Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2020 i Woman & Home

You know you are living in strange times when the most important thing you can now do for your country is to go shopping. As you are probably well aware, the Government has advised that we all need to do our bit to boost the economy following the Covid-19 lockdown, which impacted so many businesses nationwide. So now we all have to spend money to make Britain great again, and I for one welcome this new challenge Boris has set for us. And it’s not just shopping either, as the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has encouraged us to visit restaurants, complete with government discounts to get us all back out there, eating, drinking and trying to enjoy life again. Now that shopping and dining out are back on the agenda, it’s…

1. The big pink A bumper-sized jar of Elemis’ classic cream is the stuff of dreams, plus £10 from every sale will be donated to Breast Cancer Now. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Limited Edition, £115 for 100ml, elemis.com 2. Sweet charity For every scent bottle sold in October, £20 goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Cologne, £98, jomalone.co.uk 3. Gently does it Calms and protects sensitive skin. During October, 20% donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Darphin Intral Soothing Serum, £58, darphin.co.uk 4. Donate & chill Drift off wearing a rose-scented heated eye mask. £1 donation to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Space Masks Charity Box, £15 for five, spacemasks.com 5. Money matters Every penny (excluding VAT) from this pink lipstick…

Marion Crawford was governess to the Queen and Princess Margaret for 17 years. When she joined them in 1932 they were princesses aged six and two. By the time she left they were grown-up women; Elizabeth married and the mother of Prince Charles. ‘Crawfie’ (as they fondly called her) never became a mother herself. Her private life was put on hold during her royal service and when she left in 1949, it was too late. A year later she published The Little Princesses, a loving, admiring memoir of her time with the Windsors. This book literally fell at my feet in a second-hand bookshop on a rainy half-term day. I could tell from the briefest browse that here was the royal-themed novel I had been itching to write. Marion had…

CAITLIN MORAN HEROINE: JO MARCH Little Women and Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott ‘Who doesn’t love a girl who wants to be boss?’ There are books that are not just books, but whole worlds – to open the good books is, really, as every reader knows, to open a door, and fall in. When I first fell into the world of Little Women I was 12, landing in their American home with a thud – watching these March sisters run around their house in their nightdresses, scorching each other’s hair, sharing each other’s dresses, and ganging up on the boy next door, Laurie. I felt I was hiding behind their sofa, convivially spying on them, and very quickly, my favourite sister was everyone’s favourite sister: Jo. Why…

✢ Have high hopes! Her belief was that you may as well reach for the stars. It often doesn’t take much more energy or luck to get the big prize as a lesser one. ✢ Don’t ask, don’t get! This was followed by the all-important next idea, which miraculously almost always works if done right: ✢ The three times rule – this is based on the premise that most people don’t do what you ask them to do until the third request, but it must be done with charm and a bit flattery won’t hurt. ✢ If in doubt just do it! This one could get you into trouble, but mainly it has urged me to lead a fuller life. ‘Is it on the side of life?’ was a good…

I’ve always loved dancing, but when I gave birth to a baby boy 25 years ago, I never imagined that dance would become such a significant part of my life. Connor was a wakeful baby, troubled by eczema. The only thing that seemed to soothe him was bobbing him round the living room in my arms. Our choice of music was eclectic, from Italian opera to compilations of greatest hits. As soon as Connor could walk, he danced. Crowds would gather around buskers in the local high street to watch my toddler moving to the music. At home, he used to spend hours copying Dick Van Dyke’s steps in our video of Mary Poppins. His favourite-ever Christmas present was a chimney sweep’s brush bought from a hardware store. It’s impossible…

We’re all well-versed that animal print is fashion’s new neutral, and it’s now time for zebra to take centre stage. Choose a statement blouse and team with tailored trousers, or add a fierce edge to your denim. Remember to stick to one animal print at a time and wear with solid colours, so the print is the focus. This is a trend that has morphed into a classic, so buy now and wear forever! Blouse, £129.95, trousers, £119.95, both sizes 8-22, leather belt bag, £159.95, all madeleine.co.uk…

SUSTAINABILITY Floral Street Arizona Bloom EDP, £60 for 50ml, johnlewis.com A crowd-pleasing blend of coconut, black pepper and salted musk, this is escapism in a bottle. All Floral Street fragrances are vegan and cruelty-free, and come in ecofriendly minimal packaging. Jess Beech INNOVATION Molton Brown Milk Musk EDP, £110 for 100ml, moltonbrown.co.uk Milk is a highly unusual perfume note, yet the resulting fragrance is striking in its familiarity, like a warm hug from someone you love wearing soft cashmere. Fiona McKim NICHE Maison Margiela Replica Whispers in the Library EDT, £96 for 100ml, johnlewis.com If you like fragrance with a difference then try this sexy, woody oriental. The deep cedar notes had me hooked from the first spray. Sarah Cooper-White CLASSIC Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne, £48 for 30ml, jomalone.co.uk…

Jane Clarke is a dietitian and founder of nourishbyjaneclarke.com. If you want to feel happier, try increasing the tryptophan-rich foods in your diet to produce the ‘happy hormone’ serotonin. Chicken, turkey, eggs, salmon, tuna, beans, lentils, green leafy veg, nuts, seeds – and chocolate – all contain tryptophan. Stay hydrated with at least 2.5 litres of water a day and consider cutting back on caffeine. Include complex carbs such as sweet potatoes, oats and wholegrains too.…

✢ PINEAPPLE It contains bromelain, an anti-inflammatory that aids digestion ✢ FATTY FISH Such as salmon, black cod, mackerel, sardines and anchovies ✢ BERRIES They’re full of antioxidants and disease-preventing anthocyanins ✢ LEAFY GREENS Load up on kale, spinach, broccoli and Brussels sprouts ✢ SPICES Curcumin in turmeric and gingerol in ginger both promote anti-inflammatory action ✢ ’GOOD’ FATS Such as walnuts, almonds, olive oil and avocado ✢ TOMATOES AND PEPPERS They contain lycopene and vitamin C, which help curb inflammation ✢ GREEN TEA The healthiest drink thanks to a compound called EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) ✢ DARK CHOCOLATE AND RED WINE They contain flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties ✢ COFFEE It contains polyphenols and other anti-inflammatory compounds…

Oral health is about more than a just a nice smile and sparkling white teeth; a healthy mouth means improved overall health too. According to the latest statistics, more than half of adults and 40% of children haven’t been for a dental check-up in the past year. And this year, it’s been harder than ever to sort an appointment. ‘Check-ups can detect early signs of tooth decay’ ‘Without regular dental check-ups, oral health issues can go undetected and potentially lead to more serious problems,’ explains Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation. ‘Check-ups can detect early signs of tooth decay and gum disease as well as mouth cancer, which, when caught early, can be easily treated.’ Here’s the best way to make sure your mouth is…

Q I’ve received an invitation from my surgery to have a flu vaccine, as I have mild asthma. I’ve never bothered with it before, but I’m wondering whether it will give me any protection against the Covid-19 virus, and whether I should have it. I’ve always been put off by people saying they get a sore arm or, worse still, the flu after they’ve had it. A The flu vaccine contains inactivated flu viruses, which cannot multiply inside your body, and cannot cause flu. What they can do though, is stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that can act against the live virus, and so prevent you from becoming ill. A new flu vaccine is produced each year and it protects against three or four different strains of flu…

Never has time spent with loved ones felt more cherished than it is now. So if you’re planning a get-together with family and friends, why not mark the occasion with an autumnal garland bedecked with foraged fruits and foliage to welcome guests in? Start with a twiggy hoop as your base. You can either make your own with lengths of willow twisted into a circle, or buy one quite cheaply – try Hobbycraft’s rattan grapevine wreath, £5. Take short lengths of greenery and secure in place using floristry wire, aiming to cover roughly two-thirds of your hoop. Then decorate with fresh flowers, berries and mini crab apples to add seasonal colour. Tie with brightly coloured ribbon and hang on the door.…

An email from Claire McFadyen’s father was the reason she and her husband Jamie moved to this pretty country cottage surrounded by lush paddocks. ‘We had renovated our house when my dad emailed me and said he had spotted a house for sale that he thought would suit us,’ said Claire. ‘His words were,  “this house looks like a belter.”’ The couple, who founded Louisa Grace Interiors, loved the idea of bringing up their daughters, Maisy, eight, and Mollie, six, in the countryside, and went to view the property, a three-bedroom Victorian cottage, the day after receiving the email. ‘We instantly loved the setting at the bottom of a hill in the middle of the countryside, but the downside was that the house was cold, damp and miserable. An old…

POLISHED PERFORMANCE Bio-D Furniture Polish, £7.80, is made from olive oil and linseed oil, and free of synthetic chemicals or additives. Simply gets the job done; biodegradable. biz/shop/ household-cleaning/ bio-dfurniture-polish-150g CHEERS TO THIS! Meet the Cantina Goccia Frugal Bottle. It’s the first recycled paperboard wine bottle to hit the UK. Most will be just as interested in the delicious Sangiovese red contained within; cantinagoccia.com CIRCULAR FASHION New for eco fashion: the Circular range of jackets from Norwegian brand Napapijri. Made from yarn from fishing nets, if you get bored of it, send it back and they’ll turn it back into new fabric; napapijri.co.uk…

Hazelnut and chocolate trifle The simple but oh-so-amazing flourless chocolate cake in this recipe has been transformed into something perfect for a crowd. Grab your spoon and dig in! Serves about 12 • Ready in 1 hr 30 mins, plus cooling and assembling for the cake: 225g roughly chopped dark chocolate 1 tsp instant coffee dissolved in 80ml boiling water 7 eggs, separated 230g caster sugar for the trifle: 500g hulled and quartered strawberries 2 tbsp caster sugar (for strawberries) 80ml Frangelico (or other hazelnut liqueur) 750ml thickened (whipping) cream 1 tbsp caster sugar (for cream) 2 tsp vanilla bean paste 1 tbsp unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder for the hazelnut brittle: 200g roasted hazelnuts 200g liquid glucose 250g white granulated sugar you will need: a wide glass dish or vase, approximately…

QUEST FOR POWER THE QUEEN’S RIVAL by Anne O’Brien (£20, HB, HQ) It’s 1459, and the English nobility are bitterly divided over whether to remain loyal to their weak-minded King Henry VI and his haughty French wife Marguerite of Anjou. And when powerful Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, is imprisoned, she does everything to get her family back where they belong. A compelling story of divided loyalties and family betrayals. Dramatic and highly evocative. FOREVER CHANGED MONOGAMY by Sue Miller (£16.99, HB, Bloomsbury) In her latest spellbinding read, Sue Miller pulls back the curtain of idealism that has been shielding a complex relationship from scrutiny. Annie feels secure in the strength of her marriage to larger-than-life bookshop owner Graham. Until, that is, a family tragedy leads to a…

DARKEST NIGHT by Jenny O’Brien (HQ) When Christine wakes to find her housemate lying dead, a living nightmare begins. DC Gaby Darin is on the trail of a disturbed killer. Chilling and twisted. THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB by Richard Osman (Michael Joseph) Four friends find themselves in the middle of a live case. Christie-style sleuthing with brilliant skill. AFTER THE SILENCE by Louise O’Neill (Riverrun) Ten years after a body is discovered on the island of Inisrun, a documentary looks set to uncover the truth. Tense and tightly-plotted. THE DARKEST EVENING by Ann Cleeves (Macmillan) While driving home, DI Vera Stanhope finds a toddler abandoned in a car. Is his mother the woman Vera finds dead the same night? THE HERMIT by SR White (Headline)…

‘Wearing boxers on my head was a giveaway’ I feel sorry for aqua-holics. How the hell did they survive lockdown without being hooked up intravenously to a bottle of wine at the end of every day? The only danger to enjoying the odd tipple is bottle fatigue. It’s best not to become thunker than you drunk you arrreeeeeee. Alcohol makes you feel so damn sophisticated – you’re just too tipsy to pronounce it. Being sozzled in public is acutely embarrassing– the glitter ball graze I got on my nose during a mistimed pogo move at the disco; waking up in an unfamiliar nation with nipple jewellery… The hidden joy of lockdown was the fact that only the recycling blokes knew how much we’d drunk. Although the hangovers were harder to…

CLAIRE THOMSON is a chef and food writer, who has appeared on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen and BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. She lives in Bristol with her husband and three children. Her book Home Cookery Year features on p144. Who’d play you in the film of your life? Winona Ryder, most recently seen in Stranger Things, which my 13-year-old daughter and I love. She comes across as a woman who has lived a life, with a strong and natural presence. I’m not sure of her cookery abilities, though. Sunday Times number-one bestseller WENDY HOLDEN was a journalist before becoming a full-time author. She has written 10 consecutive top 10 bestsellers and sold three million books. She writes about a royal governess on p40. Who’d play you in the film of…

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

Whether you love waking up to Bach or blasting Bananarama when baking, playing your favourite tunes can make you feel happy. In fact, 88%* of Brits actively use music to boost their mood, with pop the favourite genre, followed by rock and then classical. ‘Consuming music as part of your daily routine can improve wellbeing,’ says neuroscientist Julia Jones, aka Dr Rock, founder of The Music Diet. But, despite music being so easily accessible, most of us don’t use it to its full advantage. ‘We’re born with an innate ability to make and appreciate music – as babies we automatically bounce to sounds,’ says Julia. ‘We have this ability throughout life, but in today’s society we often just see it as light entertainment.’ And choosing the right tunes at the…

The world of current affairs was once a purely male domain, but these women have smashed through glass ceilings to present the TV programmes we couldn’t live without. In recent times, regular bulletins and discussion shows have become more compelling than soap operas – and often more sensational too. Sometimes, we may want to hurl a cushion at our screens for what we’re hearing, but these familiar figureheads keep calm and broadcast on, sharing the bad news along with the good. On top of all that, they need immaculate hair and make-up – and the ability to keep politicians and the likes of Piers Morgan in check. Rather them than us! SUSANNA REID Breakfast with witty, stylish Susanna is a great way to say Good Morning Britain. She has been…

‘I VOWED TO EMBRACE MY BODY AND HONOUR IT’ Helen Doyle, 51, from Midhurst, West Sussex Standing naked in front of the mirror one morning, I was muttering to myself about how much I hated the way I looked. Suddenly, it crossed my mind how upsetting it would be if my breasts could hear me – and how ungrateful I sounded about my amazing body. My breasts, for example, had fed my three hungry sons as newborns, and had recently survived the gruelling ordeal of breast cancer. In that moment I vowed to embrace my body and honour it, however imperfect it looked. It wasn’t going to be easy though… I’d been diagnosed with breast cancer a year before, after my first- ever mammogram. Fortunately it had been caught early,…

So, what kind of love life did you have during lockdown? Were you self-isolating… but mainly from your spouse in bed? Or did your sex drive go up a gear? Before Covid-19, kid-and-career-juggling and long commutes often left couples too exhausted for horizontal refreshment. Pre-quarantine, exhausted mums crawled into bed late at night fantasising about one thing – sleep. ‘A new position in bed’ meant sleeping on your other side. But then along came lockdown and we suddenly had all the time in the world. Many people used the enforced hibernation to discover new interests – gardening, portraiture, sewing… Others took up neglected hobbies… like sex. Not only is it free, but if done right, it’s a pastime that definitely keeps your hands full. The trouble with married sex until…

When you commit to a relationship you commit to a lifetime of compromise; unless, of course, you’re smart, and can make your decisions look like joint ones. This is absolutely critical in the home. Do you want to wake up each day and admire a thoughtfully curated abode? Or do you want to live in the shadow of some gargantuan noughties speakers while your partner spins around the kitchen in an office chair on wheels he reckons ‘just works’? Of course, when I moved in with my now-husband, we had the chat. I said to him, ‘Listen, you have stuff, I have taste. Together… we can get rid of your stuff.’ But I quickly discovered this approach can only take you so far. To the skip, to be precise. If…

‘I wanted to create bubbles with benefits’ Ellie Bradshaw, 49, lives in Cornwall with her daughter Victoria, 18. Ellie created Wild Life Botanicals, an ultra-low alcohol sparkling wine infused with an elixir of vitamins, minerals and botanicals. THE IDEA During my career in hospitality, I learned to appreciate great wine. But as a busy working mum to Victoria, I was also always on speed dial as a ‘Mum taxi’. Taxi services are limited in Cornwall! Sparkling water seemed boring and elderflower pressé was full of sugar. I wanted a grown-up soft drink that appealed to my dry white wine palate. I wondered if I could create such a drink, but the million-pound question was whether there was any demand. Researching, I felt confident there was a growing ‘mindful drinking’ movement.…

Sleek and CHIC Opt for minimalist designs with a high-shine finish – these sophisticated bags add polish to every outfit. Plus-size SHOULDER BAGS Carry just about everything you own in one of these chic slouchy designs, and they’re easy on your shoulder too. BUTTER-SOFT CLASSIC BAGS Timeless shades of chocolate, butterscotch or ginger tones always look expensive, especially in quilted or woven styles. Ankle BOOTS Flat, block or kitten heel – whatever your preferred style, these boots will see you through next season. SMART TRAINERS Good news – comfort is here to stay! Choose a pair that aren’t too sporty and wear them with everything from denim to dresses. Skinny STRAPS The shoe of the moment features thin, minimalist straps and a square front – a polished pedi is an…

Vionic may not be on your radar yet, but let me introduce you to your new favourite shoe brand! Founded by a podiatrist back in 1979, Vionic shoes prove you can have a great fit and style. Each pair provides essential support with three-zone comfort technology – giving your heels stability, arch support and cushioning throughout the footbed, all aiding the body’s natural alignment from the ground up. Their extensive range of styles – from knee-high boots to comfy slippers – are available in sizes 3-9 with a range of half sizes and two widths, medium and wide, across the collection. Check out my edit plus more gorgeous styles at vionicshoes.co.uk/wh – I promise you’ll be seriously spoilt for choice. Oh, and don’t forget our exclusive 20% discount. Happy shopping!…

MAKE-UP BRUSHES Real Techniques, from £4.99, boots.com These are relatively inexpensive and work extremely well. They’re equally as good as my more expensive brushes. Pamela Marshall ICON Tweezerman Classic Slant Tweezer, £20.95, lookfantastic.com I have had a few pairs of these over the years. No other tweezers work quite as well at gripping hairs. Sarah Cooper-White CLEANSING TOOL Foreo LUNA 3, £169, foreo.com I love this cleansing brush with its soft silicone bristles. A ‘sonic’ cleansing routine shifts grime, oil and dead skin cells very effectively and with absolutely minimal irritation. Each recharge lasts for ages too. Alice Hart-Davis SKINCARE DEVICE Sarah Chapman Skinesis Pro Pore Refiner, £128, feelunique.com This ‘hoovers’ up your blackheads for instantly clearer, brighter skin. A great home substitute when you can’t get to a pro…

I’ll start by making a statement: Body Positivity isn’t a movement just for 20 year olds. It’s for all of us. It’s 100% OK to love your body but still want to lose fat to improve health and shape. In the last issue I gave you six pages of how best to do that. Now, we’re going to tackle the best way of monitoring progress. Let’s look at a pair of weighing scales. Get on them and make a note of the number. Now drink a litre of water and get on them again. Heavier, right? Hold that thought. When we say we want to lose weight, it’s a turn of phrase. What we actually mean is we want to lose FAT. Not weight. We’re interested in becoming fitter, stronger…

We spend a third of our lives in bed, but according to some experts, our sleeping position reveals a lot about our personality. The Sleep Council gives an insight into these common sleep styles: ✢ FOETAL On your side, legs curled up. 42% of us sleep in this position, and it means you’re likely to be hard-faced on the outside, but sensitive on the inside. ✢ LOG Rests on one side, legs extended straight, arms in place. You’re sociable and laid-back, and willing to welcome strangers. ✢ SOLDIER On your back, arms by sides. This means you have a private and reserved nature and are a bit of a loner. ✢ STARFISH On your back, legs stretched out, arms above the head. This bed hogger is an open person, a…

It is safe, but you should always go to a dentist, otherwise you risk damaging your teeth irreversibly. ‘Whitening products bought over the counter are only allowed to contain a certain level of whitening product, so have limited effectiveness,’ explains dentist Joe Hendron. ‘Dentists who carry out professional teeth whitening are also limited by the amount of bleaching product they can use, but are specially trained. Never buy products on the internet, as they could damage your teeth.’…

In diabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than they should be, and many people assume this is caused by eating too much sugar. However, the main problem in diabetes is with the hormone insulin, which controls blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin; in type 2 diabetes, the cells in the body, especially fat cells, are unable to use insulin properly, a condition called insulin resistance. The pancreas has to produce more and more insulin to control blood sugar levels, and if it cannot do so, then sugar levels rise. If you eat so much sugar, or sugary food, that you put on weight, this can make you more at risk of developing diabetes, but so can eating too much fatty food – it’s…

Colour is a great game changer. Whether it’s the colour in our wardrobes or on our walls, it can have a big impact on our mood. Knowing what colours go together and how to use them can be baffling, but keeping to tried-and-trusted combinations and following a few simple rules should help take away some of the guesswork. We’ve chosen a few of our favourite schemes for inspiration. KNOW YOUR COLOUR WHEEL The colour wheel explains how colours relate to each other, whether they’re side by side or diametrically opposite. Each segment represents a colour. Those on the left are warm, and the right are cool. TONAL SCHEME This type of scheme is the simplest of the colour recipes, as it includes only different tones (both lighter and darker) of…

THE STYLE RULES START GRADUALLY Monochrome falls outside the colour wheel, as black and white are defined as neutrals. This makes them the perfect foil for other colours and a versatile foundation for a room scheme. Start with white as a base, introducing black in stages. ADD BOLD ACCENTS A strictly black-and-white scheme is guaranteed to look striking. Introduce a punchy accent colour or flashes of metallics to add contrast and sparkle. If full-on monochrome is too much, try working in shades of grey to create a tonal effect. TONE IT DOWN WITH NEUTRALS Bring balance to an all-monochrome scheme by adding soft neutrals like linen and taupe on upholstery, flooring and rugs. Warm timbers like ash and oak on worktops and furniture add depth and tone. SHOWCASE A COLLECTION…

1 Details, details ‘Decorating walls with a stencil is a cheap but effective way to create a beautiful backdrop,’ say Katie Glaister and Henry Miller-Robinson. ‘To unite the colour palette, use a well-priced, plain linen for the curtains, but then add a pom-pom fringe as an extra detail in the same colours as the stencils.’ kandhdesign.co.uk 2 Head for the border ‘For the sitting room or where you have an expansive window,’ says Lucy Barlow, ‘maximise your budget without compromising on style by bordering a less expensive, good-quality linen curtain with a more expensive, elaborately patterned fabric.’ barlowandbarlow.com 3 Colour pop ‘A bold colour choice can really elevate a design scheme, especially in a small bedroom,’ reveals Tiffany Duggan. ‘Focus it on one area – a headboard or a…

FEMALE FRIENDSHIPS US THREE by Ruth Jones (£14.99, HB, Transworld) It’s 1976 and three best friends swear an oath on a Curly Wurly wrapper that they’ll always be there for each other. And after a trip of a lifetime they truly believe it. But of course, life has a habit of getting in the way and when a devastating turn of events occurs, their friendship is tested to the limits. A poignant novel about friendship and forgiveness as Jones guides her readers through the complications of life. With fantastic characterisation, as you’d expect from the co-creator of Gavin & Stacey, it’s an epic journey.…

Traditional crime fiction always cheered me up Award-winning crime writer Ann Cleeves makes a welcome return with the ninth book in her enduringly popular Vera series. In The Darkest Evening, we find unlikely detective Vera Stanhope in the middle of a blizzard in the Northumberland Hills. She is deeply shocked to find an abandoned toddler in a car and a young woman dead in the snow. After Vera takes the child to a nearby stately home for shelter, the mystery deepens in true Cleeves style. The author of over 30 novels, Ann lives in Whitley Bay, and has two daughters and six grandchildren. I don’t get my stories from real-life cases – more from places. So although Brockburn isn’t really a place, it’s very close to some of the places…

READING DIVERSITY I was disappointed by the lack of diversity in your summer books special. Two of my favourite inspiring, fun and thought-provoking novels by contemporary writers are Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo, and Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams. Su, by email MY PRECIOUS FATHER I was moved to tears by Milly Johnson’s article about her father in your June issue, and after reading it I looked out some of my old photos. There were so many similarities about her father and my own late dad. They were the same generation with impeccable manners and always there when support was needed. His memory lives on in my heart every day. Tracey, by email TOP MARKS I filled in your reader questionnaire recently and thought, ‘That’s really weird, I’ve filled in…

I am a proud, fully paid-up and well-informed feminist. I shout and march. But, this year, I realised that shouting and marching are choices, not tests of commitment. There are other routes to equality and dignity. I came to this conclusion while writing a book on 50 fabulous and feisty British women who defied expectations to be what they wanted to be. Each one of these women is distinctive and full of conviction. If they were to meet at a party, there would be loud arguments, snarls, maybe even some shoving. For background research, I interviewed Sandra B, who runs her own accountancy firm. She has broken so many glass ceilings, her hair must be tangled up with shards. One thing she said was, ‘I won’t ever join the club…

What is your earliest memory of television? When I was little, my dance school would go on children’s TV show SMTV Live nearly every weekend to be in the audience, so I’ve got pictures with Ant & Dec from years ago, and now we’re friends. I was even at Dec’s wedding! What was your plan B? I never had one. I always go with my gut on everything. Most of the time when you have something so ingrained in your mind, everything else will eventually fall into place – even if it doesn’t the first time. What is the best advice you’ve been given? Someone once said to me, ‘There’ll always be someone ready to snatch your weave off and do it for you!’ So I think it’s best to…

I would never have an affair with a married man, I used to say. Until I did. Far from the classic scenario, where the other woman knows nothing about his marriage, I did. You see, he was my best friend. I was at the wedding to his college sweetheart. If you’re reading this as a wife I am aware you must think I’m heartless. I don’t expect sympathy – if I were someone’s wife I’d be thinking that as well. But it’s too simplistic to paint him as merely a philandering git, me as the cold-hearted mistress, his wife as the helpless victim. And love has a way of changing your moral compass. We had worked together for several years, sitting opposite one another at a design studio. He told…

Supportive parents really make a difference. My mum and dad, Marge and George, were always very encouraging. I think because I was born just after the war there was the sense in them of, ‘This is the generation that can have more than we had.’ She was very feisty, my mum. She used to encourage me a lot because when I first started out it took me a long time to get my confidence if I was doing a play or a telly show. I’d phone her and she’d say, ‘Come on, you can do it. You’re talented. Never say you can’t, always say you can and you will.’ I was always grateful for that. Childhood friends keep you grounded. I still love going back to Liverpool to see my…

A summer night on Southport beach in the 1960s and my mother, Audrey, is driving our sporty car in big circles across the wet sand. The windows are open to the still salty air and she shouts into the wind ‘Bored! Bored! Bored!’ I’ve heard this before, along with her cry that Southport, the town where we lived, was ‘Dead! Dead! Dead!’ and I would sigh, knowing there would be trouble ahead. Audrey was all the things a mother shouldn’t be – flighty, self-absorbed, amoral, unable to cook and committed to keeping me off school. Our curriculum was how to flirt, live off your wits and get away with things. We travelled the world together and along the way had some extraordinary adventures, even if I was often baffled as…

On the night of my 40th birthday, I thought I had it sussed. Getting dressed for my party in a poppy-print Joseph dress and purple patent Chloé Mary Janes, I reflected on my good fortune. I had just landed the job as the editor of a parenting magazine. I had two bright and beautiful primary-aged kids and a good-looking husband with a professional job. I was about to welcome 60 friends to a fairy-lit party in the back garden of my north London Victorian terrace. Not smug, exactly, but certainly satisfied. I am 52 now. Sitting here in an ‘office’ at my childhood home, I am able to look back with clear eyes at the horrible almost-decade which ran between that celebration, and the rather different woman I am today.…

Treat yourself Find bargains on last-minute breaks without quarantine worries using snaptrip.com. Snaptrip lets you scan availability at more than 60,000 holiday cottages and apartments across the UK, rather than trawling through lots of holiday company websites. Snap up cheaper stays after the school holidays, knowing that Snaptrip offers a best-price guarantee. You can filter results by, for example, pet-friendly properties, WiFi and hot tubs. Save extra by signing up for free Snaptrip membership, then claim cashback by clicking through from Quidco or TopCashback before you book. THRIFTY TRICK Keen to revamp your kitchen? Rather than ripping it all out, give existing cupboards a facelift, whether by painting the doors or fitting new ones. Replacing doors and drawer fronts from a company such as kitchen-magic.com costs a fraction of a…

So for reasons I don’t need to explain, summer didn’t really happen this year. Not in a fashion sense anyway. Apart from a fleeting flirtation with tie dye (yes, I did) and a regrettable love affair with a pair of jogging bottoms, I think I speak for everyone when I say spring/summer 2020 won’t go down in history as the most stylish time of our lives. Which is why I’m determined to nail the season ahead. But, (did you feel the but coming?) I’m not prepared to waste my money on unnecessary splurges. With most of us looking to streamline, rather than expand our closets, I’m determined to buy wisely. So this time around, I’m going to invest in a few wish-list pieces that will breathe new life into what…

CHARLEY WILLIAMSHOWITT w&h’s beauty director never tires of new products, but also enjoys the classics. SARAH COOPER-WHITE w&h’s beauty director has spent almost 20 years as a journalist testing out products and treatments. FIONA McKIM w&h’s beauty editor has second-to-none knowledge of all the latest beauty launches. JESS BEECH w&h’s acting beauty editor is always on the hunt for the next big thing in the beauty business. ATEH JEWEL is a multi-award-winning beauty journalist, director and producer who has worked in the industry for 18 years. ALICE HART-DAVIS is a beauty journalist and creator of thetweakments guide.com DR STEFANIE WILLIAMS is a highly regarded specialist dermatologist and founder of Eudelo clinic in London. DR MARYAM ZAMANI is an oculoplastic surgeon with a special interest in facial aesthetics. She’s the founder…

1 Decide what you want. Don’t say ‘I want to lose a stone’. It’s the kiss of death. Instead, rummage in your wardrobe for something you love and which is tight. 2 Then measure. For minimum faff: take just two measurements a) waist, the narrowest part of your torso and b) your hips, the largest part of your bottom. Lay the tape flat across your skin, don’t pull. 3 Others you can take are top of arm, top of thigh and that bulgy bit you hate under your boobs. Follow your plan, relax into it and remeasure every week or fortnight. 4 If you’re dead set on using scales as your progress mark (and you’re sure it won’t mess with your head), understand it has to be done at exactly…

Increasing evidence* suggests that serious ‘lifestyle diseases’ such as cancer and heart disease may be caused, or accelerated, by chronic inflammation in the body. Discover how to avoid this silent assassin with some simple tweaks to your diet. WHAT IS INFLAMMATION? We all recognise inflammation in the form of pain, redness or swelling from an injury – although this is often short-term. ‘Visible inflammation can be helpful, as it aids recovery by increasing blood flow to the injured area, helping it to heal and remove damaged cells,’ explains dietitian Ro Huntriss. The danger is when inflammation exists deep inside the body as, when left unchecked, this plays havoc with our health. CAUSE AND EFFECT When the body is under attack from germs or toxins, its clever response is to mobilise…

HOW MANY CALORIES SHOULD I BURN TO LOSE A STONE? It’s estimated that to lose 1lb of body fat you need to burn 3,500 calories. So, to lose a stone in weight, it would equate to around 49,000 calories. HOW MANY CALORIES IN AN EGG? One large egg will have around 78kcal. This includes the whole egg, yolk and all. HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN A BANANA? One medium-sized banana has around 105kcal. IS IT OK TO HAVE A CHEAT MEAL WHEN DIETING? Yes! But don’t go crazy. A relaxed meal once or twice a week still means you consume fewer calories overall, while still feeling you can eat foods you love. WILL LIFTING WEIGHTS MAKE ME BULKY? No. You may feel bulky if you still have the same amount…

For most of my life I’ve thought that I’m worthless and freakishly ugly. It’s hard to separate these intrusive thoughts from reality, so I truly believed I was a monster and feared my own reflection. Signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) appeared at around 11 years old. I remember monitoring creases on my neck and being terrified that they’d get worse. My entire worth had been built on my appearance Insecurity about my appearance was magnified at secondary school because I looked different. My family came to the UK from India and we lived in an area with little diversity. It was the early 1980s and my school was a hotbed for racism and bullying. I was ridiculed for being Asian and taunted about my prominent nose – cruel classmates…

FLAKY SKIN – ECZEMA OR PSORIASIS? Do you have persistent patches of dry, red, itchy skin that won’t go away? If so, you could have eczema or psoriasis, and many people get the two conditions confused. Psoriasis comes in various forms, but the most common type, plaque psoriasis, causes areas of red skin that is covered in silvery scales. Patches are most often found on the outside of the elbows and knees, and also the lower back, legs and scalp. The areas have a well-defined edge, and can be itchy and sore, but not always. Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem, which causes the skin to regenerate at a faster rate than normal, leading to a build-up of dead skin cells, forming the scaly plaques. It may…

THE STYLE RULES START WITH THE RIGHT GREY Grey can be a tricky shade. It varies from blue-greys at the cool end of the spectrum, through green and yellow tints, to red-based greys at the warmer end. For rooms that could use a little extra warmth, choose light greys with a yellow undertone. BRING IN SUNNY YELLOW All-grey schemes can sometimes look a little dreary, but adding a cheery accent colour will act as an instant pick-me-up. For yellow-toned greys, bring warmth with accents of yellow, ochre, mustard or copper. PLAY WITH PATTERN Solid colour throughout would feel too flat with this colour pairing – it needs pattern to bring it to life. Vary the mix with mid- to large-scale designs, in lively retro-style graphics, stripes, country toiles or geometrics.…

THE STYLE RULES TAKE THE EASY OPTION Denim looks relaxed in any setting. Choose your signature shade depending on the look you want, whether it’s a relaxed, well-worn vibe in faded chambray or washed linen, or a smarter, grown-up style in inky indigo or dip-dyed ombre. LOOK AT LIGHT LEVELS Blues can vary depending on the light, so before you settle on a shade, work out which way the light falls your room. Maximise the feeling of space in a bright, sun-filled room by choosing a paler tone, or in smaller rooms with little natural light, embrace the darkness by opting for moodier blues. ADD DEPTH WITH PATTERN Break up blocks of solid colour by bringing in hefty doses of pattern. Anything goes, as long as you keep to the…

Laundry deterrents This era is often called the Age of Plastic, with good reason. Over the past decade our wardrobes have started to shift towards clothes made from synthetic fibres. When these clothes are washed in a machine, they shed microfibres – microscopic pieces of plastic. Scientists estimate that over six million microfibres escape from an average 6kg wash. After heavy rainfall these are often released in rivers, lakes and in coastal areas. Fortunately Dr Imogen Napper, from the University of Plymouth, is a leading researcher on microfibres and has trialled the most effective solutions. The Xfiltra, attached to a washing machine pipe, captured 78% of microfibres. Unfortunately it’s a prototype. Dr Napper also tested Guppyfriend (£25, ethicalsuperstore.com), a fine mesh bag that you pop clothes in before washing, which…

Vegan carbonara This isn’t by any means a traditional carbonara, but it is a great vegan alternative and goes down a storm with meat eaters too. Serves 2 • Ready in 40 minutes 75g cashew nuts 2 tbsp olive oil 225g smoked tofu, cut into 2cm pieces 250ml unsweetened nut milk (cashew or almond work best) 1 tsp light soy sauce 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, plus extra to serve 1 red onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 10g flat-leaf parsley, stalks and leaves chopped (kept separate) 125g mushrooms, sliced 200g dried spaghetti sea salt and black pepper 1 Put the cashew nuts in a small bowl, cover in cold water and set aside to soak for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat.…

Husband-and-wife crime-writing duo Nicci French are experts in delivering a killer twist. They reveal how they approach their psychological thrillers. We’ve been writing together for 25 years. When we’re not writing together, we’re talking about writing together or doing research. We sometimes think of the writing process as like planning a walk. We know where we want to end up and where we want to go on the way. We write alternately and we write the book in order. If we didn’t, we would get hopelessly confused! A book needs to be able to go in surprising directions. Sometimes people misunderstand our collaboration. When we write our own books, we are completely different writers to when we write as Nicci French. It’s very important not to write in the same…

HIGH TENSION THE DRY by Jane Harper Set in an old town in Australia, it’s very hot, they’re in the middle of a drought and tensions are high, so straight away it’s atmospheric. The book is about fractured families and claustrophobic communities. This was Jane’s first book and was number one everywhere. I have read others of hers, but this is by far my favourite. FEMINIST VIEW TOXIC SHOCK by Sara Paretsky Sara sets her books in the murky underworld of Chicago and I would say she is the first real feminist crime writer. Her lead character, private investigator Vic Warshawski, is very strong and just brilliant. Sara writes quite political books but she is a great storyteller too. BEST IN TRANSLATION SEEKING WHOM HE MAY DEVOUR by Fred Vargas…

SCORPIO 24 OCTOBER – 22 NOVEMBER Your ruler travels backwards all month, so everything hits snags, and you can rethink your working methods and health habits. Halloween is eventful for relationships. Call 0905 789 4157* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SAGITTARIUS 23 NOVEMBER – 22 DECEMBER October echoes themes from spring. Whatever lockdown meant personally, here’s a chance to review it, or implement any changes you dreamt of then. Call 0905 789 4158* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates CAPRICORN 23 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY As Saturn travels through Capricorn with good-luck Jupiter, things could go either way. It means investing extra effort into anything now should really pay off. Call 0905 789 4159* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 19 FEBRUARY…