Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2021 i Woman & Home

They say you can’t be it if you don’t see it. Well, how about us? Yes, I’m talking about midlife women. They used to call us ‘women of a certain age’. What a horribly disparaging, belittling phrase. We know we’re older. We’re proud of it, actually. By this time we’ve been through so much, looked after so many people, and we pretty much don’t care about anything – least of all what others think. And yet who among us can say that we aren’t sometimes a bit self-critical? I, for one, look in the mirror and, although I’m fine with the tramlines between my eyebrows, I do wince a little at the sight of my neck. Yet what a waste of time that is! What we need is role models…

1. Wax on For a full-bodied, fluffed-up look, apply wax to clean brows using upward strokes. It keeps hairs in place. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze Clear Brow Wax, £25.30, beautybay.com 2. Three-day tint Paint over brows, leave for up to two hours and peel off. You’ll have defined brows that last for up to three days. Maybelline Tattoo Brow Longlasting Gel Tint, £12.99, boots.com 3. Super serum This comb-through serum is packed with nutrients that strengthen and thicken gappy, sparse-looking brows. Hairburst Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum, £32.99, hairburst.com 4. Pen pal To trace the shape, use the flat tip to sidle along the brow edge, then fill and shade with the wide edge. NYX Professional Makeup Precision Brow Pencil, £9, boots.com 5. Wow powder Powders offer a more…

What’s your earliest memory of acting? I didn’t do acting at school. It all started for me in Germany when I was 21 and working as a salesmen to the American military. Because I was English-speaking, I got involved with one of their amateur theatre groups. I suddenly realised acting was something I could do. What was your plan B? I never had any plan! By the time I was 27, I’d made a good life for myself in Canada [as a corrosion oil control technician]. The one thing bugging me was that I really enjoyed acting so I did an audition at the local professional theatre, got taken on and became an actor. Best advice you’ve been given? People tried to help me all through my life but I…

Every year in the UK, around 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Some 80% are aged over 50, but 4%, around 2,300 annually, are under the age of 40. Improvements in treatment, earlier detection and more focused diagnoses have seen UK survival rates double in the past 40 years, but the disease remains one of the leading causes of death in women under 50. All women aged between 50 and 70 are invited for breast cancer screening every three years but you should contact your GP if you notice: ✢ A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit. ✢ Changes in the size or shape of the breast. ✢ A change in skin texture, such as puckering or dimpling of the skin. ✢ A change in…

‘I wanted make-up that catered for older women like me’ Tricia Cusden, 73, and her daughters, Anna, 46, and Suzy, 43, are from London. They launched their beauty brand, Look Fabulous Forever, in 2013, which has been hugely successful and is sold around the world from its website. THE IDEA Tricia: In 2012, I had retired from my job as a management consultant. Then my younger daughter, Suzy, gave birth to my granddaughter, India, who was diagnosed with a rare chromosome disorder. It was a traumatic time and I spent my days supporting Suzy and her family. By the end of the year, India’s health had improved, and things had got back to normal. But by then, I was feeling directionless and in need of a challenge, so one night…

TOP-TO-TOE TONAL ✢ Mix and match outfits by using tonal separates. ✢ A timeless trench coat is perfect for all occasions. ✢ A leather co-ord set provides many outfit options. ✢ Layer a thin roll neck or T-shirt underneath a shirt. CREAM OF THE CROP ✢ For an instant luxe look, opt for soft creams, which will revitalise your closet for the new season. ✢ A structured blazer oozes class and can easily be worn with jeans to smarten them up. ✢ Gold accessories are perfect to complement the outfit, just be sure to steer clear of spillable drinks! SPRING ESSENTIAL ✢ A denim jacket is a wardrobe necessity that never goes out of fashion. ✢ Opt for a light wash to lift your look, and bag a style that…

The book The Tweakments Guide: Start with Skincare , by the award-winning beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis, contains all the answers to every burning beauty question you’ve ever had. ‘Using great skincare, and finding the right products that work for you, is the key to achieving a fresher-looking face,’ says Alice, ‘Yet so many people don’t take skincare seriously because they don’t know what the right products can do for them. For 20 years, I’ve had a ringside seat in the beauty industry, as I’ve watched skincare move from being just “hope in a jar” to the realms of high science. I have interviewed scores of brand founders, formulators and dermatologists. I’ve reported on all the new “miracle creams” and “beauty-science breakthroughs”, and this book tells you everything that I have…

When Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge unequivocally declared ‘Hair is everything!’, women up and down the country nodded empathetically. Hair reaches far beyond simple aesthetics, and the colour of it can be a powerful statement. ‘A good hair colour, one that suits your skin tone and eye colour, can enhance your appearance as well as your self-esteem,’ says colour expert Josh Wood. ‘The right colour is a sure-fire way to unlock the best version of yourself.’ We meet the women whose hair colour is much more than just cosmetic to them. ON BEING PINK: It’s a way to express myself Dame Zandra Rhodes, 80, British fashion designer ‘Colour adds something special to my life. I implement it into my work, my home and my wardrobe – so why shouldn’t I have…

REBOOT YOUR BREAKFASTS While winter brings warming stews and soups to lunch and dinner, breakfast rarely strays from toast or cereal. ‘The nutrients that we tend to be low on in winter are vitamins C, B12 and D, and zinc,’ says nutritionist Victoria Hamilton (theautoimmunitynutritionist.com). ‘These keep us energised and protected against any winter challenge.’ So give one of these feel-good breakfasts a go: ✢ Chia seed smoothie: In a blender, mix 2tbsp chia seeds, a few raspberries, a generous handful of spinach, a cup of coconut milk, 1tbsp hemp protein powder, 1tbsp cocoa powder and ½ banana. ✢ 2-egg omelette with mushrooms, red onion and spinach, sautéed in coconut oil, plus a few walnuts on the side. ✢ 2 baked portobello mushrooms topped with spinach, garlic and cheese.…

In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51. However, symptoms can start many years before that – known as the perimenopause, which kicks in as the oestrogen levels in the body start to drop. Perimenopause usually starts around a few years before periods stop, and the menopause lasts around four years after, although one in 10 women suffer for up to 12 years, according to the NHS. The menopause can cause physical and psychological issues, and while most women experience some symptoms, many have no idea they’re even linked to the menopause, so don’t think to mention them to their GP. But what happens when symptoms become debilitating, or are a cause for concern? What’s normal and what’s not? Dr Louise Newson is…

Good news if you like reading under the bedcovers with a dim light, so as not to disturb your partner, as this is a myth. Our eyes are designed to adapt to different levels of light by the widening or narrowing of the pupil, the hole in the centre of the iris – the coloured part of the eye. In dim light, the muscles that control the iris contract, to allow more light into the eye and onto the retina at the back. This can cause eye strain, and make your eyes feel tired, and can also lead to short-term drying of the eyes because you blink less often. But though this can make your eyes feel uncomfortable, it doesn’t cause any long-term harm to your eyesight.…

Our friends electric Electric and plug-in cars now account for more than one in 10 vehicle registrations. This is great for the environment, but limited access to charging points is an issue. Joel Teague has a solution with Co Charger, an app that connects those who don’t have a charging point with those who do. The app is free to download and there is no subscription – users simply pay a small fee set by the host if and when they use their charge point; co-charger.com H20 low World Water Day on 22 March highlights the importance of a vital resource that’s becoming increasingly scarce – the Worldwide Fund for Nature estimates that two-thirds of the global population will face water shortages by 2025. According to the Energy Saving Trust,…

✢ Stay overnight in Noosa at Seahaven Noosa, where rooms start from £136 per night. Enjoy a stand-up paddleboard session from £90pp for a private lesson, or £30pp for a group lesson. For an exhilarating experience, try the Dolphin Safari Tour with Oceanrider for £32pp. ✢ Day tours to Lady Elliot Island from the Gold Coast start from £466 per adult and £326 per child (3-12yrs). ✢ Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort rooms start from £152pp per night. Try Rainbow Beach Horse Rides (£109pp) or a full day 4WD with Surf & Sand Safaris (£106pp). ✢ In Bundaberg, the Turtle Encounter at Mon Repos Turtle Centre starts from £15pp, and you can stay overnight at C Bargara on the beach from £125pp (2 nights minimum). ✢ For inspiration, visit australia.com…

Freelance journalist ANNA-MARIE CROWHURST‘s fascinating fl ashback on 60 years of feminism is on p50. She teaches creative writing and is the author of The Illumination of Ursula  Flight and Badly Behaved Women. Your favourite energy boost? During the last lockdown, I fell back in love with my ancient-yet-trusty bicycle. Whenever I’m flagging, I strap on my helmet and set off on a new adventure. Usually it involves frantic pedalling up and down the hills of Walthamstow. SUSIE DENT is a lexicographer and linguist who, when not sitting in Countdown’s Dictionary Corner, writes and broadcasts about words and language. Her latest book, Word Perfect, offers a word for every day of the year. She writes about the beauty of language on p27. Your favourite energy boost? I am a nemophile…

@frau_mone, 52, rocks a vibrant orange dress paired with cool black accessories @the_fashionstalker, 49, shoulder-robes like a pro in warm, autumnal shades @mystyleandmore, 53, embraces brights in a knitted dress with statement python-print heels @isabelspearman, 42, turns sidewalk to catwalk in her corduroy @justine_ tabak dress @annacascarina, 47, wears an oversized linen suit – a modern update on a classic look @mimilabesa, 34, matches her handbag to her dress for a winning combination @thefashion stylefile, 41, teams a checked midi dress with on-trend slouch knee-high boots @mademoiselle modeuse, 35, showcases her wild side in bold zebra print Add your pictures by hashtagging #womanandhomestreetstyle or email wandhstreetstyle@futurenet.com to join in.…

Whether you struggle with motivation during the day, suffer from mid-afternoon slumps, or you simply can’t get out of bed in the morning, you might be wondering how you can feel more energised without reaching for that fourth cup of coffee or forcing yourself to go to bed at 9pm. Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to put a little spring in your step, and some of them might just surprise you. 1 HAVE A COLD SHOWER Struggle to get going in the morning? Jump in a cold shower! Research* shows that the shock of cold water can stimulate a low-level fight-or-flight response in the brain as a result of the adrenaline rush. The cold exposure also increases blood flow in the brain, enhancing your alertness and…

Within weeks of her marriage to Prince William, 10 years ago in April, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, then 29, had set out her fashion stall. For her first post- honeymoon appearance, Kate opted for Reiss’s £175 Shola dress to meet US President Obama and his wife Michelle at Buckingham Palace. It was an endearingly normal look for such a high-stakes scenario on the world stage, and the kind of royal fashion moment – one which could be instantly emulated – that had never happened before. The dress sold out, allowing women across the world to bring a touch of this fresh, royal look to their wardrobes. The Duchess’s new era of regal dressing wasn’t just about high-street buys though. She understood that this down-to-earth attitude needed to be balanced with…

A happy marriage is all about laughing together and enjoying shared interests, so the experts reckon. Never mind that… in our house, it’s all about a daily ration of ridicule and correctly laundered towels. As we’ve both been working from home of late, sharing household chores has become non-negotiable. However, whereas I just get on with it without expecting acclaim, J is clearly going for gold with his superior methods. ‘Look, I washed all the towels.’ Great! ‘I bought fabric conditioner [which I never bother with] and I hung them out on the washing line [ditto]. Don’t they smell amazing? So ozonic. Here, smell them… smell them!’ Said towels are rammed into my face. ‘Mmm,’ I swoon, ‘I detect freesias and lavender. Well done!’ Since sharing our workspace, another recent…

My career has taught me to be nice to people on the way up because you might bump into them on the way down, especially in the industry I work in. When I started off doing The Big Breakfast, I was really young and most of the people I worked with are now the executives of TV networks. People don’t forget. I remember who was nice to me when I started out, so you should always treat others how you would like to be treated. I come from a family of Londoners from the East End and they all worked really hard. It’s always been, if you apply yourself and work hard, you reap the rewards. They also taught me not to expect things to be handed to you on…

It was during one of those sunny days sandwiched between last year’s lockdowns that my husband and I had the idea of selling our house in the city and heading for the country. Alas, we were not alone. As we hit the motorway to explore likely spots, millions had the same notion, and estate agents in picturesque market towns everywhere were beating off townies with rolled-up property details. In fact, Rightmove reported a 125% increase in people looking to relocate to rural villages after the first coronavirus peak. We know because we heard it on the news on our return journey. Right now, I should be waking up in my rural home, collecting hens’ eggs and enjoying our bucolic idyll. Instead, I’m stuck with a house that won’t sell, wondering…

Clothes, books, paperwork, gadgets, workout kit, stuff… it gets everywhere, doesn’t it? A recent study reveals that on average we have an incredible £2,600 worth of unwanted possessions in our homes*. Despite several clear-outs during the long days of lockdown, I am still left with various decluttering dilemmas, from clothes I’m unlikely to ever wear again (backless evening dress, anyone?) to the ‘good’ dinner service that never sees the light of day… not to mention the flotsam and jetsam of everyday stuff that is constantly building up in-between. Yet research confirms that living in a messy environment blocks productivity and causes anxiety, which then impacts on other areas of our life, leaving us feeling overwhelmed. ‘It can be really hard to let stuff go, but doing it brings greater pleasure…

✣ DIONE This was my husband’s favourite because it’s not an intimidating-looking vibrator. Beautifully designed, it’s also silky to the touch. It even has a warming element. It can be used outside and in, when you feel brave enough; senttothrill.com ✣ OSPHERO It doesn’t look like a vibrator! You could pop it on your desk like a paperweight and the uninitiated wouldn’t guess. It’s rechargeable with a USB cable. Mainly about stimulating the clitoris, it can be inserted – it has a pleasantly rounded end – and doesn’t go in too deep, so not scary; senttothrill.com ✣ SATISFYER PRO 2 CLITORAL TOY This ‘massages the clitoris using pressure waves and tingling pulsations’. Husband tests it on his chin. I tell him that’s not what it’s for. My least favourite, it…

Thrifty trick Slash mobile bills by opting for a SIM-only deal from as little as £4 a month, rather than paying for a contract and a fancy phone. Keep your old phone and just pay for calls, texts and data. Search for deals using websites, such as mobile phonechecker.co.uk and Money Saving Expert’s Cheap Mobile Finder. If you rarely use your phone, then ‘pay as you go’, where you top up by a set amount of money, could work out cheaper. Otherwise compare ‘pay monthly’ deals. You may be able to cut costs by switching to a package with smaller allowances. Check bills to see how many calls and texts you make, and how much data you use, or visit billmonitor.com to analyse your bills for free. You can keep your phone…

OK, so these are words I never thought I’d say but… I’ve grown rather fond of my loungewear. What started out as a flirtation with a pair of ‘posh joggers’ has turned into a bit of a thing. But my loungewear-loving status didn’t happen overnight There were many hang-ups I had to overcome. Firstly, the idea that these are clothes clearly designed for young people. Elasticated waistbands, baggy tracksuit bottoms and oversized sweatshirts aren’t exactly forgiving for the over-40s. Secondly, that these are clothes designed to be worn behind closed doors. But how wrong I was. These are exactly the kind of clothes smart women who rank comfort as highly as style are wearing. The story began last year, of course, when we were isolating and wondering what to wear.…

Even if your face doesn’t seem dirty, it still needs cleansing. Clean your skin carefully, and any products you use will stand a better chance of doing their job. 1 DON’T OVER-CLEANSE Aim for your skin to be clean but not overly clean. This upsets the skin barrier, and skin that has had every scrap of oil removed from it will try to rebalance itself by producing more oil. If your skin is oily, the last thing you want is more oil. If your skin is not good at producing enough sebum, it will become even drier. 2 WHEN TO CLEANSE Cleanse your skin morning and evening. You might be tempted to get away with a splash of water in the morning but, overnight, your body has sweated out around…

Michael Douglas, Clairol colour ambassador, explains the difference between at-home dyes. NATURAL HAIR DYE COMMITMENT LEVEL: Low ‘For experimenting with colour temporarily, this fades gradually, with no harsh root line.’ WE LIKE: Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, £6.99 SEMI-PERMANENT COMMITMENT LEVEL: Medium ‘Blends away greys and will fade in around six weeks.’ WE LIKE: L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, £6.79 PERMANENT COMMITMENT LEVEL: High ‘This will give you 100% coverage on grey hair.’ WE LIKE: Clairol Nice’n Easy Crème Permanent Oil-Infused Colour Hair Dye, £6.49…

The trials of COVID-19 have shown us how we need to take responsibility for our own health. No one can do it for us, only us. So, lovely readers, spring is on the way and that means change, growth and progress. ‘You’ll gain energy, strength and motivation’ The thing about my 21-day Blast Plan – a fitness remotivation programme, which is both a book and an online plan – is that it’s not just about losing inches so you can slide into a smaller pair of trousers. It’s also about feeding your body with nutritious food so that your gut is calmer. No fighting, no up-and-downy waves. Your hormones are on a much more even keel because you will be having no alcohol, minimum caffeine and no sugar. While that…

✢ Aim to do a workout lasting 30 minutes, four times a week, combining strength training and cardio moves (nothing high-impact). In the Blast book and the online Blast Plan (theblastplan.com), you’re given weekly workouts for different levels of fitness. For the purposes of this Blast plan within these pages, you can either help yourself to the free workouts on my YouTube channel (youtube.com/ anniedeadman), which are all very like the Blast workouts, or you can make your own up or attend classes at your usual place of fitness. Here’s a sample of a workout that combines cardio and strength work. ✢ Warm up with some gentle jogging or step-ups on the stairs, some easy squats, forward lunges, then some side bends and stretches. ✢ Then do each of these…

Hands up if the only time you remember to squeeze your pelvic floor muscles is when someone mentions it? You’re not alone. Weakness in this area is common, particularly as we age. But if you don’t want to find yourself running to the toilet every 30 minutes, it’s time to make a change. It’s important to keep your pelvic muscles strong and toned, just like any other muscle in your body. If left unchecked, a weak pelvic floor can lead to all sorts of problems, from urinary incontinence to pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Here, with help from Amy Hoover, physical therapist for P.volve, an online fitness method for women, we give you the lowdown. WHAT IS THE PELVIC FLOOR? Essentially, it’s the group of muscles at the base of the…

I was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at 41, and although this seems  late in life, it’s not unusual. In females, ADHD traits such as inattentiveness and disordered thinking can be more common than hyperactivity, so it often gets missed. ‘Strategies help me to override my condition’ It wasn’t a big surprise, as my life felt chaotic. I was working as an unqualified teacher in a special needs school and something was blocking me from progressing. I related to the youngsters and often identified their barriers quicker than neurotypical teachers. My children were also diagnosed – ADHD often runs in families. The school’s head teacher encouraged me to get an assessment. I had an initial screening, and NHS psychologist and psychiatrist appointments. My husband watched me do a series…

X-RAYS AND SCANS – WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES? ✢ X-RAYS use radiation to create an image on a screen. The radiation passes through thin tissues and fluid, so they show up as dark area, while bones and other dense tissues block the rays, so these show up as light areas. X-rays can be used to diagnose bones disease, such as fractures, and also can be used to show where there are calcium deposits in tissues, for example, as in mammograms. ✢ ULTRASOUND uses high-frequency sound waves, which can pass through fluid and less dense tissue, and the echo of these is used to create an image. Ultrasound can be used to diagnose problems affecting soft tissues, such as the pelvic organs, the heart, tendons and muscles. ✢ CT (computed tomography)…

GO BESPOKE WITH BUILT-IN STORAGE House all your essentials in one hit – opt for a combination of shelves and cupboards to display some items and hide the less-than-lovely stuff. Shaker in Dove, from £1,500, sharps.co.uk DOUBLE UP WITH AN OTTOMAN Stowaway storage is great for stashing spare cushions and bulky blankets within easy grabbing distance of the sofa – it’ll come in handy as an extra seat too. SLOT IN A COMPACT CONSOLE Pushed for space in a narrow hallway? Opt for a slimline console unit that will butt against a wall without obstructing the flow of traffic. Tuck a couple of tubs or baskets underneath for extra stowing space. CATCH CLUTTER AT THE DOOR Run a length of peg rail along the wall in a hallway for hanging…

COFFEE WITH A CONSCIENCE During Fairtrade Fortnight (22 February to 7 March), switch to brands supporting farmers hardest hit by climate change, without compromising on taste. Apostle Coffee is a family firm in Shropshire that offers one-off purchases and subscriptions to its fairly traded, award-winning range of coffee; apostlecoffee.com SPICE THINGS UP Did you know there are Fairtrade versions of many store cupboard essentials? Family-run company Steenbergs, based in North Yorkshire, brings together a wide selection of Fairtrade spices and home-baking ingredients such as organic cinnamon and organic turmeric; steenbergs.co.uk SUSTAINABLE STORAGE It’s not just food and drink that can be Fairtrade certified. Boho Homes is a social enterprise that works with Fairtrade suppliers around the world to curate its online boutique of homewares, ranging from bedding to sustainable storage,…

CHILLING CULTS BLACK WIDOWS by Cate Quinn (£12.99, HB, Orion) In nature, the female black widow spider is notorious for turning on the male after mating, and may even kill and eat him for good measure. While these women don’t go quite that far, it’s clear that each of three polygamous wives has excellent reasons for bashing their shared husband to death with an axe. But which one was responsible for Blake’s grisly death and dismemberment? Set in a grim homestead in the arid Utah desert, the story unravels the realities of life for women in the branch of Mormonism that accepts polygamy. Desperate poverty, isolation and truly awful food are among their many trials. There are some very disturbing accounts of life for young girls and women within…

As I enjoyed THE FLAT SHARE by Beth O’Leary, I’m now reading her latest book, The Switch , which is lovely, easy reading.’ Dawn Smith, Wollaton, Notts I’ve just finished WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens. What a beautifully written book, with a stunning main character – Kya, the marsh girl. Helen Groves, Worcs I love Italy, so reading UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN by Frances Mayes, really tugs at your heartstrings. And if you have a hankering to live there, well... Denise Cross, Workington, Cumbria THE OTHER BENNET SISTER by Janice Hadlow is an excellent read, changing your perspective on the Bennet sisters forever. I even felt sorry for Mr Collins! Nuala Brennan, Cork…

‘I want the story to move – like a rock rolling down a hill’ Known for his pacy, exciting thrillers, Canadian Linwood Barclay has written over 20 novels, including 2008’s No Time for Goodbye, the biggest-selling book in the UK that year. His latest book, Find You First, sees tech billionaire Miles facing a terminal illness. Deciding to track down the children who aren’t even aware he exists, he finds there’s someone a step ahead of him – a killer – and now it’s a race against time. Linwood lives with his wife, and they have two grown-up children. A lot of ideas just come to me, but this idea was sparked by a story I saw in The New York Times, about someone who found out they had all…

Alice slipped into the garden by the back gate. She had her equipment with her; a couple of buckets, secateurs and, from habit, her trowel. The garden was full of tulips, hyacinths, little crocuses and trees loaded with blossom. It looked heavenly and smelt better. Alice couldn’t help smiling just a little bit. This garden was her personal work of art and its position on the village green, opposite the church, made it quite public. She loved the garden getting attention but she was less keen to be in the spotlight herself. Which was why she preferred the back gate. She’d filled the buckets with water from the water butt and then started on the tulips. The wedding flowers were to be pink and white. The Flower Guild had asked…

THIS MONTH YOU’LL FIND ME… Watching Schitt’s Creek on Netflix. It is the best and most beautiful comedy. I’m not normally a binger – it’s only since being shut indoors a lot that I’ve actually sat down on my sofa at around seven o’clock with a G&T. Reading The Book of Joy – it’s the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu one. It’s about finding your inner peace and joy from within, despite the chaos of the world. It’s my favourite book, I send it to everyone! Listening To music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. I love George Benson, Alexander O’Neal, Stevie Wonder and John Lennon. Learning I’ve gone crazy mad for yoga. I used to go two or three times a week, but since everything got switched to Zoom,…

The Dig Carey Mulligan stars as wealthy widow Edith Pretty, and Ralph Fiennes as archaeologist Basil Brown, in this drama that follows the 1939 excavation of Sutton Hoo, in Suffolk, where Anglo-Saxon treasures were found. Netflix Penguin Bloom Sam and Cameron Bloom take their sons on holiday to Thailand. Sam has an accident and is paralysed. Her sons then bring home a wounded magpie chick, which helps heal her emotional turmoil. Stars Naomi Watts. Netflix Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry Before the new Bond film arrives, which US teenager Billie Eilish sings the theme song No Time To Die , take a look at her life and her musical inspirations in this revealing documentary. Apple TV+…

PISCES 20 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH Take to the stage – you’re the star up to the 20th. Venus is on side too. Dreams come true with the Piscean new moon on the 13th. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD  Jupiter’s position all year is the ‘Guardian Angel’ placement. It says you fall on your feet. Then at 2021’s end he’ll enter Pisces, bringing lucky breaks. Call 0905 789 4161* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates.…

YEAR OF DISCOVERY Having read about grown-up gap years [January], I wanted to share ours. My husband and I both retired after over 25 years teaching. Finding it hard to live practically in the shadow of where we worked, we decided to take a gap year and move to Yorkshire. So we rented our house out, found a fabulous apartment in York and started to explore the area. I’m writing this as I look out over the wild sea at Robin Hood’s Bay on a cold but refreshing winter’s day, having walked part of the Cleveland Way. Bliss. Karen, by email THE RIGHT CHOICES Like Joan in your January issue letters page, I no longer use any beauty products that are tested on animals. But it is often hard for…

It’s 15 years since Saira Khan battled it out in The Apprentice boardroom, becoming Lord Alan Sugar’s runner-up during the 2005 series. But in spite of her feisty image, Saira confesses that it’s only since turning 50 last year she feels truly confident in herself. Saira, who regularly posts pictures of herself on social media in underwear as an inspiration to other women to be positive about their bodies, is the daughter of Pakistani immigrant parents, and describes her British upbringing as ‘living through two different lives’. Her father died when she was 28 and her mother, she says, struggles to understand Saira’s reasons for showing off her body. Married to Steven Hyde, with two children, Zacariah, 12, and Amara, nine, she regularly deals with trolls telling her she ‘brings…

What does a Jerusalem artichoke have to do with Jerusalem? Why do we fall head over heels when that’s the right way up? And doesn’t having your cake and eating it make total sense? If you’ve ever pondered any of these linguistic curiosities, the answer in each case is that we simply got it wrong. English, it turns out, is full of muddles and mishaps that happened a long time ago. To begin with, the Jerusalem artichoke has nothing to do with the Holy City (nor is it really an artichoke, but that’s another story). It comes down to our inability to pronounce the Italian and French girasole – sunflower – the name given to the tall North American plant because it is closely related to the sunflower itself. Girasole…

THE QUEEN IN NEON The Queen defied anyone who assumed you couldn’t make a fashion statement at 90 when she debuted a lime outfit created by Stewart Parvin for Trooping the Colour in 2016. The look, which soon went viral on social media, was perhaps the purest expression yet of Her Majesty’s preference for bold hues, which mean she can be seen from afar in a crowd. PRINCESS ANNE AT ROYAL ASCOT The biggest thrill is usually delivered by a royal outfit when it’s a new look, but Princess Anne’s style has been so thrifty and dependable that she’s now making headlines for wearing her clothes many years after their debut. This navy and cream coat, first spotted at Royal Ascot in 1980, was seen again 38 years later at…

As I sit on my veranda in Arusha, Tanzania, I hear the adhan reciting out from a nearby minaret. The call to prayer mingles with the songs of the cicadas and frogs in my front garden. It’s quite a change from Shrewsbury, where we lived before making the huge decision to move to East Africa. The offer of teaching positions for my husband and me at an international school felt irresistible, especially as I’d never lived or worked abroad before. But what would our four children make of the idea? They were aged 17, 14, 12 and 10, and I feared they might dig their heels in and refuse to leave home. Luckily, our enthusiasm was infectious. They loved the idea of exploring a new culture, but they had worries…

1960s A WAKE-UP CALL Mad Men’s Betty Draper exemplifies the problems facing women as the 60s began. Bored and lonely in her Formica prison, Betty is so unhappy her hands shake. Another Betty – Betty Friedan – explained the issue in her 1963 book, The Feminine Mystique, that, amazingly, housework, wifedom and motherhood did not make all women happy. Friedan’s book acted as a wake-up call to the million-plus women who bought it, sparking a seismic shift that started the second wave of feminism. Feminist leaders such as Gloria Steinem, Germaine Greer and Florynce ‘Flo’ Kennedy came forward, at the vanguard of the bright new women’s liberation movement. 1970s STRIKING OUT The problems they faced were many. Sexism and misogyny were deeply ingrained. Laws were made by men and did…

At Christmas, I read about the courage of Lesley Pearse, who told woman&home how she still missed the baby she’d had adopted 56 years ago. It reminded me that I’m lucky because I was within a whisper of doing the same thing. It’s not always easy keeping a child, but it’s harder to give her away. At least I got to see my daughter grow into a woman and a mother. I’ll always be grateful for that. ‘It was because of Dad I’d been able to keep her’ I was 17 when I gave birth to Jennifer. Clearly it wasn’t a planned pregnancy but I couldn’t have an abortion, even though I strongly support a woman’s right to choose. I was raised Catholic and, to me, life begins at conception.…

Letting go of items that have an emotional value can be hard. ‘It’s difficult, especially if they’ve been inherited, but would the person who gave you the item truly expect you to keep something you didn’t want?’ asks Linda. Here is how you can preserve memories: ✢ Donate the belonging to a place where it might be better appreciated. ✢ Sell it and donate the money to a good cause, or buy something that will remind you of that person instead. ✢ Save the special things you want to keep in a memory box, and take photos of the rest for a dedicated album. ‘Studies show that photos spark exactly the same emotions and memories as the actual item,’ reassures Vicky. ✢ Nostalgic memorabilia, such as old theatre tickets and…

Everything changed at home when I was around eight. My dad became deeply involved in a local church that preached a ‘doomsday’ brand of Christianity. Looking back, I realise it was more like a cult than a church. Our normal family life disappeared overnight. Dad gave all our money away. TV and music were banned at home and we had Bible readings instead. ‘Rock Star by Jackie Collins changed my world’ Growing up in one of Manchester’s poorest areas, life became one of food banks, free school meals and hand-me-downs. My poor mum was broken by the whole situation. Luckily, we had a respite when Dad went out to nightly Bible meetings – just when the soaps were on! I devoured everything in that brief time – Dallas, EastEnders and…

INVEST IN A STRUCTURED BAG When it comes to new season style, updating your accessories is the perfect place to start. A chic bag can transform an outfit and will soon become your most versatile purchase. Whether you’re on the lookout for a go-with-everything grey cross-body for everyday essentials, a pop of pink to inject colour to your wardrobe or a timeless black bag that will last for years to come, now is the time to spring into arm candy action. From top to bottom: ✣ Black, £40, laredoute.co.uk ✣ Pink, £60, dunelondon.com ✣ Grey, £159, theoutnet.com…

WEEKEND WALKS If you’re in need of an instant uplift, add a burst of colour to your outfit. A hot pink chunky knit will brighten your complexion and boost your mood all in one. Switch your trusty jeans for tailored trousers and wear with smart trainers for a look that’s just as stylish on the go as it is relaxing at home. DATE NIGHT If there’s one pattern that has stood the test of time, it’s leopard print. Update your look with a bold style that makes a statement. Team a midi skirt with a neutral knit and elevate your look with knee-high boots. Build your spring wardrobe around the skirt with a mix of T-shirts and trainers to swap in when the weather warms up. WORK MEETINGS Spring workwear…

✢ Necks just are different. The skin here is thinner than on your face, which means that it collapses more easily into wrinkles and folds, particularly given the way we twist and turn and stretch and compress our necks. ✢ Then there’s the fact that there are precious few oil glands in neck skin to keep the skin supple. It all gets much worse when you hit the menopause and, thanks to the reduction in oestrogen, your skin gets drier and loses elasticity. ✢ If we do invest in expensive serums and sunscreens, we rarely take them further south than the jaw. But the older you get, the more annoying it becomes, as your neck seems to age faster than your face, and your décolletage gives the game away. ✢…

GUCCI WESTMAN When it comes to beauty figureheads, few are quite as formidable as Gucci Westman. Spanning a career of more than 20 years, the Californian-born make-up artist has worked with the biggest names in film and fashion, and is noted for producing natural, beautiful skin. In 2018 she launched Westman Atelier, a clean beauty empire loved by editors and celebrities alike. She has a penchant for beauty to make her feel and look good. My secret weapon Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlighter, £44, harrods.com I use this multipurpose stick on all my clients. It’s applied underneath their foundation for the most ethereal glow. It perks up dull skin too. My hair needs Rahua Color Full Shampoo, £36, cultbeauty.co.uk I went grey at age 26. But I’ve always just maintained…

EAT THREE MEDIUM-SIZED MEALS And one snack from the food lists (see meal plans overleaf) FLUID Drink two to three litres of water per day. That can include decaf drinks. WORKOUTS Do four workouts per week, either of your own making or using the guidelines overleaf. MINIMUM DAIRY AND WHEAT Blast is based around gaining extra energy, feeling more focused and less at the mercy of our hormones. Spending time without wheat, dairy and sugary products can give your gut a rest (and therefore your whole body). Going the full Blast means no wheat or animal dairy, but if that’s too much to ask, enjoy a little sourdough as your carb portion and include cheeses in the AT list (see overleaf). ALCOHOL It turns us into people who gorge on…

By following the Blast Plan you will lose inches. But you will also be surprised at how it affects your mood – you will feel calmer and much more in control of life (that’s the lack of sugar and alcohol). In short you’ll feel epic. You’ll sleep like a log, you’ll have lots of energy, your gut won’t gurgle and bloat, and your new positive mindset will motivate you to continue way past 21 days. All that said, you might be a bit grumpy at the beginning because your body (and mind) will be crying out for sugar and things it can’t have. You’ll have the mother of all headaches too. That will pass, and you will emerge serene and calm, ready to face whatever spring may throw at us.…

Q I had shingles around my chest a few years ago, and recently, a band of painful blisters appeared, which the doctor diagnosed as shingles again. Is this correct? Can you get it more than once? A Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in the nerves near the spinal cord and brain. Years later, it can become active again, travelling down one nerve to the skin, where it causes first pain and burning, then fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over. The blisters are full of the varicella virus, which means that someone who has never had chickenpox can catch it from someone who has shingles. However, you can’t catch shingles…

It was while wandering ‘lonely as a cloud’ along Ullswater in the Lake District (though he was with his sister!) that William Wordsworth was inspired to write his best-known poem, commonly called Daffodils. Now, these welcome spring flowers are still bursting into bloom and lifting the spirits. They’re also associated with Wales and St David’s Day, 1 March. Dyffryn Gardens, in the Vale of Glamorgan, has a wide variety planted across its estate. Farndale in North Yorkshire and the nine-mile Daffodil Way in Gloucestershire’s Golden Triangle are also glorious sights. Find out more at thedaffodilsociety.com, wildlifetrusts.org, nationaltrust.org.uk and northyorkmoors.org.uk…

Patience is a virtue Liz Sower-Lewis and her husband Anthony Lewis have plenty of. Inheriting land in Cheshire, the couple waited three years before they could break ground on the sustainable home they had envisaged. ‘There was a rundown Georgian farmhouse on the land and we deliberated for ages as to whether we should restore it. It was in a state of total disrepair. English Heritage examined the building to see if it should have been listed, but they supported our plans, as all the original features of the farmhouse had gone. Starting afresh meant we could make the most of this idyllic spot,’ says Anthony, a non-executive company director. The protracted planning period was due to a deep respect for the land and to ensure that the new building…

Sea bream with brown butter and samphire This simple dish makes the most of a fish supper. It’s butter heavy, with a very decadent sauce. Serve with herby mashed potatoes. Serves 2 • Ready in 25 mins 2 sea bream fillets (about 100g each) 1tbsp rapeseed oil 70g unsalted butter juice of ½ lemon 2tbsp finely chopped parsley 50g samphire 2tsp capers for the herby mashed potatoes: 300g Maris Pipers, peeled and cut into even pieces 80g half-fat creme fraiche 1tbsp unsalted butter 2 sprigs of rosemary 10g parsley, stalks removed and leaves roughly chopped 1 For the herby mash, put the potatoes into a large pan of salted water and bring to the boil. Cook for 15-20 mins until soft. Melt the creme fraiche and butter together in a pan…

Author Lucy Diamond is known for her stories about family, friendship and hope. Her new novel, The Promise , is a bittersweet, big-hearted take on family dynamics, grief, and how to make happiness a priority. It’s usually an interesting idea that sets me off. With The Promise , I wondered how it would feel to step into another person’s life, only to have your views about them completely confounded. The characters and plot spiralled from there. I work very little of my plots out in advance. It’s not until I reach the end that I discover what the story is about. Taking a course in creative writing forced me to produce a weekly piece of work – some of which would be critiqued by my course mates (useful but terrifying!).…

LIFE SUPPORT by Jim Down (£14.99, HB, Viking) This is a powerful insight into the amazing way NHS medics have coped with the COVID-19 crisis. ICU doctor, Jim Down details daily life and death decisions, and worries about going home to his family when he’s been surrounded by disease. There are moving losses, but triumphs too. This read will fill you with awe and gratitude. FIND YOUR SHINE by Anna Lou Walker (£12.99, HB, Summersdale) We all need a boost of self-confidence and this book offers bite-sized food for thought and actions that are doable. Walker includes quotes from people as diverse as RuPaul and Eleanor Roosevelt, wise advice and nuggets of research. As Michelle Obama said, ‘We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher…

A MAJOR INFLUENCE THE GOODBYE LOOK by Ross Macdonald I discovered this book when I was only 15 years old, and in many ways it changed my life. Here was a detective novel that was about so much more than simply solving a mystery. It also tackled difficult social issues and family dysfunction. No author has made a greater impression on me than Ross Macdonald. RULE BREAKER MARATHON MAN by William Goldman This famous screenwriter’s 1974 novel seemed to break all the rules. Its early chapters appear to be totally unrelated to each other, but then everything starts to stitch together. It was hugely influential, and a brilliant thriller. Goldman also wrote the screenplay for the Marathon Man movie, starring Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier. GREAT FRIEND THE DIVINERS by…

Celebrity Best Home Cooks Join the likes of Shobna Gulati, Gareth Thomas and eight other stars from TV and sport, all trying to serve up delicious food. Claudia Winkleman hosts, while Mary Berry, Angela Hartnett and Chris Bavin judge. BBC1 My Mum Tracy Beaker Dani Harmer reprises the role of Tracy that she played as a kid, but she’s now mum to Jess (Emma Davies). The pair battle to survive financially but when Tracy’s rich new boyfriend promises to whisk her away, it ends in disaster. CBBC Bank Balance Fiery Gordon Ramsay is hosting this high-stakes, high-pressure game show. Contestants will use their knowledge and precision to bank a fortune, but there’s always a chance it can disappear in an instant. BBC1 Marcella Anna Friel’s troubled detective Marcella has moved…

Thanks a Million Host Angela Scanlon talks to guests about their personal gratitude lists and the things that shaped their lives. Angela is a gifted interviewer and the chat flows brilliantly, with guests as varied as Joe Lycett and Jameela Jamil. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean In Focus Photographer David Yarrow has travelled the world to create stunning wildlife images. In this new, six-part series, he tells the stories behind 12 photos, such as how he captured an elephant charging at his lens. Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify Sounds a Bit ‘Woo Woo’ to Me Ever wondered about alternative therapies or turned up your nose without knowing what they’re about? Here’s your chance to find out more as yoga teacher Becky Taylor talks to experts on reiki, crystals and more. Apple…

ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL It’s a busy month, so don’t run around like a headless chicken. After your birthday month starts on the 20th, you’re more grounded. The 28th is eventful. Call 0905 789 4150* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates TAURUS 21 APRIL – 21 MAY You start March craving rest – it’s been full of unexpected developments and you need downtime to process it all. This month is much calmer around the 14th. Call 0905 789 4151* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates GEMINI 22 MAY – 22 JUNE From the 4th, fiery Mars is in Gemini and you’re a force to be reckoned with. Mars boosts the drive to get lots done. Beware the 24th, when cross words create trouble. Call 0905 789…

‘We mums must lay down a few commandments’ Low self-esteem is hereditary – you get it from your kids. Mothers are well aware that on the family’s priority scale we rank below cat, dog – even the goldfish. It’s astounding that the Missing Persons Bureau isn’t inundated by mums searching for the people they were BC – Before Childbirth. Basically, our progeny just see us as unpaid cooks, house cleaners and chauffeurs. A mother delivers her child once, vaginally, but then by car forever afterwards. But it’s time to fight back! Yes, we may drive our kids mad, but we also drive them everywhere. In exchange for the constant care, we mums must lay down a few commandments. Let’s start with, ‘Thou shalt eat one’s greens.’ In fact, come mealtime…