Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2019 i Woman & Home

To qualify, you need to have done something truly outstanding in your field. All British honours are awarded for exceptional achievement and dames will usually have been given a lower honour first, such as an MBE, OBE or CBE. The official criteria is to have made “a major contribution in any activity, usually at national level. Other people working in the nominee’s area will see their contribution as inspirational and significant, requiring commitment over a long period of time.” The honours system is run by the Cabinet Office Honours and Appointments Secretariat, and nominations come from both government departments and members of the public. It’s as simple as filling in a form, but despite the temptation, you can’t nominate yourself. Candidates are divided into subject areas and a government committee…

SPORTS LUXE Stylish and functional, these slightly more modest shapes are perfect for activity holidays or staycations. Look out for go-faster stripes and buckle belts. Mix and match to maximise cost-per-wear HIGH WAIST Pack a little retro glamour in your suitcase, updated for this season with unexpected colourways and cute prints. Opt for a style that ends just above your navel to flatter your stomach TAN FRIENDLY Swimwear without straps (or with the option to remove them) makes for an all-over glow with no telltale tan lines. Choose an underwired top so you don’t have to compromise on support PUNCHY PRINTS Make a beeline for all things bright and beautiful, from bold florals to pretty paisley. Busy prints hide a multitude of sins too. Boost a smaller bust with a…

CHAMPIONS OF THE ARTS Fuelling our passion for culture BRAND NEW DIRECTIONS Brilliant entrepreneurs leading the way SMASHING THE GLASS CEILING Role models at the top of corporate environments CELEBRITIES DOING GOOD Stars who do great work for charity DON’T TELL ME I CAN’T Women fulfilling their dreams SOCIAL AND TECH GENIUSES From influencers to app inventors CHANGING OUR COUNTRY Women in high places making our lives – and the lives of children – better PLUS 3 READER NOMINATIONS: Caring for others, Improving the environment we live in, and Going the extra mile for charity…

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week by finding an activity you love, whether it’s ballet, ballroom or biking. ✢ Keep walking. Walking for at least 30 minutes every day – breaking it into shorter strolls if necessary – helps protect your heart, control your weight, keep bones and muscles strong, and boost your mood. ✢ Look after your feet. Problems can lead to knee, hip and back problems, so keep them moisturised and cut nails regularly. Get problems like corns and calluses treated promptly. Pilates and the Alexander Technique both build foot strength. ✢ Watch your posture! Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled back – and don’t look at your phone while you walk! Again, Pilates and the Alexander Technique help here.…

The FRIENDS EVERY WOMAN NEEDS… Friends are the business – they scoop us up when we’re down and cheer us on throughout life. When I arrived in London at the age of 20 to start a new job, I fell in with a bunch of young women. We are all in our fifties now, a small group, each of us very different, which is perhaps how it should be. As life coach Carole Ann Rice puts it, “It’s unrealistic to expect one friend to be everything to you. Everyone offers something unique and I look upon my own friendships as a sort of composite quilt.” So, who’s in your inner circle? ✓ THE CONFIDANTE No secret escapes from her lips – not even after several wines. She knows who has…

After everything I’ve been through, the last thing I ever thought I’d be asked to do is model swimwear. I’m 55, I work as a psychiatrist in the NHS, I’m a mum of three who’s had a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer. My initial reaction to the modelling request was, “Why me? I’m not a model.” My next thought was, “Why not me?” And precisely because of everything I have been through, I knew I had to say yes. With summer almost here, I can guarantee that some of you will already be stressing about stripping down to your bikini or swimming costume, putting pressure on yourself to look a certain way on the beach. It makes me sad that instead of just enjoying the…

1 Flip out of your comfort zone It’s amazing how liberating it is to try a new physical challenge. Whether it’s bungee-jumping or zorbing (rolling around in the human equivalent of a hamster ball), all you need is the ability to laugh at yourself! outdooractivities.co.uk 2 Try a progressive dinner party Enlist two sets of friends who live close by. Dress to impress for cocktails and canapés in one house, then up tails for a main course in another and dessert in the third. Arriving at new venues creates a sense of anticipation, no one gets bogged down cooking all day – and you’ll have a hoot. 3 Travel the world from home Instead of a traditional book club, pick a country, read a novel/guide, then compare notes over themed…

It’s your daughter’s moment, but it’s also your moment. It’s one of the most important days in her life, but also in yours. And just as it matters what she wears, your daughter – once upon a time your baby, now a gorgeous woman about to walk down the aisle and live happily ever after – it matters what you wear too. Firstly, don’t get stressed. Enjoy it. What’s not to like about getting to spend some time and money on yourself? Sure, there’s some fuss involved, but that fuss should be fun. I call it fnuss… Secondly, you know you are going to be a centre of attention, so you want to look your best. And therein lies the secret of nailing mother of the bride dressing. It’s about…

The house of Givenchy might be steeped in French fashion history, but their new Healthy Glow Powders possess a distinctly Grecian timbre. These limited-edition compacts play home to swirls of marbled highlighter. Organic shades of bronze and rose bestow a glow that looks more born of the beach than your make-up bag. Infused with mother of pearl, the powders have a natural gleam that mimics the hazy glimmer of the Aegean Sea at golden hour. A shimmer of light magnifies beauty no end… what would Santorini be without the dappled sunlight skipping across its white buildings? Use these powders to show off your own best features. Sweep across the top of your cheekbones, your décolletage, even down the centre of your legs. Consider them your daily source of Cyclades sunshine.…

NICOLA DE BURLET, owner and founder of The PR Studio HAIR HISTORY I’ve never been what you would call adventurous with my hair colour. I was blonde when I was small, light mouse in my teens then I noticed my first grey hair at 23 and was mortified. Eventually I was dyeing it in six-weekly sessions for many years, but after I had my son I was in a busy job with lots of travel so I started to think about letting it go natural. I had so many questions – would it age me? Would I be judged? Would I no longer be attractive? MY COLOUR NOW Mathew Alexander has been my hairdresser for 12 years. He helped me do the grey thing properly, going blonder with highlights, which…

✢ Protect the skin with clothing, including a hat, T-shirt and sunglasses. ✢ Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when it’s sunny. ✢ Use a high-protection sunscreen of at least SPF 30, which also has high UVA protection, and apply it generously and frequently when in the sun. ✢ Tell your doctor about any changes to a mole – if your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a consultant dermatologist (on the GMC register of specialists), the most expert person to diagnose a skin cancer. Your GP can refer you via the NHS.…

When it comes to getting healthier, it’s a journey. And the best way to do it is with small changes and steady progress – those regular steps can lead to a big difference in your health. Take your snack break. It can be more than just a chance to recharge. It can be a chance to lower your cholesterol, thanks to the plant stanols in Benecol® Bars. These tasty new snacks are easy to eat on the go and they contain plant stanols that decrease the absorption of cholesterol. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy substance found naturally in the blood. It’s made by our bodies and is found in the foods that we eat. It’s essential for good health, but too much can build up and cause blockages…

First, let’s get back to basics. “Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in our blood and it has several important functions,” says Dr Judith Holmes, who runs a private GP practice at Spire Parkway Hospital in Solihull. It’s responsible for making vitamin D and creating hormones, and is also used to create bile, which helps to break down the fats you eat. “However, too much of it in the bloodstream can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Common causes are poor diet, smoking and lack of exercise,” says Dr Judith.…

Doulla Manolas, 46, is from London. I’d always taken great joy in driving since passing my test at 18. However, two years ago I was involved in a car accident that changed that. I was on a main road when another driver went into the back of me and sadly wrote off my beloved Mini Cooper. Coincidentally, around the same time, I had been diagnosed with MS, so my mental focus and physical wellbeing was being tested when I drove, but I hadn’t wanted it to hold me back. Initially, I didn’t think the accident would affect me too much but, for some reason, maybe because of everything going on at the time, my confidence was knocked. Luckily, I could commute to work and meet friends using public transport, so…

Welcome aboard your first-class river cruise ship, your luxury floating hotel for the next seven nights. From the exceptional full-board cuisine to the luxurious cabins and suites, you’ll very soon relax as we journey south from Cologne through the Rhine Valley to magnificent Switzerland. Your cruise: DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN COLOGNE Fly to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar to Brussels and transfer by coach to the ship. DAY 2 KOBLENZ Spend the morning at leisure on board, enjoying the spectacular river scenery before arriving in Koblenz; explore this Roman city and waterfront. DAY 3 RHINE GORGE & RUDESHEIM Cruise through the world-famous and dramatic Rhine Gorge before arriving in Rüdesheim, with time to wander the narrow streets of this charming town, renowned as a wine area. DAY 4…

Eton mess tart We’ve turned Eton mess into a white chocolate tart. Summer puddings don’t get any better than this. Serves 8 • Ready in 55mins, plus chilling 230g ready-rolled all-butter shortcrust pastry for the filling: 250g mascarpone 200g white chocolate, broken into pieces 100g butter 50ml double cream 1tsp vanilla extract to decorate: a few strawberries, and mini meringues, plus mint leaves you will need: a 20cm tart tin, baking beans and baking paper 1 Heat the oven to 190C/Gas Mark 5. Line the tin with the pastry, pushing into the edges and trimming off the excess. Chill for 30mins. 2 Line with baking paper, fill with baking beans and bake for 20mins. Remove the beans and paper, prick the base with a fork, and bake for 10mins, until the…

SHINE ON As if the wallpaper collections from Farrow & Ball needed to get any more lust-worthy, now comes the launch of 25 designs, including some of their most iconic prints, all in new lustrous metallic colourways. SIMPLE SEARCH Just like ShopStyle curates all your fashion finds into one place, so too does new website Hone, but for homeware pieces. Bringing over 90 leading brands into one place, you can search by item, add them to a shortlist and compare by price, colour or style. Visit honestore.co.uk BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL Just launched for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, M&L Paints has partnered with its sister company Alitex – the Victorian-inspired greenhouse manufacturer – to create a palette of 15 shades that take inspiration from the breadth of colour found…

A shady spot Make the most of the natural shade in your garden and set up the barbecue or drinks station under a tree, to provide shelter from the sun. Hang paper lanterns from the overhanging branches and wind fairy lights around the trunk for a magical scene come the evening. 100 warm white fairy lights, £25 for 10m, Lights4fun Casual seating If you’re looking for a dining set-up that can be used both indoors and out, this wooden one is a winner. Ideal for conservatory or patio, the bench offers an informal way to seat extra guests around the table. Burford garden 6-seat dining table, £499; dining table bench, £220; woven dining chairs, £260 for 2, Croft Collection, all John Lewis & Partners Laid-back style You might be outside,…

Under cover Keep guests shaded from the midday sun, or sheltered from an unexpected shower with an oversized canopy parasol. With vents at the top to allow air to circulate and made from a clever fabric that’s rot-resistant, it will withstand whatever weather is thrown at it. Antibes dining set, £2,750; garden parasol, £325; solar floor lamp, £125, all Cox & Cox Take shelter A garden pergola or canopy can bring great form and structure to a garden, as well as provide protection from the sun, wind and showers. String up fairy lights for a sunset soirée, or drape lengths of fabric over the top, to create more shade for diners. Alden 6/8-seater solid acacia garden dining table, £395; bench, £195; white metal dining chairs, £75 each, all Habitat…

Q Can I burn any type of wood? Wet wood won’t burn as hot as seasoned logs and will create more smoke and pollution. Buy seasoned logs (moisture content of less than 20%) or leave unseasoned logs to dry for six months. Q How do you extinguish the fire safely? Keep a bucket of sand or cold ashes and a shovel handy. Make sure that you move partially burned logs away from each other so they cool quicker and use the sand to smother the embers. Q Is burning logs eco-friendly? Burning wood, as opposed to gas or coal, is largely carbon neutral, as the CO2 is absorbed by young trees. Q Is wood smoke a health risk? Smoke from wood stoves and fireplaces contains minute particles and gases that…

✢ Legendary producer Trevor Horn is touring the UK with his album Trevor Horn Reimagines the Eighties, with The Sarm Orchestra and guest singers. 27 July-3 Aug; ticketmaster.co.uk ✢ Marking a return to the stage after 18 years, Clive Owen stars in The Night of the Iguana by Tennessee Williams at London’s Noël Coward Theatre. 6 July-26 Sept; iguanawestend.com ✢ Dust off the black tie and pearls… the Henley Festival promises four days of music on a floating stage, plus food by Angela Hartnett MBE.10-14 July; henley-festival.co.uk…

LUCY WORSLEY By day, Lucy is chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces and by night a writer of history books. Her latest, Queen Victoria: Daughter, Wife, Mother, Widow, celebrates 200 years of the birth of the British monarch. On p90, discover fascinating facts about her life. How would your friends describe you? An over-achieving, impatient, uptight introvert who doesn’t know how to relax... but some of them are kind enough to pity me and tolerate my poor company! KATE SPICER Newspaper journalist and author of Lost Dog: A Love Story, Kate adopted a four-year-old lurcher called Wolfy, a loving rescue dog who gave her a new lease of life. Find out on p66 how she coped when he disappeared – and how her faith in humanity was restored. How would…

As one of the most iconic British models of all time, it comes as no surprise to us when Twiggy arrives at our cover shoot in north London ready to pose up a storm. Shooting Twiggy is photographer Brian Aris and, as she steps in front of the backdrop and slips into her trademark pose, he’s on his knees fiddling with the camera. “Now you’re a Dame, is this my new position?” Brian asks. “Yes, stay there,” Twiggy replies, with a wink. They’ve worked together countless times so this is a glimpse of what Twiggy is like around people she knows well – there are a lot of laughs and stories told in-between shots. When she’s not sharing how husband Leigh Lawson feels about burgundy nails – “he hates them,…

GARDEN PARTY This month we’re taking inspiration from RHS Chelsea Flower Show and embracing bold botanical blooms. From clothing to accessories, these wild designs are sure to brighten up your wardrobe as we move into summer. THE LONDON COLLECTION Hobbs has launched a luxury workwear range for the modern professional woman. The London Collection uses premium fabrics and techniques to enhance every figure. The result? Versatile investment pieces that will work well in your wardrobe for years to come. Jacket, £279; trousers, £169; waistcoat, £149, all sizes 6-18; bag and shoes, £159 each, hobbs.co.uk BOHEMIAN STYLE Cult brand Rixo, best known for its vintage-inspired dresses, has expanded its offerings to include bold and quirky accessories. The collection consists of colourful bags, belts, scrunchies, luxe silk scarves and chunky jewellery, all…

Hobbs’ latest summer collection is inspired by glorious days spent in and around London’s leafy village of Hampstead. Stay-cool dresses, comfy cotton chinos, easy breezy linen tops – you’ll find these versatile styles and more, in exclusive colours and on-trend prints. Crafted from the finest fabrics in the most flattering cuts, they’re guaranteed to bring the perfect refresh to your seasonal wardrobe. HOW TO REDEEM To claim your 20% discount, simply present this page in store or use the code WH20 when you shop online at hobbs.co.uk TERMS & CONDITIONS 20% discount available on full price purchases only between 1 May and 31 May 2019. There is no cash alternative; valid for one transaction only. Simply show this page in store or use promotional code WH20 in your shopping bag…

When it comes to wildlife, Michaela Strachan really knows her stuff. She has come a long way since we saw her getting youngsters engaged with nature as a novice presenter of The Really Wild Show to the work she does now on Springwatch. There’s no denying, Michaela, 53, has inspired multiple generations to get up close and learn about the world we live in, highlighting the need to protect endangered animals and not forgetting her involvement on rehabilitating wildlife, from penguins to orang-utans. In the ever-changing world, her job is never done and as she faced her own presenting challenges that came when she replaced popular Kate Humble on Autumnwatch, we caught up with Michaela to find out exactly why, particularly at this time of year, everyone can’t get enough…

Kate, 46, lives in London with her husband Rupert and their children Raphael, 13, and Constance, eight. RADIO 4 I have it on in most rooms in my house, it’s like amniotic fluid for me because my mum listened to it all the time. I love Sunday morning Desert Island Discs followed by I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, which my kids love as well. And it’s perfect radio to cook to. BATHS, SAUNAS, AND STEAM ROOMS There are amazing Turkish baths in Harrogate that I visited while we were filming Victoria . If I could have two baths a day I would, but I don’t have time. VERY DRY VODKA MARTINIS WITH A TWIST They remind me of my first visit to New York, where cocktails are drunk throughout…

Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson Prone to fallouts, but best buddies throughout their royal marriages. Elizabeth Hurley and Hugh Grant On Instagram Elizabeth said recently: “Happy birthday to my best friend for 30 years.” Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox The last episode of Friends aired in 2004 – and they are still close now. Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore They starred as Charlie’s Angels but have been soulmates since their teens. Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield This inseparable pair go to show you can be friends with a man. w&h…

I’ve celebrated my silver wedding anniversary Remember my wedding day when we stood together outside the register office before the ceremony? It was a boiling July day and we were both clammy with nerves and the heat. You asked me if I was OK and I waited for the father/daughter Big Speech. It didn’t come; you’d always been a man who struggled to expose his heart. But as Prince started playing inside – the cue to take your arm and walk towards my new life – I saw your eyes were shiny with emotion and it was enough. You and Mum were married for 58 years. Most peopIe would consider that to be incredible, but we knew it was a rollercoaster of a relationship and Mum’s depression often took us…

IMAGINE A PRINCESS kept isolated by her guardians in a rundown palace, who had no idea she was going to be queen. That’s the true-life story of Princess Victoria, and it captivated me from a young age. I loved its triumphant twist – just three weeks after her 18th birthday, her uncle the king died, and she became queen. Working as one of the curators at Victoria’s childhood home of Kensington Palace has been a dream come true for me. And talking to our visitors there, I’ve come to realise that a lot of people think of her as an old lady perpetually dressed in widow’s black. But that isn’t the whole picture. Like any 19th-century girl, Victoria was supposed to be quiet and demure, but she loved dancing, excitement…

TRY AN INJECTION OF COLOUR… With Chanel Rouge Coco Flash, £31. A nourishing formula in 27 stunning shades. I love Pulse, a bright poppy red. THIS JUNE... I’M CLEANSING MY SKIN at bedtime using the heavenly scented Temple Spa In The Beginning Deep Cleansing Melt, £30. KEEPING MY COLOUR FRESH with L’Oréal Elvive Colour Protect Purple Shampoo, £5.50. SLATHERING ON Estée Lauder DayWear Anti-Oxidant 72H-Hydration Sorbet Crème SPF15, from £26. BOOSTING MY OVER-PLUCKED BROWS with Urban Decay Brow Endowed, £18. SMELLS LIKE IT’S SUMMER… One spritz of the super-chic Maison Margiela Replica Under the Lemon Trees, £96, and you’ll be transported to sunnier climes, even if it’s raining outside. 3 ACID TONERS ✢ This Works Morning Expert Multi-Acid Pads, £33, gently unclogs pores and calms inflammation. ✢ Glam Glow SuperToner,…

1 FOR COVERING GREY “Early-onset grey was the bane of my hair life until root touch-up powders came along (Colour Wow Root Cover Up, £28.50 is still the best), but I’ve also been known to use a matte taupe eyeshadow. Seal it with hairspray and it’ll be rainproof too.” Fiona McKim, beauty editor 2 For oily hair “If you suffer with an oily scalp but excess dry shampoo leaves your hair feeling dirty, try applying the night before. It soak up any excess oil produced while you sleep too, meaning fresh, soft hair by morning.” Hairdresser Lee Stafford 3 For taming flyaways “Whether you have a short ’do or long locks, make sure you seal nifty flyaway and baby hairs by pressing a styler or tong onto the surface of…

Best tinted La Roche-Posay Anthelios Shaka Tinted Fluid SPF 50+, £12.75 Light, non-sticky, even coverage. Best anti-ageing Caudalie Anti-wrinkle Face Suncare, SPF 50, £19 Offers maximum protection, anti-ageing action. Best for year-round Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, £60 UV is still existent on overcast days; up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds. Best for age spots Eucerin Sun Fluid Pigment Control SPF 50+, £20.99 Prevents sun-induced hyperpigmentation and reduces dark spots. Best for sensitive skin Piz Buin Allergy Sun Sensitive Skin Face Cream SPF 50+, £7. The formula helps strengthen skin’s resilience to the sun. Best all-day protection Soltan Once Face Advanced 8hr Suncare Cream SPF 30, £10 One application allows up to eight hours’ sun exposure. Best for body Bioderma…

1 BEST FOR: A HYDRATION BOOST No7 HydraLuminous Moisturising Foundation, £15  Fake a post-facial glow with this creamy base. Infused with vitamins A, C and E plus grapeseed oil, it promises to improve brightness and clarity too. Top tip To take that glow to the next level, dot a little face oil on your cheekbones. 2 BEST FOR: A LUMINOUS GLOW IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC + Illumination SPF 50+, £31 It glides on like a dream and, with hyaluronic acid, it’s a real make-up-meets-skincare hybrid. The shade range errs on the warm side – perfect for brightening up a lacklustre complexion. Top tip Ditch your foundation brush and smooth on with your fingers for a natural finish. 3 BEST FOR: SENSITIVE SKIN bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation…

NEED TO KNOW More than 250,000 bereaved families a year will be hit by higher “death tax” if government changes go ahead. Probate fees in England and Wales were due to soar after April. Probate is the process of applying for the legal right to deal with property, money and possessions left after someone dies. Previously, applying for probate only cost £215, or £155 when using a solicitor, on estates worth £5,000 or more. In future, fees will be linked to the value of the estate. If it’s worth less than £50,000, you won’t have to pay any fees. However, those inheriting larger sums will face much bigger bills – estates worth £500,000 to £1 million are liable for £2,500 probate fees, and a maximum £6,000 will be charged on…

POP TO THE SHOPS Prosecco is here to stay, but nothing beats real bubbly. Meet Co-op’s fab own-brand Champagne. The maker is officially top secret, but insiders know it’s made by luxurious Champagne house Piper-Heidsieck. There, I said it! Get in there fast before it sells out. Les Pionniers Champagne, 12% ABV, £18.99, Co-op BEER HUGS It’s Beer Day on 15 June, with Father’s Day on the 16th – almost as though somebody planned it! Sweeten up the man in your life with these jolly craft ales in unusual flavours, from M&S. A bargain at £2 a can – and not strictly reserved for gentlemen… Flavoured beers, £2 each, Marks & Spencer WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU… Grown in Amalfi and then distilled in Herefordshire, Pococello is a sweet, sharp and…

Bargain buy This spacious corner sofa can seat up to five, but when not being used for entertaining, the sofa part transforms into a sun-lounger. The cushions have removable covers that can be washed and the aluminium frame won’t rust. Aluminium corner sofa set, £500, Argos Keep it cosy Stay warm well into the evening with a fire pit, chimenea – or both! Creating the perfect hang-out to ensure the party keeps going well after sundown, this elegant design is the perfect balance between practical and the aesthetic. Morso Kamino outdoor chimenea fireplace, £999, John Lewis & Partners Inside out Bali garden furniture lets you enjoy living room comfort in your garden. With comfy scatter cushions, as well as an outdoor rug set under a coffee table, you’ll relax happily…

Crunchy fig and fennel salad This bowl of pure sunshine is bursting with summer flavours. An easy, make-ahead dish – simply omit the bacon for any vegetarian guests. Serves 4 • Ready in 20mins 150g bacon 2 small oranges 225g pre-cooked red and white quinoa pouch (Merchant Gourmet) 1 fennel bulb, trimmed and sliced 2tbsp fine breadcrumbs 75g watercress 4 figs, quartered 1tbsp olive oil 1tsp Dijon mustard 1 Grill the bacon until crisp and set aside on kitchen towel. Using a small serrated knife, peel and segment the oranges over a bowl to catch all the juices. Once all the segments are removed, squeeze the pith to get as much juice as possible. 2 Tip the quinoa into a large bowl and stir using a fork to separate the grains.…

Isabelle’s 7 TOP PICKS PICK OF THE MONTH The Woman Who Wanted More by Vicky Zimmerman (Bonnier) When Kate volunteers at the Lauderdale House for Exceptional Ladies, she hopes it will provide a distraction from the actions of her potato-brained boyfriend and her looming 40th birthday. What she doesn’t count on, however, is 97-year-old resident Cecily Finn, whose past turns out to be just as colourful as her acerbic tongue. A wonderfully wise, warm and witty read. CAPTIVATING QUEST The Porpoise by Mark Haddon (Chatto & Windus) From the bestselling author of The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night-Time comes an enthralling novel that will sweep you up from the off. After a plane crashes, killing all save for one child, the girl’s distraught father whisks…

Star sign of the month GEMINI 22 MAY – 22 JUNE  The Gemini new moon on the 3rd offers fresh starts, so give new things a try. The rest of June is stressful. Accept this but stand your ground. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD Close relationships are on a roll all year. If single, there are plenty of fish in the sea. Marriages see second honeymoons. Cash is challenging – keep an eye on your budget. Call 0905 789 4152* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates CANCER 23 JUNE – 23 JULY Prepare for a challenging time mid-month. Mars in Cancer makes you feisty and irritations come to a head 14th-19th. Being assertive, not aggressive, works miracles. Call 0905 789 4153* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates LEO 24 JULY…

The other day, my friend Karen turned down an invitation to lunch with a neighbour. The woman had lived across the road for 20 years and, although she and Karen were on chatty terms, they’d never got any closer. Recently, the woman had started texting daily, suggesting they meet up. “She wants to divorce her husband and she knows that I’ve been through a divorce so she thinks I can help her,” Karen sighed. “Well, darling,” I said, “you’re the best free counsellor I know.” “But I don’t want to do it,” Karen said firmly. “It would take a huge amount of time and emotional investment, and it would be absolute hell. And I know I’d end up supporting her through it, which would be exhausting. I’d do it for…

Welcome to our woman&home Amazing Women Awards 2019 in partnership with Hotter. Again this year we are searching for the most inspiring and fabulous women over the age of 50 making a difference in all walks of life – from high-profile celebrities and role models at the top of corporate environments, to women doing exciting things and fulfilling their dream. Last year we were blown away by the winners and shortlisted nominees – and we celebrated with a glittering ceremony in London’s Claridge’s, which we can say hand on heart was our best night out of the year – from moving speeches and rousing cheers to dancing round our handbags until the early hours. Over the coming months in woman&home we’ll be revealing our shortlists in the 10 Amazing Women…

‘They call me the queen of spin!’ CHRISTINA MULVIHILL’s passion for ballroom was reignited when she was made redundant three years ago at 60. Now she dances four times a week with mrwonderfuldancing.com and works part-time in art conservation. Christina has two grown-up sons and lives in London with her husband. “I’ve danced ever since I was little – I started with ballet and worked hard until I got a teaching qualification. I thought ballroom dancing was fabulous but in my mother’s eyes it was tacky, so it wasn’t until my twenties that I had a chance to try it. I worked at the BBC, where you could take part in activities. Ballroom classes were held at The Langham hotel and as soon as I took my first spin around the…

I love this picture of me with my first child, Max, who’s now 30. I was elated at being a mum and I wish I was back there now. But in reality motherhood was a big shock to me; I knew nothing about babies. I didn’t read any manuals on how to breastfeed or care for infants. In fact, after Max was born I was sharing a room with another woman in the hospital, and I constantly asked her questions about what I should be doing. The next day I was wheeled away to my own room and I found out she wanted me out of there to get some peace! Another time, when I was at home and Max wasn’t moving, I was convinced something was wrong with him.…

Four years ago I adopted a scruffy four-year-old lurcher and called him Wolfy and set about falling in love with him in a way that took me by huge surprise. I thought the highs and lows of falling in love were over for me now that I was nearly 50, but then I got my first dog and discovered all those highs again, but with none of the pain and drama of a human love story. Thankfully my boyfriend loved him too – in fact having Wolfy sleeping between us on the bed somehow brought us closer. “Wolfy belted down busy streets at his top speed of 25mph” Wolfy and I were inseparable. By day I found places for us to hang out like dog-friendly restaurants and coffee shops. At…

✢ Those smooth-operating Ancient Egyptians aimed for entire body hair removal using pumice, sugar or beeswax. ✢ Regarding it as “uncivilised”, women of the Roman empire would painstakingly tweeze those short and curlies away. ✢ By the Middle Ages, pubic hair was routinely shaved to combat lice. Enter the pubic wig – or merkin – sported to create the appearance of a luxuriant rug. ✢ Those supposedly buttoned-up Victorians considered pubic hair alluring. Witness the abundant shrubbery in the erotica of the era. ✢ The bikini’s arrival in 1946 prompted a swift tidy up of the region. ✢ By the late 1960s and early 70s, feminists had rejected the notion of body hair removal, preferring to let it all hang out. ✢ In 1987 the Brazilian “J Sisters” started offering…

✢ Victoria had a wonderful sexual relationship with Prince Albert. “I could go mad from the desire and longing,” she wrote, in her loneliness after his death. ✢ Following the birth of her nine children, Victoria suffered a stomach hernia, which made it painful for her to wear a corset. That partly explains why she looks rotund in photographs. ✢ Contrary to expectation, Victoria was usually “very much amused” and loved fun, friends, music, theatre, dancing, opera and parties. ✢ Victoria once wrote that she had “the greatest horror of having children and would rather have none”. Albert was concerned, telling his wife in a letter, “The trouble lies in the mistaken notion the function of a mother is to be always correcting, scolding and ordering them about.” ✢ She…

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 PLUS! WOMAN&HOME DIET SUPPORTS YOU ALL THE WAY with weekly email and telephone support to help you keep on track SIGN UP NOW & SAVE £25 Use the code WHP0619 at janeplan.com or call 020 3489 4770 *Prices quoted for the first month of the plan include £25 introductory discount. Not combinable with any other code. Post and packaging charges may apply. Offer operated by and…

The hairdressing world loves a diktat. It’s summer, so you’ll be lightening up with balayage, they say; you’ve crossed into midlife territory, time for a bob, they say. Even care and styling are subject to blanket directives, which for a few years now has been aim for “cool girl” hair, all shaggy layers and mussed-up blow-dry full of salt spray. Fabulous, if you happen to be Kate Moss, but for the rest of us, there’s a fine line between undone and “you OK, hun?”-level dishevelled. Hands up who’d rather just have a healthy head of hair? Great, so let’s put trends to one side because beautiful hair – not cool hair – is what we want. Think ’90s supermodels with access to 2019 technology. Basically, Cindy Crawford present day. Here’s…

Like a lot of my friends I’ll slather on SPF 50 on the beach in Ibiza but forget to apply protection sitting outside on a sunny lunch break. We need to abandon the crash-and-burn approach – you know, rolling up our sleeves and baking ourselves at the slightest sign of sunshine – because sunbathing is damaging. Skin cancer is on the rise – melanoma incidence rates have increased by 119% in the UK since the early 90s – and UVA exposure is one of the speediest routes to prematurely aged skin. French skincare brand Caudalie recently carried out a study on 62-year old identical twins; one had exposed her face to the sun excessively, the other hadn’t. The visual results were powerful and you don’t need a science degree to…

Loved by women around the world, PRAI Beauty sells one Ageless Throat & Decolletage Creme every 60 seconds and is the number one skincare brand at Marks & Spencer. PRAI Beauty is celebrating the cult status of this neck cream (£25 from M&S) by offering you an exclusive 20% off across praibeauty.co.uk, plus a free mini 15ml pot of the bestselling Ageless Throat & Decolletage Creme (worth £9 RRP) with each order over £20. The cream has been hailed “the best ever”, with women claiming they see a significant difference in lines and wrinkles in just seven days. It’s so effective, it has won many awards, including the coveted Beauty Bible Approved accolade. Enjoy a smoother, firmer neck in just a week and see what all the fuss is about!…

Want the bad news? If you haven’t been affected by high cholesterol yet, it could be about to creep up on you. Women generally have lower levels than men, but between the ages of 50-65 years, our levels rise. The good news is that with lifestyle changes you can keep the condition under control. But, as most people with high cholesterol won’t show any symptoms, it’s essential to get tested to find out whether you’re at risk. ✢ GOOD Vs BAD There are different types of cholesterol – LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). “LDL is sometimes called ‘bad’ cholesterol, as it sticks to the walls of the blood vessels, making them narrow and stiff, in the same way water pipes can become clogged with limescale,” says senior consultant…

THIS MONTH... • Looking after your eyes • Dealing with post-menopause loss of libido • Excess wind Q Is it true that staring at a computer screen all day is bad for your eyes? And what about reading in dim light? A Staring at a computer screen all day long can put strain on the muscles that keep your eyes focused, making them feel tired. Reading in dim lighting can have the same effect. You are also likely to blink less often when looking at a screen, making your eyes feel dry and uncomfortable. But neither looking at a screen or reading in low light will lead to any permanent damage to your eyes, or increase the need for stronger prescription glasses. However, to help prevent eye strain, when reading, have a light…

Celebrate the sights and sounds of the South as we step into the world of Robert Johnson, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and, of course, Elvis Presley. Cross the Mississippi Delta, where the blues began, to the birthplace of jazz in New Orleans, and follow the river to the hometown of The King and rock ’n’ roll before heading west, to Nashville – the world capital of country music. Visit the places that inspired some of popular music’s greatest icons, and see the studios where they recorded their classic tracks. Tour highlights: ✢ Visiting Elvis’s birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi ✢ Memphis’s Beale Street and the “home of the blues” ✢ Spending two nights in New Orleans ✢ Visiting Montgomery, the resting place of country legend Hank Williams ✢ Journeying…

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: DAY 1 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 Discover this captivating city with our guide…

WHAT’S IN SEASON? Summer is in the air – and in the vegetable patch too. Broad beans, carrots, courgettes, lettuce, peas and spinach are all ripe for the picking. Meanwhile bountiful elderflowers, strawberries and cucumbers are ready to be preserved into delicious jams, pickles and cordials. Or simply added to Pimm’s, of course! NORDIC & NICE New Scandinavian-style oat and rye chips from Aarne & Elsa are beautifully packaged and utterly delicious. Plus they boast less than half the fat you’d find in traditional crisps. In five flavours and big sharing packs, each crisp is baked in a scoop shape – perfect for summer dips. Aarne & Elsa Baked Rye Chips, £2.99 for 150g, Ocado. GOOD ENOUGH FOR DELIA… We’re all trying to be good in summer, but the odd…

In case we needed an official excuse for a summer refresher, 8 June is World Gin Day. Here’s a trio of newbies to try: ✢ This traditional London Dry Gin balances gentle spices with zingy orange peel and grapefruit. It’s bright, crisp, fresh and complex, but not one for coriander haters: this has lots of fresh herbs. No 3 London Dry Gin, 46% ABV, £35 for 70cl, Waitrose ✢ Rye is a Finnish staple, with the Finns consuming six times more of the grassy grain than the rest of the world. Distilling it was the next natural step, with this delicious crisp gin made with locally foraged botanicals to recreate the fragrance of a meadow. Kyrö Napue Rye Gin, 46.3% ABV, £34.65 for 50cl, Majestic Wine ✢ Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish…

Raise the bar With its small footprint, this laid-back set is ideal for drinks on the patio, dinner on the balcony or even an al fresco breakfast after the night before. The lightweight aluminium frame with wood-colour finish means it’s easy to move around too. Curve bar bistro set, £549, Dobbies Top table Recreate the azure blues of a tropical coastline in your garden with a dinner set that’s sure to impress, yet is ideal for outdoors, as it’s made from shatterproof melamine. Mix and match the ombré dip-dye effect with the pretty teardrop pattern, for a stunning tabletop that will conjure up exotic holidays by the sea. Coastline dinnerware, from £3 for a side plate, Sainsbury’s Home…

Make an impact An eye-catching fire pit, basket or bowl will look good, as well as keeping you warm INDUSTRIAL ROUND FIRE BASKET We love the globe shape of this steel burner, which is designed to rust once placed outside. £149, The Farthing FALLEN FRUITS OXIDISED RUST-EFFECT WOODLAND FIRE PIT The cut-out forest scene makes this a little bowl of magic. £152.99, Amazon Make a saving If you’re on a shoestring budget, there are affordable options FOSCOT FIRE PIT Standing on three legs, this small but mighty heat maker will gradually age to a rusted finish. £60, Garden Trading CONCRETE-LOOK FIRE PIT The bowl shape means this will slot comfortably into your space. £59.99, Dobbies TOP TIP Add rosemary to the flames for a better aroma. Make a meal Fire…

1 The Wife’s Shadow by Cath Weeks (Piatkus) If you enjoyed BBC’s Doctor Foster , then you will happily devour this novel about a woman hiding a dark past. 2 I Know Who You Are by Alice Feeney (HQ) When Aimee’s husband goes missing, the police suspect she’s hiding something. What it is will shock you to your core. 3 Her Sister’s Lie by Debbie Howells (Pan) Sisters Nina and Hannah are estranged, but when one dies and the other takes in her son, events turn sinister. 4 My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing (Penguin) A standout thriller that laughs in the face of everything you think you know about the whodunit genre. 5 The Last Night Out by Catherine O’Connell (Black Thorn) Canongate launches…

Good Omens Michael Sheen and David Tennant play bookish angel Aziraphale and rakish demon Crowley, who try to save the world from Armageddon in this fantasy series. Amazon Prime Video Chambers Uma Thurman and Tony Goldwyn lead the cast in this 10-part creepy supernatural thriller about Sasha, a young heart attack survivor who’s recovering from a transplant. Netflix The Spanish Princess This historical series follows the early life of Catherine of Aragon (Catherine Hope), Princess of Spain, as she heads to England to marry. Starzplay on Amazon Prime Video…

George lives with his wife, human rights lawyer Amal, 41, and their one-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella. They have homes in Los Angeles, Italy and Berkshire, England. My childhood memories… The first thing that I learned – and I understood it at a young age – was that I could get a laugh. My father’s a really funny man, and at the time we were growing up, in the mid-60s and I was like seven years old, they always had dinner parties. My dad would tell a story, something a little risqué, and I knew I could take the next step. The little-bit-dirtier version. The place would explode, and Dad would kick me under the table! My rise to fame… I didn’t really think about acting when I was younger.…