Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2020 i Woman & Home

I wanted to start this letter by saying a big thank you. In our April issue we asked you to nominate your community heroes as part of our Amazing Women Awards – and you didn’t disappoint! The w&h team have spent weeks reading through every nomination in detail before entering into lengthy discussions about which of the incredible, inspirational women should make it onto the shortlist. After much debate, we came up with 15 names – all of whom are making a massive difference where you live – and were selected in recognition of their enthusiasm, determination and dedication. You can read about their inspiring achievements from page 52. And now we’re asking you to choose which of these fabulous women you’d like to see in the final line-up of…

DREAM JOB Your book pages and interviews are my absolute favourite – as an NHS midwife, they’re a real bit of escapism for me. If I could spend my days reading and reviewing books, while doing some upcycling and knowing it would bring in enough money, I’d be set for life! Claire, by email TIME FOR TEA It’s worth pointing out that putting milk in tea can drastically reduce its health benefits (There’s a Tea for That!, June). A study in the European Heart Journal found that black tea significantly improved arterial function, but adding milk completely blunted the beneficial effects. So, drinking tea without milk appears to be the best way if you want to improve your heart. Mandy, by email FRIENDS FROM AFAR I enjoyed Fiona Gibson’s article…

What’s your earliest singing memory? On holiday with my cousin Trev, I sang Phil Collins’ A Groovy Kind of Love on the kid’s karaoke. It was quite embarrassing. I should have been doing something a bit more fun – I was such a serious child! What was your plan B? I was on the Irish athletics squad, I held the record for the 200m in the under 13-14s and won a national title. My brother did a track and field scholarship in America so I was going to follow in his footsteps, but I joined Boyzone and everything went mad. I often talk about putting the running spikes back on. When are you happiest? At home with my family. Storm got me a ‘Big Green Egg’ for my birthday –…

‘The only way I can salvage my dignity is by laughing at myself’ It is a Saturday evening. I am getting ready to go to a party. I am not looking forward to it, though it is hard to explain why. I can see the tremor of my fingers, as I apply my make-up. I worry that my lipstick is smudged, or perhaps on my nose instead of my mouth. When I put on my dress, it takes three attempts: first it is upside down, then it is inside out, and just as I start to despair, I struggle into it, a small victory. ‘You’ve got 20 minutes,’ calls my husband from downstairs. And although I know that he is trying to be helpful, I become more agitated. I used…

‘I’m fed up of having to say “thank you” when someone says I’ve still got it’ Look in the mirror. I mean really look in the mirror. What do you see? Do you admire the character, personality and warmth in your face, or do you focus on those lines under your eyes before examining the jowls under your chin? Do you check your reflection to see if you’re looking healthy and well, or are you assessing whether you could pass for five or 10 years younger? Do you really want your face to be free from all the signs of experience, wisdom, days in the sun and knowledge that is part and parcel of being a woman who has led – and is living – a great life? Actor Kristin…

We asked you to nominate your Community Heroes – the incredible, inspirational women making a massive difference where you live. Here we present the shortlist of 15 finalists – three in each of our UK regions – selected in recognition of their enthusiasm, determination and dedication. What’s more, you will get to vote for your favourites. Just go to womanandhome.com/vote and choose which of these fabulous women you’d like to see in the final line-up of the Amazing Women Awards 2020. Look out for the winners in our November issue. South East and South West England REUNITING PETS AND OWNERS Louise Davies, 60, from Cheltenham, runs animal welfare organisation, Animals Lost and Found in Gloucestershire, working to support devastated owners and reunite them with their lost pets. Louise says: In 2015,…

There are times in your life that always stay clearly in your memory. None of us will ever forget the lockdown, and I hope that a year from now we’ll look back and remember the positive things about it, like the uninterrupted family meals, the way people checked on one another, to name just two. My new book Liar is set in 1970s London. Then, as now, it was a challenging time. We had the infamous Three-Day Week, with electricity cuts, decimalisation raising prices, endless strikes and rubbish heaped on the streets. It was like the aftermath of the huge 60s party, but instead of empty bottles and overloaded ashtrays, there was a feeling that our country was broken. In tough times, we begin to appreciate what we have, and…

It’s time to embrace your inner Marilyn in a 50s-style polka dot swimming costume. With its flattering V-neckline, wrapover effect and in-built tummy control, this is summer’s must-buy swimsuit. It fits all body lengths too – from regular to long and curve – and fits up to a size 26. Did we mention it also features non-wired cups, plus a hidden underband for light support and maximum comfort? So wherever you’re soaking up some rays, you may as well do it in style! Swimsuit, £40, sizes 8-26, figleaves.com, hat, £22, asos.com, earrings, £48, and ring, £35, both oliviaburton.com…

GET SMOOTH, FEEL SEXY So many body products claim to do things that they simply can’t, but one thing that is possible is smoothing out texture issues. 1 Keratosis pilaris These purple, red or white bumps on the upper arms, thighs and bottom are caused by a build-up of keratin in hair follicles. They’re annoying but harmless, and can be made worse by too-hot showers, fragranced products and abrasive scrubs. Instead use a mild acid exfoliator a couple of times a week to remove dead cells and discourage blockages. Body Strategist Peel Scrub, £31, comfortzone.it, combines the gentle acid PHA and softening emollients. Or try CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream, £12, lookfantastic.com, a daily body lotion that combines salicylic and lactic acid. 2 Dull, rough texture Nothing beats body…

LIZ HALL, woman&home REAL model I started going grey when I was in my 20s and coloured my hair for many years. But the combination of cost and damage prompted me to stop dyeing it completely when I was about 50. I was thrilled to find my natural grey was such a pretty colour. MARIELLE VAN OOSTROM, International model I found my first grey hair at 17 and dyed my hair until I was 45, but I just got fed up with my roots showing and felt that brown didn’t suit me any more. Embracing my silver hair was one of the best decisions I made and the start of a brilliant midlife! JAYNE MARSDEN, woman&home’s Lifestyle Director I started off with a grey flash at the front of my…

Louise Chunn, founder of therapy platform Welldoing Ltd (welldoing.org), says: Relationships are key to good mental health. Everything that you struggle with – anxiety, depression, eating issues, lack of confidence – will have a relationship element. We are all connected, and if we can get our connections working well, the rest of our psyche is in great shape for thriving. To make good connections with family, friends, strangers and work colleagues, we have to show who we really are. That means being prepared to show our vulnerability –it can make a huge difference.…

Most of the time, ‘I’m trying to lose weight’ is one statement that resonates with almost one in four (38%) adults in the UK, according to a survey*. It also showed that women made up a larger share of this number than men – 45% vs 30%. But as we all know, good intentions aren’t always a guarantee that we’ll reach our goals, so it’s no wonder that the average diet lasts fewer than three months before we revert back to our usual eating habits**. To keep you on track, we reveal 20 super-simple weight-loss hacks you can try in your own home. 1 FOCUS ON YOUR FOOD One scientific review found that eating while distracted leads to people eating approximately 10% more than they would if they were focusing…

Q I’m in my mid-50s, and would like to learn scuba diving. I’ve always wanted to do this, and after the events of this year I’ve decided it’s now or never! I have mild asthma, but it’s well controlled with my brown preventer inhaler. Would it be dangerous? A It depends on the severity of your asthma, and the triggers for any wheezing attacks. Exercise and cold air can provoke narrowing of the airways in some people, and this can make diving really quite dangerous, especially in deep, cold water. You also need to be wary about diving if your chest gets tight suddenly or if you wheeze when stressed. However, if your asthma is triggered by dust or infections and is usually well controlled, then you should be able…

Bright and bold dahlias are having a moment and the fact these botanical beauties are back in fashion means there’s now more variety than ever. There’s no bigger fan than florist and plantswoman Sarah Raven (sarahraven.com). ✢ Every year the gardens of her Sussex home, Perch Hill, are filled with these brilliantly coloured blooms. ‘Dahlias are getting bigger and blowsier every year,’ says Sarah, ‘with colours from soft and romantic to dark port-wine reds.’ They will keep flowering as long as you keep picking them, so there’s no better excuse to fill your house with blooms.…

ENJOY A TIMELESS LOOK Settling on a particular style is a good starting point for a coordinated effect. This retro wicker dining set brings a touch of nostalgia to alfresco living and the glass-topped table adds a polished touch. ‘Just like the inside of our homes, our gardens should be a reflection of our personal style,’ says Louise Golden, resident gardener at Dobbies. You can follow the sun or shade around too, as this set is lightweight enough to move around. Wicker Willow 6-seater set, £1,499, Mikasa red and white wine glasses, both £12.99 for 4, dobbies.com ADD TEXTURE TO YOUR SCHEME This concrete tabletop is coated with a wipeable protective matt finish. Create texture with accessories in a neutral colour palette, such as woven rugs, storm lanterns and wall-hung…

A combination of lockdown, being furloughed and a desire to reskill has led to a massive boom in internet courses. Even if you didn’t have much spare time to make banana bread, you might be feeling a little stressed by the fact that while everyone was talking about the global pandemic, climate breakdown continues apace. A way to bring these together is to learn more about climate science and wider environmental issues. At my-mooc.com you can swot up on the basics around climate science and solutions. Or look for a course that will boost your knowledge around nature and environment.…

Gin sales shot up by more than 300% during lockdown, proving it’s still the nation’s favourite tipple. Look out for these varieties, from high street to high end. 1 One Gin Sage & Apple flavour, in a gorgeous bottle, £38, new to Tesco 2 Harborough Watermelon Gin, £19.99, one of 10 new gins in Lidl 3 Haysmith’s Peach & Orange Blossom Gin, £15.99, Aldi 4 Elderflower Gin Liqueur Glitter Globe, £15, M&S 5 Slingsby Rhubarb Gin, £40, John Lewis & Partners 6 Tom Cat Dry Sussex Gin, £35.95, masterofmalt.com…

FINDING SOULMATES SPIRITED by Julie Cohen (£16.99, HB, Orion) Incorporating the supernatural into a beautifully realised historical setting, Julie Cohen brings us Viola and Henriette, a pair of Victorian women bonded together by love and courage. Following the loss of her father, Viola’s grief is lifted only by photography, though her pictures appear to pick up spirits that are otherwise invisible. Meeting Henriette, a spirit medium, only draws her further into this other world, distancing her from her new husband. Wonderfully written and evocative.…

‘We appreciate things we took for granted’ What makes you happy? Being a novelist, a ‘happy ending’ is when I conclude my final chapter, drop my pen and gasp, ‘Thank God that’s over.’ Before coronavirus, ‘happiness’ was nothing more than a peculiar feeling that came over me when I was too busy to be glum. Hell, if you were happy every day of your life you’d be a brekky telly weather presenter, I reasoned. I figured the secret to contentment was limbo-low expectations – plus the ability to find happiness in small things. A parking spot right outside. Six green lights in a row. The book of your enemy being remaindered. A multiple orgasm. Searching all over the house for your glasses then locating them on top of your head.…

Writer and comedian JENNY ECLAIR has written five bestselling novels, and was the first woman to receive the Perrier Award. She co-hosts the Older and Wider podcast with Grumpy Old Women  producer Judith Holder. On p25, she reflects on how hobbies are enriching. What’s your greatest gardening success, and failure? My success is keeping three-and-a-half pots of roses alive for two years. My failure is not being able to keep any herb, apart from rosemary, alive for more than a week. STACEY HALLS worked as a journalist before writing her debut novel The Familiars. Bought in a nine-way auction by Bonnier Books, it became an instant bestseller, with TV rights already sold. Her new book, The  Foundling, is out now. Read Stacey’s exclusive short story, One Carrot, on p172. What’s…

1. Light work A glossy highlighter for the beauty brave. Buff onto cheekbones or sweep across eyelids. Sleek Makeup Fire It Up Highlighting Palette, £9.99, boots.com 2. Lip service Lips look instantly fuller thanks to the glistening finish and hot pink hue – no needles required. Trinny London Lip Glow in Indi, £16, trinnylondon.com 3. Lay foundations Blurs imperfections without heaviness. Pre and probiotics strengthen skin’s defences. Max Factor Miracle Second Skin Hybrid Foundation, £12.99, superdrug.com 4. Palette perfection Creamy and crease-free shades. Buttery yellow is great on dark skin tones. Flower Shimmer & Shade Eyeshadow Palette in Sun’s Blazing, £15.99, superdrug.com 5. Blush crush A dewy balm with a hint of shimmering tint, it’s almost impossible to overdo. Lanolips Baby Rose Gold 101 Ointment Lip + Cheek Tint, £13,…

Never mind diamonds – I genuinely believe that as a girl gets older, hobbies make for much better best friends. Once upon a time, I was too busy for hobbies. I had my career to think of, my family, my hair and nails – hobbies were for old women, bumbling about in wool emporiums and snatching up puzzles in charity shops. I had no time for that kind of nonsense. And then I hit 50… As we all know, when a woman hits that age, she stops secreting oestrogen and starts secreting another hormone – and this is called the ‘craft hormone’. I’m joking, but I don’t know many women of a certain age who haven’t suddenly felt the pull of the John Lewis haberdashery department. Older women only care…

Having spent days, weeks and months at home, we’ve fallen back in love with television and the big names (and Dames), present and past, that make it such a comforting friend. We may never have met them, but their faces are as familiar as family. We know their quirks, laugh at their jokes and admire their words of wisdom. To honour some of our favourite stars, we’ve opened up the national treasure box. Here, rounded up from daytime sofas, cobbled streets, police stations, vicarages and East End pubs, are some memorable moments. Making us laugh SITCOM/COMEDY 1 GERALDINE GRANGER, The Vicar of Dibley (Dawn French) She’s godly, but reassuringly human with her love of chocolate, naughty jokes and handsome blokes. The chemistry between her and dippy Alice Tinker was…

THE MIRREN SWAGGER Helen Mirren, 74, is of course a modern beauty icon precisely because she calls it out. ‘Forget the word beauty, and find another word that applies to you. My word is swagger,’ she says. VISIBLE VIOLA Actress Viola Davis, star of The Help and How to Get Away with Murder, has become the new face of L’Oréal Paris aged 54. ‘It’s like someone finally sees me. Many women get to a certain point in their lives and no one looks at them or values them any more – as if they are invisible, you know? The fact is beauty is not something that can just be defined by youth.’ SILVER WINNER Nicola Griffin, 59, was discovered six years ago due to her long grey hair as she…

‘My brand represents the magic of dogs and the outdoors’ Former City PA, Kerry Jordan, 42, lives in Fernhurst, West Sussex, with husband Alex and their five whippets. Last year she founded Fur & Fables, a professional dog photography service. THE IDEA Around 10 years ago I bought a camera and fell in love with the creativity of photography. Although I had a successful job as a PA to a chief executive officer in the City, taking photos became a passion – so much so that I went part-time to build a wedding photography business. At the time, I thought that was the only way you could make a living from photography. While doing this, I began posting pictures of my dogs – five gorgeous whippets – on Facebook, under…

WARDROBE WINNERS A button-down shirt and wide-leg cropped trousers are style classics. A simple accessories swap will transform them from daywear to evening glamour, but for a relaxed off-duty feel, you can’t beat a straw bag and stylish slides. STYLE TIP It’s fun to play with prints, but keep at least one element of your outfit plain. SUITS YOU Shopping for swimwear can feel overwhelming. Keep an eye out for these flattering design details – they’ll help you choose the style that works best for your shape. THE LONG GAME A floaty maxi skirt is so elegant and the ideal choice if you want to keep your legs under wraps, but still want to stay cool. STYLE TIP Full-length skirts are best worn with a top tucked in, to create…

In normal times, many of us rush to disguise our grey roots as soon as they appear, but over the past few months, unless you’ve been reaching for a DIY box colour, we’ve all had to accept those silver strands until we can get back to the salon again. But letting your hair go 100% grey is no longer something to avoid, and certainly doesn’t have the stigma attached to it that it once did. So if you’ve been colouring your grey for years but are contemplating growing it out, here’s everything you need to know on making the transition as smooth as possible. Things to consider before you start ✢ ‘If you’re going to do it, now’s the time!’ says Katie Hale, Head of Colour at Charles Worthington Salons…

1. BEST FOR STRESSED SKIN Lancôme Hydra Zen Anti-Stress Glow Liquid Moisturizer, £39, lancome.co.uk When skin is stressed, its barrier is weakened and it begins to lose water, becoming dehydrated and resulting in a duller tone. This amino acid moisturiser allows skin to ‘slow down’, and brings a drained complexion back to its best by providing a 24-hour hydration hit. 2. BEST FOR LONG-TERM RESULTS SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3%, £65, lookfantastic.com In a world full of quick fixes, it can be hard to appreciate the upside of using the same products night after night, as you’re unlikely see the benefits straight away. The best active ingredients often don’t show results for at least six to 12 weeks. SkinCeuticals’ ‘step up’ system allows your skin to build a tolerance to retinol by…

There’s two schools of thought. Either lockdown numbed your brain, ruffled your feathers and widened your girth, or you accepted – nay, embraced the whole experience, and you’ve come over all Tom and Barbara with your home-grown produce. We were forced to stay home, close to our families, the fridge and an endless cycle of washing-up. It seemed like far too many Christmas Days all at once. But lockdown also meant confronting ourselves. As bars and restaurants closed, our lives have had to take on a different pace. We have HAD to slow down, search our souls for meaning and, in the process, some new interests. Therapy even! ‘Oh dear. You’re going to say the words “online yoga course”, aren’t you?’ 1 STRETCHING Actually, stretching is a very good starting…

YOU CAN’T REDUCE YOUR RISK OF GETTING ARTHRITIS ‘There is no one “cause” for arthritis, however, there are a number of important factors that can help reduce the risk,’ says Dr Wendy Holden. ‘Osteoarthritis, especially osteoarthritis of the knees and hips, is more common and causes more pain in people who are overweight. Drinking too much alcohol can trigger an attack of gout, another form of arthritis. Smoking is more common in people who develop rheumatoid arthritis. ‘Regular exercise is helpful in reducing arthritis symptoms, and has even been proven to help reduce the pain of arthritis and improve function.’ DIET CAN CURE ARTHRITIS Arthritis Action dietitian Martin Lau says, ‘No diet can “cure” arthritis, and there are no particular diets or specific types of food that will make arthritis…

The woman&home Diet by Jane Plan is the diet delivery service that provides you with meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner – plus snacks – all ready-prepared for you. We know what it’s like not to feel confident in what you’re wearing, but to help, we have a great money-off offer. PLUS! WOMAN&HOME DIET SUPPORTS YOU ALL THE WAY with weekly email and telephone support to help you keep on track SAVE £25 Use the code WHP0820 at janeplan.com or call 020 3489 4770 *Prices quoted for the first month of the plan include £25 introductory discount. Not combinable with any other code. P&P charges may apply. Offer operated by and your resulting contract is with Jane Plan Ltd, a company wholly independent of woman&home, published by TI Media Ltd.…

If you’d asked me this 20 years ago, I’d have said yes, as it used to be thought that ulcers were caused by excess production of stomach acid, and that this could be triggered by stress. But now we know that most stomach ulcers are caused by bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori. This can damage the protective lining of the stomach, making it inflamed, causing gastritis, and also vulnerable to attack from acidic digestive juices, which can lead to an ulcer forming. At least 40% of people are infected with H pylori, usually in childhood, but most don’t get any symptoms. If you do get stomach pain, and a test (usually via a stool sample) proves positive, bacteria can be eradicated with antibiotics and drugs that reduce the secretion of…

While this summer may be a little different to the norm, don’t let it stop you from making the most of what you’ve got, and enjoying your outdoor space to the max, whether it’s a petite suburban patio or a sprawling, countryside lawn. There are so many ways to create the perfect spot to host a gathering when life get backs to normal, but for now, take inspiration from these alfresco ideas and extend your living space outside. LET’S GO OUTSIDE Burford dining table, £499, bench, £220, dining chairs, £260 for 2, wood tray table, £49, Jute pouffe, £79, wool throw, £75, all johnlewis.com…

DIY BARBECUE If you can build a brick wall, you can build a barbecue – YouTube has examples. A level base is essential. Buy the grill and ashtray, then design the width and depth of your brickwork. Rendering gives a modern look, and ensure horizontal surfaces are on a slight gradient to prevent puddles. Woodside DIY cooking grill, charcoal grill and ash tray, £18.99, amazon.co.uk. Try ikea.com for its Sunnersta wall storage A MOVABLE FEAST An outdoor kitchen should be positioned out of the wind and close to water and electricity connections, but a portable option allows for more flexibility. ‘A barbecue that can be moved around is great for tracking the sun and, pitched close to the table, allows the cooking to become part of the entertainment,’ says Declan Kingsley-Walsh,…

✢ Welcome texture, colour and pattern into your scheme with eye-catching flatweave rugs. ✢ Introduce some countryside characters to blank walls with artwork. ✢ Create a cosy glow with dimmable lighting options and candlelight. ✢ Choose sumptuous furniture to sink and relax into.…

NEXT GEN BOTTLE I love this Seventh Generation cleaning product in a brownish, old-looking bottle that many consumers would turn their noses up at – it just accentuates its appeal. It’s made from 100% PCR materials – post-consumer recycling paper and plastic. More please! GAMING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE Climate campaign group Mission 1.5 is working with the video gaming industry and scientists on a mobile game. Players pick solutions to the climate crisis, and the results will be fed into research for the COP26 climate talks next year; mission1point5.org HAPPY HOODIE The Pangaia x Takashi Murakami capsule collection of 100% organic cotton T-shirts and hoodies supports Milkywire, where you can follow and fund some of the world’s best charities and NGOs. The proceeds go to funding the preservation of bees;…

Blueberry and stone-fruit galette For the pastry, you can switch the pecans for other nuts, such as almonds, which are more of a blank canvas, otherwise hazelnuts make a beautifully flavoured dough. If you want to avoid nuts, use coarse cornmeal, which also works well with a blueberry filling. The filling can be adapted to suit what fruit is in season and what you fancy. Serves 8-10 • Ready in 1hr, plus chilling for the galette pastry: 185g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 85g pecans 1 tblspn caster sugar ½ tspn fine sea salt 170g unsalted butter, diced and chilled 4–6 tblspn ice-cold water 1 large egg, beaten demerara sugar, for sprinkling for the filling: 450g fresh blueberries 3 peaches or nectarines, stoned and cut into slices finely grated zest…

THE SHELF by Helly Acton (Zaffre) Amy’s hopes of a proposal rise when her boyfriend surprises her with a holiday, but she finds herself on the set of a brutal reality TV show. Hilarious. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT by Lindsey Kelk (HarperCollins) We meet Ros, who returns home to find everyone’s moved on. Then she hears from the man who broke her heart… Uplifting. HELLO AGAIN by Isabelle Broom (Hodder & Stoughton) Living in a coastal town, Pepper’s life changes when her elderly friend asks her to come on her trip to Europe. You’ll be swept away. THE SHELLY BAY LADIES SWIMMING CIRCLE by Sophie Green (Sphere) Following four women who seek solace on Shelly Bay beach, a friendship blossoms in this heart-warming tale. BEACH…

‘Who would star in a film of The Hidden Beach ? Liam Hemsworth, please’ Known for setting her epic books in idyllic destinations, Karen Swan’s latest novel, The Hidden Beach , is set in Stockholm, and along the archipelagos of the Swedish coast. In the story, Hannah’s husband wakes up from a seven-year coma to find his family have moved on – and everything changes. Karen was a fashion journalist before beginning to write her 19 successful novels. She lives in Sussex with her husband, three children and two dogs. I didn’t set out to give locations such an important role in my books, but the feedback from my readers spoke loud and clear. They loved feeling like they’ve actually been to the place I write about, so the setting…

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

Add your pictures by hashtagging #womanandhomestreetstyle or email wandhstreetstyle@ti-media.com to join in.…

VIDYAMALA BURCH is the co-founder of the UK mindfulness organisation Breathworks, and co-author of Mindfulness for Women (Piatkus). MARY CONROY is the author of Simplify Your Life, a guide to applying minimalism to various aspects of your life (£10.99, Hay House UK). DR DANNY PENMAN is co-author of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World (Piatkus), and The  Art of Breathing (HarperCollins). VEX KING is the author of Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness (£12.99, Hay House UK).…

THE ICONIC TEA ROOMS MACKINTOSH AT THE WILLOW ‘It’s a fairyland of colour, light and clean art nouveau lines’ Entrepreneur Celia Sinclair lives in Glasgow and is founder and Chair of The Willow Tea Rooms Trust. In 2014 she bought the original Willow Tea Rooms building on Sauchiehall Street, now rebranded as Mackintosh at the Willow. She oversaw the restoration of the building to the original designs of architect and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. ‘One child said the visit was the best day of his life’ For as long as I can remember, I’ve been inspired by Glasgow’s art and architecture. As a little girl I’d use my sixpence pocket money to take a tram to Kelvingrove Art Gallery every Saturday. I’d spend the day admiring the art before enjoying…

We were sitting in the living room watching Only Connect when a curious thing happened. The telephone rang. Not my mobile phone – although these days even that’s a rare occurrence. No, it was our landline, suddenly finding its voice after months of inactivity and frightening my husband and me half to death. ‘You answer it!’ we both shouted because, you know, who ever calls the landline? It could only be bad news. Turns out it was a recorded message inviting us to claim compensation for a road accident that never happened. We hung up and the handset fell back into its silent slumber. It hasn’t troubled us since but we’re wondering… has the family phone had its day? Most of us will keep a landline in order to get…

‘I’ve been asked to write a piece about the joys of second marriage,’ I say to my husband over breakfast. ‘At least it’s not about the tribulations,’ he quips without missing a beat. That’s what I love about this man whom I married 11 years ago, after being family friends for 30. He has a sense of humour – except when it comes to his eccentric dishwasher habits and the state of his snug. ‘He makes me laugh,’ I told a twice-married friend before the wedding. She nodded her head sagely. ‘That’s important. There isn’t always time for that when you’re a young couple, trying to pay the bills.’ Very true. Besides, second marriages should be joyful. By definition, one – if not both – of you had been in…

You can be creative at home without a TV crew. I found lockdown difficult, just home- schooling, cleaning and not going out. But working on Dun Breedin’, my YouTube menopause comedy, gave me a schedule that made it bearable. I learned to work on my own and enjoyed having more creativity. Before, I’d have a TV company saying, ‘We’re going to collect you at 6am, you’ve got to be on at this time and this is what you’re wearing’. You can make a show yourself, even though it’s difficult. I have a new respect for the TV crews and I’ll never moan on set again! Pick your fights, otherwise you end up being a naggy mum. I’m quite relaxed as a parent. Having a constant barrage of negativity coming at…

When an affair’s revealed, it can seem like the end of the world, says Sue Quilliam, but here’s advice to help you get through it: ✣ Acknowledge the shock. Don’t underestimate the impact of infidelity. You will be angry, sad, fearful. Be kind to yourself as you face the truth. ✣ Take time to calm down. Actions taken in the heat of the moment may be misplaced and irreversible. Pause before issuing ultimatums, telling friends, filing for divorce. ✣ Keep communicating. If you stop talking, you end any chance of recovery. Even if it’s painful, share thoughts and feelings with each other. ✣ Resolve current issues. If the affair was fuelled by specific issues – work worries, midlife crisis, relationship conflict – sorting those could re-establish faithful commitment. ✣ Confront…

Treat yourself Seeking a summer glow without getting burnt by pricey fake tan? Highly tipped but low-cost options for instant results include Rimmel’s SunShimmer Wash Off Instant Tan in Matte, from £7. If you can work fast, try a quick-drying mousse tan such as St. Moriz Professional Fast Tan 60 Minute Tanning Mousse, from £6. To gradually build up to the right glow, opt for a tan you can reapply over several days, like Garnier Summer Body Moisturising Lotion, from £5, or Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Moisturiser, from £4. THRIFTY TRICK With interest rates so low at the moment, add razzledazzle to your savings with the chance to win cash prizes. Premium Bonds create two millionaires every month. NS&I also doles out millions of smaller tax-free…

Every summer I wonder whether this is the year I get florals wrong. I mean, it has to happen at some point, doesn’t it? Every season, without fail, I fall in love with something flowery, but often bottle out when it comes to buying it in case my time has come to say goodbye to blooms. There really is a fine line between fashionable and frumpy when it comes to florals. So despite being my summer go-to, they do require a bit of planning. Big statement florals just scream ‘curtains’ to me, so I tend to veer towards smaller, more subtle prints. That’s not to say bold blooms can’t look good. Designers took their print inspiration this season from 60s and 70s wallpaper, so there are lots of beautiful retro…

ERIN O’CONNOR A punchy red lip looks stunning with her salt-and-pepper grey. MERYL STREEP Some blonde highlights help warm up Meryl’s silver locks. SHARON OSBOURNE Her famous red hair has been through a lengthy colour-removal process and a silver toner added. HELEN MIRREN Have fun with your silver hair and try temporary pastel toners. Bleach London Super Cool Colour in Rose Gold, £6.50, cultbeauty.co.uk…

With more than 225K YouTube fans, 400K followers on Instagram and a regular slot on This Morning, Caroline Hirons, 50, is a beauty powerhouse. She’s grown her loyal following by being unfiltered and frank, cleverly complemented by her easy-to-follow advice and reliable recommendations. In an exclusive extract from her new book, Skincare, Caroline reveals how to update our summer beauty routines. Five things to change for summer 1 ANTIOXIDANTS Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against free radicals and encourages collagen production. It is of course recommended year-round, but it’s worth another mention for the warmer months. You’ll probably be outside more, in sunlight for longer, and who doesn’t like the added glow? 2 MOISTURISER Oil-free moisturiser is obviously an option for oilier skins year-round, but…

A ALOE VERA ‘Aloe vera cools down sunburnt skin when applied topically and hydrates the skin to accelerate healing,’ says Dr Rita Rakus, aesthetic doctor. B BLUEBERRIES Adding these to your daily diet can help boost your skin’s protection against UV rays, thanks to their high antioxidant content, which can diffuse the damage UV rays causes. C COCOA BUTTERCREAM ‘It’s high in antioxidants, which means it can help to fight off free-radical damage to the skin, such as premature ageing,’ says Dr Rakus. D DISPOSAL OF VITAMIN D After 10-15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, your body starts to dispose of vitamin D to avoid an overload, so apply an SPF and eat vitamin D-rich foods. E EVERY TWO HOURS This is how often the NHS recommends you reapply your…

From kimchi and kefir to kombucha in a can, fermented foods are trending. But why has this centuries-old practice of preservation suddenly become so popular? We find out more about the health-boosting properties of the fermentation process. FERMENTED FOOD FACTS These foods have gone through a natural preservation process. ‘Certain microorganisms, such as yeast and “good bacteria”, are added to break down the carbohydrates in the food into alcohol or acid,’ explains nutritionist Nicola Shubrook of Urban Wellness*. MEDICINE FOR YOUR GUT Fermentation promotes the growth of good bacteria, says Nicola. ‘When fermented foods are eaten, the good bacteria acts as a probiotic and helps to naturally support our gut microbiome.’ ✢ Why your microbiome matters This complex ecosystem within the gut is made up of ‘good bacteria’, fungi and…

I had a regular childhood and I struggle to pinpoint when I developed obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), only that it crept up on me in my early 20s. It manifested as excessive handwashing, fear of contamination and an extreme obsession with cleanliness. I’d hit a peak with the disorder by the time I’d reached 30 and I still have horrendous hands from scrubbing them so much during that time. It’s a condition rooted in anxiety. The term OCD is thrown around in humour, but it’s not about wanting things perfect, it’s about needing order because you think the world will end otherwise. OCD thoughts are tormenting. I would scrub my home, wash my clothes and myself, only to have a voice question if I’d done it properly, and I’d start…

VERRUCAS AND CORNS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Both corns and verrucas can cause uncomfortable hard areas on the soles of the feet, and on the toes, and it’s usually in the summer, when your feet are on display, that they become more noticeable. Verrucas are caused by the same virus that causes warts, the human papillomavirus, or HPV. The strains of HPV that cause verrucas are often spread on changing room floors, shared wet towels and bath mats. They become less common as you grow older, as you develop some immunity to the virus. They can appear in multiple places, and look like a tiny head of a cauliflower, with dark specks at the base. They tend to sit proud of the skin surface, and hard skin develops around them.…

TRY A CALM SPOT Create a seating area in a quieter corner – choose a part of the garden with a lovely view to entice people there. Put down paving or gravel as a solid base for seating and consider adding a wooden pergola or gazebo. For extra coverage, train greenery to climb up and over it. Orient sliding roof gazebo, £400, Juliana corner sofa set, £790, both homebase.co.uk RELAX OUTDOORS IN ALL WEATHERS Set up a sheltered seating area so you can enjoy the garden all-year round. A covered veranda is perfect, or consider extending your roof with a canopy. Try all-weather woods or weaves, outdoor cushions and rugs that will withstand damper conditions. St Ives 4-seat garden lounging table and chairs set, £1,430, Jute pouffe, £79, all johnlewis.com…

1 FEED THE BEES We all know that many flowers make bees happy. Sally Redhead, director of Chiltern Seeds (chilternseeds.co.uk) recommends, ‘Cerinthe major var. purpurascens (above), borage and Phacelia tanacetifolia, which are easy to raise from seed and always covered in bees on our Chiltern Seeds’ plot. Seeds also rarely transmit diseases, so the resulting plants tend to be healthier.’ 2 GO FOR DISEASE-RESISTANT ROSES David Austin’s disease-resistant roses are ideal for organic gardeners. Michael Marriott, head rosarian at David Austin (davidaustinroses.co.uk), says, ‘Among my favourites are apricot “Roald Dahl”, white “Desdemona”, and pink “Silas Marner” (left). All are beautiful and fragrant.’ 3 PLANT THE NEW BLUES Climate change has brought wetter winters and warmer temperatures – a problem for Mediterranean-style gardens. ‘We’re substituting lavender and other…

A BETTER WAY TO BBQ A typical summer barbecue for four people can release more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than an 80-mile car journey. So how can we turn the barbecue from eco-pariah to green hero? 1 Watch what you burn. Avoid cheap, last-minute garage buys, which may be contributing to the denuding of vital forests, while the trade in Brazil and Nigeria has been linked to human rights abuse and illegal logging. Buy certified charcoal from small-scale producers. The Co-op stocks fair-trade charcoal from a community group in Namibia that makes it sustainably from fast-growing, indigenous acacia trees. 2 It’s time to embrace the plant-based burger. Quorn’s Ultimate Burger gives a beetroot bleed when grilled, for those who mourn meat. Plus all the source ingredients can be consumed.…

Garden gimlet Vegetables in cocktails will be a trend for summer, so why not get some of your five-a-day within a gin? Serves 1 • Ready in 10 mins 50g cucumber, peeled and chopped 10 garden peas (thawed if frozen) 50ml gin (we used Hendrick’s) 20ml Bottlegreen Elderflower Cordial to garnish: 3 sprigs of mint In a shaker, muddle together the cucumber and peas until they have mushed into a thick-textured juice. Hard shake all the ingredients with ice until chilled, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with mint sprigs or pea shoots if you have them. Pink grapefruit mojito This pretty cocktail is an excellent palate cleanser, the perfect drink to serve before a big barbecue feast. It would also work brilliantly with a non-alcoholic tropical spirit such as…

Olive and rosemary bread Similar to Italian focaccia, this is the perfect bread to accompany soups or dishes that require their delicious sauce to be mopped up. It is very easy to make, requires few ingredients and goes a long way. Serves 8–10 • Ready in 3 hrs 2 tsp dried active yeast pinch of caster sugar 300ml warm water 500g plain flour 100ml extra virgin olive oil 30g stoned Kalamata olives tips from a few fresh rosemary sprigs fleur de sel and extra virgin olive oil, for sprinkling 1 In a bowl, mix the yeast and sugar with the warm water. Cover and put in a warm place for about 15 minutes, or until you see bubbles on the surface. 2 Place the flour, olive oil and a pinch of…

CHILLING THRILLER THE SHADOW FRIEND by Alex North (£12.99, HB, Michael Joseph) Paul Adams has kept away from his home village for 25 years, ever since his schoolfriend Charlie stabbed a classmate to death before going missing. But when Paul’s mother suffers a fall, the time has come to return. Events soon become darker and it all seems to hinge on Charlie’s disappearance. Will they ever find out what really happened? The layers of deception make for a chilling read. FRACTURED FRIENDSHIP DRAMA TELL ME HOW IT ENDS by V.B. Grey (£14.99, HB, Quercus) Grey brings to life a plot that is as dramatic as its characters, rich with 1960s period detail. Singer Delia Maxwell is adored and envied, although apparently not by everyone. Private investigator Frank thinks…

The acclaimed thriller writer is known for her twisting plots and dark characters. Here she reveals how she brings her initial ideas to life. I aim for a word count of about 1,500 per day. I write chronologically, from start to finish. This is because I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t bounce ideas off family and friends before I start writing. The only person I do that with in the beginning is my agent, and then my editors, a bit. If other people get in and start suggesting where the book should go, I lose interest! It gets to the point where all threads are reaching a natural conclusion. I don’t like to carry on past the point I feel is the natural ending – I like…

TENDER AND ATMOSPHERIC THE SUMMER BOOK by Tove Jansson I read this in preparation for The Hidden Beach . It’s about a small girl and her grandmother who spend their summer on a tiny Finnish island. The girl has known awful loss but there’s no plot, it’s just about character. It’s so candid and honest – beautiful. CHILDREN’S CLASSIC LIBRARY LION by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes This is a children’s book I read to mine when they were little – and even recently when my daughter was ill. It’s about living according to feelings. A lion walks into a library and he’s allowed to stay as long as he doesn’t break the rules. The librarian is jealous because everyone loves the lion. Every time I read it, I…

Martha sat at her workbench and felt only a mild sense of guilt. It was Saturday and her boyfriend had wanted to spend the day with her at the beach, but she needed to finish painting an order of children’s mugs for a client and, when it came to her business, which she had built into quite a successful little pottery company, she wasn’t willing to compromise. She let her gaze drift out of the window. It was a perfect day for a picnic. The sun shone enthusiastically, the sky dazzled a cerulean blue and only the very occasional ball of cloud floated across it in bewilderment, as if it had lost its way. She sighed. It would have been nice to spend the day with Jack, but she hadn’t…

VIRGO 24 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER Whatever’s happening before the 20th, life picks up then. Mercury’s arrival in Virgo makes progress easier and speeds up when the sun joins on the 23rd. Call 0905 789 4155* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 23 OCTOBER Be aware loved ones are on a short fuse all month. After the 8th, a little nurturing goes a long way – that means looking after yourself, as well as everyone else. Call 0905 789 4156* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. SCORPIO 24 OCTOBER – 22 NOVEMBER With your ruler Mars in a happy place, August is great for action. You feel an urge to achieve, but don’t overdo it around the 13th, which looks stressful. Call 0905 789…