Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2020 i Woman & Home

Over the weekend I had a wonderful lengthy phone chat to a good friend who was fortunate enough to be rattling around her generous London home, plus pretty garden, for the duration of the lockdown. During our conversation, when I asked her how she kept busy and battled the boredom, she confessed to me that she had no idea, that the time just seemed to pass and then another day was over. While this may sound ideal, she revealed after talking to her other friends, she was concerned that they were all busy creating their ‘lockdown legacies’ and she wasn’t. My friend went on to explain that those with sewing machines were making scrubs for the NHS, that some were delivering food parcels, while others were caring for elderly neighbours…

1. Shine bright Glide across temples and cheekbones for a subtle glow. Estée Lauder Pure Colour Love Cooling Highlighter in Sultry Shine, £23, esteelauder.co.uk 2. Bronzed beauty Carve out cheekbones and sculpt your jawline with a quick slick of this copper-toned bronzer. Chanel Baume Essentiel in Golden Light, £33, chanel.com 3. Lighten up Eyeliner, illuminator and shadow in one for a soft veil of light-reflecting shimmer. By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow Pen in Rose Elixir, £29, spacenk.com 4. Lip service Rich colour in a single stroke, the tapered tip gives precise application. Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lipstick in Immaculate, £24, spacenk.com 5. Bright eyes Soft, creamy and packed full of pigment, smudge on with fingers for subtle definition. Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Desert Sand, £25, spacenk.com 6. Blush…

‘Reflexology uses nerve points on the feet that relate to different parts of the body,’ says Beata. ‘Applying pressure to these points indirectly release tension.’ Here’s how: 1 TO COMBAT STRESS Press and hold underneath the arches for one minute with your thumb. 2 TO TREAT TIRED EYES Apply a firm rotational movement into the crease under the tip of the first and second toes on both feet. Repeat three times on each. 3 TO EASE A TIGHT NECK With the thumb, work up and down in firm circular movements from the base of the big toe to the base of the ball of the foot. Finish by holding the big toe firmly, and gently pull and rotate three times clockwise and three times anticlockwise.…

WHITE & GOLD Cindy Crawford A pair of crisp and flattering wide white trousers are a summer mainstay. Here, Cindy Crawford pairs them with a sleek ivory silk blouse for maximum impact. Pile on some layered gold chains or a pair of statement earrings to take them from day to night. DRESSED-UP TRAINERS Lady Helen Taylor Feeling comfortable makes a huge difference when dressing for hot days. Lady Helen Taylor’s zingy printed dress is super smart, even when paired with white trainers for days when you’re likely to be on your feet for long periods. DOUBLE ACT Victoria Beckham Co-ords have become an entire 21st-century fashion category, but in a light jersey or fine knit, they are also a colourful and stylish way to dress for high summer. Victoria Beckham’s…

Another month, another batch of truly Amazing Women. This month we celebrate the three finalists in two further hotly contested categories: Don’t Tell Me I Can’t…, which celebrates women who refuse to let any obstacle stand in their way, notching up incredible achievements and making a difference to others in spite of their personal struggles; plus Celebrities Doing Good, acknowledging the work of famous faces who are using their credibility and stature to raise valuable awareness for great causes. Don’t forget to look in next month’s issue of woman&home for the shortlists of the community heroines voted for by you from five regions: Scotland & N Ireland; North East, North West & Yorkshire; Wales & West Midlands; East Midlands & East Anglia; South West & South East. Who will you…

‘I’m out in the hills from 6am until it’s dark – and I love it’ ELIZABETH KNEAFSEY, 41, is a traditional shepherdess, and wildlife and countryside conservation practitioner (wildwoolshepherdess. com). She lives in Nottinghamshire  with her son, Harry, 16. For the past decade, I’ve been a shepherdess. I live a very simple life, spending most of my time out in the fields, in harmony with the land and animals. I didn’t grow up in a farming family, though; in fact, I was a dancer for many years, following a degree in theatre arts. After becoming a single parent, I went to college for a year to study wildlife conservation and countryside management. I wanted to live wild, to go back to old ancestral ways of living. Part of the course…

‘I NEVER IMAGINED I’D HAVE A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE’ Jane O’Sullivan-Wallace, 50, is a part-time hospice nurse and mother of three. When I met Con, aged 34, I imagined that that was ‘it’ for life. But, on Easter weekend 2016, he said he was feeling ‘bleugh’, and went to bed. A few days later, he was yellow with jaundice. We paid for a scan and, 48 hours after that, Con received the news that he had pancreatic cancer. He died three weeks later. A widow at 46, I was numb. The evenings were so long. I’d lie on the floor, screaming and crying. I’d wake up, not believing that any of this had really happened. Then, of course, it would hit me. ‘We both felt guilty about the speed…

Treat yourself Fancy stocking up on wine for less, with deliveries of crates full straight to your door? Check out tempting offers for new customers from various wine clubs, such as £60 off an introductory crate from Laithwaites or The Sunday Times Wine Club. The offer takes the price of 12 bottles under £55, which is less than £4.58 each. Meanwhile the taster case from Virgin Wine Discovery Club comes in at just £4.99 a bottle, offering you a saving of £80, while Naked Wines offers £30 of free wine with your first order. Just remember to check the small print and cancel any subscriptions you sign up to afterwards, so you’re not faced with extra charges if you don’t want to purchase further crates at full price. THRIFTY TRICK…

I’ve been giving fashion advice for over 20 years but I’m feeling the pain as much as the next woman when it comes to getting dressed in the morning at the moment. The first week of isolation followed the same pattern. Wake up, walk to wardrobe, stare at clothes, close wardrobe, pick up yesterday’s jogging bottoms off the floor, put them on. Job done. But week two was more complicated. I had a video call to navigate and a Zoom chat with my friends. Suddenly my favourite hoody didn’t feel quite so appealing. But on it went regardless, and I chose to ignore the quizzical looks I received from others as to why I wasn’t on top of my fashion game. the loungewear. At least for a while. My 40-plus…

Brow specialist Jenni Draper has all the answers: FAKE IT If you’re due a microblade top-up, invest in a brow pen, like Glossier Brow Flick, £15, glossier.com, to mimic those hair-like strokes. Or use a pencil like Estée Lauder MicroPrecise Brow Pencil, £18.50, esteelauder. co.uk , to fill any sparse areas. DON’T TWEEZE Try letting your brows grow out and brush the brows up with a brow gel and trim them. If you must use tweezers, only pluck below the brow line. DYE JOB There’s no reason you can’t do this at home, just do a patch test 48 hours beforehand. Use a thin layer of Vaseline on the skin around the brows to avoid staining. Try Eylure Dybrow, £7.49, superdrug.com…

Listen Annie,’ wrote woman&home, ‘given the current “stay at home far too near the fridge” climate, looks like we may need some last-minute getting-into-shape help for when we eventually can go on holiday.’ I inhaled deeply and rolled my eyes. Look, we know that keeping strong and fit is vital for a happy midlife (as well as a tolerable menopause). We also know it’s an ongoing task, not a box to be ticked and done with. But time has run away with you, and we know those yoga/HIIT/ marathon/kale-eating pledges never quite made it past lockdown, so in the spirit of doing as I’m told, here’s a plan for a 10-day pre-holiday shift-to-shape-up. 1 EXERCISE  Resistance training For newcomers, try a mix of simple moves at home like squats, lunges,…

Sleep struggles can start when you feel on edge. ‘It’s impossible to sleep when we feel like this, as our bodies enter survival mode,’ says Dr Ramlakhan. ‘But hugging helps us produce feel-good hormones, which makes us feel safe. The same applies when we hug ourselves.’ ✢ Place your right hand under your left armpit and put your left arm over your right arm, with your left hand gently but firmly resting on your right shoulder. ✢ Focus on breathing deeply, relax and you’ll be asleep within the minute.…

Research by Silentnight and the University of Leeds revealed that 40% of people have trouble sleeping due to their partner’s snoring. Along with bugbears such as cover-stealing and bed-hogging, this means some couples impose a ‘sleep divorce’ – retreating to separate bedrooms. ‘While this may seem unusual, it’s not something to worry about,’ says sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan. ‘The key is to communicate without blame.’ ✣ These noise-cancelling, reusable earplugs can block-out disturbances. Happy Ears, £10, happyears.co ✣ Customise each half of this duvet to your ideal temperature. Hot & Not duvet, from £50, nanusleep.co.uk…

✣ BLACK COHOSH While research on this herb originating from North America hasn’t been conclusive, it has traditional use for the relief of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes. The NHS website cautions that side effects such as liver damage have been reported. So it’s best to check with your GP before trying it, as well as checking whether it could interfere with any medications you may be taking. Try Holland & Barrett MenoCool Black Cohosh, £10.99 for 30 tablets. ✣ FEMAL This hormone-free food supplement has PureCyTonin® complexes (purified pollen extract) as its active ingredient, which the makers say is likely to have an effect on serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood, hot flushes, sleep and tiredness during the menopause. £26.20 for a one-month supply, femal.co.uk. ✣ BECOME This…

Q My elderly mother has poor eyesight due to macular degeneration. I’m now in my mid-60s and concerned that the same thing will happen to me too. Is there any way of preventing it? A In age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, the cells in the macula gradually thin and no longer function. The macula is the part of the retina – the light-sensitive membrane in the back of the eye – that is used for central vision, such as reading, driving and doing fine tasks. The rest of the retina is used for side vision and this means that in AMD, you gradually lose central vision, which severely affects normal eyesight, but you can still see enough to get about – you don’t go completely blind. Smoking increases the risk,…

Heather Gorringe is a florist, flower grower and owner of the Great British Florist. Her vintage Triumph Vitesse was originally registered to 11 Downing Street. It has been used for several deliveries and has done lots of flower-filled trips each summer; greatbritishflorist.co.uk ✢ Show your support for small, local businesses up and down the country by buying beautiful blooms grown here on UK soil. The Great British Florist delivers bouquets of traditional British garden flowers to every corner of the UK, with many of the offerings grown on its Herefordshire farm, heralding the mantra of ‘grown not flown’. But whether you buy from a florist local to you, or make a posy from the flowers in your own garden, embrace the joy and fragrance that fresh blooms bring us and…

✢ Go for statement lighting such as gold sunburst pendants or wow-factor floor lamps. ✢ Opt for punchy wallpapers in unexpected places. ✢ Add in plenty of brass touches for a luxe look. ✢ Velvet upholstered furniture and accessories will bring a sense of glam to your scheme.…

Ras el hanout and honey sticky chicken thighs This Moroccan-style chicken is sweet and smoky. We served ours with a spicy couscous, a simple side that can be made in advance. Serves 4 • Ready in 40 mins, plus brining 8 skin-on chicken thighs ½tbsp olive oil 3tsp ras el hanout 2-3tbsp runny honey for the brine: 150g sea salt 100g granulated sugar for the couscous: 150g wholewheat couscous 1tsp bouillon powder 1tbsp best-quality olive oil 2tsp harissa 20g fresh mint, chopped 30g fresh parsley, chopped 3 spring onions, finely chopped juice of 1 lemon 50g toasted pine nuts 1 For the brine, put the salt and sugar in a pan, add 1ltr water and bring to the boil. Boil for 1 min until the salt and sugar have dissolved. Remove…

Whether you yearn to clamber up soaring cliffsides, trundle through tidal marshes or gaze at prehistoric limestone arches, our glorious coastline has plenty for everyone… JURASSIC COAST, DORSET The Jurassic Coast is up there with the Great Barrier Reef as one of the world’s natural wonders. Stretching from Exmouth in east Devon to Studland Bay, Dorset, it’s one of Earth’s richest sites for prehistoric remains, with an unparalleled range of dramatic natural features. WHERE TO WALK Stroll from Lulworth Cove, where you can explore the folded limestone rocks of Stair Hole, then over the cliffs to see Durdle Door. From here stroll the sands of Man O’War beach, or head higher over the crags of Bats Head. ✣ walkingbritain.co.uk ATLANTIC COAST, CORNWALL Cornwall’s Atlantic coast, a thrilling landscape carved and…

Jane Corry Some of my favourites are collections of short stories, as I like to read books outside my own genre of domestic thriller. One of my favourite authors is Alice Munro, but I also adore Elizabeth Strout’s novels about Olive Kitteridge – and recently I’ve become addicted to The Poetry Pharmacy anthologies. I’d usually be at my pretty courtyard apartment in southern Spain, with geraniums in the windows, where I can write undisturbed, but this year I’m learning Spanish at home… I MADE A MISTAKE by Jane Corry (£7.99, Penguin) Emma Barnett I’ve read an extract of Hadley Freeman’s House of Glass and I’m already hooked. I need to know more about her grandmother and her uniquely female tragedy. War stories aren’t always loud and violent. Sometimes the quiet,…

Renowned for her twisting plots and dark-toned domestic thrillers, Louise Candlish’s latest chilling read, The Other Passenger, has an emotional secret at its core. When I start writing, I always get the first 10,000 words down so I have a good launch pad. After that, inevitably, there will be scenes I look forward to writing and others I fear. I don’t follow a formula, but I do remind myself to drive the action forwards. A clever structure will do some of the work. In The Other Passenger, we begin with the narrator finding out his friend has been reported missing and that he is a suspect. Smaller surprises might find their way in more spontaneously. But I will always know the big twist. And dare I say that there’s a…

JENNY COLGAN is the author of bestselling novels including Little Beach Street Bakery. She lives in a castle in Scotland with her husband, two sons, a daughter and their dog. Jenny tells us all about her writing life on page 166. What are you reading, and what’s your all-time favourite book? Craig Brown’s One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time. It’s brilliant, even if you don’t like The Beatles. I became obsessed with Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, and sobbed when it was over. RACHEL JOHNSON is a journalist, author and broadcaster who began her career at the Financial Times straight out of Oxford, and was there for five years. During that time she had three children and confesses it was pretty much downhill from there. Rachel’s…

@viviennepringle, 64, updates a simple T-shirt with a printed scarf and boho jewellery @laura_cuckoopr, 45, effortlessly works silver boots into this breezy summer outfit @piavibekegrace, 59, works contrasting colour prints paired with simple silver jewellery @timewithnatalie, 48, looks sharp in inky blue wide-leg dungarees @rutlandgirl fashionstyle, 45, dresses down a feminine skirt with a classic grey marl sweatshirt @shivicate, 54, teams lace-up boots with a printed midi dress @the_ft_times, 43, shows that classic tailoring paired with washed denim never dates @theshoe lovingstylist, 44, proves that headbands are so stylish Add your pictures by hashtagging #womanandhomestreetstyle or email wandhstreetstyle@ti-media.com to join in.…

Doing stretches or massaging yourself? Ruth’s four main rules are: ✢ Go slowly ✢ Breathe ✢ It should never be excruciating ✢ Hold stretches for 20 seconds and breathe into them. ✢ Giving someone a massage? ‘Don’t worry about doing damage,’ says Ruth. ‘Unless you have excellent grip strength, you’re more likely to tire out your hands before injuring anyone.’ AT-HOME EXTRA Ishga Hebridean Aura Hand Poured Seaweed Candle contains rose geranium and patchouli to help create a spa experience. £29.50, uk.ishga.com…

✣ CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIALS Natural fibres will wick moisture away from your body and they tend to ‘breathe’ more, too, which is why cotton, linen and silk are the go-to summer fabrics. ✣ WEAR LOOSE SILHOUETTES It seems logical that stripping off would keep you cool but the opposite is true. Protect yourself from the sun’s hottest rays with light and loose layers to keep your temperature on an even keel. ✣ INVEST IN A HAT Keep the sun’s rays off your face with a wide-brimmed hat. Not only is it essential for your skin but it will keep intense UV rays off your body too. ✣ CARRY A MULTITASKING SCARF A pretty, lightweight wrap can be a lifesaver in extreme heat. Use it to shield your head or…

What was your plan B? Being a compositor in print. My dad got me my first job as an apprentice. I grew up in Islington, North London, and working in print was considered good. When I was 10, I went to the Anna Scher drama club and learned that the most fun you can have is to do your hobby for work, so all my dreams were inside this entertainment bubble. When I had a year and a half away doing the apprenticeship, I realised that I wanted a job I loved. How has having a job that you love influenced your parenting style? I gave my kids – daughter Harley, 30, and son Roman, 27 – space to find a job they enjoyed without pushing them into one. It’s…

As the old song goes, There’s no one quite like Grandma, and it has never been more true. The 2020 grannies have ripped up the rule book to make the role their own. Notions of wrinkly ladies with permed grey hair and slippers are long gone. As uber-granny Lady Violet Crawley, played by Dame Maggie Smith, declared archly in TV’s Downton Abbey, ‘Just because I’m getting older, I see no necessity to eat off a tray.’ Today’s grannies are more likely to be found in a Zumba class than knitting a cardie. They’d rather drink prosecco than a nice cup of tea, and rocking in a chair would make them feel queasy after a night on the town. Gone are carefully handwritten letters; to catch up on news, they’ll FaceTime…

1 Pack your profile with personality and humour, showcasing the real you. This makes it easier for others to start a genuine conversation. Ask a friend to help. 2 Be honest. There’s no point in pretending that you love socialising when you’re a home bird. 3 Look at what others have written, especially those of your age and gender, and remember that you can continuously update and edit your profile. 4 Add a picture. For each photo uploaded, women see an 8% increase in responses. 5 Take photos outside – they look natural and warm. 6 Stick to just you in the photos. Don’t include exes, kids or random people in a bar. 7 Be active on a Sunday – the most active day for app messages – especially between…

I’m three years old in this photo. It always makes me smile and reflect on the person that that little girl turned into. I grew up in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, the kind of place where everyone knows everyone. It was strange being the only mixed-race girl at school, but when my mum got me into modelling, we travelled to London on the train together a lot, and I got very excited about meeting other children on a shoot. ‘Never underestimate the power of a good teacher’ I don’t have many memories of modelling – I got more out of being in a school play or writing songs and poetry, and I loved dancing. I took up Irish dancing as I enjoyed the tapping noise of the shoes! A…

CHOOSE THESE LEG SHAPERS & SMOOTHERS Be bold and give your legs the air time they deserve this summer. Jump-start your circulation by dry body-brushing in swift, sweeping motions towards your heart with a firm-bristled tool like Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Brush, £25, amazon. co.uk. Regular use will reward you with both softer skin and reduced orange peel. Forget salon leg waxes and eliminate shaving rash thanks to the Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive Razor with Skin Elixir, £10.99, boots.com. And you’ll be ready for those shorts when you’ve applied a quick spritz of Alleven Colour Shield Glow, £42, cultbeauty.co.uk. Loved by the A-list, it’s the imperfection-blurring secret behind their taut, toned thighs.…

BODY ENJOY A SUMMER SOAK Just as a cup of tea can be refreshing on a warm day, so is a good bath. Beforehand, apply Bounce Body Masque, £39.90, uk.cocoandeve.com, a hydrating coconut clay mask, wait 15 minutes, then shower off to leave skin smooth, clean and ready for a soak. ✢ SET THE MOOD with an energising ‘spa in your bathroom’ scent. JOGB GOJO Uplifting 100% Botanical Candle, £65, trouva.com, is a real treat, with pure lemongrass and ylang-ylang oils. ✢ ADD AROMATICS Epsom salts feel soothing but tend to come in sleep-inducing lavender blends. Instead, try Dr Teal’s Relax & Relief Pure Epsom Salt Soak, £8.50, amazon.co.uk, with invigorating eucalyptus and spearmint. ✢ QUENCH HAIR A steamy atmosphere helps treatments penetrate hair. Perfect Hair Day Weightless Mask, £33,…

With a little clever DIY you can have a great hair day, every day! Whether you want to be free of greys, are in need of a blow-dry or your split ends are driving you mad, there are lots of expert quick fixes you can try. BRIGHT, FRESH COLOUR There’s nothing like a new head of highlights to put a spring in your step, so keep your colour in check at home. SHADE SELECTION ’First of all be realistic about your shade choice,’ says Michael Douglas, Clairol UK ambassador. ‘You can go three shades lighter than your natural colour, but you shouldn’t go more than two shades darker.’ If your natural hair colour is a mousy brown or lighter, then it’s likely you will suit warm golden shades and you…

✢ TAP INTO MEMORIES ‘Traditionally, we think of citrus, green notes and light florals for the warmer weather, but this isn’t set in stone. Think about places you’ve been on holiday and search for scents made in that country, as they often evoke the landscape using ingredients grown there.’ ✢ BUYING ONLINE ‘Find the perfumer’s name for fragrances you love – they often use similar characteristics across different scents. At perfumesociety.org/ find-a-fragrance, type in the name of a perfume and an algorithm will suggest six others to try. As well as the notes, it looks at character, the way it develops, strength and how it makes you feel.’ ✢ BE SUN-SMART ‘Be careful of natural perfumes, as essential oils can irritate when exposed to sunlight. Perfume can dry out skin,…

Feel like you’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster recently? It’s not surprising. While anxiety conditions usually affect around one in five* women each week, almost half of adults say their mental wellbeing has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic**. In fact, research by the University of Sheffield and Ulster University identified a surge in depression and anxiety after the Prime Minister’s announcement of a lockdown back in March. Yet several months on, our emotional vulnerability is still having a big impact on our health. ‘Global circumstances have made fertile ground for mental health problems, particularly for those who were already struggling with anxiety,’ says functional medicine certified health coach Suzy Glaskie, from Peppermint Wellness. ‘And that anxiety can manifest in all sorts of ways, even in those who’ve never experienced…

Hot and bothered during the menopause? You’re not alone. As many as 80% of women experience hot flushes during the menopause*, and this sharp fluctuation in temperature can not only wreak havoc with our bodies, but disrupt daily routines and give a knock to our confidence too. In fact, four in 10 women admitted to the latter in one survey**, which also revealed that for women, having a hot flush at work was one of the top 20 most negative things that affect confidence in women after 50. Luckily, there are plenty of steps we can take to ensure we keep cool and carry on. We look at some of the best… WHAT IS A HOT FLUSH? How a hot flush feels can vary from person to person, but it…

YOU SHOULD WAIT AN HOUR AFTER EATING BEFORE YOU GO SWIMMING I still remember those lazy hot summer afternoons when I was not allowed to cool down in the sea because I had just eaten my lunch. Though my mother had my best interests at heart, there was no reason for this rule. It’s a complete myth that you can’t go swimming after eating, in case you get a cramp or a stitch. Though it’s true that any type of vigorous exercise can be a bit uncomfortable after consuming a large meal, it’s not dangerous if you do. It doesn’t divert enough blood away from the stomach to affect digestion, and neither does it make you more prone to cramp or a stitch. However, if you’ve washed the meal down…

1 CHOICE COLOURS A lick of paint will make even the humblest garden shed as pretty as a picture. Before you get started, give some thought to selecting the right shade, perhaps one that matches your planned decorative style, and works well with any garden furniture you already have. Shed painted in Cupboard Green Exterior Eggshell, £71.50 for 2.5ltr, littlegreene.com 2 DECORATIVE DISPLAY A vintage wooden apple rack looks striking set against the painted interior walls, and provides the perfect space to create an arrangement of seasonal plants, vintage gardenalia and terracotta pots. Make a display of even the most practical items like string, twine and watering cans, and disguise ugly plastic plant pots in baskets or wooden crates. Interior painted in Kitchen Green Exterior Eggshell, £71.50 for 2.5ltr, littlegreene.com…

Fill your garden with fragrant blooms and you’ll enjoy an extrasensory treat every time you step outside. Just as you create ambience in your home with candles and diffusers, adding scented plants is an easy way to lend your garden charm. Early mornings and balmy evenings are the best times to take in their aroma, but be sure to make these plants the star of the show. Position them along the path that leads to your front door, plant around the entrance so you can smell them every time you pass by, and fill window boxes with scented plants so you can enjoy the fragrance as it drifts in through an open window. Whether you like sweet and honeyed, fresh and zesty, or aromatic notes, there are plenty here that…

CATHERINE WESTWOOD Editor-in-Chief HOMO DEUS by Yuval Noah Harari (Vintage Publishing) I read Harari’s first book, Sapiens, when it was on the bestseller lists, and bought Homo Deus at the same time, but my copy has been gathering dust for a while, so I will conquer it this summer. Factual books aren’t as relaxing as fiction, but I emerge feeling more rounded as an individual! JAYNE MARSDEN Lifestyle Director WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens (Little, Brown Book Group) In this story, a young girl becomes the prime suspect when a man is found dead. Set in 1969 on the North Carolina coast, it’s an intriguing read once you get used to the US slang. I’m also looking forward to returning to The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. SHARON…

LEO 24 JULY – 23 AUGUST Did lockdown make you look after yourself in a better or unhealthier way? Redress any imbalances. Birthday season begins on the 22nd, and it’s time to shine. Call 0905 789 4154* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates VIRGO 24 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER From the 12th, difficult communications with friends can be resolved. If an argument with your beloved erupts mid-month, be very careful what you say. Call 0905 789 4155* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 23 OCTOBER If this difficult year has affected a key relationship, it comes to a head mid-July. When a significant other is behaving like a wounded animal, try to stay calm. Call 0905 789 4156* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly…

VIRTUAL FITNESS With the gym closed, I have bought a running machine to use at home, and escape the lockdown by running through different countries on the screen of my machine. I was in Costa Adeje yesterday and Venice today. Pure escapism! Julie Rooms, by email KATHY NAILS IT Kathy Lette’s article Fired Up (April) about the appalling plight of her homeland was masterful and the best account of the Australian bush fires I have read by far. Trizia, by email GAMBLING ON LIVES Your article Who Wants to be a Multimillionaire? (May) left me disappointed that w&h would hold up Denise Coates, ‘The Gambling Magnate’, as a successful businesswoman we should perhaps aspire to. Denise has a net worth of £6.9 billion but how much of that is made…

✢ SWEDISH Good for muscular tension. Massage expert Beata Aleksandrowicz, founder of the Aleksandrowicz System, says, ‘If there are no specific issues, it can simply relax and ease postural pains.’ Techniques used Long strokes, kneading, cupping and knuckling. ✢ HOT STONE ‘Smooth heated stones are used to relax muscles and allow for deeper pressure to be applied,’ says John Holman, director of massage training at The Massage Company. Techniques used Stones are usually used in a circular motion. ✢ AROMATHERAPY ‘Massage creams and essential oils work on the olfactory system,’ says John. ‘They’re inhaled and absorbed through skin, relieving stress.’ Techniques used Strokes are very light to allow the oil to penetrate. ✢ SHIATSU ‘It’s used to release tension, but also to promote a sense of balance,’ says Beata. ‘Shiatsu…

A snatch of Yeats keeps going through my empty head as we power on and on through lockdown. I say empty, because I assumed I was going to learn a foreign language and start making my own sourdough, but it hasn’t turned out like that. My mother always reassured me, when I used to moan about being too stretched by work, kids and there being not enough hours in the day, ‘the more you do the more you do.’ There is a flipside to that. The less you do the less you do. Meanwhile life is – bizarrely – moving so fast that I’ve written at least three articles that have been overtaken by events, so I’ll try to convey something here that won’t be obsolete as soon as I’ve…

‘We teach volunteers to ride horses in costume, while wielding weapons’ THE HISTORICAL HORSEWOMAN ‘ I feel like the luckiest person in the world ’ Anna Warnecke, 40, plays Boudicca in Kynren’s extraordinary live-action show, depicting the history of England through the centuries. Anna lives in Hunwick, near Bishop Auckland, with her husband Graham, and their children Lucy, seven, and Lukas, two. ‘The show throws in myths, legends and a touch of magic’ As fireworks light up the sky and music fills the arena, our epic tale culminates with every horse and member of our team arriving on stage. The crowd cheers as my heart swells with a mix of adrenaline and pride. There’s such a buzz on stage and the show is spectacular to behold. Graham’s parents run Seagold…

Motherhood makes you learn from your children and become a much better person. My ego was massive when I thought about having children – because I assumed I was going to teach them all this stuff – but actually they teach you. It’s like having the police on your shoulder the whole time – you get this horrible pumping conscience when you do anything. They’ve made me a much better person. I was a party girl before, and my children have taught me how to be a better friend. Do whatever makes your heart sing, but be mindful of those around you. The girls hated my fame when I was on EastEnders, but it was hard for me to understand how they felt, as I’d got used to it. My…

In a world post-coronavirus, we have all promised to be kinder to ourselves – and this includes being less judgemental about any perceived bodily faults. But what if your body has been on a tougher journey than most, and you have had learn to love a new body that you feel doesn’t look like yours any more? ‘Women have every right to be concerned, and must feel able to talk about these issues’ For one in seven women diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime (one woman was told the news every 10 minutes in the UK in 2019*), they face a drastic acclimatisation to their new reflection in the bedroom mirror. Battling body confidence following breast cancer surgery is a challenge that can be tougher during the summer months,…

✢ Age UK research shows five million grandparents (40%) provide regular childcare for grandchildren. One in 10 looks after them once a day. ✢ 50% say it keeps them physically and mentally active; 38% say it gives them a sense of purpose; 14% say it prevents loneliness. ✢ According to Saga, the childcare provided by grandparents saves the economy £4 billion a year. ✢ A University of Birmingham report shows the number of women in the workplace rose by 26% when grandparents helped out. ✢ The number of over-50s in the workplace accounts for over half the annual increase in employment (Office for National Statistics). ✢ 200,000 grandparents are kinship carers, raising children full-time.…

There’s no escaping the harsh reality that first impressions matter. A dodgy dress or a bad pair of jeans could end the prospect of a second date just as tragically as a bad sense of humour. Men are on the receiving end of this just as much as women, which is why most find date dressing stressful. End of. But look at the positive – if first impressions matter so much, your clothes are the perfect opportunity to wow. It’s not about dressing ‘for a man’ or trying to second-guess what they’d find attractive. You’d never leave home if you tried to work that one out. And it’s NOT about being the most fashionable/glamorous/sexy woman on the planet – it’s about presenting the best version of you. Turn up feeling…

YOU NEED A FACIAL Can’t get to the salon? No problem. We asked Sarah Carr, Liz Earle Beauty Co’s lifestyle ambassador and facialist, how to give your complexion a gorgeous glow. ✢ CLEANSE WELL This is the most important step because if you do it properly, everything you apply on top is going to work harder. w&h loves bareMinerals Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil, £23, bareminerals.co.uk, which dissolves make-up and grime – plus it smells amazing. ✢ MINDFUL MASSAGE Give your face a mini workout by massaging your skin every time you cleanse. Or apply Liz Earle Brightening Botanical Drops, £26, johnlewis.com, over moisturiser to give your skin some slip, and massage with Herbivore Jade Roller, £26, libertylondon.com, to boost circulation and reduce puffiness. Keep it simple We can be…

1 You still need SPF in the UK ‘The risk from UVA damage in the UK is present all year round,’ explains skin health specialist Dr Anita Sturnham. Try barely-there formulas such as Clarins Sun Care Water Mist SPF 50+, £22, clarins.co.uk or Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF 50, £19, feelunique.com 2 Sun cream has a sell-by date The shelf life of sun cream is six to 12 months after opening. But if you leave your bottles in direct sunlight or high temperatures, their potency dissolves even faster. Ultrasun Family High Sun Protection SPF 30, £19, marksandspencer.com, lasts for two years. 3 Your make-up isn’t enough Your foundation might promise an SPF, but be wary. ‘They’re applied in far smaller quantities than an SPF…

Jane Clarke is a dietitian and founder of nourishbyjaneclarke.com ‘Collagen and elastin keep skin looking smooth and healthy, but these natural skin plumpers are damaged by UV light. Antioxidants in fruit and vegetables can help to reverse UV damage. Studies* show that pomegranates may help to prevent skin cancer, while carrots and tomatoes are rich in vitamin A, which protects skin from UV light. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, walnuts and pumpkin seeds, help to reduce inflammation. Drinking plenty of water will stop your skin looking dull and dry.’ Jane adds that there is no substitute for SPF.…

‘It’s understandable that people are incredibly stressed right now,’ says hypnotherapist and author Paul McKenna. ‘But perhaps the most powerful tool is also the simplest – making a daily list of all the things that we appreciate. The benefits include fewer physical symptoms, greater optimism and energy.’ 1 GET A NOTEBOOK or open a file on your computer, where you can begin keeping track of the many experiences of joy you experience throughout the day. 2 EACH DAY, add at least five things to the list. 3 ANY TIME YOU ARE FEELING IN NEED OF A BOOST, read back through what you have written – your levels of gratitude, appreciation and joy will rise.…

BAN SCREEN TIME At least 30 minutes before bed. ‘The blue light from screens inhibits the production of melatonin – the sleep-regulating hormone,’ says Rob. BE GOOD TO YOUR GUT Neurotransmitters linked to sleep, including serotonin and GABA, are produced by our gut microbiome, along with melatonin. Eat prebiotic foods –onions, garlic, beans, and lentils, and try a supplement. Healthspan Super 50 Pro, £28.95 for 60 capsules, healthspan.co.uk CREATE A SLEEP HAVEN ‘Declutter, invest in breathable bed linen and ambient lighting, and scent your room with lavender,’ says Rob. ADD CBD Taking CBD oil can alleviate insomnia and help people sleep for longer, studies reveal. Dragonfly CBD 300, £25 for 300mg, dragonflycbd.com BATHE BEFORE BED ‘Research suggests a hot bath or shower causes the blood vessels in your skin to…

Dr Sally Moorcroft, a leading integrative doctor specialising in women’s health, reveals that making the following dietary changes could ease your hot flushes: ✣ TAKE ADAPTOGENIC HERBS Ashwagandha and tulsi are wonderful ayurvedic herbs to help reduce the effects of stress on the body. I suggest replacing coffee with tulsi tea to boost alertness and focus, and reduce flushing. Try Pukka Organic Tulsi Clarity Herbal Tea, £2.80 for 20 sachets, Tesco. ✣ EAT FOODS RICH IN PHYTOESTROGENS Ground linseeds, pulses and beans are rich in these, which can ease changes. ✣ EAT YOUR DAILY GREENS These are rich in magnesium, which helps relieve stress. ✣ REDUCE ALCOHOL INTAKE This helps to support your liver in its ability to break down hormones, and often lessens hot flushes. ✣ TAKE KEFIR OR…

MINDBOX NOW: £4.99 per month (usually £9.99) Code WH20 To redeem your Mindbox Now offer, visit mind-box.co.uk and select Mindbox Now. Enter your discount code on the sign up payment screen. MINDBOX LIVE: £33 for 30 minutes (usually £45) Code WH20 To redeem your Mindbox Live offer over the phone, simply inform your operator of your discount code. To redeem your Mindbox Live offer using webcam, visit mind-box.co.uk, select Mindbox Live, select your therapist and enter your discount code on the payment screen. ✢ A Mindbox Now subscription has no minimum term – you can cancel any time. ✢ Mindbox Live sessions can last up to 90 minutes. Additional minutes are charged at the same discounted rate (£1.10). ✢ Mindbox Live sessions can take place over the phone by dialling 0330…

✣ A prolapse occurs when some or all of the pelvic organs (womb, bowel, bladder) slip down from their normal position and press onto the vagina. ✣ While some people can feel a prolapse and have symptoms including discomfort or numbness during sex, and problems emptying the bladder, some don’t have symptoms at all. ✣ Rectopexy mesh is used when there is a bowel prolapse. Vaginal or pelvic mesh is used inside the vagina when there has been a vaginal prolapse. ✣ Women who believe they have been infected by mesh are now suing NHS trusts in their hundreds. ✣ If you believe you’ve been affected, you can find more information at slingthemesh.wordpress.com or search for Sling the Mesh on Facebook.…

ARE MY SYMPTOMS THRUSH… OR NOT? Many women assume that genital itching is due to thrush, especially in the summer months, as increased heat and sweating encourage the growth of all fungal infections. Though this is a common health problem in young women, after the menopause, thrush is far rarer, though it does happen in those with diabetes, as high sugar levels lead to better conditions for the yeast to grow. Symptoms of thrush include not only itching, but also soreness, and often a white or creamy, thick vaginal discharge (similar to cottage cheese). In older women, though, the fall in oestrogen levels can mean there are very few natural secretions, which changes acidity levels (which is why thrush is unusual), and the resulting dryness is much more likely to…

1 PEONY ‘DUCHESSE DE NEMOURS’ With a sweet, citrus-rose perfume and a voluptuous, double flowerhead, this creamy white peony comes into bloom between May and July. Container-grown plants can be planted out at any time. ✢ Height 90cm, spread 80cm; crocus.co.uk 2 STOCKS MATTHIOLA INCANA One of the most strongly scented plants available, stocks have a delicious perfume redolent of spicy cloves and come in a range of pastel shades. Plant now and they will flower until August. ✢ Height 40cm, spread 100cm; thompsonmorgan.com 3 ROSE ‘MUNSTEAD WOOD’ The velvety crimson blooms release a classic rose scent overlaid with hints of blackberry and damson from May through to October. Can be planted out all year round as long as the ground isn’t frozen. ✢ Height and spread…

Avalade Cloudy Lemonade, £1.29, healeyscyder.co.uk Healeys’ latest summer drink, Avalade, is true to its roots – Aval means apple in Cornish, and the ade is added for sparkle. Tame & Wild Blueberry & Dandelion, £2.98, tameandwilddrinks.co.uk The brainchild of a Yorkshire mum, we love these bottles of fizz made from natural ingredients. Dash Water Peach, £1.29, Ocado, Amazon and dash-water. com Flavoured with ‘wonky’ fruits that otherwise wouldn’t cut the mustard on supermarket shelves, these low-waste, naturally flavoured sparkling waters are super refreshing and wholesome, with zero calories or nasties.…

DOMESTIC THRILLERS EXIT by Belinda Bauer (£12.99, Transworld) When Felix Pink lets himself into a house to keep a dying man company in his last moments, little does he know that 15 minutes later he’ll be on the run from the police. An offbeat, comic crime with endearing characters, it’s the perfect summer caper. JUST MY LUCK by Adele Parks (£12.99, HQ) Lexi and Jake may have won almost £18 million on the lottery, but while Jake and their children spend lavishly, the world Lexi loves is falling apart – starting with her marriage. A thought-provoking thriller that quickly draws you in. THE LAST WIFE by Karen Hamilton (£12.99, Headline) Marie has always envied her best friend Nina’s perfect life – a life that could have been…

‘I make places up or people tell me I’ve got things wrong’ Nobody does feel-good fiction like Scottish novelist Jenny Colgan. The author of over 30 books, including the At The Cupcake Café series, she has also written for Doctor Who. Her new novel, Five Hundred Miles From You, sees Lissa and Cormac swap lives. Jenny lives in a castle in Scotland with her family. I like the idea of contrasts. In this latest book, Lissa comes from a dramatic environment working as a nurse in London, and Cormac from a rural setting. It seemed fun to swap them over. I’m a fan of Sleepless in Seattle – I like stories where couples are kept apart, and wanted to write something along those lines. If I could swap a job…

A weed is a flower that’s waiting to be appreciated’ Women my age are supposed to sit round in beige, making jam and knitting our own bus passes. Gardening is another hobby that should dominate my days… Well, the only thing I sow is wild oats. My idea of a ‘walk on the wild side’ is not strolling around my herbaceous borders, but swinging off a nightclub chandelier. The only ‘weeding’ I do is weeding out party poopers from guest lists. Flowers are simply those things I send to friends whose birthdays I’ve forgotten. My local florist helps me select the price range of each bouquet by saying ‘OK, exactly how bad is it this time?’ But the panic buying sparked by the coronavirus changed my mind. Having battled my…