi Conn is competing in Dancing on Ice, along with other celebrity skaters including Brian McFadden, James Jordan and Jane Danson… ITV The Greatest Dancer Cheryl’s teaming up with Glee star Matthew Morrison and Strictly pro Oti Mabuse to whittle down performers in this new dance competition, hosted by Alesha Dixon and Jordan Banjo. BBC One Cleaning Up A new drama starring Sheridan Smith as struggling cleaner, Sam, who works at a stockbrokers in the City. When Sam…