Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2019 i Woman & Home

My daughter just turned 23 and she’s beautiful. OK, I’m biased, obviously, but so much that we call beauty comes as a free gift with youth. When Evie complains that her bum is too low-slung to look right in jeans, I see an enviably pert backside that fills out denim a treat. When she laments the fact that she’s short (actually, she’s the national average height for women), I quote my own mother, “Good things come in small packages.” Can she not even take pleasure in her huge hazel eyes? Nope. Don’t be ridiculous, Mum! Her eyes are “hooded”, apparently, or so she informed me the other day. ‘Why I feel lucky to be the age I am right now’ It never stops, does it, this business of young women…

ONLY NATURAL We’re going au naturel and donning 50 shades of beige. Think oatmeal, biscuit, caramel and off-white for chic head- to-toe tonal dressing. Mix in different fabrics and textures to keep the look interesting, such as chunky knits, light linen and woven accessories. This colour palette looks effortlessly sophisticated and instantly expensive. A chic alternative to black, a camel roll-neck is a style staple SWITCH UP YOUR DENIM Don't be afraid to try double or even triple denim! Just keep the shades tonal to make it work Get ready to tackle the new denim trend – this season we’re lightening up. Light blue denim has shaken off any 90s negative connotations to become the coolest shade to be seen in. Opt for more relaxed styles, such as boyfriend jeans…

LONG HAIR DON’T CARE Once, not so long ago, when you reached a certain age, you were supposed to stop. Stop having fun, stop having sex and stop having great hair. If it was long you needed to cut it (past your shoulders was considered inappropriate, verging on immoral). And if it was short, it must be sensible and sexless. Well, NO LONGER! Long hair is now an option. And a fabulous one. It’s swishy, it’s sexy, and it’s versatile and incredibly flattering. Short hair is chic, sharp and can add an edge. You just need a style that suits you and your hair. ‘Extensions give me confidence & save me time’ CHARLEY WILLIAMS-HOWITT, 40, is Group Beauty Director. I had really long, amazing hair up until I was about…

Like boilers and clutches, dental work comes out low on the joy-to-spend ratio, right? all too often you are parting with eye-watering sums on results you can’t even see and will get zero kudos for. Nobody said ever “ooh, I love your new crown, where did you get that from?” ‘I try to breathe through my nasal passages so as not to fell him with tuna breath’ Sadly, the more years you accumulate, the more expensive the bill seems to be. and to add insult to injury, the experience will most probably subject you to physical and financial pain when most of the time you arrive feeling fine. today, I have toothache. So not fine. Hence I find myself in a waiting room leafing through celebrity gossip mags from around…

Harriet, 61, lives with her dog and four cats in London. She has two grown-up children . TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID every time I take on a new role in new shows I like the character to have a new perfume, just because it’s fun. I was in Italy doing a Zeffirelli film, playing an opera singer, and I found Paloma Picasso perfume and it was the most amazing smell for that character. the tom ford was probably when I was doing the show Cabaret, and that’s when I became hooked on black orchid. NURSERY RHYME Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star – my dad used to sing to my sister [actress matilda thorpe] and me every night at bedtime. this rhyme is beautiful and sad as well. THE LIONESS I…

JULIE CONVERY, 55, is a jewellery designer who lives in Coggeshall, Essex. She and her husband Gavin have two daughters, Orla, 21, and Esme, 16, and a Bichon Frise called Mabel. Mabel came into our family eight years ago as a gift from my dad and stepmum. She’s a lovely little friend and I adore our walks – there’s a mindfulness about strolling along with a dog. It’s so calming. I switch off from all life’s stresses and just focus on how pleasurable it is for her and me. Naturally, I have got to know all the other local “dog people” too. Although I had local friends before, as we moved here from London 13 years ago, I have been integrated into the community in a very different way, thanks…

“Family is so important. Two of the happiest days of my life were when my two sons were born” What is your earliest acting memory? I used to impersonate people when I was a child. at school, I used to impersonate the teachers and I’d impersonate the scottish woman next door. I was fascinated by her accent because I thought the whole world spoke with a liverpool accent! then I started impersonating hylda baker when she was on television – and about a year ago I ended up playing her. It was great to finally come full circle. Did you have a plan B? I always loved animals, so there was a phase when I wanted to be a vet. I also thought I’d like to be an archaeologist –…

Dolce & Gabbana rarely create anything we don’t desire, but these gorgeous, flower-laden lip colours take things to another level. the lacquers themselves are matte, but the finish is imbibed with a subtle sheen that keeps your lips looking plump and nourished. the formula is luxuriously smooth too, packed with oil to lock in moisture and ward off dryness. now let’s talk about the colours. the range includes 12 shades, from deep and sultry merlot reds, through to vibrant fuchsias and the softest blush tones like rose. each and every one of them is entirely wearable, and evocative of that sensual, sophia loren-esque take on Italian beauty. the pigment payoff is a wonder too – one sweep and you’re away. a speedy pout revamp never looked so good. Bellissima !…

Ever look in the mirror and wonder where those lines or cluster of pigmentation have appeared from? Or maybe there are days when your skin is dry, spotty or oily and just won’t behave. It turns out there is a host of stealth skin stressors that could be causing your skin woes, robbing you of a healthy complexion. From overuse of your iPhone and taking solace in the biscuit tin, to the weather and constantly worrying, science is proving there’s a whole lot more to our skin issues than just getting older. Read on to find out how you can take your skin from drab to fab. SKIN ENEMY #1: STRESS Stress is one of the biggest skin agers out there. But the experts have discovered it’s not intermittent stressful…

1 AROMA  Diptyque Baies Scented Candle, £26 for 70g because I travel so much, I like to have some home comforts with me, like a beautifully scented candle. My house smells like a florist because I have so many flowers dotted around, and the baies strikes a warm balance between earthy and floral accords, so I’m transported home when I light it. 2 SCENT  Portrait of a Lady by Frédéric Malle, £158 for 50ml I’m a 70s girls and I love to wear heady, musky scents – anything with patchouli notes. I line up all my fragrances on my bathroom window and when the light shines through, they all look so pretty. 3 FACE  L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Foundation, £9.99 at my age I need my skin to…

These have all been found to help keep your numbers level: ✢ BEETROOT Researchers at Queen Mary University, London, found that a daily 250ml glass of beetroot juice lowers blood pressure levels, thanks to its dietary nitrate. ✢ DARK CHOCOLATE A joint study in Italy and Switzerland confirmed that flavonoids in cocoa products (at least 70%) boost blood flow and circulation. ✢ OILY FISH It contains the specific omega-3 fatty acid DHA, shown to lower blood pressure by reducing inflammation in the body. ✢ HIBISCUS TEA “Hibiscus may help lower blood pressure by stopping blood vessels to narrow,” says Donia Hilal, a nutritionist at Holland & Barrett. ✢ OFFAL Liver, kidneys and heart contain high levels of CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant that helps improve elasticity of artery walls. w&h…

THIS MONTH… The foods to avoid for prediabetes • Can drinking coffee prevent rosacea? • Losing the strings to a Mirena coil Q I recently had an NHS health check and was told I was prediabetic. I’ve been referred for some lifestyle advice, but meanwhile, do I need to follow a special diet? And what about checking my blood sugar levels? A blood sugar levels can vary enormously during the day, especially before and after meals, and doctors now know that it is your average blood sugar that is really important, measured by checking the level of glycated haemoglobin (Hba1c), which is made when glucose sticks to your red blood cells. the higher the glucose level in the blood, the higher the level of glycated haemoglobin. Red blood cells last…

Opera lovers will jump at this chance to see thrilling performances of Tosca and Madame Butterfly in the birthplace of the legendary Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. On this magical four-day escorted tour, based in the delightful Tuscan town of Lucca, you will enjoy special access to Puccini’s beloved summer villa, ancestral home and birthplace. You will be joined for the duration of your trip by the Classic FM presenter David Mellor. The former MP has been a host on Classic FM for 15 years and will share his love of the composer in an exclusive talk and Q&A. Alongside Verdi, Puccini is widely considered Italy’s greatest composer and a highlight of your holiday will be watching rousing performances of two of his most popular operas – Tosca and Madame Butterfly…

Where you live has a profound impact on how you feel about your life. Colour, comfort, cleanliness and light are crucial, says Ingrid Fetell Lee. Research has shown that bright colours increase wellbeing and productivity. People sitting in red, orange and pink coloured rooms report feeling more alert, friendly, confident and motivated. Small things can make a huge difference. At home, declutter your rooms, freshen up walls with paint, and buy evergreen pot plants and bright cushions. This makes other, larger ambitions (like getting a new job or getting richer) feel much more achievable. It sends messages to your unconscious that you’re preparing for change. Tidy up every night. Prepare yourself for each day, so you’re ready to make the most of it. Be organised and on top of shopping,…

NEED TO KNOW the government is considering removing blame to leave a single reason for divorce: irretrievable breakdown of a marriage. In the meantime, try to stay civil if your relationship crumbles, as conflict will send both stress levels and legal bills spiralling. sarah coles, from investment services company hargreaves lansdown, explains: “lawyers charge between £150 and £400 an hour, so ask yourself whether you really need their help arguing about who gets the sofa.” If you have a reasonably good relationship with your ex, consider mediation, where you sit round a table with one lawyer. sarah says: “this can cut the costs dramatically and in straightforward cases, couples can reach agreement for less than £600 – compared with the average of over £2,500.” sAdly, sometImes mR RIGht tuRns out…

STRAWBERRY LAYERED CREPE CAKE Impress guests with your stacking skills. This gorgeous cake looks equally impressive when sliced, and it goes rather well with a glass of fizz. Serves 18 (makes around 24 crêpes) • Ready in 1hr, plus chilling for the crêpes: 520g plain flour 8 eggs 900ml whole milk 100ml triple sec 10g butter, for cooking for the strawberry cream: 1.3kg strawberries 6tbsp icing sugar 19 sheets of gelatine juice of 1 lemon 975ml whipping cream for the topping: mixed berries and edible flowers, and icing sugar, to dust 1 For the crêpes, whisk the flour, eggs, milk, triple sec and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Melt a little butter in a 25cm crêpe pan. Ladle the batter, swirling the pan to leave a thin coating.…

“Harrison Spinks creates a wide range of mattresses that all have a feel of luxury” Your bedroom is a haven – the place where you retreat from the world for comfort, privacy and peace. Once you’ve chosen your colour scheme, furniture and bed linen, what do you need for the perfect boudoir? The right mattress. It’s the key to that thing we all crave – a perfect night’s sleep. Harrison Spinks creates a wide range of mattresses that all have a feel of luxury. This family company has been making beds for five generations, with a Leeds-based factory and, 18 miles away, its own Yorkshire farm. All mattresses contain 100% natural fillings, such as wool, mohair, hemp and flax, and almost every component is crafted or grown by the company…

Tana is the prizewinning author of seven bestselling novels. Born in the US, she now lives in Dublin. Her new book, The Wych Elm (Viking), is out on 21 February. I have small kids, so I write when they’re in school. Unless it’s lashing rain, i go for a long walk first; it clears my head and gives me a chance to bounce ideas around. Then i try to resist the temptation to call friends or mess around on the internet, long enough to get some writing done. I’m not a meticulous planner – I wing it. i start with a clear sense of the narrator, a very basic premise, and a core location – and then i just take a deep breath and jump in,…

Traitors Keeley Hawes, stephen Campbell Moore and luke treadaway star in this thriller set in the 1940s. It follows british civil servant Feef symonds (Emma appleton), who’s persuaded by her american lover, Peter (Matt lauria) to spy on her own government for the us. Channel 4 flack anna Paquin plays londonbased american PR executive Robyn in this six-part comedy drama. she's highly skilled at crisis management for clients but her personal life is plagued with disaster! W eurovision: you decide sweden’s former Eurovision winner Måns zelmerlöw joins Mel Giedroyc to host this live show to find the uK’s entrant for the 2019 Eurovision song Contest. six acts will compete. BBC Two The Victim this legal thriller set in Edinburgh stars Kelly Macdonald as the mother of a boy who was…

HELEN LEDERER is a comedian, actress and writer. Her comic novel Losing It was nominated for the Wodehouse Prize for comic fiction, and Helen recently launched a Comedy Women in Print prize – the winners will be unveiled in June. She writes about the benefit of hindsight on page 86. What’s the bravest decision you’ve ever made? Returning to stand-up comedy after a 14-year hiatus… I had to face the fear and make it work for me. Then the only fear in the bar afterwards was missing last orders! KIM WILLIS is an award-winning journalist. Having started writing stories on her mum’s typewriter in the 80s, she fulfilled a childhood ambition by becoming a professional writer. She meets three extraordinary women on page 56. What’s the bravest decision you’ve ever…

What is style confidence? Only you have the answer. Only you know the right way to dress your best. Except you may feel you don’t. We are so bombarded with trends these days that it can be easy to lose a sense of who you are, and how to express your inner fabulousness through clothes. Yet there is an upside to the endlessly oncoming trends, which is that pretty much every option is available at any time. As you read this I will be just about to head off for another month of fashion shows. I know that when I get back people will want to know, say, what colour is in, or what skirt length. To which, I also know, the answer will be, a) pretty much everywhere over…

‘Why I went for the chop’ I’d finally worked out how to dress for my shape in my thirties. But my hair, that was an ageless, styled-on-a-whim thing. I’ve worn it long, I’ve had it short, I’ve been a redhead with waves, brown-haired and bobbed, and a spiky blonde with red tips (that was in the 80s; don’t judge me). I was the person who’d have eight inches cut off with a snip of a ponytail. Until I realised that person – the fearless, up for it, hair-brained one – wasn’t the figure looking at me in the mirror any more. Between work and kids and, you know – life – I’d lost my hair mojo. My go-to look for my mid-back-length tresses was a messy bun for day or…

Do you only try a new lip colour when it comes as a free gift with a purchase? If so, then it’s time to rethink your beauty routine. It’s easy to fall into the habit of wearing the same look day in, day out. And we get it – your mornings demand foolproof products that you trust to work with little thought. As we get older, however, our skin and hair change, and the routine you’ve been doing with your eyes half-closed might be hindering you from looking your best. But with a few clever switch-ups you’ll look fresher in no time… Ace your base Well-hydrated, fresh skin looks more youthful than a face that’s noticeably covered up with foundation. the more skin you can see the better, as a…

“I SURVIVED THE 7/7 LONDON BOMBINGS” MARTINE WRIGHT, 46, is an author and motivational speaker, and plays sitting volleyball for Team GB. She lives in Tring, Hertfordshire, with husband Nick, 46, and their son Oscar, nine. ‘The intensive care nurse told me I’d lost both legs’ a year after the 7/7 bombings, I left hospital with two prosthetic legs. I had healed physically, but the psychological battle continued. so much I’d once taken for granted was gone. staying with my mum, all I wanted was to walk out the door and return to my own flat, my independence and my life before the bomb. but that life was over. I had to find out who I was going to be now. before 7 July 2005, I was an international marketing…

OUR THREE KIDS have left home, but that’s OK. As my husband and I have Jack to cuddle, we are never lonely. In fact, since the children’s departure to university, our love of our scruffy Collie Cross has ramped up to obsessional levels. ‘On your very worst day, you’re still a hero to your dog – the person they most want to be with’ Are we trying to fill the void? No, of course not! That would be rather pathetic and sad. It’s just that, now the kids no longer allow me to choose things for them, I’ve funnelled my shopping urges towards the buying of squeaky toys, doggie blankets and a new, fetching red leather collar for Jack. When we went looking for a new sofa recently, Jimmy and…

1 Labrador Retriever Family-friendly and patient, no wonder the Lab has been top choice for three decades. However, looking to overtake is the… 2 French Bulldog The Kennel Club reports a whopping 2,964% rise in the fashionable “Frenchie”. They are a sociable breed and don’t relish too much time alone. 3 Cocker Spaniel Brimming with energy and needing long walks, they’re a great choice if you’re active. 4 Pug Affectionate, homely and hugely fashionable – but they definitely have a mind of their own. 5 Springer Spaniel A bouncy breed, they are keen to learn and love their daily walks. 6 Bulldog Like all dogs, they need regular exercise – but they are equally happy to snooze (and…

When erection is physically possible but doesn’t happen in specific situations, such as full sex, there’s often a psychological cause. This is often around early negative sexual messages, too high expectations or fear of the act. It’s no one’s fault, but is all down to past history and social pressure. Not appreciating that, Robert’s erectile problem triggered him into a downward spiral of shame and self-blame. Alison, low in self-esteem herself, was triggered too. Understandably, she needed full sex to bring them closer. Equally understandably, he felt threatened by her needs. Then, because of embarrassment and fear, Robert felt unable to seek help – after that, break-up was probably inevitable. What was needed here was understanding that the problem wasn’t anyone’s fault – plus self-belief and courage from Robert, as…

‘The trip confirmed what I already knew – I loved Jeff’ CHARLOTTE WARD, 40, is a freelance journalist and author who moved from the UK to settle with her husband Jeff in South Carolina, USA. staring out of the bus window, I felt tears welling. I’d lived in london for seven years, but although professionally I was doing well, the same could not be said of my personal life. For me, the city was filled with the ghosts of failed relationships and I’d lost some of my zest for living. I knew I needed to change things, to get out of my comfort zone and do something brave to find myself again. Going straight from university into a journalism career, I hadn’t done the “travelling” thing like friends had, so…

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…

1 BEST FOR: HI-TECH TEXTURE Fresh Black Tea Firming Eye Serum, £62 spendy, but the formula of this slippery gel stands up to scrutiny thanks to natural antioxidants and a peptide that tells tired old cells to behave like brighter, bouncier ones. Reviver rating It’s refreshing to find heavy-hitting ingredients in such a lightweight texture. tap it on to make everything feel pulled in with a light sheen. If you like rich creams you can layer up, but my skin loved this just as it is. 2 BEST FOR: DOUBLE-DUTY BRIGHTENING Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème, £30  happy days! ole henriksen skincare is back in the uk and this silky cream is my pick of the bunch. the vitamin c fights pollution, and the punchy citrus scent put a…

At this stage of the exercise game – I’m 52 – I’ve graduated from Jane Fonda workouts in the 80s to Cindy Crawford videos in the 90s to aerobics, swimming and gym memberships aplenty. I’ve never jogged (my body simply wasn’t made for it: thank you, boobs!), and I’ve avoided cycling (never learned to ride a bike, shamefully), but I did have a personal trainer once and it was transformative (and prohibitively expensive) – I gained tone and definition, and I still mourn actual biceps! But, here’s the thing, while I’ve flirted with fitness my entire life, I’ve fallen off the wagon recently – like lots of my friends. Not enough time. I am simply walking from A to B as often as I can. So, I’m curious – just…

This sounds clichéd but it really works. Every evening, try and find 10 things to be grateful for about that day. It can be anything from noticing the first spring buds on the trees to realising there’s a bonus episode on your box set you haven’t seen. Lots of us find this difficult, but it’s worth cultivating the habit, and then you find yourself doing it automatically. “Gratitude reduces underlying negative emotions such as regret, envy, frustration and resentment,” says Rice. The more grateful you are, the less likely you are to experience depression. It improves your relationships because gratitude makes you appreciate what you have, improving your self-esteem and making you feel richer, materially and spiritually. It can even give your career a boost because it increases productivity and…

WHAT’S IN SEASON The days are finally starting to get longer, so help yourself to fresh seasonal flavours. Jazz up pasta dishes with cockles and mussels. Or try grilled sardines stuffed with roasted citrus fruit wedges and purple sprouting broccoli. Tea-rific If ever there was an excuse needed to make a proper brew and stop dunking tea bags in hot water, it’s this stunning, turkishinspired pot by t2. a charming addition to all kitchens. Mahabharata teapot, £46, t2tea.com FOOD DIRECTOR LOVES… I was blown away by this delicious, sticky apple vinegar from small batch producer Liberty Fields in West Dorset. A gorgeous alternative to ordinary balsamic, perfect for dunking pizza crusts into. But also amazing with ice cream. You heard it here first. Britain’s answer to maple syrup. £5.90 for…

Chocolate and pistachio-dipped strawberries This fuss-free dessert is so easy but makes anyone look like a sophisticated host. Serves 4 (makes 20) • Ready in 10mins, plus chilling 50g unsalted pistachios 125g dark chocolate (70%) 250g strawberries you will need: a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper 1 Finely chop the pistachios by hand or blitz in a food processor. If choosing this method make sure you keep the pistachios in chunks to give a better crunch. If you blitz too much you’ll end up with a crumb, which can be bitty. Place in a shallow bowl. 2 break up the chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of boiling water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl isn’t touching the water. 3 stir occasionally, until…

✢ Offering notes of toasted brioche, cox apples and pears, this gorgeous English sparkling wine stands its own against any fine Champagne but is made here on the South Downs of Sussex. Ambriel Classic Cuvée Brut, £28, corneyandbarrow.com ✢ Coming in at under £12, Lidl’s Champagne is the perfect reason to treat a friend – or yourself. With notes of biscuit and buttered toast, nobody would ever guess this delicious fizz is from the high street. Comte de Senneval Brut, £11.49, Lidl. ✢ A strong contender and priced the same as Lidl’s, Aldi’s Champagne was highly recommended at the Decanter World Wine Awards and at the annual Champagne Masters awards. Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut, £11.49, Aldi. ✢ Inspired by the royal courts of Europe and French Kings, this beautiful blushing…

✢ Stick to classic but fairly plain pieces of furniture, then add pattern and colour to the room with cushions and rugs. ✢ When choosing window dressings, go for simple, unfussy options like tier-on-tier or solid shutters to maximise light and keep the look streamlined. ✢ To add a touch of glamour to your scheme, mix in brass and gold touches with side tables, light fittings and kitchen hardware. ✢ Choose artwork that reflects your surroundings, as well as your personality, and don’t feel that every piece needs a frame – unframed art has a more relaxed feel to it. w & h…

PICK of the MoNth If Only I Could Tell You by Hannah Beckerman (Orion) it’s been 30 years since Audrey’s family was shattered by tragedy. Her daughters, Jess and lily, no longer speak. Now, however, with death galloping up to meet her, Audrey finds it impossible to ignore the past any longer. Determined to heal the rift between the sisters, Audrey attempts to right the wrongs – but is she ready to confront her own ghosts? A compelling yet tender tale. GRIPPING DRAMA The Flight of Cornelia Blackwood by Susan Elliot Wright (Simon & Schuster) From the very first page of this mesmerising novel, you know life has gone seriously awry for Cornelia Blackwood – and things get steadily worse from there on in. Why are her friends…

Lynda La Plante, CBE, splits her time between her homes in London and The Hamptons, New York. In 1983, she wrote the six-part robbery series, Widows , for television, and in 1987 her first novel, The Legacy , became a bestseller. Perhaps best known for her detective series Prime Suspect , Lynda is the author of 30 books and also runs her own TV production company. When I was a child, I wanted to be a ballet dancer. But the reality was, that aged 12 and dancing in Swan Lake, everyone else was going to the right while I was going to the left. my mother said that I showed great confidence and it was actually all the other cygnets that…

Watching… at the moment I’m watching a show called Succession. I started it on a plane from Dubai and I watched six episodes back to back. It’s the most gripping television I’ve seen in well over a year. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Reading… I don’t always read as much as I’d like, but I’ve always been an avid reader. When I was filming Death In Paradise, I got interested in the history of the Caribbean and read a fantastic novel by andrea levy called The Long Song. It’s just a brilliant evocation of the last days of slavery on a Jamaican plantation. Visiting… I tend to go to different places, but Donegal on the west coast of Ireland is special. It’s very bleak and remote, with a harsh,…

ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL your month begins with a bang on the 21st, when the full moon brings a relationship theme to a climax. If it feels painful it’s because it touches an old wound. Call 0905 789 4150* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. TAURUS 21 APRIL – 21 MAY with feisty Mars in your sign you get a lot done. But Mars also means if there’s anything you’re angry about it’s harder to hide or stuff it down. Call 0905 789 4151* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. GEMINI 22 MAY – 22 JUNE life gets somewhat chaotic after the 6th. It probably involves an accidental mix-up but whatever it is, you realise how to put it right on the 15th. Call 0905 789…

She may be one of the most recognisable faces on TV, but there’s no denying Fay Ripley is as down to earth as they come. As soon as we meet the actress on our shoot, with her 12-year-old son Sonny in tow, she apologises, “I’m so sorry, he’s off school sick today!” And, throughout the day, Fay provides us with non-stop laughter. Most famous for her portrayal of Jenny Gifford in Cold Feet , Fay has played the character since 1997, and in the current series she’s sadly been diagnosed with breast cancer. In real life, Fay lives in London with husband Daniel Lapaine, who played Hugh Jarvis in The Durrells, their daughter Parker, 16, and Sonny. Playing someone with cancer is not…

MIx & Match style upping its game for the new season, heritage hero Jaeger is your go-to destination for wardrobe staples with a fashion-forward twist. take your pick from beautifully patterned pieces that can be styled for work or play, and mix and match through the seasons. Above: shirt, £150; jumper, £120, sizes 6-20. BEST FOOT FORWARD With searches for “vegan” more than doubling on its website in the past year, M&s has created a new range of 100% synthetic footwear. From fashion-forward slingbacks to rainbow striped trainers, they have every occasion covered. Great for those making more conscious fashion choices. What lIes beNeath… For beautifully fitting, romantic lingerie, eberjey’s wispy separates are all you need for the perfect Valentine’s Day. a-listers Keira Knightley and Kate hudson are fans of…

HELEN MIRREN You will never see this actress being distracted by a fleeting fashion trend. And a stylist friend tells me it is Mirren who is most often name-checked as a style inspiration by new clients. Why? Because she looks wonderfully, happily herself. IRIS APFEL This nonagenarian New Yorker is the personification of fashion fearlessness. And also proof positive that if you enjoy what you wear, other people will too. It’s impossible not to smile when you see her. CATE BLANCHETT Here’s a film star who goes (all) over the rainbow, wearing a wide range of hues, and who also pulls off a switcheroo between the masculine (that yolk-y tuxedo suit) and the feminine (a symphony in emerald ruffles). THERESA MAY She…

With spring just around the corner, woman&home has teamed up with Hope Fashion to offer an exclusive 20% discount this February. Hope Fashion creates stylish, flattering and quality women’s clothing for all body shapes and sizes. offering those key staples that every woman needs, Hope’s spring/summer collection is made up of gorgeous breton stripe tops, elegant polka-dot pin shirts and relaxed wide-leg crop trousers that will look great on all figures. Hope reintroduces its bestselling power foundation styles, available in new lighter weight fabrics, and offers dresses, tops and skirts in reversible classic colours. Designed to smooth, sculpt and support, these are investment pieces not to be missed out on. Hope has a contemporary simplicity that allows every woman to look effortlessly stylish, all year round. HOW TO REDEEM Visit…

JILL FRASER, 56, is a craniosacral therapist from Biggar, South Lanarkshire. She and her partner, Ian, have a daughter, Eilidh, 19. They welcomed Labradoodle Mac into their lives nine years ago. Mac is our first family dog. He has added a new dimension and softened up the family dynamics, especially when Eilidh and I went through some challenging times around her early teens – and, let’s be honest, around my early fifties. Going out for a walk together with Mac often opened up the space for the mood to lighten – he’s definitely our family “therapet”. Getting outdoors with him every day has huge benefits for my physical and mental wellbeing too. Mac totally embodies being in the moment – which is so much what my work as a therapist…

✢ “They’re a constant reminder to live in the moment,” says Graham Norton of his beloved Labradoodle Bailey and rescue Terrier Madge. ✢ As Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is Royal  Patron of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, it’s fitting that she adopted Beth and Bluebell – a pair of cute Jack Russells – from the home. ✢ Singer Adele named her (male) Dachshund Britney after being wowed by a Britney Spears concert. A swift change of heart later, he is now  named Louie and is, she says, “the love of my life”. ✢ Distraught Dawn French made a public appeal for another Parson Russell Terrier when her dog Dolly died. Now she’s regularly spotted with her new playful scamp, striding along Cornwall’s Par Sands Beach. ✢ When Sue Perkins’ beloved…

‘I wish I’d viewed my strange imagination as a gift, not a curse’ Writer and actor Helen Lederer felt like an outsider as a child, yet her gift for comedy was already in evidence… I wish I’d known that being fat, wheezy and the wearer of a hairband aged 10 would turn out to be a plus in my later years. at the time it was a burden – especially when I found myself being nicknamed “waggle bottom” in PE – and this was by my best friend. but looking back, I can see that having the “outsider” complex has helped in my writing… and anyway, who likes thin? ‘being yourself is so important – but finding that self-belief takes practice’ Most comedians will be only too happy to assure…

Western details SUSIE TURNER, 67, is a freelance writer and charity volunteer from Surrey. ✢ Switch up your basics and go for a soft blue linen shirt instead of traditional white. This shade is fairly neutral so it’s just as easy to pair with anything. ✢ This soft suede jacket is worth the investment – perfect for between-season months and the yellow shade will add a pop of colour to any outfit. ✢ Wide-leg culottes will slim and lengthen your legs in one stylish swoop. Less overpowering than wide-leg trousers, they finish just above the ankle so are ideal for petites too. Add Cuban-heeled boots for a nod to the Western trend. Abstract prints NAMJU GO, 50, is an actress from London. ✢ Make a silk dress work for daytime…

BESPOKE MOISTURISER Find your perfect hydrator at Clinique. the brand is introducing Clinique iD, a system where you select your base (hydrating jelly, moisturizing lotion+ or oil-free gel), then choose your active cartridge based on your primary skin concern (irritation, pores, uneven skin tone, fatigue, or lines and wrinkles); £36. THIS MARCH ... I’M REHABBING MY LIPS with Ameliorate Intensive Lip Treatment, £15. SPRAYING Sana Jardin’s sultry, tuberose scent, Jaipur Chant, £95. GETTING GOOF-PROOF brows with Shavata Day-Long Brow Tint, £19, which only colours hair, not your skin. DETANGLING in the shower with the amazing Wet Brush, £11.99. makeover magic Desperate for beauty advice but been burned by the hard sell at a counter? John Lewis has created Beauty Studios, where trained guides will offer impartial advice across all the…

A salon visit can be a powerful thing, and the experts at Saks have been making women look and feel fabulous since 1974. So, how great is it that they’re inviting woman&home readers in for a first appointment for half price? From flattering cuts, styles and colour to nourishment, taming frizz or a weekend blow-dry… having great hair makes a huge difference for most of us. And when it comes to beauty, Saks have experts in many treatments, offering feel-good massages to help you de-stress, plus wow-factor facials, body sculpting, make-up and more. Even better, Saks have also raised over £140,000 to aid The Eve Appeal’s research into gynaecological cancers. HOW TO CLAIM YOUR HALF-PRICE SAKS OFFER Visit SAKS.CO.UK for your nearest salon, check they’re participating and then book, mentioning…

Think you’re at risk? Dr Andrew Thornber, chief medical officer at Now Patient ( nowpatient.com ), explains what will happen… THE TEST “Your GP will be concerned if your reading is 140/90mmHg or higher, but it varies from person to person and can fluctuate, so you will have this rechecked several times at different points throughout the day.” THE MEDICATION “If your readings are consistently high but your risk of other problems is low, you will be advised to make changes to your lifestyle first. Other people will need to take a combination of different medicines, depending on age and ethnicity. For example, those under 55 years of age will usually be offered an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Aged 55 or older (or…

BONE BOOSTER Carotenoids in the squash strengthen bones. Las Iguanas A Taste of Brazil Butternut Squash Curry, £4, Sainsbury’s HEART HELPER Potassium-packed prawns take care of high blood pressure. Chef Select King Prawn Linguine, £2.19, Lidl SLIMMING SAVIOUR this is just 303 cals and low in sat fat. Weight Watchers Warming Chilli Con Carne & Potato Wedges, £2.50, Asda ANTI-AGER Jackfruit – a south Indian fruit full of antioxidants – is great for the skin. Vegetarian Jackfruit Biryani, £3.99, Waitrose IMMUNE SUPPORTER Cauliflower is rich in vitamin C, to help combat colds. Charlie Bigham’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese, £7.50 for 2 people, Tesco BODY BENDER Potassium in celeriac is great for preventing osteoporosis. Kirsty’s Slow Cooked Beef with Celeriac Mash, £3, Ocado CHOLESTEROL CUTTER high-fibre lentils can help reduce cholesterol. The…

✢ Miranda travelled to Crete with Simpson Travel (020 3432 9511, simpsontravel.com), who offer a range of villas throughout the island. Prices for a week’s holiday at Villa Iro start from £617pp, based on five people travelling on 5 April 2019 including accommodation, flights from London Heathrow and car hire. ✢ Prices for a week’s holiday at Villa Asteriskos start from £618pp, based on five people travelling in April 2019 including accommodation, flights from London Gatwick and car hire.…

1 DRESS THE PART Wear clothes for the lifestyle you really want, not just for job interviews or going out, but every day. Buy the best you can afford and always dress as if you’re going to leave the house (even if you’re not) – and yes, even put on shoes. It’s all about the unconscious story you’re telling yourself. 2 HELP SOMEONE ELSE Realising you have more than enough is a good way to open yourself up to other possibilities. Make a donation, volunteer your time or services, mentor an at-risk youngster and so on. Whenever you share with others you increase your contacts and your self-esteem. 3 INDULGE IN A SMALL LUXURY It’s important to save and invest, but if you don’t treat yourself now…

SLOW POT-ROASTED CHICKEN IN WINE A spin on the classic coq au vin, we’ve added roasted grapes for a full-on-flavour dish. Serves 6 • Ready in 1hr 40mins 2tbsp butter, plus 30g 1 onion, cut into wedges 1 leek, finely sliced 2 garlic cloves, sliced 2 carrots, sliced 1 celery stalk, sliced 1 whole chicken 400ml good-quality white wine (we used Tesco Finest Riesling) 400ml chicken stock 250g grapes (red or white) 1tbsp olive oil 100g whole sage leaves 2tsp Dijon mustard 100ml double cream 30g roasted macadamia nuts, to serve 1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4. Heat 2tbsp butter in a flameproof casserole and add the onion and leek. Fry for 10mins until softened, then add the garlic and cook for a further min. Add the carrots…

Coconut fish with spiced black rice and crispy ginger Inspired by the growing popularity of South Pacific cuisine, this impressive fish is spicy and crunchy on top, then pure comfort food at the bottom. Serves 6 • Ready in 40mins 1tbsp runny honey juice of ½ lime 1 large egg 150g panko breadcrumbs 150g desiccated coconut 700g (or 1 large piece) white fish, such as haddock ½ long bulb of ginger 1 medium-hot red chilli pepper, sliced 1tbsp sunflower oil 50g dry coconut shavings lime wedges and micro herbs or coriander, for dressing for the black rice: 1 pack of black rice (we used Gallo) 3 cardamom pods, crushed 1 Heat the oven to 200C/Gas Mark 6. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice and egg. Set…

THROWING SHADE I love this collaboration between lighting leaders Pooky and Wicklewood. Drawn together by their love of colour, pattern and statement pieces, the combo of Pooky’s artisan bases and Wicklewood’s bold shades will inject a little fun. Left: Pooky Aurora base with Wicklewood Tiger Tiger shade, £220, pooky.com or wicklewood.com SAFE AS HOUSES Continuing its mission to reduce crime, Ring has launched its first security camera for both indoors and out. If the camera detects any suspicious motion, you’ll get an alert on your phone so you can check if it’s just the postman or somebody more suspect. HEAVEN SCENT With essential oils and calming scents, candles that boost your wellbeing sound like a jolly good idea to me. These aromatherapy candles from Ardere and Eloise Hall have been handmade…

“Green is a true neutral, as it sits right in the centre of the colour spectrum, meaning it pairs beautifully with nearly any other shade” From vibrant, mossy green to deep, opulent emerald, dark verdant hues are sure to add showstopping drama to any space. Evoking dense, evergreen forests, classic British racing cars and luxurious velvets, emerald green has been a popular choice for interiors since the 19th century and shows no sign of slowing down. Whether it’s a quick update or a total revamp, discover how you can work this both striking and soothing shade into your interiors this season.…

1 Blood Orange by Harriet Tyce (Wildfire) Not for the fainthearted, this disturbing tale expertly weaves together murder, sex and mystery for a plot with added bite. 4 The Taking of Annie Thorne by CJ Tudor (Michael Joseph) From the author of The Chalk Man comes an equally creepy story about missing children. 2 The Lost Man by Jane Harper (Little, Brown) A man is found dead in the outback and it looks like a bizarre suicide, but his brother’s not convinced… 5 The Secretary by Renée Knight (Doubleday) Obsession is at the heart of this menacing tale, which unpicks the relationship between boss and employee. 3 The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (Orion) When a painter shoots her husband and stays quiet, it’s up to psychotherapist Theo to get…

The umbrella Academy singer Mary J blige, tom Hopper and Robert sheehan star in this six-parter. It follows a family of superheroes who work together to solve their father’s mysterious death. Netflix Velvet Buzzsaw Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo lead an all-star cast in this one-off thriller set in la’s contemporary art world scene, where big money artists ply their trade and collectors pay high prices. Netflix nightflyers set in 2093 on the eve of Earth’s destruction, this ten-part series follows a team of scientists (and a telepath) on a journey through deep space aboard the Nightflyer. Netflix…

✢ Hugh Jackman is appearing at London’s O2 Arena on 2-7 June, in a show called The Man. The Music. The Show. He’ll perform hit songs, accompanied by a live orchestra; theo2.co.uk ✢ With a stellar career, the great Spanish tenor José Carreras says farewell to music with a final world tour. His only UK date is on 16 June at London’s Kenwood House; ticketmaster.co.uk ✢ Book now to see Tom Hiddleston in the Harold Pinter play Betrayal, for a strictly limited 12-week season at London’s Harold Pinter Theatre.Starts 5 March; atgtickets.com w & h…

PISCES 20 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH  This could be a wonderful March – you just need to monitor two things. One: double-check all arrangements. Two: don’t overdo it, especially mid-month. The 6th is great for starting things. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD  A relationship with a sibling or neighbour will change in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, responsibilities pile up in your job or relationship with a parent. Call 0905 789 4161* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates.…

My earliest memory… It was probably when I was about five and I fell asleep on the toilet at my nan’s house! my family were wondering where I was and found me there. I woke up to them laughing and videoing me, and I was always grumpy when I woke up. My rise to fame… most people know me from The X Factor in 2009, being runner-up and then it all went from there. I got a record deal about a month after the show finished, with epic at sony. the rest is history! My early ambitions… Part of me wanted to play football professionally, part of me wanted to be a singer, and part of me just wanted to be famous. I wasn’t chasing fame, it just happened. I…