Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2020 i Woman & Home

The idea of making New Year’s resolutions always makes me go cold. I’ve made and broken more than I can remember over the years, only to feel like a failure. But no more. This year I’ve only made one. But it’s an important one. I am going to be more green. While my family and I have always ‘done our bit’ when it comes to recycling, there has got to be more we can do to help the planet in 2020 and beyond. Now the cardboard of Christmas is stashed in the green bin, the peelings in the brown one and our bags for life are stowed in the car boot, we are ready for action. According to a recent report, I’m not alone in this renewed push to be…

1. Powder with pow! Intensely flattering and won’t settle into lines, this blends like a powder but creates a liquid-like glow. BECCA Pearl Glow Luster Powder, £32, Boots 2. Moisture boost Creating a glow that lasts, this oil/serum hybrid is packed with nourishing ingredients for a gleaming finish. Glossier Futuredew, £23, glossier.com 3. Bright eyes Banish dark circles and puffiness with a blend of caffeine, hyaluronic acid and peptides. GLAMGLOW Bright Eyes Cream, £29, glamglow.co.uk 4. Spritz it on Perk up parched skin in seconds with this enriched natural oil spray – it’s perfect for use over make-up, leaving a light glow. PIXI Glow Mist, £16, M&S 5. Instant radiance Add a few drops of No7’s clever liquid serum highlighter to your usual foundation to create a ‘lit from within’…

✱ MOST DESIRED TALENT? I’d love more than anything to be able to sing or play the piano. I’d love to experience what it must be like to have an amazing singing voice and to be able to belt out a song. I’m dreadful, my children laugh when I sing. ✱ DESERT ISLAND MUST-HAVE? A cup of Twinings Everyday tea, which I would sip all day long. ✱ MOST TREASURED POSSESSION? My dogs. I have a Great Dane called Ophelia, and an English Pointer called Bess. They are gorgeous. ✱ IDEAL DAY? Just being at home with my family and going for walks somewhere really beautiful in Dorset. ✱ WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? I’d love a great big mane of thick, floppy hair. My hair is limiting, it drives me…

Your breath is the greatest asset you have. Of course, its primary function is to keep us alive by bringing oxygen into your body. But it is also naturally meditative. It reflects your most powerful emotions and if you learn to understand it, can either soothe or harness them. There is an art to breathing correctly, and it’s one that many of us have forgotten. HOW BREATHING WORKS Breathing relies on the big, powerful muscles of the diaphragm, the abdomen and the intercostal muscles that lie between the ribs. It is helped along by the smaller secondary muscles of the neck, shoulders and upper ribs. When you are upset, anxious or stressed, the abdomen tenses and prevents the big primary muscles from working. Instead, they begin tugging against each other,…

Sex, love, money, friendships, career, kids and confidence – we asked about them all and you answered. Thank you to all of you who took the time to fill out our survey. You told us about your retirement plans (mega) and your relationships (solid). You shared your concerns, from helping out your kids, to the impact of climate change on your grandchildren. And you told us the secrets of your finances and your sex life. Some things didn’t surprise us – we know you’re smart, confident and forward thinking. Some things did – 40% of you actually enjoy housework, for instance. Read on to find out what midlife women like you are really thinking, and let us know if you agree with the findings! Self-care and confidence You are women…

I lived with cancer long before my own diagnosis. My mum had breast cancer when I was pregnant with my son Ollie. When Ollie was only 10 years old, my husband Bruce died of oesophageal cancer. Two years later, I noticed a lump in my breast while in the shower. I was referred for a mammogram and scans, which led to 25 different – and very painful – biopsies from my left breast on the same day. I’ve never cried so much in pain. I then asked to be treated at the Montefiore Hospital in Hove. I’d worked there and had friends among the staff, so I knew it would be a safe space for me where I could be vulnerable, without any pretence. The diagnosis? There was a cancerous…

Susan Quilliam on the relationship between escort and client. It’s a common story. A relationship is still committed but the sex is non-existent. What now? Ending the partnership would forfeit the many benefits. A romantic affair might threaten the commitment. For Amanda, the answer is escort Madison. A man willing and able to provide sexual fulfilment with no involvement and absolute confidentiality. The arrangement fits the bill – which Amanda happily pays. But most of us would have doubts. Paying for sex can seem wrong, desperate; being paid for sex can seem exploitative, immoral. And what if Madison were less skilled or considerate? What if Amanda were to fall in love and be – inevitably – rejected? That said, Amanda is clear she gets what she wants – erotic pleasure…

Want your lips to look fuller in seconds? Easy! Modern lip gloss is now non-stick and big on shine. We love Fenty Beauty’s Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, £16, Boots, in a suits-all pinky-nude shade. For bolder colour, try YSL Vernis à Lèvres Water Stain, £29, Boots, which offers 14 rich shades. Or consider a gloss with benefits. Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector, £18, both nourishes and hydrates your lips. There’s never been a better time to shine!…

After months of hibernating in thermals and chunky knits, now’s the time to start looking forward. Yes, I know it’s still cold outside, but warmer days will arrive at some point, and it’s always good to be prepared. The problem is, many of the shops haven’t received their new-season collections yet, so dressing for this in-between bit isn’t easy. But with a bit of planning and insider knowhow, you can shop wisely and future-proof your wardrobe. It’s just a question of picking the right new trends when you shop. And with some sale bargains still on offer, this means not only are you buying clothes that will see you through to next winter, but you’re saving money as well. The key is identifying the looks that will work for you.…

1 Use an active eye cream Many of these are just ordinary moisturisers in smaller packaging with heftier prices. For results, there are two active ingredients that work brilliantly on eyes. For dark circles, vitamin C is a powerful brightener and antioxidant that improves texture and firmness. Look for at least 5% in airtight, UV-proof packaging, like Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum, £41, with 10% vit C and plumping hyaluronic acid. For everything else, retinol is a skin-improving superstar that speeds up cell turnover. You might experience flaking as your skin adjusts, but the results on lines and texture are worth it. Olay Retinol 24 The Night Eye Cream, £34.99, blends pure retinol and 0.3% retinyl propionate, known to be less irritating. The INKEY List…

HOW IT WORKS Choose one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner every day. Feel free to repeat meals you enjoy and find more ideas at slimmingworld.co.uk or when you join your local Slimming World group or sign up to Slimming World Online. Foods printed in bold are ‘Free Food’, which you can enjoy freely without needing to weigh, measure or count at all. Base meals around Free Food, like lean meat, plain tofu, Quorn, fish , pasta, rice, potatoes, eggs, pulses, fat-free dairy, fruit, vegetables and more. If you feel hungry, snack on these foods. For the best weight loss, reach for fresh fruit or vegetables first. Also stock up on fat-free dressings, herbs, low-calorie cooking spray, oil-free tomato purée, seasoning, soy sauce, spices and stock cubes, which can be used…

Starting 2020 on a health kick? You’re not the only one. As the new decade commences, 40%* of Brits will embark on a diet, yet half will have quit their new regime within seven days**. Why? Despite best intentions, that overwhelming sensation when hunger strikes is often enough to destroy even the strongest willpower. ‘Civilisation, as the saying goes, is only two meals away from anarchy,’ says author Dr Michael Mosley. ‘Feeling hungry is one of the most powerful stressors that exists, so it’s no wonder so many people don’t make it past the first few weeks on a diet.’ Finding the root cause of your hunger can go a long way towards controlling it. But there is a catch. ‘Feeling hungry comes from many different stimuli,’ says Dr Sally…

Probably not! When you hiccup, the diaphragm – the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen, suddenly contracts, forcing air upwards. Eating too much, too fast, or swallowing air, as well as excess drinking and smoking, can cause hiccups, as can sudden excitement, stress or even a change in temperature. I can’t find any proper research on common remedies, but when I tried to drink from the wrong side of a glass, I ended with water down my front and a fit of the giggles – although my hiccups did subside. Other popular remedies are biting on a lemon, sipping vinegar or pulling your knees up to your chest and leaning forwards, which work for some people. Breathing slowly, or breathing into a paper (NOT plastic) bag can also help.…

Seasoned renovators Jane and Stewart Gilmour were looking around for a new project in the Buckinghamshire town of Beaconsfield. ‘We’ve always loved the area, and have a wide circle of friends and family here,’ says Jane. Then one day, the ideal opportunity turned up out of the blue. ’We’d been looking for a property we could extend significantly or a suitable plot where we could build from scratch,’ says Jane. ‘This house had belonged to an elderly woman and it hadn’t been touched for 50 years. But we loved the quiet location at the end of a cul-de-sac.’ At the time, the couple were living in a smaller house nearby which they’d already extended, but Stewart was eager for a new challenge. ‘He has endless energy,’ says Jane. ‘He would…

Winter bircher muesli with a warming compote This simple dish is full of goodness, and is filling without being too heavy. SERVES 4 • Ready in 20 mins, plus soaking for the bircher: 200g oats 500ml oat milk 1tsp cinnamon ½tsp vanilla bean paste 50g each hazelnuts and pecans, roughly chopped 1 apple, grated 300ml apple juice 2tbsp chia seeds for the compote: 2 pears, peeled and deseeded 1tsp cinnamon 1 clementine 100ml cloudy apple juice 1 Mix the bircher ingredients in a bowl. Cover and keep in the fridge overnight. 2 For the compote, chop the pears into chunks and put in a pan. Add the cinnamon then grate in the clementine zest. Remove the peel then chop the fruit and add to the pan along with the apple juice.…

ROMANCE ON THE MED ‘The screening room was far more luxurious than our local cinema’ Amanda Swift finds plenty to celebrate on a luxury Mediterranean cruise. My husband and I are celebrating 30 years together this year. Spending a week on a boat with 1,000 other passengers might not sound like the most romantic holiday, but we revelled in the comfort and impeccable service of the cruise. Arcadia offered something for everyone, from early morning yoga, lunchtime bridge or sitting on deck watching the sunset – a favourite with us ageing lovebirds. On board there’s entertainment to suit everyone – we especially enjoyed the cocktail pianist, and a young couple on guitar and vocals. The on-board Screening Room, which was far more luxurious than our local cinema, showed recent releases.…

THE HOPES AND TRIUMPHS OF THE AMIR SISTERS by Nadiya Hussain (£8.99, HQ) Mae is on a journey to establish herself in an unfamiliar world. A heart-warming tale. IT STARTED WITH A SECRET by Jill Mansell (£14.99, Headline Review) Having secured her dream job, Lainey finds herself pretending she is part of a couple. Feel-good fun. THE TELEPHONE BOX LIBRARY by Rachael Lucas (£7.99, Pan) Lucy, a history teacher, has taken a sabbatical but meeting a fiery 90-year-old is destined to change her life forever. TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE by Erin Green (£9.99, Headline Review) This uplifting tale sees three women being challenged by their perspectives on the ‘perfect’ relationship. THE LITTLE VILLAGE LIBRARY by Helen Rolfe (£7.99, Orion) This is a novel with…

THE WRITER WHO INSPIRED ME WHEN GOD WAS A RABBIT by Sarah Winman I love Sarah and her writing, which is so beautiful and evocative. It’s moving, but with a positive outlook. I’ve heard her talk frequently, and it was Sarah who inspired me to write. She talked so passionately about her craft that it gave me the push I needed. A DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF PEOPLE THE BREAK by Marian Keyes Marian’s books are very popular. They’re so complex yet are always about the human story. In her latest novel, The Break, there is such a variety of stories and the characters are believable and relatable. She writes funny parts, but then there are those moments that knock you down with sadness. MASTER OF NUANCED CHARACTERS THE CONFESSION by Jessie…

White House Farm This drama tells the true story of how five members of a family were murdered at their Essex farmhouse in 1985. Freddie Fox plays Jeremy Bamber, who was convicted of the murders of his parents, sister and nephews. ITV COBRA Robert Carlyle plays the Prime Minister we all wish we had dealing with a major crisis in this six-part political thriller. With Victoria Hamilton as his Chief of Staff, can they bring society back from the brink of collapse? Sky One Call the Midwife It’s now January 1965 and all are mourning the death of Winston Churchill. Midwives Mother Mildred, Sister Julienne, Shelagh, Valerie and Trixie face evermore trying times serving the changing East End. BBC1 Death in Paradise When the crime drama returns there’ll be a…

Treadstone For fans of the Jason Bourne novels and films, this spin-off series stars Jeremy Irvine playing a CIA spy, John Randolph Bentley, who gets caught in a deadly conspiracy. Amazon Prime Video Star Trek: Picard Hollywood legend Patrick Stewart returns to his iconic Star Trek role of Jean-Luc Picard in this sci-fi series that follows the former captain on the next chapter of his life. Amazon Prime Video Serious Black Jumper Comedian Jayde Adams swaps her glitzy attire for a plain black turtleneck for her stand-up show, The Ballad of Kylie Jenner’s Old Face. She explores what it means to be a feminist today. Amazon Prime Video…

✱ The incredibly talented BalletBoyz celebrate 20 years with a new show called Deluxe , touring the UK from 1 March-13 May; balletboyz.com ✱ Catch Craig Revel Horwood: The All Balls and Glitter Tour in which the Strictly judge will talk about his life –with great music and plenty of gossip. 22 May-4 July; socomedy.co.uk ✱ Hear tenor Russell Watson singing some of his best-loved songs from the past 20 years at intimate venues across the UK, from 5 April-17 May; raymondgubbay.co.uk…

8 DAYS HALF-BOARD FROM ONLY £699 PER PERSON* Selected departures April to October 2020 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. YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN LAKE GARDA Fly to Milan, Bergamo, Venice, Verona or Treviso. On arrival, transfer to the lakeside resorts of Malcesine or Riva del Garda for the next seven nights. DAY 2 LAKE GARDA TOUR Discover picturesque Lake…

✱ Exploring medieval Koblenz ✱ A visit to Rüdesheim, centre of the Rhineland wine trade ✱ Cruising through the Rhine Gorge ✱ An evening in Speyer ✱ A guided tour of Strasbourg ✱ Visiting the old walled town of Breisach ✱ A tour of the Black Forest and lakeside town of Titisee ✱ A tour of some of the finest Swiss Alpine scenery – the Jungfrau and Eiger mountains, and the lakeside town of Lucerne ✱ All meals on board, from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your day of departure, including welcome cocktails and dinner, plus the Captain’s Dinner ✱ Return flights from a selection of regional airports or standard class seat on Eurostar from London St Pancras International and TGV ✱ Seven nights on board…

‘The only thing I like to run up are bills’ That big grey duvet of winter sky can bring on a Henny Penny feeling – which makes this the perfect time to conquer the Great Indoors – shops, galleries, museums, theatres, restaurants. Yep, I’m a city mouse. Rural life involves waaaayyyy too much exercise. Whenever I visit a friend who lives in the countryside, they invariably make me climb two Alps and rappel back down for some dressage and a little light elk-stalking before lunch. It’s exhausting. The only thing I like to run up are bills. Not that London life need bankrupt you. Just strolling the city streets, with their welcoming bookshops, coffee aromas and fairy lights flickering on the inky Thames, makes me feel as though I’m in…

AMBER GRAAFLAND has worked as a fashion and beauty journalist in a career spanning 80s excess, 90s heroin chic and noughties exhibitionism. She appears regularly on Sky News, the BBC and Radio 4’s Your & Yours, discussing everything from the latest fashion trends to what the royals are wearing. She writes our Ageless Style feature on p80. Who or what was your first love? A pair of baby blue plastic wedges I got for my seventh birthday. I refused to take them off and even wore them on a walking holiday in the Lake District. Author VICTORIA HISLOP has written six novels and numerous short stories. Her number-one bestseller The Island was televised in Greece, and last year, Those Who Are Loved also became a number-one bestseller. On p42 she…

@mrsmlmode, 52, takes a walk on the wild side in chic leopard print @nanie_world, 30, shows how to let your accessories do the talking @40notfrumpy, 46, adds trainers to her shirt dress for a modern update @simpson.house, 48, proves a classic trench never dates @justalpatri, 46, easily pulls off double denim – a tricky trend! @mamastillgotit_, 39, works the check trend with ease @glamamuma, 40, teams faux fur and leather for sports-luxe style @venswifestyle, 54, adds figure-flattering details to her layers #W&HSTREETSTYLE Add your pictures and tag @womanandhome or email w&hstreetstyle@ti-media.com to join in…

Has your fear of ‘not getting things perfectly right’ held you back in life? While friends love us for our openness and fallibility, we berate ourselves for our lack of resilience and not feeling ‘good enough’. Well now’s the time to embrace any vulnerabilities that may affect relationships, family life and careers, and turn them to our advantage. 1 BE YOURSELF ‘Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.’ So said fashion icon Coco Chanel. Comparing ourselves to others is like being squeezed by an insidious snake until we are paralysed, agonising over what other people think of us. Rob Moore warns that it can be an endless and empty pursuit to never feel good enough, or believe that we haven’t done enough. Yet without that feeling, we would…

✱ Sit on a straight-backed chair. Place your feet flat on the floor, your spine 2-3cm from the back of the chair. ✱ Be comfortable, with a relaxed but straight back. Place your hands loosely in your lap. Close your eyes. ✱ Focus your mind on your breath as it flows in and out. Feel the sensations the air makes. Feel the rise and fall of your chest and stomach. ✱ Where are the strongest feelings? Nose, mouth, throat, stomach, chest, shoulders? Pay attention and explore the feelings. Don’t try to alter them in any way. ✱ When your mind wanders, bring it back to your breath. Be kind to yourself. Minds wander. It’s what they do. Realising that your mind has wandered and bringing it back to your breath…

‘I’VE NEVER HIDDEN MY SCAR’ A CURVATURE OF HESTER’S SPINE LED TO MAJOR SURGERY DURING HER CHILDHOOD Hester Grainger, 42, lives in Reading with her husband Kelly, 44, and their children India, 10, and Hudson, eight. Together with Kelly, she runs a business consultancy (hudia.co.uk). I was 11 when the curve on my spine was spotted during a hospital X-ray for something unrelated. It was curved and twisted into an ‘S’ shape – a condition called scoliosis. It hadn’t caused me any pain or difficulties. No one could tell us what had caused it. ‘Some insensitive guys told me my back looked hideous – but this is me and I’m proud’ I was referred to an orthopaedic specialist and underwent an operation. Surgeons inserted a metal rod into my back,…

1 THE QUEEN With 67 years on the throne, it’s no wonder her Majesty reigns supreme for her dedication. 2 JUDI DENCH Dame Judi made her professional debut in 1957 with the Old Vic and she’s showing no signs of stopping. 3 HELEN MIRREN Stately, sexy and talented, actor Dame Helen is an icon of living and ageing well. 4 JK ROWLING The Harry Potter author has become a champion of children’s wellbeing with her Lumos charity. 5 AMAL CLOONEY One half of Hollywood’s hottest couple, barrister Amal earns respect for her legal work. 6 GRETA THUNBERG The teenage environmentalist has inspired people to take a stand against climate change. 7 NADIYA HUSSAIN With her openness about anxiety, the Bake Off winner is inspiring others with mental health issues.…

Screenings will be nationwide the week commencing 24 February. To see cinema locations and claim your tickets, go to seeitfirst.com and enter the code MW1289. TERMS & CONDITIONS *Up to two tickets allowed per person and per family name. Guests must be 18 or over to attend. Tickets are subject to availability and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis via seeitfirst.com. You must print out your tickets. No photocopies will be accepted. The tickets are not for resale. No cash alternative. No late admittance. The cinema reserves the right to refuse admission. Find full terms and conditions at seeitfirst.com…

I’ll never tire of 3am wake-up calls if we can save a horse’s life Nicky Jarvis (left), 52, is the senior veterinary surgeon at Redwings Horse Sanctuary, a charity with five centres in the UK, which cares for 1,500 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. When I was a child, my family used to take canal-boat holidays and a note in my father’s logbook is wonderfully telling of the life I was destined to lead: ‘Nicky spent the entire evening off the boat, looking at horses on the Fens.’ As an adult, when I was offered a permanent job as a vet at Redwings back in 1996, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. It was primarily because of the horses but also the human team. I’d done holiday cover there…

✱ HOT-CLOTH CLEANSERS As a longtime devotee of the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser, I’m hugely impressed by Lacura’s fruit-scented version, which cleanses beautifully. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, around £28 Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser (with muslin cloth), £3.99, Aldi ✱ VANILLA BODY CREAMS I adore Laura Mercier for a blow-the-budget treat. But for everyday softening I’ll be buttering up with Asda’s version, which smells of holidays in the sun. Laura Mercier Ambre Vanillé Soufflé Body Crème, £49 nspa Coconut & Vanilla Rich Body Butter, £3, Asda ✱ MASCARAS With its cheekily similar packaging, Aldi’s budget option lengthens and volumes without clumping – and I love the brush. It has knocked my former, pricier favourite right off its perch. Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara, £22 Lacura Too…

‘I was determined to run a business with hours to suit women’ Carrie Elizabeth Dennahy, 34, lives in Shoreditch, London, with her partner, Darran. In 2015 she gave up a secure job to launch Carrie Elizabeth Jewellery and create a female-friendly workplace. THE IDEA I had worked as a jewellery buyer for a high street brand throughout my 20s and noticed that there was a huge gap in the market between cheap fashion jewellery and high-end jewellery. I wanted to make luxurious but affordable pieces, using semi-precious stones and real diamonds, which made women feel powerful and special every time they wore them. As well as a desire to fulfil my creative vision, I was determined to run a business with flexible hours to suit women. In retail I had…

1 The versatile jacket Whether you want a chic belted style or a cosy shearling trim, there are so many ways to wear the updated denim jacket. Go glam and team it with a silky skirt or smarten it up with tailored trousers – this versatile piece is here to stay! 2 The flatters-all-shapes skirt Stick to midi lengths and A-line shapes – it’s the most grownup way to wear a denim skirt now. Thanks to the heavier fabric, this style skims over your hips and thighs, and flatters all leg shapes. Wear with a light knit and slouchy knee-high boots for a stylish but comfortable alternative to jeans this winter, and switch to sandals and a pretty blouse when spring comes around. 3 The new statement jeans Flares…

PERFECTLY PETITE Susie, 69, is 5ft 2in. She’s a retired stylist and lives in East Sussex. TALL WOMEN Sherrie, 43, is 5ft 10in and lives in Manchester. She’s a registered nutritional therapist at rootcausemedicalclinics.com BIGGER BUST Vindra, 60, wears a G-cup bra. She lives in London and works part-time as a nursing educator. CELEBRATE YOUR CURVES Sandra, 59, wears a size 16-18. She lives in London and is a practice manager at an opticians.…

Alexandra Shulman Since leaving her role as the longest serving editor-in-chief at British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman now has a column in the Mail On Sunday. Awarded an OBE for services to fashion journalism and a CBE for services to magazines, she is a sought-after commentator on fashion, contemporary style and female leadership. She has now diversified into the beauty industry, working with No7 Boots to create a gift collection. MY BEAUTY INSPIRATION No7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil, £7.50, Boots I like wearing a classic look – dark eyes created by smudging on a black kohl liner, paired with pale lips – a standard 1960s style. MY SKIN SAVIOUR Chanel LE LIFT Smoothing & Firming Cream, £105, John Lewis & Partners I’m lucky to have inherited quite good skin, but…

Foods that help satiety, the suppression of hunger for a period after eating a meal, can influence how soon and how much you next eat… ✱ Choose lower energy dense food. ‘Foods that have fewer calories per gram, such as poultry, fish, pulses, pasta, rice and potatoes, enable people to consume a larger volume of food, which helps satisfy appetite while reducing overall calorie intake,’ says Dr Lavin. ‘Slimming World has been actively involved in this research, and there’s robust evidence to demonstrate this.’ ✱ Consider water content. ‘This bulks out foods without adding calories,’ says Dr Lavin. ‘Boiled potatoes, for example, with a high water content, are much more voluminous and therefore filling than crisps, which are easy to consume in large quantities because they are dried. You could…

IF IT’S A COLD… Symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing and sometimes a sore throat. It’s normal to feel under the weather, with maybe a slight temperature, but it’s usually possible to carry on with your normal everyday activities. Colds are caused by a viral infection, so antibiotics – which only treat bacterial infections – are of no benefit at all. Ease symptoms with decongestants, paracetamol and ibuprofen. Most colds get better in about a week. IF IT’S FLU… Symptoms often come on very suddenly, with a high fever, sweating, headaches, and severe muscle aches and pains. Some people have a sore throat and sneezing as well. If you have flu, carrying out normal activities is impossible – just getting out of bed is a huge effort. Typically, symptoms are…

1 INCREASE YOUR KERB APPEAL Giving your front door a new lick of paint is a great way to enhance the appearance of your home. Whether you opt to go bold and bright or choose a timeless neutral shade, giving your door a makeover doesn’t have to stop with a new paint shade. Update hardware such as letterboxes, handles and knockers, or give existing ones a good polish. It’s so important to keep your home secure. ‘With Ring’s suite of affordable, customisable and easy-to-install home security products, you don’t have to compromise style over safety,’ says Dave Ward, European product director, Ring 2 EMBRACE OPEN-PLAN LIVING With our kitchens continuing to be the hub of the home, dining rooms can often end up becoming an unloved space that…

Creamy no-cheese blueberry ‘cheesecake’ DAIRY FREE There’s a growing trend to ditch the dairy – but that doesn’t mean you need to say cheerio to cheesecake! Coconut ‘cream’ gives a gorgeous rich texture. SERVES 8 • Ready in 20 mins, plus chilling 200g blueberries 50g golden caster sugar 2tsp cornflour 100g dairy-free plain chocolate 15g olive oil spread 125g dairy-free digestive biscuits, crushed 50g desiccated coconut 6 gelatine leaves 400ml can coconut milk 160g can coconut cream 150ml coconut milk yogurt 4tbsp agave syrup finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon you will need: 19cm loose-based tin 1 Put the blueberries, sugar and 2tbsp water in a pan and bring to the boil. Reserve 12 berries; stir the cornflour into the sugar mix. Leave to cool. 2 Melt the…

B.A. Paris B.A. Paris is the author of four bestselling novels. Her debut, Behind Closed Doors , sold over a million copies, while her long-anticipated latest novel, The Dilemma , is set to be one of this year’s most chilling thrillers. I’m not a planner – I prefer to see where the characters and the story take me. I don’t make spreadsheets. I’ve tried, but it doesn’t work for me. It’s like going on a journey with people you don’t know but, by the end, you’ve become great friends because you’ve lived through incredible times together. The plot comes before the characters. I’ll find my starting point for the story, and sometimes it’s based on an experience I’ve had. It may be driving through some woods in a terrible storm,…

THIS MONTH YOU’LL FIND ME: Watching I haven’t yet watched HBO drama Chernobyl – but a lot of people keep telling me to, so I’m going to make the effort. Reading Because I travel a lot, I’ll often pick something up in the airport to read. I’ll either grab some tacky thriller because I love it or I’ll reread some old favourites. Listening To the stuff on my iPhone again because I miss the single pleasure of going through my own record collection. It is so reassuring and comfortable like a blanket, so I might work through all of [American guitarist] JJ Cale again. Learning To speak better French. And I’ve got to relearn how to fly my helicopter because my licence is no longer current. I need to make…

First-rate theatre With a superb cast and big names behind the scenes, Uncle Vanya should be in every culture lover’s diary. In this new adaptation, Chekhov’s masterpiece lays bare the crumbling social order in Russia at the turn of the 20th century. It stars Toby Jones, Richard Armitage, Rosalind Eleazar and Aimee Lou Wood. 14 January-2 May; haroldpintertheatre.com Catch King Tut A hundred years after Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb, the largest collection of its riches to travel outside Egypt is on display in London. Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh, presented by Viking Cruises, is at the Saatchi Gallery until 3 May; tutankhamun-london.com Comedy classic One of our favourite funny women, Jennifer Saunders is back in Noël Coward’s show Blithe Spirit. Playing the decidedly off-kilter clairvoyant Madame Arcati, she’s…

PISCES 20 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH Romantic Venus sends big love your way until the 7th and communicative Mercury steps up your powers of connection until the 17th. Then, though, he flips and conversations go to pot. Careful! Call 0905 789 4161* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL On the 8th, romantic Venus gives your love life a pre-Valentine’s boost. And while love remains lovely, there’s a challenge as the month proceeds. Call 0905 789 4150* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. TAURUS 21 APRIL – 21 MAY Keep your head down around the 21st when someone’s temper could suddenly erupt your way. It may tempt you to quit your job or dump them. Think twice! Call 0905 789 4151* and choose…

It’s official – Hermione N orris is the woman behind some of our favourite TV moments. For over a decade we’ve laughed and cried with her character Karen in Cold Feet , and last year she had the nation gripped as evil psychiatrist Vivien in Luther . So it’s refreshing to see the real Hermione on our shoot – laid-back, quick to laugh, and very easy to chat to. She reveals that while she loves her job, it does come with its downsides. ‘Of course there’s a pressure to look good in the TV industry,’ she says. ‘Because you’ve got a camera in your face all the time!’ Which goes to explain why she handles our photo shoot with such ease. She also shows us a side we haven’t seen…

Welcome to 2020! How pleasing that number looks. And it’s particularly special because it marks the beginning not just of a new year but a new decade. Which to me means my resolution must be more meaningful than usual, not just the usual Fitbit/ Marie Kondo/Dry January clichés. It should be something that takes me out of my comfort zone. I used to do something to shake things up every five years – change jobs, move house, have a baby – but of late I have kept everything the same, as life has been turbulent enough. So what should my 2020 mega-resolution be? I’m happy with my job, I can’t move house, and babies are out of the question. I know the answer, of course. It’s been whispering in my…

A sensible switch happens as you grow up. I like my exercise and take my health seriously, but now I care less if something wobbles. It’s more important that my legs, heart and lungs work, that I’m fit and strong. I’m very health aware. I try to be aware of any changes in my body. I’m always rocking up at my doctors trying to give samples of myself. ‘I’m not sure about this, do you need a sample?’ but she says, ‘No you’re all right love, thank you.’ Good friendships can feed your soul. I’m looking at my lovely picture of the ‘Five Go French!’ It may sound rather Enid Blyton, but every year my four really good girlfriends and I get together for a break in the south of…

Like every other adopted person, I have always struggled with my identity, wondering whether I was a product of nature or nurture? Would I have been a completely different person had I been raised by my birth parents? I loved my adoptive parents dearly, but was nothing like them. As a child I’d happily absorbed the classic adoption story they told my brother and me – that we had been chosen from a room full of babies because we were special in some way. It was only later in life that I came to realise they were offered a baby girl, followed swiftly by a boy, with little choice involved. I had an extremely secure, happy childhood. I was very close to my adopted brother, despite us having very different…

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, but to help, we have a great money-off offer. Choose a plan that suits your weight-loss needs SAVE £25 Use the code WHP0220 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. P&P charges may apply. Offer operated by and your resulting contract is with Jane Plan Ltd, a company wholly independent of woman&home, published by TI Media Ltd. PLUS! WOMAN&HOME DIET SUPPORTS YOU ALL THE WAY with weekly email and…

Thrifty trick Cash in on cashback to nab romantic presents for your loved one for less. If you aren’t already a member of cashback websites, such as TopCashback and Quidco, look out for generous new member offers. Previous joining offers include £10-£15 off Valentine’s chocolates from Hotel Chocolat, flowers from Interflora or a free card from Moonpig. After joining, you can then earn further cashback by clicking through from a cashback site before buying online. If you are a member, consider claiming cashback you’ve already earned to pay for presents, and boost the payout by up to 25% if you withdraw cashback as giftcards for specific stores. TREAT YOURSELF If you fancy splashing out on something sparkly for Valentine’s Day, put a (pre-loved) ring on it. Like cars, the price…

SLEEVELESS KNIT We’re always searching for those easy-wear items you can just throw on with jeans and look instantly stylish. This sleeveless knit does just the job and we guarantee you’ll want to live in it all winter. Mixing in a striped shirt adds interest – but a crisp white one works too. Turn up the sleeves to keep it all looking effortlessly casual. Sweater vest, £29.99, sizes s-l, Zara; shirt, £85, sizes 8-18, Gant; jeans, £65, sizes 8-20, Seasalt BRILLIANT BRETON Designed in the 1850s as the uniform for the French navy and re-purposed by Coco Chanel in the early 1900s, every fashion stylist has a version of this understated striped top. Try wearing it with a casual jumpsuit, beneath a part-buttoned denim shirt or layering under other tops…

BOOST YOUR RELATIONSHIP Louise Chunn, founder of therapy platform Welldoing Ltd (welldoing.org). Relationships are at the core of our personal happiness. Couples counselling can be a powerful step if things are shaky in your marriage, providing a place to address issues that may just cause hurt in casual conversation. The couple dynamic, in which two people cohabit and possibly raise a family, is affected by many elements – family history, work stress, income etc, and sometimes life’s difficulties compound the stresses of married life. Consulting a couples counsellor (also called a relationship therapist or marriage guidance counsellor) gives both partners the chance to express themselves and be heard. The therapist will usually set exercises and also try to encourage honesty. You can read more about how couples counselling works at…

Save £15/€25 when you join Slimming World Online with this exclusive discount***. If you can’t make a Slimming World group or there isn’t one nearby, or if you’d prefer to lose weight with web-based support, then Slimming World Online could be the perfect way for you to slim. It has all the tools you need to lose weight successfully and stay on track, including a weight-loss planner, motivational tips and an inspirational online community. Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/womanandhome before midnight on 11 February 2020 and enter voucher code WOMANANDHOME2020 to save £15/€25.…

More than 20 million people in the UK are physically inactive*. One of the main reasons is that many just don’t find exercise enjoyable. Sound familiar? Apparently it’s because we haven’t found a workout we love. Once we do, working out won’t feel like a chore. So why not try something new this year to boost enthusiasm and your body – after all, sticking to the same routine can hinder results. YOGA This is for you if… you are looking to firm up. WHY SHOULD I TRY IT? Thought yoga couldn’t whip you into shape? Think again. Even a sun salutation can tighten and tone your whole body in just four weeks. And if you constantly repeat it, it has a mild aerobic benefit too. You’ll probably feel more peaceful…

Q I’ve smoked since I was 17, and have just been told I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). I’ve tried umpteen times to stop, but now I really have to. I’d like to give vaping a try, but I’m concerned it’s just as dangerous as smoking. What’s your view? A The danger from cigarettes comes from the tar in tobacco, which contains at least 70 chemicals known to cause cancer. Tar also accumulates inside the lungs, where it causes permanent inflammation, leading to breathlessness and wheezing, the signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nicotine, though very addictive, is relatively harmless. E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid that contains nicotine, and typically propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine, plus flavourings. Though there have been some serious health effects reported in…

GET A CHEAP DEAL IF YOU’RE PLANNING A HOLIDAY, HERE’S HOW TO CUT THE COST ✱ Check for January airline sales; they’re often advertised in newspapers, on TV or on posters, but it also pays to check airline websites. ✱ Research from flight finders Opodo (opodo. com) found that, on average, Sunday is the cheapest day of the week to book your flight. For short-haul and domestic flights, it pays to book around 50 days in advance, while for long-haul flights to the US, the best prices are found booking around 36 days in advance. ✱ Signing up to travel sites with free membership will also bring you advance notice of the best deals and offers. Travelzoo.com sends a weekly email to members, groupon. co.uk has a tab for Holidays…

Fairtrade Fortnight February marks the beginning of Fairtrade Fortnight (24 February-8 March). This world-changing movement began 26 years ago, offering products – from shampoo to chocolate – that guaranteed producers in developing countries received a fair split of the profits. There are many ways of celebrating, so get involved at fairtrade.org.uk Recycle your (sustainable) toothbrush A couple of years ago, scientists tracked all the plastic that’s ever been used since it gained everyday popularity in the 1950s. It turns out nearly 80% is still with us, in oceans or in landfill. Wow. That means almost every plastic toothbrush you’ve ever used in your family is still about. While we work out what to do with the old ones, swap your conventional toothbrush for bamboo. When that comes to the end…

BOHO CHIC IN IBIZA The White Isle may be known for its dance-til-dawn culture, but that’s only a small part of what Ibiza has to offer. Away from the crowds there’s a quiet energy that island residents recognise as almost spiritual. Enter Cas Gasi, an ancient finca dating back to 1880. With 450 olive, almond and fig trees, and organic vegetable plots, this white farmhouse offers a peaceful paradise serving up delicious seasonal menus right in the middle of Ibiza. Here it’s about unwinding – head out to the yoga deck for a complimentary wake-up session, have a sunset Swedish massage as the sky changes colour, or find a cosy nook amid the mismatched vintage armchairs for a moment of solitude. Just a 30-minute drive from the airport, this boho-chic…

POWERFUL WOMEN THE LADY OF THE RAVENS by Joanna Hickson (£14.99, HarperCollins) The perfect read for fans of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, this book brings to life the court of the first Tudor king, Henry VII, and his new queen, Elizabeth of York. Joan Vaux, a servant of the court and a confidante of Elizabeth, becomes privy to the dangers that threaten this new dynasty. Well researched and bewitching, the narrative and characters work seamlessly together. EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY AMERICAN DIRT by Jeanine Cummins (£14.99, Tinder Press) There’s a huge buzz around this timely novel, which explores an illegal crossing of the Mexico-US border. As a mother and her son flee their home, they become migrants on the run. Dodging drugs cartels, they ride the northbound train ‘la…

Libby Page’s debut The Lido , about a campaign to save a swimming pool, was one of last year’s must-read novels. Its focus on community and friendship follows through to her latest novel, The 24-Hour Café – the café that never sleeps. Libby lives in London with her fiancé and still enjoys an al fresco swim or two. When I was considering the setting for The 24-Hour Café I had to think of somewhere with the potential for lots of stories. That was when I came up with Liverpool Street station. It’s a big station with offices nearby, as well as Shoreditch for people going on a night out, and the Stansted Express. So people are constantly leaving and arriving. One of the things I find fascinating about living in…

Here are three great lifestyle podcasts to listen to on your commute or during a workout… Voices With Sally Morgan Hosted by Ms Morgan, aka Psychic Sally, this inspirational podcast features powerful women from all walks of life, who chat openly to Sally about their lives, setbacks and successes. Guests include Katherine Jenkins and Christine McGuinness. Apple Podcasts, Spotify Table Manners Singer-songwriter Jessie Ware and her mum, Lennie, broadcast from their dinner table as they share food and the art of conversation in this delightful podcast. There’s a different guest every week, from the worlds of music, culture and politics. Acast The Kelly Hoppen Show Want to develop or sharpen up your business skills? Interior designer Kelly Hoppen interviews leading businesswomen, such as Jo Malone and June Sarpong. Hoppen finds…

Chinese New Year Dig out your lucky red clothes for Chinese New Year events to celebrate the Year of the Rat. Most take place on 25 and 26 January but the festivities run until 8 February – when you’ll see beautiful lantern festivals illuminating the evening sky. There will be spectacular parades, fireworks, Chinese food and crafts, and performances of traditional and contemporary Chinese music and dance. Look out for the costumed lion and dragon dances, performed to bring good luck. The London celebrations are the biggest outside Asia, taking place around Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and the West End, 25-26 January; visitlondon.com. In Manchester, there’ll be a parade with a 175ft golden dragon, flanked by dancers and drummers, and a red lantern festival, 25-26 January; visitmanchester.com. Other places to go…

✱ A lake cruise to beautiful Bellagio on Lake Como, with a private visit to the delightful Villa del Balbianello and its inspirational gardens ✱ A full-day visit to the chic resort of St Moritz, including a journey on the Bernina Express, one of the most spectacular railways in the Alps ✱ A visit to Bergamo, northern Italy’s most enchanting medieval town, on a guided tour ✱ Following in the footsteps of the ‘Grand Tour’ with a visit to Lake Maggiore and the town of Stresa ✱ A trip to Lugano, a Swiss lakeside town with some unmistakable Italian influences, including its piazzas and quaint alleyways…

8 DAYS FROM ONLY £1,599 PER PERSON* Selected departures May to October 2020 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 ITINERARY DAY1 ARRIVAL IN COLOGNE Fly to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar to Brussels and transfer by coach to the ship. DAY2 KOBLENZ Spend the morning at leisure on board, before arriving in Koblenz; explore the city and waterfront. DAY 3 RHINE GORGE AND RUDESHEIM Cruise through the Rhine Gorge before arriving in Rüdesheim, with time to wander its narrow streets. DAY4 SPEYER Unwind on board while cruising through the…

AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 19 FEBRUARY Communication hassles could take the edge off birthday celebrations. The 9th is big for partnerships. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD  Any tendencies to self-sabotage are accentuated. Everything gets easier in December when lucky Jupiter is in your sign for a whole year. Call 0905 789 4160* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates.…