Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2021 i Woman & Home

If there’s one thing we have all got used to this year, it is change. But what we’ve all learned from the numerous lockdowns of 2020 is that we are all stronger and more resilient than we could have ever imagined. I have never spent so much time at home during my working life – even my maternity leaves were shorter than lockdown! But women like us have found an inner strength, not only to keep going, but to use our new-found time constructively. I’ve made evening meals for my family for the first time ever, learned to bake at weekends and even taken up embroidery in the evenings! It’s amazing how adaptable we can all be. Never before has the maxim ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade’ rung…

1. Breathe in Re-energise a dull complexion by applying this oxygen-infused mask for refreshed, awakened skin. Beauty Pie Oxygen Instant Facial Refuelling Mask, £15.93 (non-members pay £50), beautypie.com 2. Modern technology Heating, cooling and pulsating technology enhances your favourite UFO-activated mask. FOREO UFO LED Thermo Activated Smart Mask Device in Pearl Pink, £169, spacenk.com 3. Perfect peel Get firmer-looking skin and a good dose of glow with this golden-hued peel-off mask. Lancaster Instant Glow Gold Peel-Off Mask, £28, feelunique.com 4. Natural contour This multi-action lip treatment hydrates and enhances lips with effective ingredients teamed with an easy-to-use dual-ended applicator. 111Skin Meso Infusion Lip Mask and Plumping Duo Pen, £40, 111skin.co.uk 5. Active ampoules Skin-boosting, active ingredients are preserved in this nifty pod, ready to disperse into and saturate the sheet…

‘I set off to travel the world’ ‘Taking a sabbatical was a big, scary step’ Sumita Shah, 53, is single and lives in Hertfordshire. She works as a freelance writer and business mentor (sumitashah.com) A few years ago, I lost a friend to suicide and my father died a few weeks before I turned 50. When things like that happen, it makes you think about life and it set me on a path of reflection. Those losses took their toll on me and I realised I needed some time off. I’d always been a keen traveller and my son had grown up and left home, so it felt like the right time. I started to get things in order, beginning with selling my house and downsizing to a two-bedroom flat,…

‘All relationships require little fictions to smooth them over at times’ In relationships, we sometimes say things we don’t quite mean. We’re not intentionally lying, maybe we just don’t want the argument, or maybe we just don’t want to explain. Explaining can be very strenuous. We might not want to hurt our partner’s feelings so we bat something off and hope it disappears. Think of these as white lies then, sometimes little, but other times… not. Here’s a glossary. ‘Go out, have fun’ You’re right. I know what it sounds like. She’s standing in front of you, she’s saying, ‘Have fun!’ You can see her mouth moving and those particular words are coming out. How sweet, you think, she wants me to have fun. Uh, dude… ‘Go barmy,’ we say.…

It’s that time of year again, when millions of presents are given and received, resulting in great joy, gratitude, and – once in a while – something completely unwanted, inappropriate or even downright rude. I’m sure you’ll love every one of the presents you get this Christmas but, just in case, here’s my handy guide on what to do when you receive an unwanted gift. PUT YOUR SMILEY FACE ON I’ll never forget the Christmas when my mother unwrapped her much-anticipated gift from my father, to discover a set of drain rods. We waited for the inevitable row, but she just smiled, a little tightly, said ‘How useful’, and disappeared into the kitchen to take her anger out on the Brussels sprouts. It’s always worth practising your game face for…

To be British in America is to be the subject of a mix of amusement and adoration, usually having something to do with the accent and air of civility. To be American in London is to be the object of a mix of scorn, wariness and, at times, reluctant admiration. But to be a Black American woman in London is to be a curiosity. There simply aren’t many of us over here. And even fewer on British television screens and magazines. The lack of exposure can either create a general feeling of intrigue or suspicion. Now, as I write, in an age in which identity politics continues to shape-shift, the idea of post-racialism is widely recognised as the myth it is. But in my own life – particularly my years…

Start up costs: £1,200 Comprising... Ingredients for recipe development: £500 Domain name and website hosting costs: £100 Camera (after two years): £600 Turnover last year: £70,000 rebelrecipes.com Start up costs: £6,000 Comprising… Advice from financial controller: £500 Ingredients and packaging: £2,000 Photography and website: £1,000 Product development: £2,000 Certification: £500 Turnover: £22,800 skinalchemists.com Start up costs: £1,800 Comprising… Equipment: £1,000 Branding and labels: £500 Insurance: £200 Market stall equipment: £100 Turnover: £100,000 bathculturehouse.com…

MOOD-BOOSTING GOLD Our golden rule is never to save pieces ‘for best’. Whatever the occasion, sometimes it’s worth going for all-out glamour for an instant pick-me-up. Puff sleeves flatter arms of all sizes, while the exaggerated shape provides a modern silhouette. Top, £32, skirt, £58, both sizes 6-22, belt, £30, shoes, £34, all next.co.uk KNITTED SKIRT Invest in a quality knitted skirt and you’ll thank us every year. A staple for our winter wardrobe, this version is made from 95% Merino wool. Cardigan, £120, sizes xs-l, frenchconnection.com, top, £16, sizes 6-22, F&F Clothing, Merino wool skirt, £225, sizes 8-18, brora.co.uk, headband, £45, beverley edmondsonmillinery.co.uk, bag, £55, cosstores.com, shoes, £90, fitflop.com JEWEL-COLOURED DRESS It’s easy to fall into the trap of reaching for that fail-safe little black dress, but jewel colours…

FAIR MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, £17.50, boots.com No7 Match Made Moisture Drench Lipstick in Pink Lemonade, £10, boots.com Morphe Cream Lipstick in Wink Wink, £12, uk.morphe.com MEDIUM Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire and Ice, £7.49 Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Nude Pink, £5.99 Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in Rosewood, £22 OLIVE L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Matte Addiction Lipstick in Brick Vintage, £7.99 Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Burnt Caramel, £8.99 Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Honeymoon, £22, cultbeauty.co.uk ASIAN Tom Ford Lip Colour in Cherry Lush, £40, johnlewis.com Becca Ultimate Lipstick Love in Dusk, £20, asos.com Sleek Makeup Say it Loud Satin Lipstick in My Boo, £5.99 DARK Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick In Rouge En Diable, £30, selfridges.co.uk Bobbi Brown Luxe Shine Intense…

DR UCHENNA OKOYE The most glamorous dentist you’ll ever meet? Quite possibly. Clinical director of the London Smiling Dental Group (londonsmiling.com), dental expert behind a host of celebrity smiles, and resident dentist on TV show 10 Years Younger, Uchenna is also a devoted mum and a bit of a beauty fanatic too. My perfect match NARS Overlust Cheek Palette, £46, lookfantastic. com With dark skin, I find it hard to get blusher to suit my complexion, as they need to have a higher pigment. This six-pan palette creates a luminous flush that looks really natural. My skincare staple Dr Sam Bunting Flawless cleanser, £16, drsambunting. com Speed and effectiveness is my mantra at the end of the day! When I’m tired and want to get my make-up off…

GET FITTER IN JUST 4 X 30-MINUTE SESSIONS A WEEK Want to stay in shape over winter and be able to enjoy the foods you love during the festive period? It can feel almost impossible to stay motivated when it’s cold outside, but walking is one of the easiest ways to lose weight – all you have to do is just put one foot in front of the other. Getting the recommended target of 10,000 steps a day can have a big impact on your fitness, and our 30-minute walking plan will leave you feeling fantastic. YOUR CALORIE-BURNING WALKING WORKOUT With four workouts to do each week, which will gradually get harder as you up your fitness levels, this walking plan targets progression and stamina. WORKOUT 1 WEEK 1 Distance…

Eat, drink and be merry – it’s what Christmas is all about. But if you’re one of the 13 million Brits who suffers from IBS, it can be a nightmare. All the rich, indulgent food on offer, not to mention get-togethers and endless booze, can spell disaster for your gut. ‘IBS is a functional gastrointestinal condition that affects the bowel, and results in constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain and often fatigue,’ explains Yvonne McKenzie, clinical dietitian and specialist in gastrointestinal nutrition and IBS. While there is currently no cure, there are ways to help yourself. 1 CUT DOWN ON BOOZE Before you reach for another glass of Prosecco – stop! Not only can alcohol exacerbate symptoms in many people, but fizz is one of the worst culprits. ‘Alcohol increases your…

Q I’m having a couple of friends over for a meal, and one of them is apparently allergic to nuts. I’m aware that this can be very serious, so should I cook her meal completely separately, and check every ingredient carefully? A Nut allergy can vary enormously between different people and although some are sensitive to several types of nuts, others are only affected by one or two. Peanuts are the most common culprit, while allergy to chestnuts and nutmegs, both often used in Christmas food, is quite rare. Similarly, the severity of the reaction can vary, but in some just a tiny trace of a nut product can be enough to trigger life-threatening swelling of the airway. You need to get more details from your friend, and if she…

MAKE A LOAF Baking bread has arguably never been more popular – a YouGov survey showed that 53% of people turned to baking in the first two months of lockdown. Making bread from scratch also has a powerful effect on mental health. As Pauline Beaumont says in her new book, Bread Therapy, ‘To knead dough mindfully is a way of slowing down, of giving ourselves the opportunity to be present in the moment.’ To create something from start to finish, then enjoy it with a slathering of butter, or a bowl of hearty soup (we like Baxters Favourites Chicken Broth), is truly satisfying.…

DECORATE THE MANTEL Make the fireplace the focal point by lining the mantel with greenery, and stand a pair of lanterns at either end. Dot votives and candlesticks along the length. Hurricane lanterns, £40 each, black candlesticks, from £20, glass candleholders, from £25, fireside lanterns, £30, all thewhitecompany.com GET THE GARDEN AGLOW Classic festoon lights are always a winner, whether decorating indoors or strung from trees in the garden. Choose mains-powered lights or battery-operated lights that will stay aglow for around eight hours. Festoon classic lights, from £45 for a string of 10, gardentrading.co.uk SET THE SCENE Give your hallway instant dazzle by hanging a curtain of fairy lights along one wall. Attach to a picture rail, or just below a cornice – try joining several together to extend up…

CLASSIC WHODUNNIT The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (£14.99, HB, Viking) With his debut novel, Richard Osman not only kicks off a new mystery series with a bang, but places Christie-style sleuthing centre stage. In the peaceful retirement village of Coopers Chase, four friends meet every Thursday to investigate unsolved murders. Though things start quietly, the danger soon ramps up a notch when they find themselves in the middle of a live murder case. This intriguing tale has a brilliant blend of classic mystery elements with a distinctly original premise that won’t fail to charm you. PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA Blurred Lines by Hannah Begbie (£7.99, PB, HarperCollins) A timely story of moral dilemmas. When Becky catches her boss, Matthew, with a woman who isn’t his wife,…

THIS MONTH YOU’LL FIND ME…  Watching Normal People. It’s made me so nostalgic for the twilight days between teenagedom and adulthood, with all its raw edges and regrets. Reading Blood & Sugar by Laura Shepherd-Robinson. It’s a crime thriller set in the 18th century. It unflinchingly explores the extent of Britain’s horrific involvement in the slave trade within a page-turner of a plot. Listening Lockdown gave me a chance to relisten to so much of the music I’d lost time for. I’ve rediscovered Roxy Music, Gregory Isaacs, Joan Armatrading – many of the artists I grew up listening to. Learning Spanish. Given that I’m a linguist, I’m embarrassed that this is a language I haven’t explored, and this year gave me time on my hands like no other. Scrolling Twitter.…

FIONA VALPY is a bestselling author, whose new novel is The Skylark’s Secret, a compelling story of mothers, daughters and family secrets set during WW2. Read her latest short story, The Selkie Moon, on p168. Your ideal grown-up gap year? After this year of restrictions, I’d travel as widely as possible. I’d pull on my walking boots and head for some of my bucket-list destinations – the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan, Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, and the Chilean Andes – to revel in the spectacular views. The vision behind our New Year homes feature on p114, SARA BIRD is a stylist, art director and author, producing photo shoots and features on interiors. She is one half of content company The CONTENTed Nest. Your ideal grown-up gap year? Journeying to joining…

@mothershoppers, 37, Bertie mixes a palette of pink and rust hues for a cool 70s vibe @thatsnotmyage, 56, adds a tailored blazer to side-stripe trousers for a winning combination @lovestyle40, 44, teams a military-style coat over ditsy florals and knee-high boots @branhrichardson, 26, proves camel and winter whites always look stylish @ericafmstyle, 32, styles shades of pinks and neutral accessories for a fresh look @blog4over40, 53, updates a classic knit with faux leather trousers and an ultra-mini bag @veronicagenest, 43, steps out in Paris looking effortlessly chic in killer heels and a timeless trench @adelaknox, 43, in a midi dress and statement @simonarusklondon shoes, wows in double lace Add your pictures by hashtagging #womanandhomestreetstyle or email wandhstreetstyle@futurenet.com to join in.…

If you’ve ever watched excitedly as someone unwraps a gift you’ve given them on Christmas morning, you’ll know how good it feels to give – after all, it’s not for nothing that the saying goes ‘it’s better to give than to receive’. But it’s becoming increasingly recognised that giving and generosity doesn’t just make you feel good, but it can be good for your health too – and the benefits can be far-reaching… MAKES YOU HAPPIER Being given something might make you happy, but a number of studies have shown that, actually, being the giver makes you even happier than being the recipient. But why? One reason is that altruism – doing something good for someone else – releases endorphins, in the same way as exercise does, as well as…

Thanks for that information Shh I’m so sorry I’m late I almost didn’t come I’d love to do that Please don’t make me I’ve just eaten I’m on a diet I think he’s interesting Your new boyfriend is awful No, no, it looks good Don’t wear it again Are you going to eat that? Give it to me He’s a bundle of energy Control your son Where’s that from? I’d like it for Christmas You’re such an inventive cook This is inedible I’ll check with him/her We’re not coming What do you want for dinner? Please make it ✢ Taken from Quite by Claudia Winkleman (£12.99, HQ), out now.…

There it was – sudden, fleeting, elusive… a wisp of scent that took me spinning back, at time-travel speed, to my parents’ bedroom when I was just a teenager. There is the soft light thrown by the rosy-pink lamps, the curtains drawn against the dark night, and my mother at her dressing table delicately dabbing Dior Diorissimo on her wrists. The memory is one of warmth, safety, home – and of course, her… all conjured up in a whooshing magical second by the merest whiff of that delicious scent. The elegant woman who had passed me swiftly in a quiet London street would never know the effect her chosen scent had on me, a complete stranger. But it left a wafting impression that stopped me in my tracks, making me…

It is the late 1980s in this picture, and here I am, hoping to ‘find’ myself at university. Oxford was a pressure cooker anyway, and having always been swotty, not sporty, it wasn’t until my final year that I finally confronted the need to take care of my body as well as my mind. I joined Inshape, a small gym above a shop, and was initiated into the leotard and leg warmer world of high-energy aerobic classes. In 30 minutes the instructor took a room full of women from warm-up to air punching and high kicking. I gave up aerobics in my 30s, around the time I had children, eventually turning to the gym and swimming. But trapped at home under lockdown, I dug out my Lycra leggings, closed the…

Thrifty trick With tax returns due at the end of January, here’s how to trim your tax bill if you’ve started working from home since lockdown. It can be a pain totting up the actual extra costs, based on your electricity, gas, council tax, home insurance and mortgage interest bills. Instead, claim flat-rate expenses. Self-employed sole traders can claim £10 a month when working 25-50 hours a month from home, £18 a month for 51-100 hours and £26 for 101 hours or more. Meanwhile, employees required to work from home can ask for an extra £6 a week tax-free or claim the tax relief on £6 a week via their tax return, if they do one, or by filling in a P87 form if they don’t. TREAT YOURSELF For healthy…

One surprising phenomenon to emerge out of lockdown is that many of us have turned our backs on black. Maybe it’s the pressure of looking good on a Zoom call, the desire to cheer ourselves up, or quite simply that brighter hues look better online, but we’re definitely making bolder fashion choices. Many of us abandon colour in our teens and never go back to it. I only seem to embrace anything other than black if I’m going to a wedding… oh, forget that, I have been known to wear black to weddings too. My partner says by sticking to navy, grey and all things dark it’s harder to discern quite how many clothes I own. Everything looks strikingly familiar and yes, rather similar. So why do we do it?…

Whatever you’re doing to toast this festive season, have some fun with your hair. Celebrations might be a little more low-key, but you can still look and feel great. The right styling tricks and products can help you get a natural, effortless look. We’re here to help you feel like a million dollars – no salon needed. Get some va-va-voom As we age, almost 50% of us will experience hair loss due to hormones or stress. Johanne Herald, senior stylist at Charles Worthington Salons (charlesworthingtonsalons.com) has all the tips for more voluminous locks. 1 Do the prep Start with the right shampoo and conditioner. Use a thickening formula like Kérastase Densifique Shampoo, £19.50, and Conditioner, £24.80, both lookfantastic.com, which use hyaluronic acid to plump each strand. And remove product build-up…

DRINK TO BEAT A HANGOVER Jane Clarke is a dietitian and founder of nourishbyjaneclarke.com So much fun the night before, so much pain the day after, BUT you can beat that thumping head and queasy stomach. Alcohol is a diuretic, which results in dehydration, causing headaches, fatigue and irritability. Sip water to replenish. Carrots, beetroot, celery and fennel help support liver function, so make a juice from these, sweetened with apple or pear. Ginger is great for easing sickness – it could be ginger tea, ginger beer or a ginger biscuit. Smoked flavours may also settle nausea, so try smoky lapsang souchong tea or a cup of chai.…

Get active ✢ Physical exercise is known to stimulate the sex hormones. One study** revealed that intense bursts of competitive sport may trigger the instant release of testosterone. Sleep well ✢ Research shows that testosterone production occurs during the deep restorative sleep known as REM. Frequent lack of sleep or disturbed sleep can disrupt natural levels. Shop eco ✢ Reduce your exposure to parabens and phthalates. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics and personal care products are associated with reduced androgen levels. Be romantic ✢ Even if it doesn’t lead to sex, evidence suggests that sensual touch can increase female testosterone. Manage stress ✢ Studies prove that spikes in the stress hormone cortisol can have a negative impact on testosterone. Find ways to relax and de-stress. Reduce your alcohol intake…

DISTANCE This is about covering more ground with each walk. INTERVAL Here, you’re trying to maintain a lower heart rate with each walk. Before you start, check your beats per minutes (BPM) – this is your resting heart rate (RHR). INCLINE Plan a 30-minute walking route with hills. Check your heart rate in the same way you did for the interval workout. If you find it getting too easy, increase the incline. ‘The workout intensifies the steeper the hill becomes, as more emphasis is placed on the quadriceps, glutes and calves to keep driving you forwards,’ says Amanda Demetriou, personal trainer at The Training Room. WEIGHTED This workout involves walking with 2kg or 3kg hand weights to improve the distance covered. Your heart will continue to pump harder even after…

I’ve struggled to hear for years, but was mostly unaware what I was missing. It became more obvious during my early 40s and there has been a further decline in my hearing over the past 10 years. I have moderate hearing loss in both ears, which means I don’t hear low tones and struggle to pick up conversations – particularly men’s voices. My children are now in their 20s but they’d point out my hearing as they were growing up. My daughter speaks softly so I’d often miss things she’d say – especially if she had her back to me. They’d get frustrated and urged me to do something about it. ‘I feel like I’ve joined a different world’ I didn’t admit to anyone that I had a problem because…

SHOULD YOU PUT BUTTER ON A BURN? Using butter to treat burns is an old folk remedy that has been around for centuries, and has even been mentioned in old handbooks of battlefield medicine, with the idea that it seals the burn from the air, helps keep it clean and prevent infection, and aid the healing process. With burns from festive candles – a common problem at this time of year – does this mean we should all keep a block in the fridge? The answer is a definite no! Unfortunately, though butter may initially seem cold, sealing off a burn can hold the heat in, causing the skin to continue to burn. Instead, you should remove jewellery and clothing from the affected area as quickly as possible, then get…

Hallway Add gorgeous greenery Fragrant and refreshing, foraged foliage brings seasonality and style, as well as connecting back to nature. Style your staircase with sparkling faux flowers and elegant dried blooms. 1 Collector’s piece Arrange ornaments with year-round appeal. 2 Glimmer & glow Burnished surfaces look wonderful in soft lighting. Go for brushed-effect finishes, which will age beautifully. 3 Soft sparkle Add a magical lift to walls by using a wallpaper with reflective patterns – the perfect backdrop to catch candlelight. 4 Sentimental touches Consider layering homewares – mix and match china, trays and bauble details for a gradually gathered feel. Living room Snuggle up in style Bring a smart yet homely look to a living room with a dappled-effect wallpaper, which will add a textural appeal. Smoky grey-browns create…

Love plants Scientists estimate that a plant-based diet can save an individual 0.8 tonnes of CO2 per year – more than four times that saved through even the most comprehensive recycling. The change doesn’t have to be all or nothing. How about instituting meat-free Mondays? Or take the Veganuary pledge to go vegan for 31 days in January? Find advice and recipes at veganuary.com Fewer footprints Channel the fresh-start feel of the new year by resolving to live more sustainably. A great place to begin is Giki Zero (zero.giki.earth), a website that allows you to calculate your carbon footprint and helps you find ways to reduce it. Answer the simple questions with as much or as little detail as you like to get a figure for your emissions, then choose…

ADVENTURE STORY The Highland Falcon Thief by MG Leonard and Sam Sedgman (£6.99, PB, Pan Macmillan) Kids love adventure stories, and what an adventure this is! As a young boy is caught up in an investigation on a train to Scotland, will the thief be caught before they reach the end of the line? PICTURE BOOK Owl or Pussycat? by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Polly Dunbar (£10.99, HB, David Fickling Books) Based on a true story from his childhood, Michael Morpurgo remembers a wonderful time when he landed the starring role of Owl in the school Christmas play. One of the sweetest stories we’ve read in a long time, we see a young Michael cope with first-night nerves. Adults will love this too. TEEN DRAMA Eight…

The Calmer You It has been a challenging year, so take time to enjoy a podcast dedicated to mental wellbeing. Hypnotherapist and coach Chloe Brotheridge chats to experts who give advice on overcoming perfectionism and ways to feel hopeful. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher The Game Changers Meet inspirational role models, as Sue Anstiss – founding trustee of Women’s Sport Trust charity – talks to sportswomen about their careers, challenges and successes. Guests include Tracy Edwards, Ebony Rainford-Brent and Jess Ennis-Hill. Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts Ctrl Alt Delete Emma Gannon talks to authors and experts about what shapes us, covering subjects like self-sabotage and unconscious bias. Episodes include Jacqueline Wilson on the joy of writing for young adults, and artist Sharon Walters on art as therapy. Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify…

AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 19 FEBRUARY 2021 starts splendidly, as lucky Jupiter and hard-work Saturn enter. It marks the beginning of an exciting new era. After the 20th you’re on fire. Call 0905 789 4160* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates PISCES 20 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH It’s time to trust yourself and take gut feelings seriously. Problems can be solved via techniques like meditation and mindfulness. Give them a go. Call 0905 789 4161* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL You face a challenge mid-month, which could bust a difficult situation that’s been hovering since autumn. Be open to unusual solutions. By the 20th there’s one. Call 0905 789 4150* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates TAURUS 21 APRIL –…

CHANGING WORLD My young granddaughter was drawing a picture of her ideal kitchen and it had three taps at the sink. When I asked her why, she replied, ‘This one is for hot water, this one is for cold water, and that one is for hand sanitiser.’ The future is going to be so different for her generation. Linda, by email ANIMAL WELFARE As a promoter of animal welfare it would be good to see your beauty features state if products are tested on animals. I know it is often hard to get a definitive position on animal testing or if they are Leaping Bunny/PETA approved, however I’m sure this would be appreciated by people wanting to purchase more ethical products. Joan, by email IT’S NO TREAT Your Halloween poll…

The distinction between good and evil in fairy stories is always very clear, and though good doesn’t always win, evil is, if not vanquished, then at least exposed for what it is. However, the fairy stories I grew up with were very different to the ‘softer’ variations that are currently told. When I was a child, they were much darker, far more brutal. For example, in the very first Cinderella story I read, the Prince was tricked into believing that each of Cinderella’s stepsisters was his missing bride-to-be by them cutting off their toes or their heel to ensure their feet fitted into Cinderella’s glass slipper. As he escorted each in turn back to his palace, the Prince had to have his attention drawn to the blood gushing out of…

What is your earliest theatrical memory? My mum took me to see Jesus Christ Superstar in Australia in the early 70s. There was a black actress called Marcia Hines playing Mary Magdalene, and it was so forward-thinking, so modern – and I just love the music. What inspired you to first start dancing? Seeing John Travolta doing his stuff in Saturday Night Fever. I thought, ‘Wow, that’s cool, boys can do that stuff – that’s amazing.’ I think it made dancing accessible for everybody, especially boys. What keeps you motivated in your career? I always say if you don’t get one job that you really wanted, another door will open. You can’t live in fear of failure, you’ve just got to go for it. I think the failures in our…

To do a decent job as an actor, you need the hide of a rhinoceros. If you don’t get a job, you need to be tough and not take it personally. I think I was born with a little bit of that hide but once you’ve had a child [her daughter Alice is also an actress], your perspectives change and you think, ‘What someone thinks of me isn’t really that important.’ Suddenly you have this little person who loves you unequivocally, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve had a bad day at work and forgotten your lines because they just think you’re marvellous. Create your own party. My natural inclination is towards shyness rather than marching into a room, saying, ‘I’m here!’ When I was younger I didn’t have the…

Marilyn’s nightwear Marilyn Monroe famously implied Chanel No.5 was her favourite scent when she revealed it was all she wore in bed. Yet, a preserved receipt shows that she took delivery of Rose Geranium by Floris when she was filming Some Like it Hot , so perhaps she was more fragrance fickle than we thought. Bridal bouquet Wedding day perfumes are of course an important choice for any woman. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge opted for elegant White Gardenia Petals by Illuminum for her wedding in 2011. Fresh fragrance Others prefer a crisper option. The model Kate Moss adores Acqua di Parma Colonia (as did Audrey Hepburn), created in 1916 to scent men’s handkerchiefs. Meanwhile Michelle Obama favours Creed Love in White – a scent inspired by a fresh spring breeze…

CECILE WILLIAMS*, 46, is a civil servant, and her partner David*, 50, is a construction worker. Together for eight years, they live in Essex with Cecile’s nine-year-old daughter Jess*, and have worked through Cecile’s alcoholism. The other night David and I went to a party. I sipped my non-alcoholic drink and watched as people became increasingly intoxicated. It was good to see our friends, but by midnight I was happy to drive us both home. I was up at 8am the next morning, feeling fresh as a daisy, and thought, ‘I’m so glad I’m not that person any more.’ The life changes I’ve made by becoming teetotal have not just saved my relationship – they’ve transformed it. Rewind to December 2019. I had just ruined the third Christmas in a…

‘Publishers had a bidding war for my book’ Niki Webster, 46, lives in the West Midlands with her husband, Andy. In 2015, she set up a vegan blog, and 18 months later, Niki quit her job to focus on plant-based recipes full-time. THE IDEA I’ve never liked the taste of meat, so my mum gave me my own food budget when I was 13, inviting me to accompany her to the supermarket and buy whatever I wanted. It sparked a love for cooking, as I experimented with interesting ways of preparing vegetables. In early 2014, Andy and I went vegan. By then, I had travelled around India, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, which inspired my passion for dals and curries. I worked in food marketing and for years thought it…

INVEST IN JEWELLED FLATS There’s nothing like a pair of dazzling shoes to add a little magic into your wardrobe! We love this metallic pair from Boden, which have just the right amount of pizzazz to polish off a multitude of outfits. Fancy flats add a touch of opulence to jeans and a jumper, make a statement paired with a midi dress or peek out beautifully from the hem of wide-leg velvet trousers. Comfortable shoes are here to stay and this versatile style is definitely not just for Christmas! Shoes, £140, boden.co.uk…

Things might be a little quieter this year, but that doesn’t mean we should all retreat into sweats-and-no-make-up mode for the virtual Christmas party. The transformational power of a bold lip should never be underestimated. And now more than ever, we need to spark a little joy where we can. So swipe on a decadent red lipstick for a brisk Boxing Day walk or pop on your brightest pink to post your Christmas cards. Here’s how to put your best pout forward. HOW LIPSTICK CAN BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY Think about how much better you feel on bad days, once you’re dressed and have put your face on. A recent study by Boots found that 80% of British women were more likely to feel good about themselves if they wore make-up…

Don’t think because your hair is in a bob or shorter, that it’s not versatile. There’s plenty you can do to ring the changes for a special occasion. If you’re stuck in a style rut and need some inspiration, follow Johanne’s tips: ✢ If you always just wash and go, spend some time on immaculate styling. Either go smooth and super glossy with a great DIY blow-dry, or create some waves and texture. ✢ Always wear your hair in the same parting? Switch things up with a low side parting so your hair sweeps sexily over one eye. Then tuck, pin or slick the lower side behind your ear. ✢ Introduce a fringe! It’s the simplest way to update a shorter style without completely changing the cut. ✢ Not ready…

What a year. It’s safe to say that among all the finger-wagging I’ve done in this column over the past nine months about moving your body, not eating too much of this, eating lots of that, taking your vitamin D, beating yourself with the broccoli stick at least once a day and chucking in the odd squat here and there, there are a few other things we couldn’t help but learn. Such as what two metres looks like, hand-washing skills and how to sing Happy Birthday vaguely in key. So, in the light of all that, let’s remind ourselves of our future as fit, disciplined women leading happy, fulfilled lives… and what it will take to do that. GET MOVING ‘We should make 2021 our year of fixing. Fixing ourselves’…

1 Women’s Intraknit™ Merino 200 Bottoms, £116.95, smartwool.co.uk These provide quicker dry times, odour resistance, and durability, while targeted knit insulation and ventilation helps keep you warm and dry. 2 Columbia Women’s Grand Trek Down Jacket, £200, columbiasportswear.co.uk This holds in the heat thanks to down insulation. There’s also an adjustable hood and hem, as well as snug thumbholes. 3 Cascade Hike XT Texapore Low W Waterproof Hiking Shoes, £110, jack-wolfskin.co.uk Equipped with an advanced multicomponent sole system, these waterproof shoes will support your feet with cushioning and traction – even on rough paths. 4 Domyos 1kg supple ankle and wrist weights, £10.99, domyos.co.uk These can double up as wrist weights too.…

✢ One in six people in the UK are living with hearing loss*. ✢ Possible causes can include ageing, exposure to excessive noise, chronic ear infections, or infectious diseases such as meningitis, measles and mumps. ✢ Gradual hearing loss may be permanent but hearing aids, implants or assistive listening devices can help enhance the remaining hearing. ✢ Lynne is fitted with a ReSound One hearing aid (priced from £1,195 per aid at selected retailers). For more information, visit resound.com…

IS IT HEARTBURN OR A HEART ATTACK? Overindulgence in large meals of rich food means that it’s easy to assume that pain behind the breastbone is due to heartburn and indigestion. But chest pain can also be a sign that the heart muscle is short of oxygen, either from a narrowed artery reducing blood flow, a condition called angina, or worse still, a heart attack, when the blood supply to an area of heart muscle is completely cut off. Heart disease is often thought of as a ‘man’s problem’, but it’s the number-one killer of women in the UK, killing twice as many women as breast cancer, and research has shown that women are 50% more likely than men to receive an incorrect diagnosis when they are having a heart…

Radiating warmth and an inviting charisma, Diana and James Potts’ Victorian villa in north London is a Christmas destination that attracts friends from far and wide. Shared with their brood of Thomas, 15, Sofia, 14, and Matias, 10, plus Dexter the dog and their cat, Freddie, the house is both a beacon of brilliant design and an example of functional family living. Eight years ago James, a barrister, and Diana, a surface designer, realised they needed more space for their burgeoning family, and began the hunt for a larger property. ‘We’d lived in this area for some years, but I’d always loved this particular street,’ says Diana, ‘So when the house came up, we knew we wanted it. The interior had been done up so, because we had young kids,…

Chicken, sprout and spring onion gyoza Make a batch of these dumplings and keep them in the freezer for when you need a speedy canapé that’s full of flavour. Makes around 30 • Ready in 1 hr 15 mins, plus resting 200g plain flour, sifted vegetable oil, for cooking for the filling: 120g chicken breast, cut into chunks 3 spring onions, sliced 50g Brussels sprouts, sliced 2tsp grated ginger 2tsp grated garlic 3tsp soy sauce 2tsp sesame seed oil, plus extra, to drizzle you will need: a 10cm round cutter 1 Mix the flour and ¼tsp fine salt in a large bowl. Pour in 150ml hand-hot water, a little at a time, and mix until combined. You may not need all the water. Transfer to a lightly dusted work surface and…

It’s become a tradition in our family on New Year’s Eve. Once the table’s been cleared and we’ve gathered around the fire to await the countdown to midnight, one or other of the grandchildren will turn to me and say, ‘Tell us the story now – about how you met Grandad.’ ‘Met me?’ Callum will say with a smile, reaching over to take my hand. ‘Saved my life, you mean! Just think, none of us would be here if things had gone differently.’ And then even the teenagers will put aside their phones and draw a little closer so that the glow of the fire illuminates their faces. I’ll take a sip from the dram of whisky Callum’s poured for me and I’ll begin… ‘Be careful what you wish for.’…

Zog and The Flying Doctors Based on the children’s book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this animated tale sees friendly dragon Zog (Hugh Skinner) and friends form a ‘flying doctors’ team. Sir Lenny Henry narrates. BBC1 Call the Midwife It’s Christmas 1965, and a circus has arrived in Poplar to delight the locals, with former Doctor Who star Peter Davison playing the ringmaster. But there’s also worrying news as Sister Monica Joan is rushed to hospital. BBC1 Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse This family fantasy tells the true story of when six-year-old Roald Dahl met children’s author Beatrix Potter (Dawn French). Alison Steadman and Jessica Hynes also star. Sky One Black Narcissus This lavish three-parter is a story of love and forbidden desire as it…

Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square A woman (Christine Baranski) plans to sell her father’s land to a mall developer in Dolly Parton’s holiday musical. But after an encounter with an angel (Dolly), she has a change of heart. Netflix The Christmas Chronicles 2 The sequel sees Kurt Russell return as Santa Claus, plus his real-life wife Goldie Hawn is back in a bigger role as Mrs Claus. This time a mysterious troublemaker threatens to cancel Christmas forever. Netflix Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas It’s simply not the festive season without hearing Mariah’s smash hit All I Want for Christmas is You ! We’d like to bet she’ll be singing it in this one-off yuletide special. Apple TV+…

CAPRICORN 23 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY New opportunities bring good luck. Meanwhile, romantic Venus arrives on the 9th, so you’re loved-up for the rest of January. Make a wish on the 13th. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD  This year is easier than last. Caps born mid-Jan may have the odd moment, but overall everyone’s more resilient. Call 0905 789 4159* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates…

‘Blokes never worry about the feed limit’ Once Christmas and New Year festivities are behind us, every woman I know will be dieting. I’ve already eaten so much salmon I’m getting an irresistible urge to swim upstream and spawn. As my female friends jog by in skintight Lycra, I’ll be able to see the three-course raisin they had for lunch. Some will appear to be living on little more than a cup of skimmed air. But surely if Mother Nature wanted to see our skeletons, they’d be on the outside of our bodies? And just think about those tattoos. Too much weight loss and that fire-breathing dragon on your bicep will soon shrink to a wrinkled skink. When I think about the amount of pressure on women to look skinny,…