Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2019 i Woman & Home

The time has come for me to be brave. After two years of putting it off, we are finally turning our loft into a bedroom for the hubby and me. This means our daughters, Bee, 10, and Ivy, seven, will have bigger rooms as we move (or do I mean hide?) upstairs. We considered moving house to achieve our four-bedroom dream, until we realised it would cost a minimum of £100,000 to gain one extra room – so the attic extension was the only option. So, I am being brave and facing the fact that we will be awash with builders, cups of tea and piles of dust by the time you read this. However, I am determined to make this disruption work to my advantage and have already compiled…

‘INVISIBLE’ CARERS Thank you for recognising carers in Who’s caring for the carers? (September 2019). I’m 45 with children aged 10, nine and six. The eldest is severely disabled and I sometimes feel like an ‘invisible’ carer. My daughter’s life is limited, so Stephanie Nimmo’s article Goodbye Daisy in the same issue also resonated. I wouldn’t change having my daughter for the world but caring can be tough. To all carers, I say, ‘Keep going, you’re amazing!’ Jo Snow, by email TRAVELLING SOLO I’ve read a lot about how unfair it is for holiday companies to charge for single supplements. While I agree, my problem is finding the courage to go away on my own. My husband died over two years ago and since then, although I miss him, I…

The wildest thing I’ve ever done Susanna I couldn’t possibly tell you but Piers Morgan was there. Piers Yes. And she was great. My childhood crush was Susanna Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran. Piers Raquel Welch. My biggest fear Piers I don’t like heights. I’m very bad with big heights. Even on The London Eye I get a bit queasy. I went up and down the side of the biggest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, in a rickety old cage and it slightly traumatised me. Susanna’s scared of admitting her inner feelings of me! Susanna I’m slightly terrified of Piers… My biggest addiction right now Piers Twitter, social media – I love it. I’ve always been a news addict. Every day for 10 years, while I…

Bloom & Wild is the UK’s most-loved online florist, with over a million happy customers. They invented letterbox flowers to make sending blooms easier. So their flowers are the freshest you’ll find, they pick and send them in bud. This means you’ll get to watch them bloom and enjoy their beauty for at least seven days. Their florists hand-pack every box with gorgeous seasonal stems. To protect them on their travels, delicate blooms are wrapped in petal protectors. And every bunch is sent with fun arranging tips! But the best bit? How posties can deliver them through the door when no one’s home. Over 150 years after designers Morris & Co released their first artwork, Bloom & Wild are reviving their archive’s most-loved prints with a floral collaboration. They’re modernising…

What’s your earliest memory of singing? Oh blimey, this is a bit foggy, but certainly my earliest memory is when I was at school and very, very young, the older girls used to make me sing in the playground. Some of the girls my age would get annoyed because I was being made a fuss of. And then I remember singing while sat on my father’s shoulders because I was so little. Did you ever imagine you’d still be touring in your seventies? I think age is really funny. When I was young I always used to say I hope I go on and on performing – and I am! How often do you get to see your grandchildren? Well, they’re coming to stay for a few weeks as they’re…

Can you believe, it’s been three years since Prue Leith replaced Mary Berry as Paul Hollywood’s co-judge on The Great British Bake Off. But Prue’s very much made the role her own – so much so that we couldn’t imagine the show without her now. The hit Channel 4 show is back for its tenth year, which will see Paul, 53, and Prue, 79, once again put a batch of bakers through their paces, alongside hosts Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding. But the hopefuls shouldn’t be too scared because, although Paul can come across as icy as his blue eyes on screen, Prue insists he’s actually a big softie. ‘He is always giving the bakers hugs,’ she tells us. ‘And words of encouragement. He doesn’t want to make anyone cry.’…

‘It makes my skin look dewy and fresh, and lasts all day too’ Age is just a number. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 40 or 60, feeling great and making the most of life is the most important thing. We all know that you can’t turn back the clock and wipe away those years, but why would you want to anyway! All that knowledge and experience gained over time makes you who you are. What does count, though, whatever your age, is a good skincare regime. Using the right products can help you look and feel better, but how about an upgrade to your make-up too? The change in season is the ideal time to think about using something new – and we’ve got the perfect thing. New Clarins Everlasting…

1 When you’re negotiating over long-standing problems, even mentioning the issue can trigger instant partner resistance. Ultimatums such as, ‘We need to discuss this now!’ don’t help. Instead, issue an invitation. ‘I’m really interested to know your thoughts…’, then listen attentively as your partner opens up. 2 The best negotiations start not with agreement, but with you each asserting your different positions. Take time to think about these, then respectfully explain what you’d ideally want. The chance to admit your own wishes helps you give space to your partner’s. 3 Beneath most problem situations lie deeper fears, perhaps around security or self-esteem – if unaddressed, these keep a negotiation deadlocked. So admit any anxieties that your partner’s solution may be raising in you, then work together to find reassurance or…

Deep Relief Anti-inflammatory Gel and Deep Relief Joint Pain Gel combine ibuprofen and levomenthol to provide powerful pain and inflammation relief – where you need it most. First, levomenthol acts on the pain receptors in the skin, giving fast cooling and soothing pain relief. This allows time for the ibuprofen to penetrate your skin and block the production of prostaglandins via inhibition of the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway, to help relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation directly at the point of your pain. What’s more, levomenthol also acts as a penetration enhancer, allowing more ibuprofen through your skin. Always read the label.…

I meet lots of women who tell me fashion stresses them out. Yet clothes should actually make life easier. If you look and feel your best, making your way in the world becomes so much more straightforward, not to mention fun! And finding your best doesn’t need to be a chore. The simplest way is courtesy of what I call a one-stop wonder, a single piece that transforms you head to toe, like a dress or a jumpsuit, or – what with the cold months ahead – a great coat. Though, that said, your one-stop wonder might actually, strictly speaking, be more of a two-step affair – the same total-look approach delivered by way of twinning items, like a suit, or co-ords. This is particularly handy if, like many of…

Alice Hart-Davis is a beauty journalist and creator of thetweakments guide.com Andrew Barton is a celebrity hairdresser and the creative director for the Headmasters salon group. Ateh Jewel is a multi-award-winning beauty journalist, director and producer who has been in the industry for 18 years. Dr Maryam Zamani is an oculoplastic surgeon and aesthetic doctor, with a reputation for excellence in eye and facial aesthetics. Dr Stefanie Williams is a highly regarded specialist dermatologist and founder of Eudelo clinic in London. Mary Greenwell is a make-up icon with decades of artistry experience and Hollywood’s A-list on speed dial. Caroline Barnes is an A-list make-up artist with a ‘speed beauty’ YouTube channel offering tips and tricks. Alison Young is a QVC presenter, beauty expert and A-list therapist. Zoe Irwin is a…

✢ OESTROGEN Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston explains that in the thick of the menopause, ovaries stop producing as much oestrogen. ‘This, along with tailed-off progesterone, can impact on bone health and be an osteoporosis risk factor. It also leads to menopausal symptoms of thinning skin and hair, loss of skin elasticity, low mood and vaginal dryness.’ ✢ PROGESTERONE Progesterone is produced by the ovaries after ovulation, typically halfway through a woman’s monthly cycle. ‘In peri-menopause, women ovulate less often so have the oestrogen but not the balancing progesterone. This period of oestrogen dominance can lead to irregular periods and mood swings,’ says Yvonne. Tania adds that this hormone can ‘normalise blood clotting, reduce hot flushes, restore libido and regulate blood sugars.’ ✢ TESTOSTERONE The sex hormone is produced by men but…

ON THE GO Fresh avocado, halloumi, mushrooms, poached eggs, beans and roasted tomato. A champion breakfast! Veggie Breakfast Box, £4.45, Leon For a light, fruity bite, team protein-rich yogurt with sweet granola. Fruit Salad with Greek Style Yogurt & Granola, £2 for 225g, Co-op Try these for an energy hit. The Protein Ball Co Hazelnut + Cacao Breakfast Balls, £1.99 per 45g pack, independent health food stores Kick-start the morning with one of your 5-a-day. Rainbow Fruit Salad with Seed Sprinkles, £2 for 220g, Co-op AT HOME Great sprinkled over Greek yogurt or just with milk. Lizi’s Low Sugar Maple & Pecan Granola, £3.89 for 500g, Waitrose & Partners Just add boiling water for a filling, flavoursome porridge. The Great British Porridge Co Blueberry & Banana porridge, £4.99 for 385g,…

TREAT YOURSELF Fed up with fast fashion and buying stuff that breaks or falls apart? Invest in the durable, not the disposable, and you can save money and save the planet at the same time. Discover a carefully selected range of products designed to last a lifetime at BuyMeOnce. The website highlights everything from Le Creuset casseroles to socks with a lifetime guarantee, with toys, bags, shoes, kitchenware, gadgets and garden tools in-between. If money is tight, use BuyMeOnce to identify long-lasting brands to then seek out second-hand. NEED TO KNOW Women born in the 1950s have taken the Government to court, to challenge increases to their state pension age. Campaign group BackTo60 brought judicial review proceedings against the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). The women argue that they…

✢ FLORAL NOTES This intensely dry Epernay Champagne with delicate floral aromas is one of the prettiest bottles we’ve seen from M&S. Made from the classic Champagne grape Pinot Noir, with a touch of Chardonnay added for richness and balance, it’s perfect for stashing away. Keep an eye on M&S online, as it’s often on special offer in the lead-up to Christmas. Charles Mignon Hymne à l’Amour Champagne, RRP £32, but £21.33 when on offer, M&S ✢ PERFECTLY PINK With nostalgic wafts of summer berries and a suitably autumnal toasty finish, this rich salmon blush fizz is rather special for the price and goes beautifully with oily fish dishes and pâtés. From the Louis Kremer Champagne House, founded in the mid-19th century. Taste the Difference Brut Rosé Champagne, £20, Sainsbury’s…

A MOVING MYSTERY The Confession by Jessie Burton (Pan Macmillan) Successful writer Constance ‘Connie’ Holden and Elise Morceau meet by chance on Hampstead Heath in 1980. Elise follows Connie to the glamorous world of LA, but it’s not long before she makes a decision that changes everything, and a compelling mystery begins to unfold. An absorbing tale of self-discovery. AN INTRIGUING HISTORY The Inheritance of Solomon Farthing by Mary Paulson-Ellis (Mantle) Alternating between present day and the last days of the First World War, this riveting story follows Solomon Farthing, a ne’er-do-well heir hunter who preys on the relatives of those who have died intestate, like former soldier Thomas Methven. In tracking down his past, Solomon discovers a curious legacy. A deftly woven, moving plot. HAUNTING FAMILY DRAMA…

The Politician This dark comedy follows Payton Hobart (Ben Platt), who’s desperate to become US President one day. Gwyneth Paltrow plays his mother. Netflix The King Timothée Chalamet is Hal, the wayward 15th-century prince and reluctant heir to the English throne, who’s turned his back on royal life. Stars Lily-Rose Depp and Robert Pattinson. Netflix In the Shadow of the Moon Michael C Hall stars as a detective in this sci-fi thriller about an unexplained series of murders. His investigation throws up some big secrets about the suspected murderer. Netflix…

DO Pack nice socks and slip-on shoes, as you’ll be removing them a lot. DO Slurp your noodles and soup – it’s not just acceptable but actively encouraged. DO Use travel passes. Transport can be pricey but the JR Pass for bullet and local trains, and the Hakone Free Pass are great value. DO Rent a pocket WiFi device if you rely on Google Maps to get around. We used japan-wireless.com DO Buy an adaptor before you go – they’re surprisingly tricky to find once you’re there. DON’T Neglect any options on Japanese Toto toilets. You’ll never feel so fresh. DON’T Tip in restaurants, it isn’t the done thing and you’ll be chased with your ‘forgotten’ change. DON’T Overpack. Laundry services are everywhere and very affordable. DON’T Blow your nose…

BRECON BEACONS Said to have inspired Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, this extraordinary landscape has four spectacular mountain ranges and a plethora of ancient woodlands, with hidden waterfalls, caves, crevices and gorges galore. It’s home to some of the UK’s rarest wildlife, including otters, great crested newts and reed warblers, as well as a host of migrating birds in autumn. By night, it’s a Dark Sky Reserve paradise for stargazers. You’ll find these walks and more at breconbeacons.org Beginner’s walk Take the 6km trail to Sgwd yr Eira (the ‘Snow Waterfalls’) to peer behind the 18m curtain of water as it cascades to the rocks below. En route, there are river views and a wooded gorge, as well as a quartz mine and a crumbling gunpowder works. Start and…

Star sign of the month LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 23 OCTOBER  The pace picks up from the 5th, when you’re on a mission to get something done. Arguments with loved ones are likely, especially around the 13th’s full moon, when things come to a head. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD  Family, especially parents, present challenges. Whatever happens, it’s crucial to look after yourself and not put everything on hold for others. Call 0905 789 4156* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. SCORPIO 24 OCTOBER – 22 NOVEMBER The month doesn’t gear up for Scorpios until the 24th, but it’s worth the wait. Your own new moon on the 28th says anything is possible. Go for it! Call 0905 789 4157* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. SAGITTARIUS 23 NOVEMBER –…

Cillian, 43, lives in Ireland with his wife, visual artist Yvonne McGuinness, 46, and their two sons, Malachy, 13, and Aran, 12. My childhood memories We used to go camping in France a lot. I have very fond memories of driving around campsites with all of us in the back of the car. At one point there were four of us kids in the back, plus a baby seat and my granny, and Mum and Dad in the front. I don’t know how we did it, but you don’t remember the fights. You just remember the fun. On acting I’ve always been an actor who works in every medium – in theatre and film and television – and never seen any difference between the three. For me, it’s always been…

ZOE WEST, one of our books editors, started her career advertising albums for a record company, before moving into magazines. She was an avid dancer in childhood, so writing about The Joy of Dance  on p42 was familiar territory. She lives in the countryside with her husband, two daughters, their dog Mungo Jerry, and a resident owl. What do you love about autumn? When the air turns crisp but it’s still sunny – it’s magical. I like the ‘back to school’ feeling of starting afresh. Plus the return of Strictly. What’s not to love about that? DR MARYAM ZAMANI is one of our expert beauty judges in this year’s w&h Beauty Awards (p97). She is an oculoplastic surgeon and aesthetic doctor with expertise in eye surgery and non-surgical treatments. She…

SHE SAID IT: ‘Part of the joy of dancing is conversation. Trouble is, some men can’t talk and dance at the same time.’ Ginger Rogers, actress, dancer and singer ✢ With Strictly back in town, turn to page 42 to discover the joy of dance WHAT YOU TOLD US… I have just finished Those Who Are Loved by Victoria Hislop. If you are interested in modern-day Greek history, give it a read. It is centred around the experiences of one family and it was a fantastic book – I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended. Rebekah Gough ✢ Let us know what you’ve been reading on our Reading Room FB page womanandhome…

He adored me and the feeling was mutual Fifteen years ago this month, I fell in love. My husband knew all about it although he did warn me not to get involved. I didn’t listen, I was a woman possessed. I drove to Luton to meet him. The first time he saw me, he jumped up and licked my ear. When I was putting him in the car, I called home. ‘You don’t understand. He’s so cute,’ I said. ‘Of course he’s CUTE!’ snapped my husband. ‘Cute is the job description of puppy.’ I figured that once the family saw the little red poodle – a bunch of tawny curls on a piece of elastic, he couldn’t stop boinging up and down like a yoyo – there would be no…

Due to popular demand, the w&h Christmas lunch will take place on two dates this year – Friday 29 November and Friday 6 December. A favourite event of the year for the w&h team and readers alike, you’ll be treated to a fabulous drinks reception and a luxurious three-course meal with wine pairings in the hotel’s ballroom overlooking Hyde Park. Having recently unveiled its new look, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London offers timeless heritage, contemporary flair and impeccable service. Situated opposite Harvey Nichols and moments from Harrods, the location for this year’s w&h Christmas lunch is the perfect place to start your celebrations. To make sure you feel ultra glam for the lunch, you’ll also have the chance to be pampered in the morning by a Color Expert hairstylist, with…

For many of us, school trips were the first blast of fledgling independence and often the first time we went abroad. With parents absent and teachers who thoughtfully decamped to the bar, we could try the forbidden fruits of alcohol, cigarettes and kissing boys. We talked to five women about their highlights. BEANZ MEANS BRUM I was in the athletics team and excited to be off to Birmingham to represent The FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh, Essex, at the competition finals. It was 1989 and, although a seat belt law came into effect that year, we spent the journey swapping seats and drawing love hearts on the windows. At the hotel, the teachers seemed to vanish into thin air, or more likely to the bar, while we ran riot in the…

Sarah Roberts, 51, business psychologist I can never imagine wearing this dress under a coat. Is there outerwear that will go with the length? ✢ If you own a lot of midi summer dresses then investing in a midi-length coat means you can wear them all winter too. Chose a smart wool version in a bright shade to bring your look right up to date. Madeleine Hay, 40, trainee dyslexia tutor I don’t know what to put this top with apart from jeans. What else can I try? ✢ Try a pair of wide cropped leather trousers; it’s a really flattering contemporary style that’s as easy to wear as jeans. Jean Malacrida, 63, semi-retired These are my go-to trousers for any smart occasion – they fit me so well I’d…

Why is it that waking up with wayward, frizzy hair or a new grey friend can instantly send your spirits south? A good hair day is more than just looking good, it has the power to make you feel self-assured, less stressed and more in control. Hair can also be a source of pleasure, particularly if you’re open to change. This is true for w&h reader Jodie Swaine, 52. ‘I have quite an emotional relationship with my hair, and I’m not 100% happy with it at the moment, which is why I’m keen to make a change,’ she says. Jodie is very active and often wears her hair up to work out, but she was self-conscious of the grey around her hairline. ‘Although I’ve only got a few grey hairs,…

The menopause isn’t called ‘the change’ for nothing. From insomnia and low mood to joint pain, the symptoms (there are a staggering 34 of them) can make you feel old. ‘It’s a time of transition,’ says pelvic floor specialist Jane Wake (myinnovo.com/uk). ‘It affects women both physically and mentally.’ But, despite almost 80% of women saying exercise has helped their symptoms, a third have actually cancelled plans to get moving because of them*. These simple workouts can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Here’s how… 1 STRETCH away insomnia Trouble sleeping? You’re not alone. Up to 61%** of menopausal women experience issues. ‘A stretching routine, such as Pilates, can reduce tension and create a sense of deep relaxation in the body, which is more conducive to slumber,’ says health…

THIS MONTH.. Nipple changes • Type 1 diabetes diagnosis in midlife • Developing osteoarthritis in your fifties Q For the past couple of years I’ve noticed that one of my nipples is changing, and it now looks flatter than the other one. I can’t feel any lumps and there is no soreness, so should I be concerned? A The most common cause of a gradual change in the shape of the nipple is scarring of one or more of the milk ducts underneath it. As we age, milk ducts inside the breast slowly widen, a condition called duct ectasia, and though this generally doesn’t cause symptoms, occasionally the natural milky secretions inside the duct may become infected, usually from the bacteria that live on the skin. The infection is usually very mild,…

Mexican tequila tarta Bring some tropical sunshine into your life with this moist, fruity sponge generously doused in tequila syrup. Serves 12 • Ready in 50 mins, plus cooling 1 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into segments 200g butter, plus 25g extra 200g light soft brown sugar 4 eggs 175g plain flour 200g self-raising flour ¼tsp baking powder 2tsp mixed spice 1tsp freshly grated ginger zest of 1 lime for the syrup: 50g salted butter 50g light muscovado sugar zest and juice of 1 lime 2tbsp tequila you will need: 2 litre bundt tin or 23cm round tin with a ramekin in the middle, greased 1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4. For the sponge, put quarter of the pineapple in a food processor and whizz until smooth. In a…

✢ TABLE BEER binary botanical was created by a team of women with a shared passion for inventing a beer that was more aromatic and less bitter, refreshing and lower in calories. £1.90 for 250ml; £3.99 for a 660ml, bottle, Ocado, Harvey Nichols and independent retailers ✢ DOUBLE CREAM Shake things up with this creamy IPA, brewed with lactose, vanilla and oats for a full-bodied and milky texture. Passion fruit and tangy South American sapote fruit balances the sweetness, giving it an exotic and unique finish. Vocation Cooler Shaker, in collaboration with Crate Brewery, £3 for 440ml, Tesco…

I’m a bit of magpie so there are always snippets of real life that I weave into the story. Characters are often an amalgamation of people I know and people I’ve imagined. In The Day We Meet Again, my friend Amanda is the English professor who Phoebe meets in Italy, and my friend Michael and his awesome bookshop are in a key scene. Editing can be a slog. I adore the first draft, where the book tumbles out of my head onto the page, but edits are where I have to make that work. I write whenever I can, wherever I can. For the first five years of my writing career I had a day job, so I would write when I got home from work. Now I fit writing…

Restoration by Rose Tremain Rose was my tutor in creative writing. This made me realise what historical fiction was capable of. Little House In the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder I adored this children’s book. It’s about pioneer life in 19th-century America. It had a huge influence on me. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood I could have chosen any Atwood novel, but the variety and fantastic control of tone in The Handmaid’s Tale really sticks with you. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison I love a lot of Morrison’s work but this was the first of her books I read. It’s a wonderful portrayal of an African-American family. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy I’ve just read this. I was quite worried because it’s so long, but it’s…

World on Fire Sean Bean, Lesley Manville and Helen Hunt star in this wartime drama. It tells the stories of ordinary people from Britain, Poland, France, Germany and America, including Harry (Jonah Hauer-King), who’s trying to smuggle his Polish lover out of the country. BBC One Sanditon Jane Austen’s final, unfinished novel Sanditon stars Anne Reid and Kris Marshall. It tells the story of heroine Charlotte (Rose Williams), a summer guest at the coastal resort of Sanditon, who embarks on a spiky relationship. ITV Inside No 9 Get ready for more twisted tales as the bizarre comedy returns for a fifth series with Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton. Look out for Jenna Coleman, David Morrissey and Ralf Little. BBC Two Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow Chatty Man comedian Alan Carr hosts…

Stylish Lake Maggiore straddles both Italy and Switzerland and was a favourite of Hemingway, Chaplin and many others. We also visit the equally beautiful Lake Como, plus the romantic gem that is Lake Orta, one of the most entrancing in Italy. You will experience some of the finest alpine scenery, chic Locarno and dramatic Zermatt, nestling famously at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, the world’s most charismatic peak. Fully escorted price includes ✢ Cruise to the enchanting islands of Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella, with a guided tour of the 17th-century baroque villa ✢ Travel through the Simplon Pass to Zermatt in the Swiss Alps, seeing the Matterhorn ✢ Full-day tour to Lake Como, described by Wordsworth as ‘a treasure which the earth keeps to itself’ ✢ Visit charming…

♡ Home life  For me, it’s about being at home – doing the shopping, emptying the dishwasher, taking the dog for a walk. ♡ Eating meat  I got bored of being a veggie and had some venison, and it was so nice. Life is too short not to eat meat. ✘ The Peaky haircut People ask for a ‘Peaky cut’. It’s crazy that people like it – it hasn’t grown on me in six years now. ✘ Overpaid actors  We are so lucky and pampered. It’s embarrassing the way actors can get made untouchable.…

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CATHERINE WESTWOOD EXECUTIVE EDITOR Miranda McMinn GROUP LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR Geoffrey Palmer GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR David Dowding ACTING ART DIRECTOR David Graham GROUP CHIEF SUB EDITOR Emma Badger LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR Jayne Marsden FASHION DIRECTOR Paula Moore FASHION EDITOR Hannah Hughes DEPUTY FASHION EDITOR Eloisa Johnson SENIOR FASHION & BEAUTY WRITER Jessica Beech SENIOR FASHION WRITER Becky Joiner-O’Riordan GROUP BEAUTY DIRECTORS Charley Williams-Howitt and Sarah Cooper-White BEAUTY EDITOR Fiona McKim BEAUTY EDITOR Annie Vischer FEATURES DIRECTOR Jane Kemp FEATURES EDITOR Sharon Sweeney TRAVEL EDITOR Helena Cartwright BOOKS AND FICTION EDITORS Emma Shacklock and Zoe West CELEBRITY DIRECTOR Jack White DEPUTY CELEBRITY DIRECTOR Robyn Morris CELEBRITY FEATURES EDITOR Hayley Minn SENIOR CELEBRITY WRITER Selina Maycock CELEBRITY WRITER Georgia Farquharson HEALTH & FITNESS EDITOR Lucy Gornall SENIOR HEALTH WRITER Faye M Smith SENIOR…

IN THE MIX If you want the latest designer brands at high street prices, then look no further than Label/Mix. The exclusive collections from Next showcase fashion’s rising stars and each range is limited edition. All available in sizes 8-16 at next.co.uk PANDORA’S BOX Jewellery brand Pandora has recently undergone an exciting relaunch to coincide with the release of their new season collection. We love the group of diverse and inspiring women they’ve chosen to front the campaign. Prices range from £25-£175, pandora.net INTRODUCING… Remember when Zara was a perk of holidaying in Europe? Well, welcome to Reserved! Available in the UK with affordable, trend-led pieces updated every week, we’re lusting after its new-season bags. reserved.com MAKE A STATEMENT Update your look and put your best foot forward in these…

Lesley, 63, lives in Sussex. She has a son Alfie, 31, with her ex-husband actor Gary Oldman. MY WALK-IN WARDROBE I converted the bedroom next to mine into a dressing room. It’s girlie heaven. I had cupboards made and I’ve furnished it with a lovely table and a huge gilt mirror. VINYL RECORDS I still have all my vinyl albums, but the one I always return to is Stevie Wonder’s 1976 Songs in the Key of Life. It reminds me of my youth and that blissful heartache – in hindsight – we’re all addicted to it in our twenties. HAVING FUN IN MY SIXTIES I want to go out dancing and get sweaty and drink too much and go home at three in the morning, and I want to have…

It’s time to plump up the cushions and wield those scoring paddles as – da-da-dada, da-da-daah – Strictly Come Dancing is set to take over our Saturday nights once again. And in anticipation of another exciting season, we thought it best to brush up on our dance knowledge and revisit some of the most iconic dances of the Latin and Ballroom world. WALTZ SPINE-TINGLING ROMANCE For romance, there’s no dance more whimsical and beautiful than the classic waltz. Beginning life as an Austro-German folk dance known as the Landler, it is very much characterised by a couple who hold each other while rotating, swinging and swaying their way around the dance floor. The basic step forward is on the heel, moving to the ball of the foot and rising…

‘I LOOK TOWARDS THE SUNSHINE, NOT THE SHADOWS’ CHRISSIE JACKSON, 46, is a retired photographer who lives in Cornwall with her cat Dennis. When I was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, I had two options: sink or swim. I chose to swim. I had experienced no symptoms and was in China taking part in the Clipper Round the World sailing race as part of my plan to shake things up, following a messy divorce. I was about to cross the Pacific when I developed a blood clot in the large vein running down the left side of my body. I came home and had a stent fitted in my pelvis. ‘When there’s wind in my hair and salt on my lips, I can forget about cancer’ During routine scans…

✢ ‘The first series was very beautiful. When Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) stood on the lawn at the end to announce that WW1 was imminent, I found it extremely moving – the whole rhythm was fantastic.’ ✢ ‘I was proud of all the staff’s discretion when Matthew Crawley had his fateful motoring accident. We had to push a car down the lane and we knew what was happening but no one gave the game away.’ ✢ ‘I love the Christmas scenes because they’re always fun to film. The creator Julian [Fellowes] just asks how we set things up at Christmas and replicates that because we know that’s what works. Unfortunately, the Christmas scenes are always filmed in the summer so all the cast are dressed in furs, while the production…

He won’t look to the future Q We’re in our fifties, and I want to get Lasting Power of Attorney arranged for both of us. But my husband says I’m being morbid, and we don’t need to do it till we’re old. A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal way of making sure that if, through illness, you can’t make decisions for yourself, someone you nominate can do it for you. People often think it’s something to do when you’re old and infirm, but illness or accidents can strike at any age – and once you’ve become unable to make decisions, it’s too late to get an LPA. You can then end up having to go to court to get permission to make financial decisions for the person…

PERI-MENOPAUSE When? Typically between the ages of 45-51. What’s happening? Women are often unaware that they’re entering the peri-menopause, which can be distressing. Symptoms of hot flushes and night sweats can start five or more years before your periods stop at the menopause. Dr Sarah Brewer, Healthspan medical director, says, ‘During peri-menopause, ovaries produce fewer and weaker follicles until, eventually, you stop ovulating. Only 12% of women just wake up one day and never have another period.’ The other 88% notice fluctuations with their cycles being longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, or characterised by intermittent spotting. In early perimenopause, oestrogen levels are still high enough to allow for ovulation. However, these levels are lower than your body is used to, so symptoms may be felt before the cycle changes.…

‘I “supercycle” clothes on Instagram’ KATE McGUIRE, 48, is married and lives in west London with her son and twin stepdaughters. She set up Converted Closet in 2016 to show how to ‘supercycle’ neglected clothes into gorgeous, wearable pieces. ✢ THE IDEA I’d enjoyed a successful career in the City, firstly in banking, then as a headhunter. In 2012 I left work when my son Gus, now six, was born. I’ve always been crazy about fashion and had grown up altering clothes to suit me as I’d struggled with weight issues in my teens and twenties. In 2016, I set up an Instagram account @converted closet. I bought a tripod and took a daily picture to share how I converted my clothes. Today I have around 8.5K followers. ✢ WHAT…

WHAT’S IN SEASON It’s the perfect time for delicious woodland foods like wild mushrooms, dark berries and tangy apples. Aubergines, pumpkins, cabbages, root veg and beetroot will taste fantastic with turkey, game or oily mackerel – also in season now. WHAT A CORKER! We love crisps at woman&home, and Corkers have gone straight into our current top 10. Rich olive oil teams up with seven interesting flavours, which include Rosemary & Garlic, Sweet Potato, Beetroot with Sea Salt and, our favourite, Black Truffle. £1.99, Ocado DAILY BREAD We know that gut health is linked to overall health but it’s hard to remember to take probiotics. Step forward Roberts Bakery’s new Digestion Boost Bloomer range. Created with organic live ferments, zero artificial additives, and packed with fibre and calcium, these loaves…

Trend 1: GEO ABSTRACT Taking inspiration from mid-century abstract design, blocks of colour and bold geometrics create a contemporary look. From wall art to rugs, cushions or tableware, these shapely designs work best on flat surfaces to really make a statement 1 COLOUR BLOCK Patchwork cushions, £40 each; Axel easy-fit pendant light, £40, all J by Jasper Conran range. Tivoli cotton 2-seater in Clay, £999, Swoon range, all Debenhams 2 MAKING SHAPES Turini black 16-piece cutlery set, £95; Clara orange dinner plate, £6; Clara pink side plate, £5; Clara pink dinner plate, £6; Clara pink cereal bowl, £5; Fuji chopping board in white ash, £35, all Habitat 3 RETRO REVIVAL Connection small hex stool in orange, £149; Connection large hex stool in pink, £215; Inaluxe jazz flute rug, £249, all…

1 The Familiars by Stacey Halls (Zaffre) Fleetwood Shuttleworth asks midwife Alice for help conceiving an heir, but becomes the target of deadly accusations. 2 Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin (Harperteen) Persecuted for her unusual gifts, Louise has to flee – but Church huntsman Reid crosses her path. Dark and sexy. 3 Her Kind by Niamh Boyce (Penguin) Desperate Petronelle is given a new identity, but soon realises that life in the city is just as dangerous. 4 The Glass Woman by Caroline Lea (Penguin) Set in 17th-century Iceland, hastily married Rosa is fearful not only of the locals, but of the very land itself. Bewitching. 5 Sanctuary by VV James (Hachette) A sportsman’s tragic death courts suspicion when his ex-girlfriend is revealed to have been with him when…

Watching Big Little Lies, it’s one of the best things I’ve seen in years. Because I have such early starts I don’t have hours to watch TV but it’s my little treat. Reading A Little History of the United States. I studied history at uni and I’m heading to the US this summer so I thought it would be a good chance to read up on it all. Listening to I love strong female singers. My co-host Ronan Keating knows I’m a big Madonna fan so we play her on our breakfast show a lot, and I love Paloma Faith. Scrolling l follow Rosie Ramsey on Instagram, who does a podcast with her husband Chris. She’s very funny online and doesn’t take herself too seriously. Eating at The Waterway in…

Nestled in a lush green garden surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful mountains in the distance, Le Quattro Terre hotel is an hour’s drive – but a world away – from the hustle and bustle of Milan. With the elegance and stylish simplicity the Italians make their own, the hotel’s very comfortable air-conditioned rooms make it the perfect base for a visit to the wine region of Franciacorta. This area is lucky enough to have its own microclimate – storms seem to pass it by – and certainly the blissful afternoon warmth was a welcome change from English drizzle as we set out for our first taste of Italian cuisine – lunch at Agriturismo Cornaleto. I chose a delicate bresaola salad with pears, Parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze, followed by…

The once-wild Douro river has been tamed by a system of dams and locks, producing an enchanting topography. Cruise through port wine territory, where lush hillsides have given way to a patterned landscape of terraced vineyards. Portuguese wine is simply outstanding and our on-board wine list includes some excellent regional wines. Further inland, away from the Atlantic coast, the warmer climate creates a Mediterranean landscape of olive groves and ochre hillsides. Discover some of the Douro Valley and Iberia’s most charming villages, age-old traditions and wonderful cuisine. Fully escorted price includes ✢ Guided tour of Porto with visit to port wine cellars ✢ Scenic cruising through the Douro Valley ✢ Full day excursion to Spain’s Salamanca, with guided tour and flamenco show ✢ Tour of the medieval village of Castelo…