Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2020 i Woman & Home

Before I started reading our feature Who Wants to be Perfect? I assumed this was a rhetorical question. I couldn’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t want to be perfect. And then I read Fiona Gibson’s article on page 42. It was a pen portrait of not just myself, but of many women I know. If setting unachievable standards was an Olympic sport, I would undoubtedly be a multiple gold medal winner – although I’d inevitably be worrying constantly I wasn’t going to win! There are myriad reasons why women strive for perfection, some of which are outlined in our insightful article. But the important message I took away was the title of a book, Less Perfect, More Happy. This seems like an excellent life lesson for me, although I already know…

1. Blush crush This pretty, lightweight blush perks up all skin tones without feeling cakey. Clarins Joli Blush in Cheeky Peachy, £27 2. Perfect palette Take your pick from three buildable blush shades and three super-smooth gel-to-powder highlighters. Nars Overlust Cheek Palette, £46 3. Lip service For an instantly plumper-looking pout, complete with a glossy coat of colour. Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in Wicked Wish, £27 4. Glow getter Wear this iridescent peach shade alone or under foundation. Rodial Instant Glow Primer, £30 5. Nailed it! Take your mani back to basics with a neat, square shape and barely-there colour. Smith & Cult Nail Polish in Ghost Edit, £19 6. Bright eyes Fuss-free eyes in a flash. Press on for intense colour or buff in for a…

With the world evolving as quickly as it is today, it’s become more feasible to make a life change – big or small – without upsetting the status quo. Where once you were destined to stay in the same job, the same town, with the same partner and the same friends, doing the same pastimes, it’s now easier – and more acceptable – to design your life as you want. A life redesign can be as subtle or dramatic as you choose. Decisions like retraining for a new career or moving abroad are obviously major moves, but even a small shift can bring a much-needed breath of fresh air if something just doesn’t feel right any more. These steps will help you identify and activate your own life redesign. 1…

‘There are 34 known effects of the menopause and each woman will have a different combination,’ says Miriam. ‘So, for some it’s scary and fearful but, for others, it’s liberating and joyful.’ Feeling overwhelmed? ‘Challenge the attitude to it and all the negativity,’ says Miriam. ‘See it as a transition rather than a loss. Yes, we’re vulnerable when going through this transition, but eventually it will settle. Ask yourself what are the positives that have come.’ These can include: 1 You’re emotionally stable. ‘You’re less sucked into the drama of emotions. You care less about others’ opinions.’ 2 You’re wiser. ‘You might have lost youth, but you have all that wisdom to share.’ 3 You’re more confident. ‘You’ve a lot to offer – and confidence is a very sexy quality.’…

These awards celebrate the heroines in our community. Whether it’s your friend, your relation, your co-worker or your boss, these are the women that keep our world going around, from caring for others, to fighting for our countryside and our high streets, to going the extra mile for charity. We’re looking for three nominees from each of the following regions: ✢ Scotland and Northern Ireland ✢ North East, North West and Yorkshire ✢ Wales and West Midlands ✢ East Midlands and East Anglia ✢ South West and South East JUST GO TO:  womanandhome.com/awardnominations. You will need your nominees’s permission, plus a photo of them, and tell us in 250 words or less why they deserve to win. DEADLINE TO ENTER: 30 April 2020…

TOBY, 25, SAYS: ‘It’s been a long and incredibly tough journey and I’m so grateful for Mum’s support. Sadly, not everyone has been supportive. I’ve faced abuse – I’ve had people shouting crude things at me, I’ve had to defend myself against strangers and I still don’t feel safe using male public toilets. I feel lucky to have the love of my partner, Seth, 25, and close family, who will be supporting me when I have surgery to transform the lower half of my body, completing my transition. I’m always open to questions because transphobic comments usually come from ignorance, which is why I remain openly trans. How are people meant to learn if no one speaks up about it?…

Thrifty trick With familiar high street names disappearing or facing financial difficulties, a credit card could be your secret weapon. It offers you extra protection, compared with paying by cash, cheque or debit card. Under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, you can claim against the card provider if you don’t receive a product or service. This also covers faulty and mis-sold items. The item needs to cost between £100 and £30,000, but even if you only pay a few pounds of the total by credit card, you could recoup the entire bill. For items worth less than £100, you could claim a refund from the provider under a ‘chargeback’ scheme, if you used a debit, credit or prepaid card. TREAT YOURSELF Fancy picking up big designer brands for…

Amazing all-in-ones We can’t get enough of the effortless jumpsuit. The bold colour and flattering fit doesn’t require anything more than trainers and fun accessories. Roll up the hems to avoid fabric gathering around your ankles, making you appear shorter. The magical midi dress The secret to looking great is feeling comfortable, which is why we love a midi dress. There are so many designs to choose from, it’s easy to find one that suits your shape. If you’re curvy, try a wrap-over style to create an hourglass effect, while an empire line that falls from under the bust will skim and conceal your tummy. Highlight a slender waist in a classic belted shirt dress, and look for styles with sleeves to slim your arms. STYLE TIP A busy print…

40 It’s now when the signs of ageing start to become more obvious, in fact it almost feels like lines appear overnight. Leading facialist Sarah Chapman says, ‘Levels of collagen, which keeps skin firm, and elastin, which keeps skin bouncing back, start to deplete, resulting in visible wrinkles.’ But all hope is not lost! If you haven’t used line-softening wonder product retinol before, now’s the time to start. Begin with a low dose, two days on, two days off, and use it at night, wearing an SPF in the day, because skin will be more sensitive. This is also the decade that skin starts to appear thinner and its naturally protective barrier, lipids, are not as pronounced, which can lead to dehydration. Elemis co-founder Noella Gabriel recommends using products that…

1 Soothe Sleep loss can lead to skin inflammation. Slather this on after a late night and let the cannabis sativa seed oil and aloe soothe and quench your face. Botanics Simply Calm Hydrating Overnight Mask, £11.99 2 Energise This leave-on gel has a skin-strengthening peptide that works specifically at night to energise cells and fight environmental damage. Indeed Labs In-Circadian Night Mask, £19.99 3 Hydrate A little wonder that packs in four types of hyaluronic acid to hold in moisture, plus cacay oil and phytic acid, a mild exfoliant that’s high in antioxidants. Naya Overnight Hydration Mask, £30…

✣ AID MEMORY Lion’s mane mushroom ( Hericium erinaceus ), is particularly valued in Asia for its ability to protect brain cells. It stimulates the growth of neurons, and production of new brain cell branches (dendrites). ✣ LOWER CHOLESTEROL Extracts of the reishi mushroom have been found to significantly decrease blood cholesterol and triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood. ✣ REGULATE BLOOD PRESSURE Some edible mushrooms can block the action of a certain enzyme in a similar way to blood pressure drugs. Those that can help include ‘tricholoma giganteum’, as well as reishi and maitake. ✣ BOOST IMMUNITY In Japan, varieties such as reishi and shiitake are used to protect the body’s defences against viral and fungal infections.…

✢ Get out your fanciest crockery and invite your nearest and dearest over – it’s time to celebrate the arrival of spring. Dress your dining table with a fresh linen tablecloth and layer up crockery. A spring bulb wrapped in newspaper and tied with twine and a name tag directs guests to their seats, and makes for a great seasonal gift, while an arrangement of fresh herbs or a greenery-filled trug creates a stunning centrepiece. Gingham napkins, £25 for 4; jute place mats, £12 each; seagrass bottle holder, £25; Milford carafe, £25; glass candleholder with tray, £25; seat pads, £25 each, all The White Company…

Stuffed lamb with oranges, olives and pine nuts Bursting with all the sunshine flavours of the Mediterranean, we ordered the lamb online from sustainable butcher The Ginger Pig as a special treat. The secret ingredient? A glug of concentrated orange cordial. Serves 8 • Ready in 1 hr 45 mins (for pink), plus resting 2.5kg leg of lamb, bone in, at room temperature 6 garlic cloves, skin-on, bashed 5 bay leaves 5 fresh thyme sprigs, leaves picked off 5 fresh rosemary sprigs, plus 5 for decorating 4 anchovy fillets 50g breadcrumbs juice of ½ lemon around 40ml olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 50g pine nuts, toasted 110g jar stoned black olives, drained 2 oranges, pared and sliced into 2cm-thick rounds 300ml dry white wine 50ml full-sugar orange cordial (we like…

From left to right: 1 A blend of mineral water with white Chardonnay grape juice makes a refreshing alcohol-free choice. Irresistible Sparkling Chardonnay Grape Juice, £2.80, Co-op 2 This brooding intense red holds notes of cherry and blackberry against hints of mocha, pepper and oak. The perfect match for meat. Carnivor Zinfandel 2017, £10, Tesco and Sainsbury’s 3 Orange wine – white wine with an orange tint, originating from Eastern Europe – is becoming more popular, and this Romanian choice will impress guests. Fresh with a hint of quince, this naturally produced wine would work with our tropical pavlova on page 152. Orange Natural Wine, £6 Asda 4 Salmon pink with a subtle violet glint, this delicate wine features scents of wild rose and red fruits. Drier in style than…

CRIME THRILLER BURNT ISLAND by Kate Rhodes (£20, Simon & Schuster) Everyone on the small island of St Agnes is excited about the fireworks display, but when a charred body is discovered on the bonfire, Scilly Isles Deputy Chief of Police Ben Kitto is on the hunt for a killer. Threats written in Cornish arrive and fires are lit, suggesting someone is targeting newcomers. Kitto is running out of time when artist Naomi Vine is kidnapped. A fast-paced whodunnit. NEW BEGINNINGS A PATCHWORK FAMILY by Cathy Bramley (£7.99, Orion) A heart-warming tale of self-discovery sees newly divorced Gina taking back control of her life, starting with expanding her childminding business. But she needs bigger premises, especially when she takes on two new arrivals, twins Lily and Isabel, who…

Maggie O’Farrell is the author of seven books, including The Hand That First Held Mine , which won a Costa Book Award. Her latest historical novel,  Hamnet, is the thrilling story behind Shakespeare’s famous play. Nothing prepared me for how disorientating it would be to write a novel about the 16th century. I felt I had to relearn everything I knew about constructing a sentence, a paragraph, a line of dialogue. Swathes of metaphors and images were unavailable to me. Writing Hamnet reminded me most of my first forays and attempts into fiction. I love research. For Hamnet , a lot of it was practical – I flew kestrels, planted a herb garden, walked around Stratfordupon-Avon and the Globe, and learnt how to make cures from plants and flowers. More…

THIS MONTH YOU’LL FIND ME… Watching I’m a Celeb, Strictly or whatever everyone else is tuning into at the time. Years ago, before I met my wife, I would sit through Eggheads or The Chase. But not any more. Reading Freakonomics by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven Levitt, which is about the economics of society and how they can impact years later. I like complex reads. Listening to Whatever my kids have on – Dua Lipa, Maroon 5 and Mabel. I set up different playlists depending on how I feel at the time. If the kids are in the car, it’s pop favourites. With the brother-in-law it’s 80s, classical for Mum and if my wife’s in the car, I go straight for relaxing. Learning to Play tennis. Even though I’ve…

Radical theme In Faustus: That Damned Woman , award-winning playwright Chris Bush reimagines the Faust myth to explore what we must sacrifice to achieve greatness. Caroline Byrne directs this new work in which Faustus becomes female. Until 7 March, Birmingham Rep; 10-21 March, Bristol Old Vic; 24-28 March, Leeds Playhouse; 31 March-4 April, Northern Stage, Newcastle; headlong.co.uk/productions Toe-tapping delight With original music by the Gipsy Kings and a dashing romantic hero, Zorro the Musical will draw you in – literally. This dramatic tale of good versus evil puts the audience at the heart of the show, with an invitation to take part in flamenco dancing and sample tapas. 14 March-18 April, Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester; hopemilltheatre.co.uk NATURE AND ART London’s Hayward Gallery is hosting Among the Trees, a thought-provoking exhibition…

Life coach FAITH HILL helps people redesign their lives for more balance and happiness. She left London in 2015 and runs an online coaching business, Spark Escapes. Read her guide, Redesign Your Life, on p24. Are you sporty or more of a couch potato? I’d love to say I’m sporty but it’s probably more apt to say I’m active. I live on a steep hill in Thailand and walk everywhere – it’s more like a mountain hike than a walk! But I also love to veg out with a box set. PAULA MOORE is woman&home’s Fashion Director. As well as working in stunning locations around the world for our fashion pages, Paula also loves home-grown style – email her if you’d like to appear on her regular Street Style feature…

@thegirlwiththebob, 45, proves ditsy prints are a wardrobe staple @styleidealist, 32, gives this pretty pastel a grown-up feel @chilliesand clothes, 47, teams fun accessories with jeans and a jumper @finlay_fox, 38, makes a statement with her hand-painted floral frock @theturquoise flamingo, 45, dresses down a classic midi dress with on-trend trainers @wearsmymoney, 47, keeps her outfit tonal in a fresh spring palette @rutlandgirlfashionstyle, 45, nails daytime chic in cool khaki and cream @stripeycoral, 47, lets her accessories do the talking Add your pictures by hashtagging #womanandhomestreetstyle or email w&hstreetstyle@ti-media.com to join in.…

Turn a negative thought into a positive one with the ABC method from leadership mentor Clare Josa ✣ ACCEPT Try not to resist the negative thought, or it will ‘fight back’. ✣ BREATHE Three deep, ‘sighing’ (make a sigh noise) breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. That starts to reset your nervous system and your body goes back into calm. This is the ‘going through neutral’ part. ✣ CHOOSE Think one positive thing about your life in that moment. Be as specific as possible and take a moment to feel the emotion that goes with that.…

Our six-year-old twins were the first of our three children to be diagnosed, and a lot of people don’t understand this condition. I’m still learning that although people have heard of autism, many don’t understand it because it’s not a visible disability. I took Leo and Penelope, and two-year-old Felicity (now three), to Sea Life on a busy day and it was quite overwhelming. There was a water tank tunnel and Leo really wanted to go in, but other children kept pushing in front. They were just being kids and couldn’t see that he’s got autism, but it triggered a massive meltdown. Not everywhere is suitable for autistic children. Meltdowns in public don’t faze me and I’m there to support them. We try it and if it’s bad, we go…

1 You need to control and correct everyone and everything. When someone does something that’s not to your liking, remind yourself you have nothing to prove by controlling a situation or correcting them. Let it go. 2 You feel the need to impress. You may have unconsciously felt a need to inform everyone about your achievements, but you don’t need to ‘humble brag’. 3 You have all-consuming personal goals. Resolve to join in with activities that involve your family and other people. 4 Vital jobs don’t get done. Problems don’t just disappear; they get bigger unless you deal with them. Production is far better than perfection. 5 Other people’s clutter drives you crazy. It’s rarely worth harming your relationship by taking issue with the people you live with. Enjoy a…

HANNAH, 26, SAYS: Even when I was six, I knew I didn’t fit in. I became very low and often had suicidal thoughts. In secondary school I knew I wasn’t gay, but I didn’t feel any attraction to girls either. I couldn’t see any future for myself. Mum took me to the doctor, who told me it was just part of puberty. At university, with space to think, I realised it’s not that I want to be a woman, I already am one inside. I told a close female friend who was wonderful, putting me in touch with her transgender friend. I chose not to tell my parents until after my degree, as I was worried they’d try to stop me from transitioning. They didn’t understand at first, but they…

FROM PSYCHOLOGIST AND COUNSELLOR SUSAN QUILLIAM: The good news is that both Caroline and Deborah realise the situation of their children being transgender is natural, not a disease, mental illness or ‘lifestyle choice’. Plus, both women have themselves found peace. They’ve worked through shock, fear, grief, guilt. They’ve learned to understand gender incongruence, and to withstand society’s disapproval, they’ve continued to give their children the love they need. The bad news? While a full 1% of the UK population are transgender, not all get support. If your child is transgender, or you’re supporting another parent in this situation, remember: ✣ Your child’s pain isn’t down to what you have or haven’t done as a parent. ✣ Understanding the issues will increase your emotional strength and capacity for action. ✣ You…

1 If you have ‘off’ days where you don’t find your partner attractive, don’t panic! But if you have ‘off months’ or ‘off years’, take that seriously. 2 However unsexual you might be feeling, try to keep the physical affection. Hold hands, cuddle or sleep naked to keep the connection alive. 3 If you feel desire, have sex, even if there’s only time for a quickie. If you’re not ‘using’ it, you risk ‘losing’ it. 4 Remember – and remind your partner – that in order to be desired, each of you needs to be desirable. Don’t lose interest in your physical appearance. And don’t default into unkind behaviour. 5 Emotional negativity is the biggest passion killer. My book Stop Arguing Start Talking (Vermilion), written with relationship organisation Relate, can…

If you want on-trend talons, try a gradient manicure – painting each nail a lighter hue as you work from thumb to pinky. Swap a spring pastel palette for sunset-inspired shades, starting with pale nude through to deep berry. It’s the journey through colour that counts, so include cinnamon reds and sunny oranges.…

I can guarantee you won’t get much further into this season without seeing stripes. Most women find them like Marmite, you either love them or loathe them, and the fashion industry is nothing short of obsessed with them. Every year the classic Breton top is wheeled out by the high street retailers and we’re reminded we simply can’t live without one. However, you’ve probably discovered by now that stripes aren’t always easy to wear. In reality it doesn’t matter how stylish they’re deemed to be, a giant horizontal stripe across your bust, tummy or thighs can be somewhat unforgiving. Horizontal stripes draw the eye outwards, making things appear wider than they really are – and I have yet to meet many women who want to look bigger. So the key…

1 Make sun protection easy with Sensai Silky Bronze Anti-ageing Sun Protective Compact SPF30, £43. Its radiance boosting, glide-on coverage is housed in a handy compact. 2 Create a smooth finish and stop your make-up from sliding down your face by 3pm with Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Perfecting, £32. Packed with antioxidants, this is the ultimate skin perfector. 3 Invest in RevitaLash Double-Ended Volume Set, £29, a volumising primer and mascara in one. It strengthens and hydrates for dramatically longer, fuller lashes. 4 The correct foundation works as a canvas for the rest of your make-up. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturiser, £27, blends skin-plumping hyaluronic acid with complexion-correcting pigments. It’s the perfect way to cheat a flawless look. 5 Fearful of bright lipstick smearing? Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick, £22,…

Trinny Woodall She is best known for her no-nonsense attitude on cult fashion show What Not to Wear . But these days, Trinny’s a social media superstar, with more than 500,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares videos about style, skin and make-up advice. She launched her Trinny London make-up brand in 2017 after spotting a gap in the market, encouraging customers to swap bulky make-up bags for curated ‘stacks’ of high-tech cosmetics. MY CULT BODY BUY Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion, £14.50, Space NK Exfoliating helps products sink into your skin better. This both exfoliates and hydrates, and leaves my complexion fresh, glowing and soft. It’s a good price too. MY LOOK-GOOD SECRET Trinny London Flush Blush Blusher, £20, trinnylondon.com I want women to look and feel good, and a…

Maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants fortifies the body against pollution damage. ✢ Vitamin E Research has found an association between vitamin E levels, exposure to particulate pollution and lung function, suggesting it plays a protective role. Find it in nuts, seeds, avocado, dark green leafy veg, oily fish and olive oil. ✢ Vitamin C ‘In a study, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) sufferers who had low levels of vitamin C, experienced an increased risk of breathing issues on days when air pollution levels were high,’ says nutritionist Rob Hobson. Rich sources include peppers, citrus fruits, berries, kiwi fruit, broccoli, peas, kale and tomatoes. ✢ Beta-carotene It can help mop up excess free radicals caused by air pollution. Go for carrots, sweet potato, butternut squash, mango, cantaloupe melon,…

Stick to the same machine and take a measurement every four or eight weeks. ‘Keep the variables the same; same day, same time and, ideally, the same point in your menstrual cycle. Avoid using straight after exercising, which can affect accuracy,’ says Alastair Crew, head trainer at David Lloyd. Also use with caution. ‘If you’re prone to worrying about weight, a smart scale gives more numbers to obsess over and could potentially make the problem worse,’ warns Dr Joanna Silver, a therapist at Nightingale Hospital London.…

✣ Link Nutrition Mushroom Plus are boosted with turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits; £18.95 for 60 capsules, linknutrition.com ✣ Mushroom Coffee Mix contains that all-important Lion’s Mane variety; £9.50, biovea.net/uk ✣ Pukka Mushroom Gold includes seaweed and spirulina; £21.96, Holland & Barrett ✣ Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion helps reduce skin redness; £32, lookfantastic.com ✣ TianDe Root Strengthening Shampoo With Extract of Lingzhi Mushroom helps to protect against environmental damage; £10, tiandeshop.co.uk…

Q I was diagnosed with a high cholesterol level a couple of years ago, and put on statins. I’ve had no nasty side effects, and my cholesterol level is now back to normal. I’ve also overhauled my diet and lost weight, so could I stop the statins now? A About a quarter of the cholesterol in your bloodstream comes from the food you eat, and the rest comes from your liver. This part can be influenced by your genes, which is why having a high cholesterol level can run in families, and why some people have a high level regardless of how little saturated fat they eat. Whether or not you can stop your statin depends on how high your level was prior to treatment and also whether your diet…

Share the love Let the bells ring out... the eco wedding has arrived! Such nuptials will eschew carbon-intensive meat, use locally grown flowers, have electric cars for wedding parties and feature rented gowns – not just for brides. This trend chimes with the emergence of online clothing rental apps, such as HURR and My Wardrobe, which aim to liberate underused clothes. Why buy new when you can book and borrow? Switch it Energy is a household’s single biggest climate-change contributor, so swapping to a green tariff (energy produced from renewables) is the best thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Wind is now the cheapest source of energy in the UK, and the more we use it, the cheaper it will be. There are lots of options, so…

Dark chocolate and cherry Simnel cake We’ve given the classic Easter cake a sophisticated chocolate and spirits makeover. Our food director called this ‘the best cake I’ve ever eaten’. Serves 22 • Ready in 3 hrs, plus soaking and cooling for the chocolate marzipan: 300g ground almonds 250g icing sugar 60g cocoa powder 120g glucose 50ml kirsch or amaretto for the cake: 400g dried sour cherries 400g Amarena cherries or cherries in kirsch, chopped 100ml kirsch or amaretto 350g unsalted butter 350g dark brown sugar 6 eggs at room temperature 350g plain flour 90g cocoa powder 2tsp baking powder 200g ground almonds 2tsp ground cinnamon for the ganache: 3tbsp cherry jam, to assemble 150ml single cream 150g dark chocolate you will need: 2 x 18cm cake tins, double-lined with baking parchment…

LIFE AND LOVE THIS LOVELY CITY by Louise Hare (£12.99, HarperCollins) In her atmospheric debut novel, Louise Hare transports us to post-war London. It’s 1950 and jazz musician Lawrie, fresh off the Empire Windrush, has taken lodgings and fallen in love with Evie, the girl next door. Touring the music halls of Soho by night, by day he works as a postman. But when he makes a terrible discovery, he becomes the prime suspect. It soon becomes clear that the new arrivals from the Caribbean may not be as welcome as they’d been led to believe. A thought-provoking mystery.…

The novels of Joanna Trollope famously shine a forensic but acutely sensitive light on complex family dilemmas. Her latest novel, Mum & Dad , deals with the Beachams, who are thrown into disarray when expat father Gus suffers a stroke. It’s up to the three children based in London to travel to Spain and untangle their parents’ lives. The novelist lives in London, has two daughters and two stepsons, and is a doting grandmother. What I’m trying to create with each new novel is a handbook of what it’s like to live now. I started writing when my youngest daughter was three, and now she’s 48, so things have certainly changed. I just write about whatever is grabbing me – whatever the preoccupation is in society. ‘You’re not alone if…

The RHS Gardening Podcast With spring upon us, our minds turn to gardening, and what could be better than insider info, advice and inspiration from RHS experts? Covering horticultural news, flower shows and tips, this is entertaining for greenhorns, as well as the green-fingered. Apple Podcasts The Happy Vagina Sex, gynaecology and female body judgement are up for debate in this informative podcast hosted by Mika Simmons. Guests include Sex Education’s Aimee Lou Wood and Tanya Reynolds, Bryony Gordon and Chloe Delevingne. Thehappyvagina.co, Acast The Stories That Changed My Life A warm-hearted listen that features a different guest in each episode, who shares revealing life stories and talks about the books and stories that inspired them. Interviewees include authors Daisy Buchanan, Zing Tsjeng and Elizabeth Day. Acast…

It’s Mother’s Day on 22 March and while Sunday lunch never fails to delight, there are many other ways to celebrate. Quaffers will love a chauffeured Gin Lover’s Guide with Sipsmith in Liverpool, which includes tastings and cocktails; or hop aboard a steam train at Merthyr Tydfil and ride the Brecon Mountain Railway, complete with a cream tea. National Trust properties with beautiful spring gardens are always a treat. Many, like Baddesley Clinton in Warwickshire, will offer walks, lunch and afternoon tea specials. There are activities too – make a seed bomb at Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire; indulge in gin-tasting at Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire; or splash out on a family portrait against the beautiful backdrop of Box Hill, Surrey, with award-winning photographer Rachel Thornhill on Saturday 21 March, 10am-3pm. Downton…

Italy has retained its roots and traditions, offering excellent food and wine, sublime scenery, a great climate and a phenomenal cultural legacy. Our base for this tour is picturesque Sorrento, with the chance to explore the Amalfi Coast (left). Next it’s the island of Capri, whose romantic allure has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. The skyline of the Bay of Naples is dominated by Mount Vesuvius, most famous from 79 AD, when Pompeii and Herculaneum were entombed by a sea of molten rock and ash. FULLY ESCORTED PRICE INCLUDES ✢ Exploring Herculaneum with an expert local guide ✢ Boat trip to the island of Capri, with the opportunity to visit the Blue Grotto ✢ Guided tour of Pompeii ✢ Full day touring the Amalfi Coast, with a visit to…

TAURUS 21 APRIL – 21 MAY On the 20th your birthday season begins with a bang, building to the big Taurus new moon on the 23rd. Now’s the time for trying new hobbies, diets and jobs. Call 0905 789 4151* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates GEMINI 22 MAY – 22 JUNE On the one hand, Venus is on side from the 4th, bringing harmony. On the other, a painful theme emerges mid-month. It will pass quicker if you take feelings seriously. Call 0905 789 4152* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates CANCER 23 JUNE – 23 JULY The full moon on the 8th brings an issue to a head. Don’t let someone impose their will on everyone else. Negotiate decisions – even if difficult, it’s worth it.…

‘I’ve tried Jazzercise, pump, cardio-funk, Zumba…’ In the days of Rubens and Botticelli, to be a socialite you needed cellulite. But today, skinniness is inniness. With spring approaching, I packed away my woollies and de-mothballed my summer clobber. But having exceeded the feed limit all winter, when I tried to zip up my cotton trousers, my neck got thicker. It was clearly time to get fit. But, how to lose the pounds? Living in London, there’s a vast array of exercise options available. In the past month, I’ve tried Jazzercise, pump, cardio-funk, CrossFit, bootcamp, Spinning and Zumba. The worst thing about all these classes is the female instructors. Swizzle stick-thin and condescendingly bossy, they obviously keep fit by doing step aerobics off their own egos. Equally horrific is the eardrum-grating…

GREEN CREDENTIALS I was delighted to read Lucy Siegle’s advice in Green Made Easy [February issue]. I’ve made some easy changes too: in supermarkets, I take a cotton bag for loose fruit and veg; I also recycle plastic bread bags in store, along with plastic carrier bags. I save plastic tops (eg on milk containers) and take a bag of them to a Lush store, where they will recycle them. Soya milk waxed containers are perfect for growing seedlings in – cut off the top and put drainage holes in the bottom. When planted out, the containers can be taken to a recycling centre. Rosemary, by email BLURRED LINES I’m 55 and have wrinkles on my face, which I’ve accepted as part of ageing. However, woman&home seems to think any…

Fern Britton is the perfect example of why it’s never too late to try something new. After years as one of the country’s best-loved TV presenters, in her early 50s, Fern decided to try her hand at writing novels – and this June she’ll release her ninth. ‘My autobiography came out when I was 51 and it did really well,’ she explains. ‘So they asked me if I’d like to write a novel. My editor held my hand all the way through the first one and then said, “Right, now you’re on your own!”’ It’s clear to see that life off-screen is agreeing with Fern, 62, who’s comfortable with her new life choices, including relocating to Cornwall permanently. She’s in London for 24 hours for our shoot and is very…

Did you know that ditching negativity could add years to your life? A recent US study has found that a positive outlook can help you live up to 15% longer and give you a better chance of reaching 85 years or older. ‘The health benefits of positivity are off the scale,’ says Andy Cope, who has a PhD in happiness. ‘It boosts your immune system, you’ll catch fewer colds, recover from illness quicker and have lower blood pressure. You’ll also create a ripple effect that impacts on others.’ And that’s not all. ‘Positive people engage in more health-promoting behaviours around diet and exercise, and have better heart health,’ says positive psychologist Miriam Akhtar. ‘Plus, research has shown that happy people suffer less chronic pain when it comes to conditions such…

We all lie about our lives, don’t we? Not necessarily with big outright untruths, but just by making ourselves look that bit happier or glossier than we really are. The British have always believed in ‘keeping up appearances’, with stiff upper lips, manners, corsets and make-up, but now – with social media – it’s reached a whole new level. Now we can pick only the most flattering photos of ourselves to show to the world. Then we add a filter, a crop and some carefully selected faux-humble words, and ta-da! Life as we wish it were, but isn’t. The problem with all this artificial presentation is it makes us miserable. I used to scroll through Facebook and Instagram feeling more and more inadequate, but if you looked at my own…

DEBORAH ROGERS, 54, FROM WARE, HERTS, SAYS: In February 2011, my daughter Chloe had set off for school when I received an enigmatic text from her, asking if I would love her ‘whatever’? I was worried why she would send a text like that. ‘Of course I would, I love you very much,’ I replied. Then she sent a text telling me that she was transgender. It came completely out of the blue. I’d seen nothing in her behaviour or anything she’d said to suggest the possibility. ‘She texted to ask if I would still love her’ I spent the rest of the day in a daze, stunned. The only way I made sense of the news was remembering what I’d said to her – that I would love her…

Are there any similarities between you and the characters you play? With any role you have to find something that’s as close to you as possible. Dr Lydia Fonseca, who I play in The Good Karma Hospital, doesn’t suffer fools gladly and neither do I! Like her, I’m passionate about my work and hate laziness. Then there are huge differences – I’m not as single-minded as she is and I’m not quite as bullish – nearly, but not quite! What was your plan B? I would say teaching probably, but not maths or science – I’d teach drama. I think being a drama teacher would be very rewarding. What was it like filming The Good Karma Hospital in Sri Lanka? It’s beautiful. The people are fantastic and the food, countryside…

Popular culture has never been kind to Greeks. The French have Catherine Deneuve, the Italians Sophia Loren. We get Demis Roussos and Harry Enfield’s Stavros. We could talk about anyone and not be understood – it felt like a superpower I was eight years old when I realised being born to Cypriot parents wasn’t the glamour ticket I’d hoped it would be. One morning at school I was teased by classmates because the night before, they’d watched a singer called Nana Mouskouri on TV. Nana had worn a hideous floral maxi dress and thick, square, black-rimmed spectacles, God bless her. I argued that, with my parents originating from Cyprus, I was Greek Cypriot rather than just Greek, so Nana’s wardrobe choices were not a reflection on me. But the nuances…

BE BRAVE Corrienne, 53, lives in Hertfordshire and works as an office manager. ADD A TWIST Marion, 62, lives in Kent and works as a customer host. A VERSATILE DRESS Sarah, 52, lives in Essex and ran mum and baby groups. HAVE FUN WITH ACCESSORIES Elaine, 60, lives in Norwich and works as a matron at a prep school…

Your whole body kicks into repair mode when you switch off, skin included. New cells are created and old ones shed, excess fluid is drained and toxins are broken down. And naturally, the more time there is to do this the better. Your circadian rhythm – body clock – is wired to work through the night, so poor sleep means incomplete tasks. Fluid is retained and becomes puffiness, toxins surface as dark circles and natural moisture is lost though an unrestored skin barrier. And hormones play a part too. Protein-building human growth hormone is produced during a good night’s sleep, while the stress hormone cortisol is released after a bad one. ‘Not getting enough sleep can trigger a response from your adrenal gland that leads to the overproduction of sebum,…

Jane Clarke is a dietitian and founder of Nourish by Jane Clarke (nourishbyjaneclarke.com). She says: ‘Swap your chocolate fix for dried figs. They’re rich in magnesium, which helps to relax muscles, encouraging us to wind down at the end of the day and sleep better. Their famous gut-moving properties keep your body in balance too. ‘If you don’t like figs, there are other ways to add more magnesium to your diet. Nuts, seeds and dark green leafy veg are all rich in the mineral, so an oatcake with almond butter, or a few kale crisps will do the trick too. ‘And for a final wind-down moment, have a milky drink, as it’s also rich in soothing magnesium. Warm milk with cinnamon on top will help you relax so you’re ready…

The Government’s Clean Air Strategy aims to slash air pollution by 46% in the next 10 years. In the meantime, make small changes: 1 TWEAK YOUR TRAVEL HABITS ‘Walk or cycle instead of using a car,’ says Professor Williams. ‘If you do drive, choose a clean model and go easy on your right foot.’ 2 WATCH YOUR WASTE Recycling and composting food minimises emissions. 3 BE ENERGY EFFICIENT ‘Make sure your house is insulated and wear a sweater rather than turn up the heating,’ says Professor Williams. ‘And avoid wood burners – they create harmful particulates.’…

Most of us reap the health benefits of mushrooms by chopping them up into a risotto, stew or pasta dish. But their popularity is currently soaring and you’ll find ‘functional’ mushrooms being packed into health and beauty products too. Why? Not only are they bursting with essential B vitamins and the mineral selenium, which helps protect our immune system, but they also contain high levels of antioxidants, which could give them anti-ageing potential. Mushrooms’ benefits have been known for centuries. ‘Many people are only familiar with the white, chestnut and porcini varieties,’ says Dr Sarah Brewer, medical director of Healthspan (healthspan.co.uk). ‘Increasingly, though, medicinal mushrooms are becoming available that have been revered in Asia for over 3,000 years. While some are sold fresh, such as shiitake, many are only available…

Let’s look at some numbers. Between 2007 and 2017, the population of those aged 65+ increased almost 3% to 12 million people. Six million of those are women. Life expectancy in the UK is 82.9 years for women (79.2 years for men). Women aged 45-55 are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce. Don’t you feel just a little frisson of pride? Like you want to elbow your way into a chink of that limelight? We are, girls, potentially, a force to be reckoned with. Trouble is, the black cloud of the big ‘M’ looms large, and with it a host of unpleasant physical symptoms and a massive drop in self-confidence. But I say this [stands on soapbox]: There is so much we can do, must do, starting right now, whatever…

Hands up now – I expect most of you said this one is true, and in fact, if you had asked me a couple of years ago I’d have agreed with you. The idea behind this is that cranberries make the urine more acidic, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to grow and multiply, and indeed a study back in 2010 did report that people who drank regular cranberry juice had a lower chance of getting a urinary infection than those who didn’t. But recent advice from NICE has said that, especially in older women, there is no evidence that it works, and this applies both to the berries and the juice. That said, it’s unlikely to do any harm, though both are high in sugar, so they are…

Located with the perfect combination of both village and countryside on their doorstep, it was Hannah Gray’s mother who spotted the house where she now lives, together with her husband, Mal, an electrician, and sons William, five, and baby Archie. ‘The location drew us to this house. It’s on the outskirts of the village, overlooking fields for miles. We could be a part of the village community, yet be in the countryside too,’ says Hannah. With Leeds, Harrogate and Ilkley close by, the family get to enjoy the best of both town and country life. The move had been prompted by Hannah’s wish to return to the Yorkshire village where she grew up, and leave behind the new-build property the couple had previously owned on a housing estate. ‘The village…

LAUNDRY BOOST New laundry products from eco stalwart Ecover are formulated to extend the lifespan of clothing. Using powerful, plant-based enzymes, they revive colours, prevent greying and remove bobbles from cotton fibres after many washes. BEST BUDS LastObject is the brainchild of Danish designer Isabel Aagaard, whose aim is to create alternatives for single-use items. Her first product, LastSwab (125,000 sold already) is a reusable cotton bud. Every day 1.5 billion are produced globally, many with plastic stems, and only used once. Visit lastobject.com 2020 VISION A range of sustainable spectacles made from recycled fishing nets (about 64,000 are ditched at sea every year), has been launched by student George Bailey, 19. Coral Eyewear has frames made from marine plastic, crafted by a firm in Italy; coraleyewear.com…

Intriguing investigations THE BOY FROM THE WOODS by Harlan Coben (Century) When a girl goes missing and a finger arrives in the post, Wilde is called on to investigate. Dramatic and tightly plotted. AFTER DARK by Dominic Nolan (Headline) This gripping follow-up to his debut DS Abigail Boone thriller sees the detective on the trail of a terrifying criminal. A CONSPIRACY OF BONES by Kathy Reichs (Simon & Schuster) Forensic anthropologist Temperance tries to solve the case of a faceless corpse who had her phone number. THE SILENT HOUSE by Nell Pattison (Avon) When the deaf Hunters wake to find their daughter murdered, interpreter Paige suspects they are hiding something. THE OTHER MRS by Mary Kubica (HQ) An unsettling read. The brutal murder of a…

FROM THE GOLDEN AGE OF FICTION MIDDLEMARCH by George Eliot This is the best handbook for ordinary life in the 19th century and one of the greatest Victorian reads. Aside from giving us an insight into the human struggle for pleasure, it explores all of life, from art to science, politics and romance. AN EPIC JOURNEY THE TOWERS OF TREBIZOND by Rose Macaulay A 20th-century novel that has everything – it’s a polemic, a travel book, a romance. It’s also terribly funny. It has arguments for the rights of women in it and even a religious aspect. It’s a complete masterclass in social observation, and it’s a book I will read again and again. THE AWARD-WORTHY ONE GHOST WALL by Sarah Moss Sarah Moss is an extraordinary writer and, in…

The Trouble with Maggie Cole Dawn French joins Julie Hesmondhalgh to play friends Maggie and Jill in this light-hearted drama. The revelation of big secrets ends up causing huge ructions in a small coastal community. ITV The A Word This emotional family drama moves on two years, with autistic Joe, now 10, and living in two places because his parents are divorced. Joe’s grandad, Maurice (Christopher Eccleston), helps to hold things together. BBC1 Hitmen Former Bake Off duo Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc star in this six-part comedy, playing hapless best pals Fran and Jamie, who have stumbled into a career in contract killing. But things don’t go to plan thanks to their incompetence. Sky1 Belgravia Tamsin Greig and Philip Glenister star in this adaptation of the Julian Fellowes novel,…

Spenser: Confidential Mark Wahlberg plays Spenser, a private detective from Boston, who uncovers the truth about a murder. He then decides to take justice into his own hands, despite threats on his life. Netflix All the Bright Places Based on a novel by Jennifer Niven, this one-off drama follows Violet (Elle Fanning) and Theodore (Justice Smith), who change each other’s lives, but both struggle with scars from their pasts. Netflix The Mandalorian If you’re mourning the end of the Star Wars film franchise, then check out this spin-off series. It follows a lone Mandalorian gunfighter (Pedro Pascal), who works in the galaxy’s outer reaches. Disney+…

✢ Classical music lovers will be pleased to know the Spitalfields Music Festival is back, bringing unforgettable live music experiences to unusual East End venues, with a blend of early music and pioneering contemporary pieces. 24-28 June; spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk ✢ Queen of British soul Beverley Knight is to star in The Drifters Girl , a new musical that tells the story of the legendary group and the woman who made them. Premiering in Newcastle Theatre Royal on 5-19 September, then from 1 October at London’s Garrick Theatre; thedriftersgirl.com…

ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL The month starts on a tricky note when criticism wounds, so don’t blurt out something that makes it worse. From mid-April, you’ll enjoy great progress. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD In late June your ruler enters Aries and life picks up, so focus on your goals between then and mid-September. Call 0905 789 4150* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates…