Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2019 i Woman & Home

‘My favourite part of being an editor is meeting and hearing from you, our readers’ Hello and welcome to my first issue of woman&home. It’s a privilege to know that many of you will take the time to read this letter, so I guess I’d better make it interesting! As soon as my two young daughters, Bee, 10, and Ivy, seven, found out I was working on a new title, they wanted to see what woman&home was all about. Ivy fell in love with last year’s December issue. She especially loved the festive cover, complete with our child models. Ivy always has a hidden agenda (yes, even at seven), and she has been campaigning ever since to appear on the next Christmas cover – so watch this space! I’d also…

LAID-BACK LUXE Known for its enduringly classic pieces, Jaeger’s new linen collection is no exception. Slouchy separates and on-trend tailoring will see you through summer in style. Keep your cool in a safari-inspired palette or opt for airy pastels instead. jaeger.co.uk LET IT SHINE The brainchild of designer Annabel Cox and food editor Georgina Fuggle, Little by Little is a jewellery brand with sustainability at the heart of its ethos. It has teamed up with the charity Luminary Bakery and for every purchase made, a donation will go towards enabling a disadvantaged woman to train at the bakery for a day. littlebylittlejewellery.com RAFFIA REFRESH A plain straw shopper just won’t cut it this season. Look out for colour-pop pom-poms and ribbon ties. Don’t be afraid to play with shapes too…

Stella McCartney A lifelong vegetarian, Stella McCartney has always been known for her ethical choices, choosing to omit leather from all her designs and pioneering planet-friendly alternative materials. Instead of settling for a range of acetate glasses, which are often made from petroleum, Stella McCartney’s latest eyewear range is cleverly crafted from bioacetate. It’s not a term that rolls easily off the tongue, but put simply, bioacetate is made from fibres of wood pulp that will eventually biodegrade. Matt & Nat Standing for (Mat)erial and (Nat)ure, this is an accessories brand with a strong conscience. Not only have Matt & Nat never used leather or any other animal-based materials in their designs, but they explore different ways to remain sustainable and eco-friendly every season. As well as using cork and…

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…

Aesthetic treatment is a £4 billion industry, and non-surgical procedures make up 75% of this – most of which are injectables. However, unlike tattooing, where it is illegal to tattoo a young person under 18, treatments such as lip fillers and Botox can be legally injected at any age. Shockingly, patients undergoing non-surgical cosmetic procedures are currently protected by the same level of regulation that applies to buying products like ballpoint pens and toothbrushes. ‘It is almost impossible to have any accurate centralised data as so many people operate under the radar,’ explains Ashton Collins, Director of Save Face, which has a register of accredited practitioners and clinics for nonsurgical procedures. ‘It’s like catching ghosts. They aren’t insured because they aren’t required to be insured or to have medical training.…

Everyone’s favourite home cook Mary Berry, 84, now calls Henley home after many happy years in Buckinghamshire. She lives with her husband Paul Hunnings. CALL THE MIDWIFE What a wonderful thing to watch on a Sunday night. I love it so much because it’s so real, it’s historical, it’s superbly acted – it’s a joy. AN ELECTRIC MIXER In my old age, it doesn’t please me to beat like mad with a wooden spoon or a hand whisk – I like a mixer! SKIING I would have loved to have been a good skier. But I have brittle bones so I don’t ski any more. TENNIS People say you have to exercise a lot to keep slim. Well, I would hate that. I enjoy playing tennis regularly and I like…

There’s no such thing as the wrong conditions, just the wrong clothes. And that’s true when it comes to the menopause. It’s a nightmare not knowing when a hot flush will strike, burning you up in seconds, followed by an Arctic after-chill. It’s no wonder your clothes couldn’t cope. New advances in technology have now enabled experts to design material to help you through the menopause. The fabric in Become Menopause Clothing combines a mixture of complex yarns and patent-pending Anti-Flush Technology™. ✢ It cools the skin The soft, lightweight fabric is made with a flat thread and knitted on a cross section to maximise surface area to transfer warmth away from the body. Tiny channels drive away heat and encourage cooling. ✢ It wicks moisture As the body heat…

3 SERUMS ✢ The antioxidant: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10, £38, is a morning essential to boost radiance and reduce lines and wrinkles. ✢ The skin plumper: Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8, £38, includes a type of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate the skin deep down for amazing plumping effects. ✢ The glow giver: Beauty Pie QI Energy Ginseng Root & Ginger Super Glow Serum, £9.31 (for Beauty Pie Members), detoxes, energises and hydrates. LOVELY LIPS ‘Lipstick is happiness in a tube,’ says make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury. So true! Her new Hot Lips collection, inspired by 11 celebs including JK Rowling and Susan Sarandon, is a joy to behold, from the gorgeous wearable shades to the covetable packaging in five different designs, £28 each. Plus, Charlotte is pledging £1 million from sales…

Woman&home has teamed up with ELEMIS to offer readers £15 off when spending £50 or more at ELEMIS.com, plus FREE standard delivery to the UK*. For luxury British skincare brand ELEMIS, your skin, body and wellness lie at the heart of what they do. Every formula is an innovative blend of science with the chemistry of nature, carefully crafted by a dedicated team. Their meticulous attention to detail, pioneering formulas and remarkable results are what sets this skincare apart. ELEMIS’s bestsellers include Pro-Collagen Marine Cream – a multi-award winning day cream that is clinically proven** to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in 14 days, improve hydration, and leave skin feeling firmer and looking more radiant. HOW TO CLAIM *Get £15 off exclusively at elemis.com when you spend £50 or more in…

Studies reveal 43% of women who experience a heart attack don’t experience any chest pain at all. Women should look out for less obvious symptoms, such as: ✢ Extreme fatigue (that has lasted days or even weeks) ✢ Pain in your upper back, shoulders, neck and jaw ✢ Profuse sweating ✢ Nausea ✢ Dizziness ✢ Sleeplessness These symptoms can often be dismissed as indigestion, inflammation of the cartilage around your rib or gallstones, so it may take a while for women to seek help. But by the time they reach hospital, they may have suffered significant heart damage. So if you experience any of the above, head straight to A&E. What’s more, aftercare for women may not be up to the same standard as it is for men. A report…

Q Last summer I went to Spain and I ended up covered in insect bites, which developed into blisters. No one else was affected, so why me? And what can I do to stop it happening again? A We all have a unique odour that’s based on our body secretions, which in turn are influenced by the bacteria that live on our skin, and also on our diet. Chemicals on the skin from perfumes and even detergent residues in clothing all add into the mix, and insects have a powerful sense of smell, and know the ones they like! When an insect bites, it releases saliva into the skin that can cause irritation and inflammation, and though in most this causes a red, itchy mark, if you are very sensitive…

WHAT’S IN SEASON Broad beans, runner beans, French beans, peas and mangetout are ready for salads, along with cucumbers and fennel. Tomatoes get better and better, perfect in a caprese salad. English cherries hit their peak, while the bounty of berries continues. BOOK OF THE MONTH A Half Baked Idea by Olivia Potts (Fig Tree, £14.99) This memoir charts Olivia’s life-changing career transformation from criminal barrister to Le Cordon Bleu chef. Her writing inspires resilience through baking and proves the unquestionable comfort of carbs. SIMPLY CHIC These beautiful hand-painted ceramics come from charming online shop Ibbi. Based in rural Northumberland, founders Eliza, Anna and Claire travel the globe to discover unique items. Serving bowls, £32 each, from ibbidirect. co.uk, and interiors stores including Joanna Wood, London; Indica, Lyme Regis; and…

When you’re entertaining, you can’t go wrong with a tasty taco. Do-it-yourself toppings are perfect for relaxed, informal get-togethers with friends and family. Serves 4 • Ready in 30 mins 1 red pepper, diced 1 yellow pepper, diced 1 green pepper, diced 2 red onions, quartered 15 mushrooms, quartered 2 fresh corn cobbettes, sliced to 1cm thick 2 courgettes, sliced 1 aubergine, cubed 2tsp ground cumin 2tsp ground coriander 2tsp ground smoked paprika 2tsp ground chilli powder 5tbsp Mazola Corn Oil 12 corn tortillas to serve: 1 lime, fresh coriander, cherry tomatoes, sour cream, salsa and guacamole 1 Heat a griddle pan until very hot. Add the chopped vegetables into a bowl and sprinkle them with the spices and Mazola Corn Oil, plus salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the…

Blue skies, long, hot, sun-soaked days, just a whisper of a breeze – the height of summer is the ideal time to entertain outside. However, after your first few parties celebrating the arrival of the sun, you may be wondering how you can keep those al fresco lunches, weekend barbecues and laid-back picnics feeling fresh and exciting. Especially if you don’t fancy yet another flat white wine spritzer alongside a wilting salad in the baking heat. A TWIST OF GOOD TASTE Gin is the reigning champion of summer spirits. It’s light, botanical and blends with more than just tonic – you can pair it with everything from fruit juices to bubbly sodas. But why default to a standard G&T when you can wow your friends and family with Pinkster Gin?…

✢ Include a variety of textures across your accessories and furniture, such as rustic wood and tactile concrete and ceramics. ✢ Stick to a muted yet confident colour palette of monochrome, grey and taupe, with accents of cool chrome and pewter. ✢ Clever use of mirrors and glass will make a space seem larger, so choose reflective surfaces on furniture and go supersized with wall mirrors. ✢ Choose statement lighting, from showstopping chandeliers and pendant lights, to unique table lamps with interesting bases.…

I want,’ she said, ‘a claw-foot bath in front of the window. It’s always been my dream. To lie in the bath with a glass of wine looking out to the fields and hills. Can you imagine how wonderful that would be? Whatever the season?’ She smiled brightly and Dave tried not to look too startled. This wasn’t the job he’d been expecting at all when Dodie Fisher phoned him. He’d assumed it would be some rather boring issue with an antiquated heating system that would end with him having to break the news that she needed a new boiler. Instead, Dodie Fisher had taken him by surprise and revealed her lifelong ambition for a bathtub in her bedroom. He had to admit it was a very nice room, with…

Poldark In this final series, following the death of Elizabeth, Ross (Aidan Turner) puts politics behind him and spends more time with his wife Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) and family. New faces include Sofia Oxenham, Vincent Regan, Freddie Wise and Kerri McLean. BBC One dark mon£y This disturbing drama is about an ordinary British family, whose son, Isaac, has been starring in a Hollywood movie. But his parents (Babou Ceesay and Jill Halfpenny) are devastated when Isaac reveals he was abused on set. BBC One Kathy Burke: All Woman Comedy actress Kathy Burke meets female celebrities and women from her own past to find about femininity and what it means to be a woman today. C4 i Am the night Hollywood actor Chris Pine stars in this US drama series that’s…

stranger Things The third series opens with the terrors of the Upside Down more real than ever. Maya Thurman Hawke (daughter of Uma and Ethan) joins the cast. Netflix The Boys This fun series shows what happens when superheroes abuse their powers. Jack Quaid stars as Hughie, who teams up to expose the truth. Elisabeth Shue also stars. Amazon Prime Video The netball World Cup Hazel Irvine presents live action from The Netball World Cup in Liverpool which kicks off on 12 July. So get ready to support the home nations. BBC iPlayer…

VALERIE BLUMENTHAL is the author of eight critically acclaimed novels. She has also written short stories and taught creative writing in adult education, and at a high security men’s prison. Having developed PCA Alzheimer’s five years ago, Valerie explores how her beloved dog, Mozart, helped her cope with the diagnosis and its effects (p52). What’s the best way to make your holiday mood last? I look at photos of my puppy Elgar frolicking in the sea. AMANDA OWEN is a shepherdess, hill farmer, writer, photographer, public speaker and mother of nine. She lives with her husband Clive, their family and 1,000 sheep in one of the highest and most remote farms in the Yorkshire Dales. She shares the lessons she has learned from life on the farm (p46). What’s the…

As far as our voracious 24/7 news media is concerned, August is a dead month. The Silly Season, they call it – with more than a hint of a sneer. Schools have broken up. Parliament is shut for the summer. The Prime Minister, the Cabinet, the TV anchors and the nation’s makers and shakers relocate from London to villas in France and Tuscany. There is very little ‘real news’ during the Silly Season. Instead, bulletins and papers are filled with daft stories about giant vegetables and Germans bagging sunbeds at dawn. (Boo! The early-rising cheats!) The good old Loch Ness Monster often surfaces in August to provide a fair few column inches for panic-stricken editors, while a great white shark is invariably rumoured to be skulking in the sea off…

‘THIS HAS COMPLETELY RENEWED MY FAITH IN LOVE’ CATHY UNDERWOOD, 52, is married to Andrew, 55. Cathy is a yoga teacher and movement therapist (yoga4mums. com) who has two sons from a previous marriage, Tyler, 18, and Corben, 16. From the moment Andrew and I first met, there was an instant spark. It was 1985 – I was 18 – and we were cast together in a show at the London stage school we both attended. He was extremely charismatic, very individual and a brilliant singer. I was utterly in awe. It sounds like a cliché, but all the boys wanted to be like him and all the girls wanted to be with him. We began dating and quickly fell in love. I’d been out with someone before, but this…

When she was 18 and an urban teenager in Huddersfield, Amanda Owen answered a ‘Shepherd wanted’ ad in Farmers Weekly. She got the job – and it was the start of her long and successful career as a shepherdess. Married to Clive Owen, she lives at Ravenseat Farm, high in the Yorkshire Dales. They farm sheep, and Amanda also runs a B&B shepherd’s hut. They have nine children: Raven, 18, plans to be a doctor; Reuben, 15, is a brilliant mechanic; Miles, 13, loves baking; Edith, 10, wants to be a midwife; Violet, eight, is action woman; Sidney, six, enjoys fishing; Annas, five, wears Disney princess skirts with wellies; Clemmie, four, is the eyes and ears of the farm; while Nancy Grace, two, is very vocal and always wants to…

Since writing this article, the thing I had most dreaded became reality: my beautiful boy has died. He had been my saviour; I knew all his quirks and different barks. My whole routine feels so strange and lacking. People might say ‘he was only a dog’ and yes he was – but what a dog. I miss him every day. ✢ Valerie now has a gorgeous puppy called Elgar. Her latest novel, The Lupo Stick, is available from Amazon. ✢ Find out more about Alzheimer’s at alzheimersresearchuk.org w&h…

‘I’m scared she will never go back to how she was’ Lisa Perrin’s daughter Amelia, 23 (left), has had lip and cheek fillers. Lisa says: ‘When Amelia first had it done I was horrified. She looked like she had done two rounds with Mike Tyson. There was the initial bruising around her lips, and the fillers in her cheeks changed the structure of her face and made her eyes look small. Thankfully it has settled down now but she is already saying her lips are not as plump as when she first had it done, it needs renewing. I am scared she might go down the route where she will never be back to how she was originally.’ Amelia says: ‘I work in social media and there’s pressure to look…

‘The mountains reconnect me with my mother’ Sarah Jane Douglas, 46, is an artist, writer and former teacher, who lives with her two teenage sons in an old fishing village in northeast Scotland. When she lost her mother to breast cancer in 1997, she turned to walking to cope with her grief. That led to a passion for hillwalking that helped her deal with her own diagnosis, 20 years later. I was 24 when Mum died from breast cancer. Walking was something we had done a lot of together, so after her death walking helped me feel close to her – though, at first, the grief was so raw I felt a strange mix of both disconnection and comfort from the countryside. ‘On the summit my heart filled with hope…

Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones says it’s normal to lose up to 100 hairs a day. Hair follicles go through cycles – hair growth, hair shedding, then resting before starting again. Occasionally, many hairs fall out over a short period – this can occur after childbirth, during stressful periods, or after a physical shock, such as illness, surgery, weight loss (including weight-loss surgery), trauma or chemotherapy. After a few months, the follicles recover and hair growth restarts. Small patches may be due to fungal infections, such as ringworm, skin conditions including eczema or psoriasis, or hair-pulling (often anxiety-related). They usually improve when the underlying cause is treated. Alopecia areata stops hair growing, producing one or more disc-shaped bald patches. It usually starts before midlife. It’s an immune system disorder but may be…

Jemma Cowley, 67, and Alison Counsell, 58, brighten up their summer wardrobe with bold, busy prints. ✢ A long-line kimono is not only a breezy cover-up for hot days but it creates a longer, leaner silhouette. ✢ Slim-fitting jeans and low wedge espadrilles are perfect for petites. ✢ If you only invest in one thing this summer, make it a great beach dress. Made from a cool cotton, you’ll be wearing it for seasons to come. ✢ Elasticated smocking just above the waistline is flattering on all body shapes. Flaring out from the middle, this dress is perfect for concealing any lumps and bumps. Tanya Russell, 45, and Julia Garnsey, 72, trade earthy neutrals for pops of colour. ✢ Show off your figure with on-trend separates. This two-tone satin wrap…

A large part – and perk – of a beauty editor’s job is road-testing the latest products. And because there’s always something new to try, we seldom finish a product before moving on to the next. So when we do use something down to its last drop, you know it’s good! From the foundation we’ve been using for years to the sunscreen that ticks all the boxes, the w&h beauty team and industry professionals share their best beauty buys. 1 FIONA McKIM, beauty editor Most face masks make me roll my eyes – they’re no match for a good skincare routine. Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask, £38, is different. It’s got clays to tighten, oils to nourish and that Tilbury magic dust that makes everything she creates glow-inducing. It…

But it’s not just the medical experts that are to blame. ‘Heart attacks just don’t receive enough publicity,’ explains Dr Foster. ‘We’re eating worse and exercising less, which is raising our LDL (bad) cholesterol and pushing up our blood pressure, which is all adding to the risk.’ Plus, women themselves still see heart disease as a typically male condition. And there’s even the idea that it’s not something women can develop. How wrong could they be? Worryingly, death rates are rising too. Part of the problem is that male heart attack indicators, which are well documented, can differ from lesser-known female symptoms. ‘Women do not present in the same way as men,’ explains Dr Foster. ‘They don’t often have typical left-sided chest pain that “classic” heart attack patients get.’…

So what can we do to ensure that we keep our hearts healthy? Philippa Hobson, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, advises how to look after your heart. MAKE TIME FOR YOUR NHS HEALTH CHECK If you live in England and are aged between 40 and 74, it’s important you get your Health Check at your GP surgery. It’s free and designed to assess your risk of stroke, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, dementia and kidney disease. The 20-minute test involves checking your blood pressure, pulse and cholesterol, and discussing your lifestyle and family history of medical conditions. EXERCISE WHEN YOU CAN Don’t feel you have the time? Incorporate it into your daily life. If you commute to work, get off the bus a stop early or park…

Silentnight’s sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan shares her tips for sleeping soundly… 1 Sleep in cool wet socks or even a damp T-shirt. 2 Place a wet flannel in the fridge for an hour or so before going to bed and rest this on your forehead as you drift off. 3 Place a tray of ice in front of a blowing fan. As the ice melts, this will help to cool the room down. Yes, really! 4 If you wake up in the night, rub a roll-on menthol stick over your forehead to help cool down.…

This tour is a wonderful blend of some of the finest sights in northern Italy. First, Lake Garda, where waves lap gently on the shingle shoreline, with the snow-capped Dolomite Mountains in the background. Then Venice, a unique city full of cultural delights such as the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica and the Grand Canal. Finally, Verona, one of the most romantic cities you’ll ever find, and the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet . The price includes ✢ Classic or Undiscovered guided tour of Venice ✢ A day exploring Lake Garda, on land and by boat ✢ Classic or Undiscovered guided tour of Verona ✢ A day in the Dolomites ✢ Two free days to further explore at leisure or relax ✢ Return flights from a selection of regional…

Tender lamb with black lentils, roast tomatoes, mint and parsley This dish can be prepped ahead, then simply cook the lamb just before serving. Delicious with meltingly tender slices of pink lamb, however, the lentil vegetable base goes just as well with other meats, such as chicken breasts and fish fillets. For a veggie version, griddle a few slices of halloumi cheese instead. Serves 4 • Ready in 55 mins 300g cherry tomatoes, on the vine 2 orange or yellow peppers, cut into rings 6 sprays olive oil 400g can black beluga lentils, drained 300g lamb rump steaks 25g bunch of fresh mint, roughly chopped 25g bunch flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped 1 Heat the oven to 150C/Gas Mark 2. Poke a hole into each tomato and put into an ovenproof dish…

THE ARAB’S ORANGE SALAD With both Spanish and Moorish roots, this salad is traditionally served at the start or end of a meal, but we loved it with the Involtini (recipe over the page). Serves 6 • Ready in 5 mins 4 blood oranges 1 small red or white onion, peeled 4 caper berries, sliced 4tbsp olive oil 4tbsp black olives, pitted 2tsp pitted green olives, sliced small handful mint leaves juice of ½ lemon 1tsp dried oregano 1 Using a sharp knife, finely slice the oranges and onion. Peel the orange skin. 2 In a bowl, toss together the remaining ingredients and drizzle over the oranges and onion. Per serving: Cals 107, Fat 8g, Sat fat 1g, Carbs 7g COOK’S TIP This recipe will also work with regular oranges or…

LOVELY LINENS Transform your outdoor dining table in an instant by dressing it with charmingly crumpled linens and flower displays. Rowen & Wren’s range of washed table linens hit just the right note between simplicity and luxury for a relaxed setting. Recycled glass vase, £38; fine stripe linen tablecloth, £94; plaster pink linen napkins, £18 for 2, all Rowen & Wren CLEAR WINNERS With the designs echoing and made in partnership with the iconic structures at the Eden Project, LSA International’s Canopy collection of planters and vases aim to bring a touch of the outside into our homes. The clever and inspiring designs are all made from recycled glass. ISLAND VIBES Bring a beach party to your own backyard and create the ultimate drinks station for a night under the…

Pave the way Wooden elements, such as a deck for seating, raised bed edging and a plank path, will give your garden some structure, but remain easy to maintain. Reclaimed timber will give a lived-in look, and smart grey pebbles create a contrasting walkway. For similar pebbles, try the Blooma blue decorative slate chips, £7 for 22.5kg, B&Q Sound bath Enjoy the soothing sound and sight of trickling water, and give your garden a focal point with a striking yet simple water bowl feature. Avoid a too-sunny spot that will encourage weed growth, and place it away from trees, as leaves could clog it. Scupper 26 concrete water bowl, from £2,874, Solus Decor Put your feet up Accessorise loungers and sunbeds with vibrant cushions to add colour to your garden,…

‘Approaching 50 has given me loads of energy and I feel that anything is possible’ S itting down to chat to Andrea McLean is just like catching up with an old friend. Warm, open and funny: nothing is off-limits with Andrea, and it’s no wonder, considering she’s been a presenter on Loose Women since 2007, where she and her co-stars discuss everything from politics to the challenges of ageing – something Andrea is all too familiar with. In 2016 she underwent a hysterectomy, which triggered an early menopause. ‘My experience hasn’t been brilliant, but women don’t need to accept that this is just how it is, there is help,’ she insists. Andrea, who is mum to Finlay, 17, and 12-year-old Amy, says that now she feels ‘full of beans’ again,…

SEASIDE STAYCATION  Nod to nautical with deckchair stripes in red, white and blue – you can’t beat this classic combination. EXOTIC ESCAPE Relaxed bohemian pieces with artisanal details are perfect for a tropical destination. Embrace the sunshine and play with prints, textures and colour. CITY BREAK Comfort is key when exploring a new city – pack light, practical layers and a playful accessory or two. CRUISE CONTROL Embrace the glamour of life on-board a cruise ship with luxe, silky fabrics and bold finishing touches – an oversized sun hat is a must!…

What is your earliest acting memory? I read a comedy poem, Matilda, by Hilaire Belloc at school when I was 11. As a child I was cripplingly shy and I would hide behind my dad, so he was in the audience thinking, ‘Why are they doing this to her?’. And then I got laughs. Then more. That was a total light bulb moment of my life. I suddenly felt I had a tiny bit of power, people praised me, and they had never done that before. It was amazing, and I couldn’t get enough of it. My dad was pretty blown away too. Over the years, he always supported me in whatever production I was in. When I was in the stage musical Mamma Mia! [in 2002], he came to…

‘We have parents who come in with their daughters, anxious to iron out all the “imperfections” to make her happy and confident’ Remember when cosmetic surgery was the hush-hush secret of older, wealthy women who had the time and money to try recapturing their youth? Hollywood stars and trophy wives went to discreet clinics where doctors lifted breasts and faces, sucked out middle-aged spread, and ironed out wrinkles. Not any more. There is a new kid on the block. Our daughters. Even in their late teens, many young women are lusting after bigger breasts, plumped-up lips and liposuctioned waists. Inspired by celebrities such as the Kardashians and the stars of Love Island , combined with the pressures of looking ‘perfect’ on Instagram, this trend is creating a new norm. So…

✢ DERMAL FILLERS Injections used to fill out wrinkles, and increase the volume and definition of the lips and cheeks. Who should do it A reputable practitioner, properly qualified and who practises in a clean, safe environment. Side effects can include Rashes, swelling, itching, bruising, filler forming lumps under the skin, plus (in rare cases) the filler blocking a blood vessel, which can lead to tissue death, permanent blindness or a pulmonary embolism. ✢ BREAST IMPLANTS Insertion of implants to increase size of the breasts and change shape. Who should do it All doctors must, as a minimum, be registered with the General Medical Council. Side effects can include Scarring, breast tissue feeling hard, ruptured implants, nerve problems in the nipples and problems with breastfeeding. ✢ BOTOX Botulinum toxin injections,…

Woman&home has teamed up with luxury swimwear experts Seaspray to offer readers a fantastic 25% off their latest collection. Seaspray’s new range sees prints inspired by cascading waterfalls, treetop canopies of jungles and fragrant exotic flowers. Bestselling designs return for the new season with bursts of bright florals and leafy botanical patterns. Seaspray’s core collection features impactful bright block colours as well as timeless black, white and navy; complemented by chic raffia accessories and Riviera-ready sun hats. Available in a range of classic swimwear shapes and featuring Seaspray’s signature ruching and draping of high-quality fabrics, the styles smooth over the silhouette and accentuate the natural figure. Longer lengths, adjustable straps and soft cups feature in almost every design, providing the most comfortable fit possible while staying contemporary and fashion-forward. HOW…

✢ For free information about UK walks, visit walkingbritain.co.uk ✢ The Ramblers is a charity that promotes walking and campaigns to keep walking paths accessible. You’ll find Britain’s top 100 walks at ramblers.org.uk ✢ It costs £5 per year to subscribe to the Walk4Life website, where you’ll find walk routes near you, local walking groups, and can take challenges and track your walking progress; walk4life.info ✢ To take part in an organised London walk that celebrates women’s achievements or to find one that’s tailor-made for your interests, try inhershoeswalks.com…

✢ See your GP to check for nutritional deficiencies. You may need blood tests and other checks. ✢ Most hair loss stops by itself eventually. ✢ Cognitive behavioural therapy (talking treatment) may help you to adapt. ✢ Ask to see a dermatologist for expert advice, rather than spending money on products and ‘miracle cures’. ✢ Use sunscreen on scalp areas where hair is thin/absent, to protect against burning and sun damage. ✢ For some conditions, a wig is available on NHS prescription. ✢ For severe hair loss, contact Alopecia UK (alopecia.org.uk, 0800 101 7025 ). ✢ For more about Rosie’s treatment visit lucindaellery-hairloss.co.uk w&h…

It’s the time when many of us look our worst – when we are travelling. But the good news is that this makes it all the easier to stand out from the crowd by looking noticeably great. Wear clothes that flatter, clothes that fit, and you already have a head start. I would advise keeping it fairly classic too: a touch of the utilitarian here, a smattering of athleisure there, but nothing too desperately on-trend, which can just end up looking try-hard, and can also fail to deliver the hard-working comfort you need. You may be on holiday, but your clothes need to work harder for you than usual. At no point do you want what you are wearing to get in the way of you having the very best…

Sun-drenched evenings call for a glistening glass of chilled rosé, but there’s another bottle of blush that you should have your eye on this summer. Nuxe’s Huile Prodigieuse Florale is a new rose-tinted take on the cult classic. This brand-new edition boasts a sparkling floral scent. Orange blossom, white musk and zesty grapefruit top notes set it apart from the long-serving original. Infused with seven botanical oils including sweet almond and camellia, the nourishing properties of this fresh new offering are multifaceted. Massage it into your skin, cuticles or the ends of your hair to add glossy shine and lustre. Just like rosé, itself a source of resveratrol – a powerful antioxidant found in grape skins – the oil contains natural antioxidant-rich ingredients that will enhance your glow all summer…

✢ Have a moment ‘Mindfulness is a really important factor in maintaining a sunny disposition,’ says Claire Vero, founder of Aurelia Skincare. ‘Try to incorporate relaxation techniques into your daily life to help stay positive, even when the seasons change.’ Try taking three deep inhalations, with your hands cupped around your nose, when you apply an uplifting scented hand cream, such as Aurelia Aromatic Repair & Brighten Hand Cream, £29. It helps to calm, relax and ease any tensions. ✢ Take a vitamin D supplement Research into vitamin D and emotional health has shown that people with low levels of vitamin D are up to 11 times more prone to depression than people with normal levels of the vitamin. ‘It is difficult for us to get the recommended amount from…

1 BEST FOR: CONGESTION My Clarins Clear-Out, £15 Ask any Beauty Editor how to clear bumpy little spots and they’ll say salicylic acid, it’s basically the Beyoncé of blemish busters and this gel blends it with calming botanicals. It smells a tad astringent but didn’t feel drying, just cooling and lovely on my congested chin. Hits the spot? More suited to combination than dry types, it’s also sustainably packaged and vegan if that’s your bag. 2 BEST FOR: BREWING BLEMISHES Zitsticka KILLA, £27 for 8 Is any spot more maddening than an under-the-skin number? Well, this is a game changer: a tingly swab and clear patch that drives salicylic acid, niacinamide and peptides into the impending eruption. Hits the spot? Not a miracle worker but a solid preemptive strike. 3…

MYTH I’m not overweight, so I won’t have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. BUSTED ‘High blood pressure and cholesterol are more common in obese people, but that doesn’t mean if you’re not overweight you’re not at risk,’ explains Dr Malcolm Finlay, consultant cardiac electrophysiologist and cardiologist. ‘Even mildly raised blood pressure increases your chance of a heart attack or stroke, so it’s important to get checked,’ he adds. MYTH I should stay away from all fats to keep my heart healthy. BUSTED ‘As someone who loves both butter and olive oil, I was delighted when “butter being bad” was finally confined to the bin of medical myths,’ says Dr Finlay. ‘But of course, everything in moderation! Home cooking with an eye on portion size and cutting out junk food…

Despite it being holiday season, summer is often the busiest time of the year, with nearly a quarter of us returning from our sunshine breaks more stressed than when we went*. And being hectic, together with eating rich food and consuming far more alcohol than usual, can wreak havoc on our health and waistlines. But you don’t have to make big lifestyle changes to stay well; these simple, daily tricks are all you need for your happiest and healthiest summer ever. 1 ZAP AWAY PAIN Bitten or stung? Zap-It! gives off a low electrical impulse to stop itching in an instant. Pack it in your suitcase for holidays. £5.99, Ocado 2 Beat the holiday bloat Try a daily digestion helper, such as LQ Liquid Health Digestive Care,…

The B word has dominated our lives for the past three years, but it seems there may be a Brexit bonanza, as more and more Brits are holidaying in the UK. Bookings are up by a third on 2018, and half of Brits plan to spend their main holiday at home this year*. Uncertainty over queues at European passport control and the weak pound have undoubtedly affected our holiday plans, but another, happier, factor has had an influence – last summer’s very welcome consistently warm weather. So get out and enjoy what’s on your doorstep, like these canny celebrities – you won’t regret it. JUDY MURRAY’S SCOTTISH HIDEAWAY Isle of Eriska Why The beauty of the western Scottish coast captivates Brits and visitors alike, including tennis champion Andy Murray’s mother,…

TREAT YOURSELF Get more bang for your buck by booking a short break with added extras. For example, visit offpeakluxury. com for offers from more than 200 independently owned hotels in the UK. How about a night at the Wyck Hill House Hotel and Spa in the Cotswolds from £72.50 per person? This includes a three-course dinner, breakfast, room upgrade where available, chocolates and Champagne. Elsewhere, you can also find deals on hotels with extras via Buyagift and Secret Escapes. NEED TO KNOW Planning to take a chunk of money out of your pension after 55? Then don’t get caught in a tax trap! A record 539,000 people took flexible payments from their pensions during the past tax year, according to HM Revenue & Customs. Meanwhile, the Government is raking in…

Rather than having lots of small objects around the place, I like furniture and accessories to be big. It’s about creating impact,’ says Pippa Paton, looking up at the giant cast-bronze highland cow’s head on the balcony above the living area in her Oxfordshire home. ‘I knew exactly where we were going to put it, so I made sure the balcony was designed to holds its weight!’ At first glance, the property – home to Pippa, New Zealand-born husband Scott, and their children Max, 13, and Scarlett, 10 – looks urban chic; all steel surfaces and a palette of grey and white. But look closer and you see textured stone walls and old wooden beams, with views of hedgerows and fields outside the window. Pippa and Scott bought two Grade…

For many years Veronica Henry was a scriptwriter, working on Holby City, The Archers and Heartbeat  among others. She writes compelling family dramas with a sense of fun. Set in the stunning countryside of Somerset, A Home From Home is her 20th book. Veronica has three sons and lives by the sea in North Devon. Her latest release, A Home From Home (Orion) is out on 25 July. Milly Johnson is a Sunday Times top five bestselling author of 16 novels. Known as the ‘Queen of Feel-Good Fiction’, Milly’s  novels always feature friendship, family, love, betrayal, good food and that little bit of magic in life that sometimes visits the unsuspecting. Milly is a columnist for her local newspaper and is an experienced broadcaster on radio and TV. The Magnificent…

Watching Knock Down the House, the Netflix documentary about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and three other women who ran for Congress last year. Reading Robert Seethaler’s evocative A Whole Life. Next on my list is Isabella Hammad’s The Parisian, inspired by a recent trip to Jerusalem and the West Bank. Listening to News-related podcasts and catch-up radio. The Westminster Hour is an essential briefing on the political week ahead. For music I’ve been playing Sounds of Refuge by Mohamed Sarrar and John Falsetto, bought after seeing the incredible The Jungle play about the Calais camp. Eating Green salad that I have actually followed a recipe to make. It sounds mad but The New York Times raved about a recipe for the green salad from Via Carota restaurant in such a way that…

✢ Catch jazz legend Herbie Hancock at the Barbican on 17 November and again with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on 19 November; barbican.org.uk ✢ A Very Expensive Poison, a play based on Alexander Litvinenko, premieres at The Old Vic on 19 August. For discounted matinees for over-60s, see oldvictheatre.com/matinee-idols ✢ Celebrate the 25th anniversary of our favourite sitcom Friends at FriendsFest in Manchester, 2-18 August; Bristol, 23 August-1 September; and Milton Keynes, 6-15 September. See friendsfest.co.uk…

Star sign of the month LEO 24 JULY – 23 AUGUST  Leos are genuinely at their best when the sun’s in their sign (until the 23rd). Now you get an extra boost from feisty Mars, upping energy and libido. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD  Right up to December, lucky Jupiter brings opportunity around kids, hobbies and lovers. Work and the daily grind require extra effort through autumn. Call 0905 789 4154* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. VIRGO 24 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER Your birthday month starts with a bang on the 23rd with a meet-up of the planets of love and romance in Virgo. It’s a great time for fun and August ends on a high. Call 0905 789 4155* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER…

Idris, 46, lives in Hackney, east London, with his wife Sabrina Dhowre. He has two children, a son and daughter, from previous relationships. My career I’m finding that musical part of my life [as well as acting, Idris performs as a DJ under the moniker of DJ Big Driis] is really liberating at the moment, in a way that’s very different from the acting. As an actor, I’m in a position where I get to work with the best people and choose what I do. While I’m relatively new as a DJ, I try to apply the same work ethic to it. My roots I was raised in east London and it was my upbringing that kept me out of trouble. I got my first job at 14, fitting tyres.…