Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2020 i Woman & Home

Welcome to the June issue of woman&home – I’m delighted you’re still with us during what is such a challenging time. As our May issue went to press long before the COVID-19 crisis started to affect our lives, we’ve been trying ever since to keep pace with the constantly changing circumstances. In fact for the first time ever, the w&h team have created this entire issue from home, and are doing their best to make your June magazine content feel as relevant as possible, so please bear with us! With this in mind, our health team have created a six-page guide to boosting your immunity (page 102), which is packed with lots of tips to staying well, from the best foods and supplements to de-stressing tips. And if you’re still…

1. Instant airbrush Light-reflecting pigments in this luxe body cream leave you looking luminous. Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Decadent Smoothing Body Crème, £38 2. Lip service Wear this sheer bronze shade alone or over lipstick. Pomegranate extract provides long-lasting hydration. NARS Bronzing Oil-Infused Lip Tint in Laguna, £23 3. Triple treat This all-in-one miracle worker offers anti-ageing skincare, make-up and a bronze tint in one. Oskia Nutri-Bronze Adaptive Sheer Tint Serum, £58 4. Face first This serum works well mixed with moisturiser, SPF or oils to give a healthy flush and boost radiance. Soleil Toujours Daily Sunless Tanning Serum, £52 5. Moisture boost This tanning foam is formulated with super-hydrator hyaluronic acid, leaving skin soft and plump. James Read Gradual Tan H20 Hydrating Mousse, £25 6. Vitamin hit Get…

We all have times when we struggle to prioritise our emotional needs and it can leave us physically and emotionally exhausted, unable to sleep well and feeling irritable. It’s what trauma expert Dr Eric Gentry calls ‘compassion fatigue’ – a sign that our internal emotional backpack is overflowing because we’re struggling to prioritise our own emotional needs. The level of compassion fatigue a person experiences changes from one day to the next. Even very healthy people with optimal life/work balance and self-care strategies can experience it when they’re overloaded. Life events such as divorce, death, illness or simply reaching midlife can trigger and accelerate compassion fatigue, especially if you don’t have anyone or anywhere to express your feelings. An exercise called ‘unpacking your emotional backpack’ is a helpful way to…

When I left the editorship of Vogue in the summer of 2017, I spent the first few months in clothes that I never had the opportunity to wear in the working week – vest tops and jeans, cotton dressing gowns, sandals. The very fact that I was able to dress in them on, say, a Wednesday afternoon – rather than my uniform for the past 25 years of smart jackets, heels, pencil skirts and tailored trousers – was a delight. Changing the way I dressed was a turbo-charged way of changing the way I felt. ‘Those boots turned me into the person I wanted to be’ And that is, in part, what drove me to write Clothes… And Other Things That Matter. Clothes matter and always have done, hugely, to…

THE BALLROOM CHAMPION SHIRLEY BALLAS She stormed Strictly as feisty head judge, replacing Len Goodman back in 2017, but it’s her reputation as the Queen of Latin that makes her dance royalty. Shirley began performing at the age of two, and by the time she was 23, she had won all worldwide titles in Latin. When she met Corky Ballas – who she later married in the mid-1980s – at a Latin competition in Canada, they became the most successful Latin American champions in USA history. As a Strictly judge, Shirley has made some controversial decisions (who can forget her booting out Aston Merrygold – and Catherine Tyldesley), which she stands by. But no one can deny her expertise, and her critiques are always aimed at helping the dancers. HOT…

What’s your earliest memory of television? When I was 11, I appeared on the children’s show Magpie – it was like the cool version of Blue Peter. I’d written in with a joke and was invited to Teddington Studios to meet The Goodies. My joke died a death, but the girl who stood next to me told hers and they thought it was amazing. Then I was sick on the way home, but it didn’t stop me from working in TV. What’s your best quality? I’m somebody who can laugh at themselves. It’s crucial – if you can’t laugh at yourself, you might as well just get up and go. Life is too short and you realise that when you get to the grand old age of 51, you have…

STOICAL MUM She was nagged for a dog until she gave in. Along came the pooch, and the whole family loves grooming her and dressing her up in outfits. What they’re less keen on is taking her out because that means leaving the house, where it’s likely to be cold. Even if it’s not, it still means propelling themselves forward by placing one foot in front of the other. And Stoical Mum’s family don’t like walking much at all. So she’s the one striding out with rain dripping off her parka – however, she’s always eager to chat – as hardly anyone ever speaks to her at home, apart from to ask for money or when she’s next doing a supermarket shop. ‘The girls are busy with homework,’ she says…

EXPECT A FLICKER, NOT A FIRE Some people feel desire as a huge, raging fire in their lower belly but, for most, it’s more a flicker than a flame. If you’re waiting for the fire and think anything else isn’t true arousal, you might be waiting an awfully long time if you’re in a long-term relationship. Most of us experience high-intensity arousal at the start of relationships, when we’re young. It’s rare to feel continual, powerful, potent passion for someone you’ve been with for a long time and are faithful to. It’s just not how humans are programmed. The flicker is the flame. Accept it and work with it. INITIATE SEX TO FEEL MORE SEXUALLY POWERFUL The person who initiates sex more often is seen as the ‘sexy person’. Being…

‘My new collection will feature exciting fabrics that are kinder to the planet’ Clare Szabo, 40, lives in Cambridge with her husband, Mike, and their five-year-old daughter, River. She founded River Elliot, a luxury sustainable bridalwear brand, in 2017. THE IDEA By the age of 35, I’d been sewing for several years, even taking a year out of work to complete an advanced fashion design course. I’d always imagined using the training to fulfil my dream of designing and making glorious vintage-inspired gowns, but confidence and finances never allowed me to do so. I kept plodding along in my publishing job, working from home in London, which gave me time to be part of a growing worldwide sewing community. Following an issue at work that wasn’t resolved the way I…

You know the rule about showing legs or cleavage, but never both? The same applies to make-up. A striking eye or lip looks best when not competing with other features. So with warmer days ahead, why not try wearing minimal mascara, swapping foundation for tinted moisturiser and adding a touch of colour to your lips? We love L’Oréal Brilliant Signature, £10.99, a lightweight lip ink that doesn’t dry out as many stains do. It’s available in 12 punchy shades, including our favourite, Be Successful, a flattering rose that suits all.…

I always thought having narrow hips was a good thing. But after baby number two my waist went completely AWOL and I realised it really wasn’t. What I’ve been left with couldn’t be further from an hourglass shape. It’s not even boyish or athletic, and I’m neither fat nor thin. The harsh reality is I don’t really go in at the middle. There, I’ve said it. Whether you blame babies, menopause, metabolism slow down or stress, as many of us know, your body changes as you age. So, what to do when your waistline ups and leaves you? The good news is there’s a simple answer. You cheat yourself one. Well, the illusion of one. And thanks to the latest trends for belted jackets and 70s-inspired trousers, fashion is finally…

It’s been a testing year so far, and if coronavirus has taught us anything, it’s the importance of ensuring our health remains a constant priority. From the foods you eat, to the eight hours of shut-eye you’re (hopefully!) getting each night, there’s a multitude of ways to keep well and ensure your immunity to illness is as strong as it can be. TOP TRICKS TO BUILD UP YOUR IMMUNITY Get outdoors (if you can) It’s easy to stay inside, in an effort to escape all the germs in our atmosphere. In fact, hiding indoors could make you more susceptible. ‘Exposing your immune system to a wider variety of beneficial micro-organisms from the environment will help to keep it strong and healthy,’ says nutritional therapist Hannah Braye. Plus, studies have shown…

Some things are better taken together. Nutritionist Gabriela Peacock reveals the best superfood combos to pair with each other: ✣ GREEN TEA + CITRUS FRUITS  Vitamin C helps the intestinal transport of catechins (the compounds in tea that are high in antioxidants), found in green tea. ✣ CHOPPED GARLIC + WAITING 10 MINUTES  Leave your chopped garlic to sit before cooking or eating it. This allows an enzyme called allicin to develop, which works to help reduce inflammation. ✣ TURMERIC + BLACK PEPPER  The piperine compound in black pepper pairs well with curcumin in turmeric, making it more available for the body to absorb. If you have any concerns about your health, call your GP for advice.…

✣ WORK IT OUT Try an indoor workout – run up and down the stairs, or even do some really brisk housework to burn up the cortisol and work off that adrenaline. ✣ STAY CALM As you breathe out, you signal to the parasympathetic nervous system to instruct your body to calm down. Breathing exercises, whereby you breathe out for longer than you breathe in, will keep you zen-like. ✣ MAKE IT REAL Due to our human need for connection and physical presence, spending time in the presence of friends can be extremely beneficial. This isn’t easy to do in the current environment, so get outside where you can. ✣ EAT WELL Foods rich in zinc, B vitamins, vitamin C and magnesium have a stress-combating effect. So stock up on…

✢ Rapid CBD oral drops Helps combat the demands of a hectic lifestyle. Contains ashwagandha, too, for relaxation. £44.99 (250mg/60ml),hollandandbarrett.com ✢ AVER Boost CBD drink This ginger and lemon sparkling water drink has the highest content of CBD (25mg/250ml can) on the market. £3.75, averlondon.com ✢ Green Stem Sandalwood, Lavender & Jasmine CBD Bath Bomb Drop into the tub as part of your night-time routine for the ultimate wind-down. £15, greenstemcbd.com ✢ Grounded CBD and Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum Rub onto face and neck to revive stressed skin. £29.99 (60ml), hollandandbarrett.com ✢ CBD Lip Balm Smooths, soften and replenishes dry lips. £3.49, hollandandbarrett.com…

When I began to feel sick on a visit to Mumbai, India, in December 2014 with my husband, John, I wondered if it was a combination of jet lag, heat and something I’d eaten. However, 10 days later back in Scotland, I still didn’t feel myself, so I went to the GP, who diagnosed a virus and suggested paracetamol. Three or four days later, still feeling sick, another doctor did some blood tests and I was then sent to hospital. John came with me, and we expected I’d be given antibiotics. Instead, I was told I’d be admitted for further tests. Later, I was transferred by ambulance to another hospital’s high-dependency unit. And after three days, the doctors diagnosed me with Goodpasture’s Syndrome. The antibodies in my blood had been…

Sometimes, if I’m being totally honest, it’s hard to tell the difference! Both can cause a blocked runny nose, watering eyes and a bit of a sore throat, and make you feel tired. And in susceptible people both can trigger wheezing. But unlike a cold, hay fever does not give you a fever, or body aches, which can happen with a common cold. And though hay fever can make you feel bunged up, it does not give you pain in your sinuses or blocked ears, which can reduce your hearing. Also, a thick cream or yellowy green nasal discharge is never due to hay fever, though it can happen with a cold. Cold symptoms are also constant for several days, regardless of the weather, while hay fever symptoms get worse…

1 Botanic Gardens, Belfast Features the Palm House and Tropical Ravine, with its jungle of ferns. 2 Down House, Orpington, Kent With fascinating flower borders and greenhouses at Charles Darwin’s former garden. 3 The Hidden Gardens, Glasgow A beautiful public oasis with lots of volunteering opportunities for keen gardeners. 4 Winterbourne House and Garden, Birmingham A secret floral gem with picnic lawns, a walled garden and lovely rhododendron walk.…

1 GEUM Tiny yellow, orange or red flowers on delicate criss-crossing stems make this a great plant for adding colour in small spaces, and the flowers look adorable in vases too. They’re also slug-resistant and suppress weeds. PLANT IN Moisture-retentive soil. Deadhead regularly. Height 60cm, spread 45cm; thompson-morgan.com 2 SALVIA Loved by bees and butterflies, salvias are a favourite with gardeners too. There are around 900 species in a range of colours, and they flower from late spring until autumn. PLANT IN Moist but well-drained soil in sun; sarahraven.com 3 ACHILLEA The dense, flattened blooms of this cottage garden classic are great for attracting bees, and they make pretty dried flowers. There is a wide variety of colours – we love the pink of Achillea millefolium ‘Cerise Queen’. PLANT IN…

WORLDWIDE REWILDING It’s 25 years since wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in the US and five years since Montana governor Steve Bullock permitted bison to roam outside the Yellowstone boundaries. These are major milestones in the global rewilding movement and it might one day be as important to Dartmoor as Yellowstone. Rewilding is the art and science of ambitious conservation, of letting nature take control. As rewildingbritain.org.uk puts it, ‘It goes where nature takes it.’ Sadly, much of our natural landscape is now either parched, drenched, or so depleted in nutrients that it can’t do its job as a carbon store, or support flora and fauna properly. Allowing wild animals back into their traditional habitats is central to this philosophy. Natural England has issued 13 beaver licences in the…

Tropical coconut custard tart The mix of tropical fruits and British berries goes beautifully with Pimm’s or a spiced rum cocktail. Serves 12 • Ready in 1 hr 30 mins, plus chilling and cooling 320g pack ready-rolled shortcrust pastry for the custard filling: 400ml double cream 2 x 160ml cans coconut cream 3 eggs and 2 egg yolks 1 vanilla pod or 1tsp extract 75g caster sugar ½ fresh nutmeg, grated ¼ punnet of raspberries ¼ punnet blueberries ¼ punnet strawberries 1 ripe mango, sliced finely 1 can squirty cream (or 300ml fresh whipped) you will need: 23cm tart case, and baking beans 1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4, set a shelf in middle of the oven and take the pastry out of the fridge to warm up slightly. 2…

Beth O’Leary Following the success of her debut novel, The Flatshare , in 2019, Beth O’Leary’s ability to bring a range of intriguing characters to life is showcased again in her new book, The Switch . I always have half-ideas or quarter-ideas brewing. Sometimes they evolve into a whole idea, or merge with another one. I usually write at my desk, and keep myself motivated with word-count targets and endless tea breaks. If I’m writing a first draft, I won’t stop until I’ve done 2,000 words a day. Sometimes that’s done by midday, sometimes not until late into the evening. I tend to just work until my brain goes fuzzy – usually around 5pm! For me, characters come second. The first thing always seems to be the question or hook…

THE EYEOPENER THE OVERSTORY By Richard Powers I loved this book and it feels very current. It features nine people, each of whom has a connection with a different tree, and reminded me how incredible seemingly ordinary things, such as trees, are and how extraordinary the world is. AN AMAZING WRITER RODHAM By Curtis Sittenfeld All of Sittenfeld’s writing is brilliant. She wrote American Wife , which was wonderful and said to be based on the life of former first lady, Laura Bush. Her latest, Rodham , is an imagining of Hillary’s life if she hadn’t ended up marrying Bill Clinton. It’s one of those books I sank into. BEAUTIFULLY OBSERVED THRILLER LITTLE DISASTERS By Sarah Vaughan This was such a gripping read and full of secrets and lies –…

Older and Wider Escape the self-isolation blues with this amusing podcast from Jenny Eclair and Judith Holder. Each episode covers random subjects like red mist, soda bread and marmalade. You feel they’re sitting at your table as they rattle on about their lives. PodBean Untangle Mindfulness is something we can all learn from and you’ll hear interviews with experts in the field of mind and brain health. Topics include retraining your brain to boost happy chemicals. Acast, Apple Podcasts, PodBean, Spotify, SoundCloud The Petcast If you love your pet or are thinking about getting one, this Blue Cross podcast is for you. Hosted by Strictly star Gemma Atkinson, she talks to animal behaviourists and pet owners. Perfect for helping you understand your furry friend. Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify…

ALEXANDRA SHULMAN was Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue from 1992-2017. She writes a weekly notebook for the Mail on Sunday and is a commentator on fashion and style. On page 25, she writes about the vital role clothes play in our lives. Are you a morning lark or night owl? I am a lark. I start the day very early but by 2pm I am pretty hopeless! I do like a party or seeing friends in the evening, so perhaps I’m a kind of social lark, or a turning-in-early owl. SHEILA O’FLANAGAN began her career in banking and finance until her love for writing blossomed into stories about relationships. She is the author of many bestselling chart-toppers, including Her  Husband’s Mistake, The Hideaway and What Happened That Night. Enjoy her poignant…

@voguishand calamity, 45, proves a great suit works for weekends too @yasminfurmie, 57, shows off her waist with a contrast belt @venswifestyle, 54, lets her statement top do all the talking @the_chic_petite, 33, makes holiday dressing look easy @petitestylestudio, 44, knows how to dress her petite proportions @chicover50, 60, swaps blue denim for a brighter shade @fashiononthe 4thfl oor , 59, teams fancy florals with sports luxe stripes @stylemaman, 42, adds funky bows to a neutral colour palette Add your pictures by hashtagging #womanandhomestreetstyle or email wandhstreetstyle@ti-media.com to join in.…

‘ I’M A MUM BY DAY, DJ BY NIGHT’ Claire Sweeting, 42, is a writer and editor. She lives in Surrey with her husband Ed and their two children. ‘You’re a dark horse.’ I must have heard this half a dozen times when the mums at my daughter’s school found out I was DJing at the Christmas party. Fair enough – the dad who usually DJs does Ibiza residencies. I don’t have that level of skill, but I’ve been DJing for fun for 20 years, albeit with a large gap when I was too busy with babies to stay up past 10pm. ‘It’s brilliant to see grannies, aunties and kids dancing away!’ My teenage life revolved around Top of the Pops, poring over NME, and convincing friends who’d passed their…

British choreographer ARLENE PHILLIPS explains its appeal: I think what we love about dance is people showing us exceptional skills, in harmony with the music that drives them. It moves something inside us. But dance is also something nearly anyone can enjoy doing – it has huge health benefits, and can be life-changing. I started ballet aged three, but I have worked in many genres of dance. Dance is an exceptional skill because the mind has to let the body know what to do. From the purest of classical ballerinas to the strongest break-dancing female, dance takes an incredible amount of training. Take hip-hop dancers, who’ve created a whole new dance language. Kate Prince who founded ZooNation, works with a lot of self-trained dancers who work as hard as any…

Yes, it’s that time of year again! The moment when we begin our search to find and honour inspiring and incredible women aged over 50 who are succeeding, defying expectations and making a difference in all areas of life. Over the coming months in woman&home we’ll be revealing our shortlisted finalists in each of the 10 categories. This issue, get ready to meet each of the shortlisted finalists in the Changing Our Country, Smashing the Glass Ceiling and Brand New Directions Entrepreneur categories. These women are brilliantly successful and have overcome obstacles to reach top leadership positions and altruistic individuals working tirelessly to improve our country and our lives. They say ‘you’ve got to see it to be it’ and you couldn’t get better role models than these amazing women.…

Protect your family time if you’re a working mum. You’ve got to be quite strict with your scheduling. I try not to book work at the weekend and make sure we’re all doing things together as a family. Time together is precious, so even if it’s a long walk in the countryside, it’s important to make memories together. See difficult journeys ahead as an adventure and not a reason to avoid. Ella-Rose is a little jet-setter. I remember taking her to Australia where I was working with the classical musician André Rieu. I was worried about the 20-hour flight, so I took a bag of things for her to do on the plane and she loved it. I called it her ‘plane surprises’. Grab sleep when you can. I always…

As well as walking the dog, this multitasking supremo is also transporting a bevy of small children, who are all strapped to his torso, while ignoring his wild-haired older kids who are careering around on scooters, crashing into elderly people who’ve had the audacity to walk on the path. ‘Oops, careful, Hector!’ Dad calls out to his son when an octogenarian lies on the ground, concussed. You assume he’s going to rush to their aid, but no – it’s you he’s staring at. ‘Excuse me!’ he shouts. ‘I think your dog’s done something.’ ‘Yes, I know,’ you reply. ‘I’m just getting it.’ You were already delving into your pocket for a poo bag. ‘It’s just, there are children here,’ he adds. Yes, you can see them. The whole neighbourhood is…

UK research looked at the positions women who had low body confidence chose to have sex in. The most favoured (40%) was the missionary position. And the position that made women least secure about their bodies? Woman on top. While only 30% of women regularly orgasm through intercourse (without extra clitoral stimulation), a lot of women who do get there do it by being on top and in control. Missionary is one of the least female-friendly sex positions because adding extra stimulation isn’t easy and his penis isn’t angled towards the front vaginal wall. Low body confidence makes women choose a position that’s almost guaranteed not to make them orgasm and ignore the position that’s most likely to. Lose-lose……

Treat yourself Treat a dad in your life to a Father’s Day experience for him to look forward to once life returns to normal. Scour sites such as Buyagift, Red Letter Days or Virgin Experience Days for ideas, or see if Wowcher or Groupon are running special discounted deals. Unleash his inner racing driver with a triple supercar driving experience from £149, try clay pigeon shooting from £49, or book a helicopter tour with bubbly for two from £59, all at a variety of locations via Buyagift. Over at Virgin Experience Days, try a photography course from £35, or cricket ground or football stadium tours from £15. Then search for extra discounts, such as 10% off first orders or when signing up for the newsletter. THRIFTY TRICK When hiring a…

Top totes Practical is the new stylish and these carry-all bags can fit all your essentials with ease. We like these pattern-free pastels. All about TEXTURE Think new shapes, leather trims and expensive-looking clasps. Basket bags have had a high fashion makeover! Slip into NEUTRAL Raffia and wicker have had an upgrade this season. Step into style with these straw-inspired shoes, which are perfect for warmer weather. Glam MULES If you’re not ready to get your toes out yet, these backless beauties could be the answer. All you have to do is choose your favourite details! Under THE SEA Pearls and shells add instant glamour to a simple outfit. And all priced under £40, these embellished bags are little treasures! LADYLIKE LOAFERS These chic loafers are ideal if you prefer…

✣ REVERSE LUNGE HIGH KNEE Perform a reverse lunge, bending both knees so they form 90° angles. Then, keeping your back leg bent, bring it forwards and up into a high knee position. ✣ MOUNTAIN CLIMBER Perform a plank, resting your weight on hands and balls of feet. Lift right foot off the floor and raise your knee close to chest. Return to starting position and repeat with left. ✣ JUMPING SQUAT Perform a full squat. Then drive through your heels, jumping up towards the ceiling. Land with soft knees in the squat position and repeat. ✣ JOGGING KICKBACK Jog quickly on the spot, kicking legs up behind you so they alternately touch your bottom in quick succession.…

Copper Necessary for the maintenance of a healthy white blood cell count; many of these white cells engulf and destroy microorganisms. TRY IronCare, £6.95 (120 tablets), healthspan.co.uk Selenium Healthspan medical director Dr Sarah Brewer says selenium stimulates the production and activity of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, which help to fight viral and bacterial infections. ‘Low selenium is considered a contributing factor for viral mutation, which could explain why so many new pathogenic influenza viruses emerge from Asian countries where selenium intakes are very low.’ TRY Selenium, £12.95 (240 tablets), healthspan.co.uk Vitamin C Stockpiling oranges and kiwis is one thing to fight a cold, but studies have shown that high doses at the first sign of a cold can speed up recovery by up to two days. TRY Tonic…

‘A trick reportedly used by the US military, this technique is said to work for around 96% of people after practising for around six weeks,’ reveals Rob. Try the following below tonight… ✣ RELAX muscles in your face, such as tongue, jaw and around the eyes. ✣ DROP shoulders as low as they will go, followed by your upper and lower arm, one side at a time. ✣ BREATHE OUT, relaxing your chest then legs, working downwards from the thighs to the feet. ✣ SAY ‘Don’t think, don’t think’ for 10 seconds to clear your mind.…

Looking at how much time we spend sitting in cars, at laptops and on the sofa, it’s no wonder that back pain is the single biggest cause of work absence. God, I sound like my mother. Hold on, let me start that again. Daily back pain is a debilitating condition that can lead to a referred pain popping up somewhere else, causing low mood, anxiety and a thoroughly ratty disposition. This affects quality of life for you and your family. So, let’s see what we can do for ourselves, with regards to the come-and-go sort of everyday low-level ache (rather than specific injuries caused by accidents). Firstly, we need to adopt a mindset of respect and awareness for our bodies. Sounds a bit la-la, but consider how the spine holds…

Maximising muscles in middle age becomes less about chasing a six-pack, and more about maintaining good muscle function to stay active in later life. And there’s evidence to show that this is even more important for women as we age – here’s how to boost yours beyond 50. HEALTH BENEFITS Retaining muscle has overall health benefits for many reasons – from maintaining core strength and helping build bone density, to increasing metabolism and aiding weight-loss. ‘The greater your muscle mass, the more you can eat to stay at a healthy weight,’ explains exercise physiologist Lindsy Kass. ‘The body works harder to supply muscles with blood and oxygen, which raises the metabolism and burns calories.’ So what happens to our muscles as we get older? In young adults, lean muscle mass…

Q Every summer the skin on my heels becomes thick and dry, and then develops deep cracks that are really painful and take ages to heal. I’ve tried putting foot cream on every day, but I don’t think it makes any difference. Is there anything I can do to speed up the healing process and, most importantly, prevent them recurring? A During the winter months, wearing socks and tights can help retain moisture in the skin of the feet, but at this time of year, when bare skin and sandals are the rule, the skin can become much more dry and hard, and prone to cracks, especially on the heels. To prevent this, file away the build-up of hard skin, at least twice a week. Though some people like using…

Fizz always dominates summer drinking, and those in the know will be making elegant spritzer cocktails inspired by the drinks cabinets of 1960s Spain, Portugal and Italy. The hot new flavours have whisky, sherry, almond liqueur or brandy at their heart instead of prosecco. To make a basic spritz, start with quality tonic over ice, mix 60/40 with a dash of wine, spirit or liqueur. We love Pedrino Spritz’s ready-made Paloma Spritz recipe – a Mexican twist with Tequila as a base – see pedrinospritz.com. Pedrino Spritz, RRP £1.95, waitrose.com, ocado.com…

LOOK ONE ENGLISH Classic Plump for a quintessentially English garden, full of blowsy, fragrant roses and sweet-smelling lavender, creating a romantic oasis to hide away in. Layer traditional seating such as wicker armchairs and wrought-iron benches with patterned pastel cushions and throws to make lazy afternoon lunches a more comfortable affair. Nestle terracotta pots planted with hydrangeas and daisies into cosy nooks, and hang a mirror to reflect the colourful florals of your relaxing outdoor space. LOOK TWO RUSTIC Organic Reflecting the huge wellness and sustainability movement of the past couple of years, the use of natural materials has never been so popular. Bamboo, rattan and natural, rustic woods are the more eco choices for furniture, creating a feeling of laid-back living in your own garden. Looking to live in…

CALENDULA For a riot of golden yellows and oranges, choose calendula or English pot marigolds. Fuss-free, they don’t even need deadheading. HEIGHT AND SPREAD 40CM STOCKS These smell fabulous and make gorgeous cut flowers. Pot up on the patio so you can sit back and enjoy the scent on hazy summer nights. HEIGHT 60CM, SPREAD 40CM COSMOS Large pink blooms with feathery foliage, Cosmos need little care and bring cheery colour to any garden in an instant. HEIGHT 120CM, SPREAD 60CM LOBELIA Trailing plants with delicate flowers, these are great for combining with larger showier plants in window boxes and hanging baskets. HEIGHT 15CM, SPREAD 45CM…

MELTING WRAPPERS Prodigy chocolate bars contain raw cacao butter and cacao nibs, a lower sugar content than your average snack bar, and are vegan approved. You can also put the biobased plastic wrappers in your compost caddy for collection. HOPE FOR HUMANS In Humankind: A Hopeful History (Bloomsbury, £20), Rutger Bregman argues it’s realistic to assume that people are good. He says an instinct to cooperate and trust has an evolutionary basis. LESS LITTER Cat litter goes to landfill at a rate of 2.5 million tonnes a year. Sign up to natusan.co.uk and the litter is delivered to your door, and a month later collected, composted, and turned into fertiliser. From £19.90 a month for the litter bags, to £32.90 a month for the full kit. WATCH IT #naturenow with…

FEEL-GOOD ROMCOM WOULD LIKE TO MEET by Rachel Winters (£7.99, Trapeze) If you enjoy a good rom-com, you’ll love this feel-good debut novel. In a bid to keep her job at a TV and film agency, and save the company, Evie has to convince its biggest client to finish his script for a Hollywood film. The catch? He’ll only continue if she proves you can fall in love like they do in the movies. With laughs and a lot of heart, this is pure summer entertainment. ROYAL INTRIGUE KATHERYN HOWARD: THE TAINTED QUEEN by Alison Weir (£20, Headline) Charting the rise and fall of Henry VIII’s fifth queen, historian Alison Weir is an expert at weaving together historical detail, political powerplay and the feelings of a naive woman. Katheryn Howard…

THE PRISONER’S WIFE by Maggie Brookes (Cornerstone) Young soldier Bill and his wife Izabela go on the run, to track down her brother and father. Heart-wrenching. THE PARIS LIBRARY by Janet Skeslien Charles (Two Roads) Split between Paris in 1939 and Montana in 1983, this is based upon heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris. Compelling. THE TUSCAN GIRL by Angela Petch (Bookouture) When Alba’s fiancé is killed, she flees to the village of Rofelle. Then the history of a nearby abandoned house draws her in. FINDING CLARA by Anika Scott (Hutchinson) Set in Essen, Germany, in 1946, this tale of guilt and redemption follows heiress Clara as she tries to evade the Allied authorities. THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY by Natalie Jenner (Orion) The war may be over, but…

Amber Bennett is wearing her game face. It’s one she’s learned over the years. A face with a confident, self-assured expression, comfortable with its carefully applied foundation and red lipstick. It’s a face that lets people know she’s a woman not to be messed with. A woman in control. It’s not a face she needs much any more. She’s usually happy with her everyday face, the one that gets by on tinted moisturiser and lip salve, not Charlotte Tilbury and Chanel. That face is a road map of the life she’s lived, even if it shows her mistakes. She doesn’t try to hide them these days. If she allows the joy in, she’ll also allow in the hurt and regret and the shame Today is a day when she 100%…

ON THE BOX The Sister An unwelcome face from the past triggers catastrophic decisions for happily married Nathan (Russell Tovey) in this tense four-part drama. Bertie Carvel plays Bob, who rocks Nathan to the core when he turns up to break shocking news. ITV Eurovision: Come Together Eurovision is cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis, but fans of the singing show can still get a fix on 16 May. Graham Norton introduces classic performances and looks at who’d have been performing. BBC1 The Epic Adventures of Morph Anyone who was a child in the 1980s will remember Morph, the plasticine man made famous by kids’ TV presenter Tony Hart. Now Morph returns, along with Chas, plus Delilah and Grandmorph. Sky Kids Van Der Valk Marc Warren plays the iconic detective…

Hollywood Former Glee star Darren Criss heads the cast of this drama about aspiring actors and film-makers in Tinseltown. Set just after World War Two, the seven-parter shines a light into the industry’s unfair biases. Netflix Trying Rafe Spall and Esther Smith play London couple Jason and Nikki, who are desperate for a baby. This eight-part comedy, also starring Imelda Staunton, follows their epic mission. AppleTV+ Space Force This 10-part comedy drama follows a group tasked with creating a US military branch in space. Their goal is to put American boots on the Moon by 2024. Stars Steve Carell and John Malkovich. Netflix…

CANCER 23 JUNE – 23 JULY The Cancer new moon on the 21st is a superb time to try new things out. OK, so communication’s not great from mid-month, but the future looks bright. Call 0905 789 4153* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates LEO 24 JULY – 23 AUGUST A situation around the 5th calls for a change. It might be because something’s changed forever in a joyful way – like a new addition to the family. Call 0905 789 4154* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates VIRGO 24 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER On the 18th you enter an irritating period when plans tend to foul up. The more you can plan, the better. Family matters are tricky, but romance is sexy. Call 0905 789 4155* and…

IN PRAISE OF NURSES Jo Snow’s letter (April issue) about staying in hospital struck a chord. I’ve had two hip operations and will never forget the kindness of nurses who rubbed my feet when cramp was starting, and made me a cup of tea at sunrise when nobody else was awake. They’re special, special people. Six years on, they gave me my life back. Angela, by email We couldn’t agree more, and in recent months our nurses – and all the NHS staff – have been nothing short of heroic. Catherine, editorial director SHOW SOME RESPECT The expression ‘chick lit’ makes my blood boil. Successful women writers who have sold millions of books get described in this way as if they only write silly, frothy stories. Why is there no…

Ruth Jones is used to everyone thinking she’s just like Nessa Jenkins. But when she arrives for our cover shoot, smiling, friendly and a little bit nervous, she could scarcely be further from the tough, leather-clad character she plays in her hit comedy Gavin & Stacey. Casually dressed in a soft grey jumper, jeans and trainers, and wearing no make-up, the only sign of stardom is the camera crew following her every move, as she’s also being filmed for a TV documentary. Ruth claims she’s lazy, but her extraordinary writing and acting credits tell a very different story. ‘I was 40 before I finally believed I could achieve things’ Gavin & Stacey, co-written with James Corden, certainly put Barry Island on the map. Ruth’s return as Nessa in the show’s…

FOR BETTER DIGESTION TRY Fennel, lemon balm or ginger ‘Fennel acts as a diuretic so it can help with water retention and bloating,’ says Lily. ‘Try lemon balm for indigestion and acid reflux, or ginger for nausea.’ FOR A PICK-ME-UP TRY Peppermint Studies at Northumbria University found that drinking it boosted alertness, helping to improve both short-term and long-term memory. FOR AN IMMUNE BOOST TRY Elderberry ‘Elderberries contain vitamins A and C, anthocyanins and flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce the symptoms and length of a cold,’ says medical nutritionist Dr Newman-Beinart. FOR RADIANT SKIN TRY Nettle Keeping well hydrated is good for the complexion. ‘It’s one of my favourite “nutritional” herbs for the skin, with vitamins A and C, iron, calcium and magnesium,’ says Dr Newman-Beinart. FOR HIGH…

Just before Christmas, I lost my beloved father. Dad was hardworking and honest, the word reliable written through the middle of him like a stick of rock. A knight of good manners and decency. ‘Kindness is an underrated but potent quality’ He worried about me wanting to be a writer as opposed to something steady and traditional, but he never interfered. And because the father of my sons wasn’t in their lives, Dad was their male role model. I couldn’t have wished for a better one. One day when I was a teenager I walked into our house to find this beautiful (and very heavy) old typewriter on the table. They were giving it away at Dad’s work and he knew I’d want it. He’d carried it to the bus…

Soon, my wonderful son turns 21. At 11, he was diagnosed with mild Asperger syndrome, and it’s fair to say the last decade has been a roller coaster. Now, as he comes of age and finishes university, it’s time to ponder what I wish I’d known back then. Who knows, it just might help someone else. IT DOESN’T DEFINE HIM ‘I wish someone had told me not to panic. It works out in the end’ My son is smart, brave, funny and kind. He loves gaming and cats, hates cheese and walking slowly. He’s a young man, with all the complexity, contradictions and idiosyncrasies that entails. When I started writing my novel, he thought it great I was considering including a character who was on the spectrum, but cautioned against…

‘Look at her,’ the woman gushes enthusiastically. ‘Isn’t she clever?’ You find yourself nodding in agreement, feeling somewhat ridiculous. Because this isn’t the woman’s child, performing the oboe solo from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake . It’s her Miniature Schnauzer chasing a tennis ball. ‘Careful!’ she calls – because as well as being inordinately proud of her pooch, she is also the world’s biggest worrier where her dog’s wellbeing is concerned. And the park throws up any number of hazards to be avoided at all costs – puddles and mud, which might dirty her just-groomed coat, and sticks that could injure her delicate mouth. Not to mention rougher dogs who might try to cop a sniff of her bottom or copulate with her. Last time that happened – with a randy Dalmatian…

Let’s look at how to stop being your own worst critic and, instead, be kind to yourself. You need to ask yourself why wouldn’t someone want to sleep with you just because you’re over 50? There are evolutionary reasons why a youthful body is seen as more sexually desirable than an older body – she is more likely to reproduce. But who decided that smooth skin was more attractive than wrinkled skin, which tells the story of a life lived fully? Why are age spots ugly and freckles cute? Women over 50 can be sexier than, not just as sexy as, younger women. Helen Mirren, Isabelle Huppert, Halle Berry and Lena Olin spring instantly to mind. And so do other ‘normal’ women who haven’t had any surgery or ‘help’, and…

Up to 3.7 million senior citizens face forking out for a TV licence from August, after the BBC delayed plans to scrap free TV licences for over-75s. Charity Age UK warned that hundreds of thousands of households could struggle to afford the licence fee, which went up to £157.50 a year in April. Anyone who watches or records any live TV, or uses BBC iPlayer, needs a TV licence. But you can ditch it if you only use services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube or Now TV to watch on-demand and catch-up programmes, or DVDs. Households with someone over 75 claiming pension credit will still be eligible for a free TV licence – but around 1.3 million people entitled to pension credit don’t claim it. To qualify, you must…

HOW TO WEAR A BUSY PRINT Lindsey, 60, lives in Kent and works as a paraplanner. RUTH SAYS ‘Invest in classics – I designed this denim jacket as it works with so many items in your wardrobe. Team with pieces you might save for special occasions to dress them down for daytime.’ RUTH SAYS ‘Small tweaks, such as a simple turn-up of a cuff, can make your outfit look instantly modern.’ RUTH SAYS ‘Choose simple accessories to wear with a bold pattern. The cream sandals and blue bag pick out colours from the floral print so they complement, rather than fight for attention.’ HOW TO TRY THIS YEAR’S TRENDS Sam, 48, lives in Nottinghamshire and works as an account manager. RUTH SAYS ‘A khaki utility jacket is both practical and…

Nigel Denby, registered dietitian Finally, we can enjoy oodles of fresh British strawberries. The season is now in full swing, so make the most of them throughout June and July. ‘Strawberries are a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as providing a good dose of fibre, folate, manganese and potassium,’ says Nigel Denby. ‘They also contain significant amounts of phytonutrients (chemicals produced by plants that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects).’ So whether you sprinkle them over muesli, whizz them into a smoothie or drizzle them with cream, pack them into your diet now!…

‘Get your body in the best possible shape by eating a balanced diet and drinking enough liquid – aim for two litres a day,’ says immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi. Buying these expert-approved foods is a great place to start… MISO Around 70-80% of our body’s immune system is in the gut in the form of beneficial probiotic bacteria. ‘While people talk a lot about yogurts and dairy probiotics, you can also find probiotics in fermented soya products such as miso,’ says nutritionist Kim Pearson. ‘Try adding it to soups, stews, bean dishes and sauces.’ SALMON Oily fish such as salmon are rich in omega-3, vital for supporting our immune function. ‘Omega-3 fats help our immune system resist and fight infections such as colds and flu,’ says nutritionist Babi Chana. ‘Disease-producing…

✣ Most of us know by now about the crucial role gut bacteria plays in digestion – from banishing the bloat to keeping things moving. ✣ ‘Gut flora also influences mood, stress levels and immune system health,’ says Dr Eileen Murphy. ✣ ‘Take a clinically proven probiotic to manage your immunity and your stress; 90% of our serotonin (AKA the happy hormone) production and 80% of our immune system takes place in the gut,’ she adds. TRY Zenflore, £29.99 (30 capsules), precisionbiotics.com…

✣ THE APP  Sleep Stories, £35.99 for a year, calm.com/sleepFamous voices, including Joanna Lumley and Leona Lewis, narrate calming tales to help you nod off. ✣ THE EYE MASK  This blocks out light and plays music through the integrated earphones. Music Sleep Mask, £24.99, prezzybox.com ✣ THE PILLOW  Slumberdown has two scented pillowcases to help you unwind – Berry Bliss or Tropical Twist, £9.99 each, Amazon ✣ THE BLANKET  The evenly distributed weight of Mela Comfort Blanket promotes a sense of calm. From £124.99, melacomfort.co.uk…

The catch-all product of the moment – CBD – promises relief from chronic pain, sleep disorders and anxiety. Some people even opt for it over medication, so what are the benefits? WHAT IS CBD? Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a chemical compound taken from the cannabis sativa plant (marijuana). Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the primary psychoactive element in marijuana which causes the ‘high’), CBD is non-psychoactive, so there’s no ‘high’. CBD is legal in the UK, but it can only have a maximum THC content of 0.2%. HOW DOES IT WORK? The body has an endocannabinoid system (ECD), which regulates functions such as appetite, pain, mood and memory. When imbalanced, it can lead to poor sleep and anxiety. CBD works by boosting the body’s use of its ECD. WHAT ARE THE…

TRICEP DIPS With your back facing a chair, rest the heels of your hands on the edge of it, knees bent. Keep spine straight and your bottom close to the chair. Inhale to lower your bottom down, pointing elbows directly backwards. Exhale and tighten your abs as you push back up, straightening your arms. Aim for three lots of 10 reps, with a minute’s rest between each set. TRICEP EXTENSION Standing with your feet hip-width apart, hold a dumb-bell in one hand. Extend your arm up to the ceiling, then bend your elbow and slowly lower the dumb-bell so it hangs behind your head. Keep your arm close to your ear. Repeat 10 times and then again 10 times on the other side. ✣ TIP! Make sure you don’t over-arch…

Sadly, this old saying, more than 100 years old and based on an old Welsh proverb, is not true. This was confirmed by a study done on nearly 8,400 American men and women between 2007 and 2010, where 753 of them did eat an apple a day, and there was no difference in the number of visits they made to their doctor. However, recently at Reading University a trial was carried out on 40 people who had slightly raised cholesterol levels, comparing the effects of eating two apples a day to drinking the same amount of calories in apple juice. And interestingly, munching the whole fruit lowered both total and ‘bad’ cholesterol levels more than just drinking the juice. So eating apples can be good for you, especially as they…

1 HARLOW CARR, NORTH YORKSHIRE The glorious 58-acre gardens at Harlow Carr offer a treat for the senses, with colour and fragrances. The talent of Nigel Dunnett, who designed the gardens at London’s Olympic Park, is clear to see. The wild flower meadows are a delight, while cool blue Meconopsis poppies, one of Harlow’s signature plants, burst into flower along the Streamside Walk. Cherries, magnolia and rhododendrons put on great displays, as do the dolly mixture candelabra primulas. The Scented Garden is filled with glorious wisteria, jasmine and roses, while orchids and giant alliums pop up in the borders. And keen gardeners will be able to pick up plenty of tips in the Kitchen Garden. Garden highlight The garden’s bird hide, to spy on a variety of species. Open 9.30am-6pm,…

Jill Stein is an interior designer and businesswoman undaunted by a challenge. Once she had decided to transform a house into a holiday let close to her Cornish home, she started with a real ruin. Having renovated five properties for a client, by 2015 she was eager to apply her expertise to her own place, to share with her three grown-up sons, Edward, Jack and Charlie. Jill says, ‘I didn’t have the budget for a property with a sea view, so I went inland to a village I knew well, as I used to drive through it to take my kids to school. I saw a farmhouse, but nothing needed doing to it. So I walked around and spotted that this house was on the market – it was a…

Fancy breakfast quiche Serve this quiche any time of the day – it’s perfect with a simple bitter side salad. We used dainty quails’ eggs – crack these fiddly treats with a sharp vegetable knife to pierce the membrane. Serves 6 • Ready in 1 hr 15 mins 320g ready-rolled puff pastry 150g baby chestnut mushrooms, halved 100g smoked streaky bacon, 3 rashers reserved, the remainder cut into chunks 1 small leek, halved and finely cut 10g parsley, finely chopped 50ml full-fat milk 150g half-fat creme fraiche 2 large organic eggs 1tsp nutmeg 4 quails’ eggs you will need: 25cm fluted tart case, baking beans 1 Heat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Unroll the pastry and roll out the width wide enough to cover the case. Lay the pastry over the…

FAMILY DRAMA WHERE WE BELONG by Anstey Harris (£12.99, Simon & Schuster) Anstey Harris doesn’t flinch from shining a light on some of the most difficult situations anyone can face, but she does it with warmth and compassion. She’s also very good at flipping assumptions. Cate is a mum and a wife, but both roles have brought major challenges. When her life changes beyond recognition, she has to draw on all her reserves to secure a future for herself and her son. With a crumbling museum, a Mrs Danvers-like guardian and simmering romance, it’s a beautiful story of love, loss and resilience.…

‘When you write a book, you never know if anyone is going to read it’ Telegraph writer Bryony Gordon has just completed her fifth book, Glorious Rock Bottom. Like her previous titles, it’s a frank and funny look at her own life, and charts her recovery from alcoholism. Bryony lives in London with her husband and daughter, and two guinea pigs. When I finished my last book, Mad Girl, I said to my husband, ‘If I think about writing another book, hit me over the head!’ I think I say that at the end of every book. I get really anxious about them and it’s exhausting. You have to shut everything out – I do a lot of talking to people about mental health and attending related events, and it’s…

THIS MONTH YOU’LL FIND ME  Watching Lots of film and TV dramas – I’ve just finished The Morning Show starring Jennifer Aniston. I will also be getting stuck into Promising Young Woman. It’s directed by my cousin, Emerald Fennell, and it received stupendous reviews at the Sundance Film Festival. It stars Carey Mulligan. Reading It will either be a William Boyd, an Ian McEwan or a Sophie Kinsella novel. Christmas Shopaholic is next on my reading list – Sophie is a close friend of ours. I read all her books and love her work. Listening To Spotify. I’m currently listening to an 80s playlist, which has 81 songs on it. It’s also a nice way of connecting with your kids. I’m also a massive Coldplay fan. Learning Through my writing,…

‘High heels and summer squalls do not go together’ I love the British summer – it’s my favourite day of the year. Every spring, I buy little strappy sandals and wispy, floaty summer frocks, only to end up shivering in windswept fields and rain-drenched marquees. With teeth chattering like castanets, and stalactites forming in both nostrils, I finally, tentatively, ask my host if we could retreat indoors to defrost. They invariably look at me as though I’ve had a DIY lobotomy. ‘On a lovely day like this?! What are you, crazy?’ Clearly, what I see as a full-blown episode of Survivor, the British see as a charming al fresco soiree. Fetes, book launches, engagement, wedding and birthday parties – what sadist decreed that summer events in Britain should be held…