Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2021 i Woman & Home

It’s that time of year – summer has barely finished when suddenly Christmas is looming. Gah! And we know who’s going to have to do the heavy lifting on that one – us! However, don’t panic. With a bit of judicious planning we can have it all – see our brilliant gift guide on p69, and classic Christmas pudding and cake recipes on p165. And with the extra time that this planning will afford us, we can think about ourselves. Pamper therapy (p100) is an inspiration to get behind that bathroom door and treat yourself. Scented baths, rich body cream, facial massages… it all sounds divine, and is the perfect antidote to the stress of the Christmas build-up. I have to be honest, though. I’m a great one for dishing…

57% The number of UK adults who say prioritising self-care makes a positive difference to their mental health and wellbeing*. Move over, massages. Farewell, facials. Well, maybe not completely – but, if like one in five women, you still feel anxious about human interaction*, then opting for a touchless therapy session could be ideal if you’re longing for a little TLC. ‘Over the past 20 months, understandably, some people have become increasingly concerned about physical contact,’ says Dr Sophie Shotter (drsophieshotter.com). ‘But that doesn’t mean they don’t still want the benefit of having treatments without stepping outside their comfort zone, which is where touchless therapies come in.’ THE BENEFITS OF GOING HANDS-FREE There’s no doubt the growing trend for touchless therapies has come out of the pandemic, when salons had…

Have you noticed how road verges are full of grasses and wild flowers? From a storyline in The Archers to the meadow now gracing the once-manicured lawn of King’s College Cambridge, rewilding is reshaping our environment, mindsets – and often our gardens. These four women are all taking small steps to bring nature back to life. URBAN BEEKEEPER Andrea Ku, 43, is director of B 4 Biodiversity, a group that raises awareness of urban biodiversity. She lives in Merseyside, where she keeps bees. ‘We can all improve and enhance the natural world around us’ Since learning how to keep bees 10 years ago, I  have introduced beekeeping to over 300 people, between the ages of four and 89, to help them to appreciate the now and to slow down. I’ve…

Be calm in a crisis. The bigger the drama, the better I am at coping. I was in Borneo filming in September 2015 when I turned on the telly and saw that my dear friend Jackie Collins had died of breast cancer. When I came down the crew were white as sheets and said, ‘Do you want to film?’ I replied, ‘Of course. If I didn’t, Jackie would go mad.’ Offer help when you can. Cruelty or neglect to kids and animals is my soft spot. In my 20s, I worked for social services and helped a lot of vulnerable people, and I still do what I can when I see suffering. When I  was in Africa with Save The Children in 2008, I went to a  refugee camp in…

WARDROBE WONDERS Stylish gifts every fashion lover will treasure BEAUTY BUYS Glam ideas to perfect and pamper HAPPY HOME Bold buys for the interiors-obsessed TASTE MAKERS Gourmet gifts to tickle their taste buds MODERN GENTS Something special for the man in your life COOL KIDS Keep little ones entertained with these toys and treats TRENDY TEENS The hard-to-please will love these! STOCKING FILLERS Fun ideas for all the family…

CHECK IT OUT ✢ An investment piece of the highest order, a classic coat will stand the test of time and be worn season after season. ✢ Aftercare is so important. A wooden hanger provides much needed support, remember to brush regularly and clean before storing in a sealed garment bag. Coat, £350, sizes xs-xl, scotch-soda.com; dress, £16, sizes 6-22, F&F Clothing at next.co.uk; boots, £365, fairfaxandfavor.com; bag, £255, russellandbromley.co.uk; earrings, £49, wolfandzephyr.com PERFECT PAIRINGS ✢ Versatile co-ords look equally good styled as a matching set or worn separately. ✢ Comfort has become the number one priority for many of us and you can’t go wrong with this lightweight viscose-mix ensemble – fab for weekends spent at home, as it is for a shopping spree. Jacket, £69.99, and trousers, £59.99,…

There is something wholly pleasurable about discovering an excellent beauty product that triggers a small burst of joy, or the unwavering happiness (or is that relief?) you feel when the bathroom door closes and you finally have some time alone. Maybe it’s a luxurious bath oil that upgrades your daily soak to something more heavenly, or you’ve unearthed the perfect fake tan that makes you feel more confident. It’s these little highlights that can make the biggest difference to our wellbeing – so here are our suggestions to turn your routine into a full-blown experience. BATHTIME BLISS ‘Bathing is a brilliant opportunity to give your body what it needs, and your mind a moment to reset’Wellbeing expert Susanne Kaufmann How do you want to feel? Here’s how to get more…

Louise Chunn, founder of therapist-matching service welldoing.org, says, ‘Self-compassion is about tending to you, understanding you, treating you with kindness, rather than criticising yourself as a means of self-improvement. ‘Many of us bad-mouth ourselves internally, criticising everything, from how we look, to what we have achieved. The trend for “compare and despair” is all too pervasive. ‘The easiest way to work towards self-compassion is by focusing on it with meditation. On YouTube, you can find short videos by Kristin Neff and Tara Brach, as well as eight-week programmes that help you build the practice, so treating yourself with kindness becomes natural. ‘It doesn’t mean you’ll never be critical of yourself, but it won’t be your default setting.’…

It’s staring at you, beckoning you with its soft, crumbly sponge and luscious folds of whipped buttercream. One look is enough to kick-start your salivary glands, and before you know it you’ve inhaled the entire slice. So what is it about that piece of cake that we find so hard to resist? And why do we find it particularly difficult to curb these sugary cravings during the winter months? According to the scientists, tiredness, our hormones and even the sunshine (or lack of it!) could be to blame. It’s time we took a closer look. LOW ENERGY LEVELS The colder winter months are often associated with tiredness and lethargy. In nature, winter is definitely a time for snoozing – after all, if you’re a bear, a bat or even a…

Let’s be honest. Unless you’re ultra passionate about exercise and find running a marathon a doddle, then the idea of going outside to get your blood pumping when the weather is miserable is not very tempting. But you don’t have to slip out of the exercise habit as the seasons change – especially as staying active through autumn and winter is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. A staggering 20 million adults in the UK are physically inactive* – and this gets worse during the colder months. Hate the idea of going out in the chill to feel the burn? All you need are a few tricks that the experts swear by. 1 INVEST IN THE RIGHT GEAR ‘Think thin, fitted layers rather than…

Eating disorders have risen significantly over the past year or so, with the pandemic having a major impact on mental health. Eating disorders can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender or ethnicity. In the past decade, there has been a rise in women over the age of 35 seeking help. Eating disorders are mental-health conditions, and include anorexia, bulimia and binge-eating disorder. Thoughts lead to behaviours, which then manifest in physical signs and symptoms, and can result in longer-term effects. In anorexia, for example, the thoughts might include a fear of putting on weight, a distorted body view, anxiety, and spending a lot of time thinking about food. This then leads to avoiding eating and social situations where food is served, or over-exercising. This then results in weight loss, fatigue,…

Joanna and Simon Binder’s transition from city dwellers to country folk has been a gradual one, taking shape over 20 years, but their decision to invest in a more rural lifestyle happened in just one blissful weekend. ‘We had gone to visit my old boss, who lived in a picturesque valley near Bath. We were really smitten by the location and, by the end of our stay, he had found us a property to rent in a small village nearby,’ recalls Joanna. Given their careers – Joanna’s in fashion and Simon’s in the restaurant business – spending the working week in London was a necessity, so they left for their Wiltshire cottage each weekend. ‘Making the decision actually to move full-time was very difficult and it took a few years,’…

Christmas pudding Full of fruit and warming ginger, this is the classic way to end Christmas dinner. Serves 8 • Ready in 4 hrs 30 mins, plus overnight chilling 75g shredded suet 125g caster sugar 100g plain flour 50g breadcrumbs ½tsp ground cinnamon ½tsp ground nutmeg 50g crystallised stem ginger, chopped 325g mixed dried fruit with cranberry and apricot 75g dried figs, chopped 2 eggs Zest of 2 lemons plus juice of ½ lemon 1tbsp golden syrup 1 small carrot, peeled and grated 1 small apple, cored and grated 50ml brandy Butter, for greasing You will need: 1.2 ltr pudding basin, greased, and the base lined with a circle of parchment 1 Mix the suet, sugar, flour, breadcrumbs, spices and a pinch of salt, then the ginger and dried fruit. In…

Experience three days of elegance, glamour and luxury at sea, but loosen your waistband for the spectacular afternoon teas, says Sharon Sweeney. I was looking for an easy holiday with my father, who’s as fit as a fiddle in his 80s, but not up for the countryside yomps I  like, so a P&O short cruise from Southampton to Cornwall seemed ideal. Britannia is a sophisticated floating hotel, complete with a  glamorous atrium, numerous elegant restaurants, a theatre, cinema, gorgeous spa, three outdoor pools, a jacuzzi and a  gym. On arrival, we were welcomed ‘back’ to cruising so effusively it seemed rude to confess I was a first-timer. We picked up a map in reception to familiarise ourselves with the layout, before venturing out to explore. Finding our bearings took a…

BALLET MAGIC Midnight In Everwood by MA Kuzniar (£14.99, HB, HarperCollins) An enchanting retelling of The Nutcracker. Set in Edwardian society, we meet Marietta, who longs to be a ballerina. But her family has other ideas and want her to marry well. When the new neighbour, Dr Drosselmeier, turns up, Marietta is bewitched by his magical world – but could his magic be dangerous? A showstopping book awash with sumptuous descriptions. FAMILY TIES The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles (£20, HB, Cornerstone) Following the runaway success of A Gentleman in Moscow, Amor Towles returns with his third major novel, and we’re pleased to say it’s another stunner. Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of two brothers who drive the famous Lincoln Highway, stretching from America’s East to West…

‘Steven Spielberg responded to the characters, not to me’ Presenter, comedian and producer Richard Osman is having a moment. Not only can you see him on your TV every day, his debut novel The Thursday Murder Club was a runaway success, making it one of the biggest-selling books of last year. In his second book, The Man Who Died Twice, he revisits our favourite residents in retirement community Coopers Chase, and they’re all set to solve yet another murder – only this time the stakes are even higher. Richard lives in London and has two grown-up children. When I visited my mum’s retirement community, I’d think, ‘What an amazing place to have a murder.’ It made me think of an Agatha Christie novel. The people are all in their 70s…

SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER A quiet month gets busy when, on the 22nd, your birthday season starts. Around the 29th there’s an important offer or decision. Ask for anything you want then. Call 0905 789 4158* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY Romantic fireworks spark as Venus enters Capricorn on the 5th. She’s onside all month, maximising your potential and sex appeal. A great time for an image change. Call 0905 789 4159* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY Watch out around the 10th when you get snared in someone else’s row. It’ll need discussing, so listen to their side. That way, it’s ironed out by November’s end. Call 0905 789 4160* and choose…

1. All that glitters Soft, warm and powdery with a hit of mandarin. Perfect for winter nights. Jo Malone London Starlit Mandarin & Honey Cologne, £105 for 100ml, jomalone.com 2. Sparkling bouquet White jasmine, orange blossom and ylang-ylang capture the essence of a fresh, dewy morning. Elie Saab Le Parfum Lumière, £45 for 30ml, johnlewis.com 3. Golden nights Bergamot and heliotrope promise adventurous days, and jasmine and musk long nights. Dolce & Gabbana Sicily, £175 for 50ml, lookfantastic.com 4. Contemporary cool Fresh fig, citrus and crisp pine lift the truffle note. Jo Loves Red Truffle 21, £75 for 50ml, joloves.com 5. Rich and warming Tobacco and bergamot blend with amber and tonka bean. Molton Brown London Neon Amber, £60 for 50ml, moltonbrown.co.uk 6. Modern greens Blackcurrant adds sharpness with earthy…

We all have a list of flaws we measure ourselves against, and they often take centre stage in our minds, outshining all our other traits and strengths. Things like: I talk too much; I’m too sensitive; Am I doing enough, feeling happy enough? Wouldn’t it be easier to be a little kinder to ourselves, and accept we are still lovable and successful regardless of our imperfections? Here, we help you escape that cycle of ‘undeserving’, when you judge and berate yourself for not measuring up. 1 LIVE IN THE PRESENT Be honest with yourself and understand who you are right now rather than who you think you’re supposed to be. Psychologist Sarah Gregg recognises that we often perceive happiness as something that has to be earned rather than something…

As women navigating working life, we will often find ourselves at a career crossroads. I’m lucky – the signs I wasn’t meant to take one particular route were there early on: that I’m not cut out for management. It all started some years ago. I was 18 and working in a shop wondering what to do with my life, my then-work wife (we all have one – the colleague that becomes your bestie and partner in professional scheming) persuaded me to apply for management training. I know why I  agreed: peer pressure. Wifey had been accepted and I  wondered how I’d survive the three hours a  week if she was in a  seminar. The thought of lunchtime without her by my side to share a packet of Skips seemed unbearable.…

✢ Let weeds go wild: Nettles, thistles and dandelions provide homes for interesting bugs. ✢ Less mowing, more growing: Mow a lawn’s edges or a strip. ✢ Sow wild flowers: Even a small window box will encourage bees. ✢ Ditch pesticides: Stop using chemicals and watch bees thrive. ✢ Just add water: A watertight container, with gravel and stones lining the base, and rainwater and pond plants, will create a home for frogs, snails and newts. ✢ Welcome mess: Overgrown shrubs provide shelter, decay produces ‘bug hotels’, and worms can do your digging for you.…

✢ History beats geography No matter how many oceans separate you, find a way to keep special friends in your life. ✢ Celebrate your similarities and differences Great friendship is all about balance. ✢ Wax and wane You don’t have to speak daily and everyone needs space at times. ✢ Grieve together No matter how painful, loss is the price we all pay for love. ✢ Snack Those who munch together, stay together. ✢ Dance together You get to know a lot about someone when you’re boogying to ABC’s Poison Arrow. ✢ Give those flowers now! Don’t wait to tell your friend they’re amazing and you love them.…

My brother Tim was larger than life. I know it’s a cliché, but he really was. He was tall with dark hair, a large grin and loud. Really quite loud. Funny, caring, always up for whatever life threw at him. Except for what happened one January evening, 2002. He wasn’t ready for that. None of us was ready for that. I’m the eldest of three siblings. My sister Alex was born a few years after me and then, shortly after, along came Tim. We grew up in idyllic surroundings in the small and very beautiful village of Beaulieu in the New Forest. My father worked at the National Motor Museum and our house sat in the grounds of Palace House, the local stately home. There was a monorail and a…

‘Stress was disturbing my sleep’ ‘At first, I saw CBD as a “dodgy” substance’ Gemma Colao, 40, a former fashion designer for the likes of ESPRIT and Donna Karan, lives in Chiswick, west London, with her husband James Bagley, and sons Leo, four, and Benji, one. In September 2019, she launched OTO, a lifestyle brand of premium CBD products derived from cannabis sativa, including those designed to enhance sleep. OTO is stocked in department stores, including Harrods. THE IDEA Working in the fashion industry was so stressful, I struggled to sleep at night. I  left the industry, but ended up back in it, as head of the womenswear design team at Sears, after moving to San Francisco, when my husband secured a role with Naked Wines. But stress returned, along…

Wrap up in style this season with Damart’s thermal wardrobe essentials. As the temperature drops, you can rest assured these key pieces will help you dress with confidence while feeling stylishly snug. With over 60 years’ textile experience, Damart’s in-house team uses clever Thermolactyl technology that works with your body to keep you warm, but not too hot. The innovative heat-retaining fibres are designed with your unique needs in mind, to help you get your cosy on, without compromising on your look. Choose the must-have padded coat – perfect for keeping toasty as you blow away the cobwebs and brave the elements on a blustery winter walk. Or try versatile lightweight knitwear as the ultimate layering option for when the cold snap arrives. Snuggling up on the sofa? Super-soft fluffy…

Timeless TAILORING This classic shape is not only flattering, but suits all occasions. The collared styles skim over curves and generally fall to the knee or longer, elongating your figure. Opt for single-breasted styles in an array of prints and colours. Practical PADDED Padded jackets have become a winter staple, but wrapping up in a duvet-like design can be daunting. The key is to keep your outfit underneath more streamlined so as not to add more bulk. Neutral shades add sophistication to this sporty style that will keep you warm when braving the elements. Defining BELTS If you often feel coats can look a little boxy on your frame, look for belted styles. Nipping in at the waist, the tie creates an hourglass silhouette, while the wide lapels perfectly frame…

Show me a beauty editor who isn’t a brand snob and I’ll show you a unicorn. But one industry development that’s forced us to about-face on our prejudice is the rise of celebrity beauty. The space once occupied by sugary teen fragrance is now held by entrepreneurial women, as adept at knocking out a brilliant foundation as they are a tune that’ll get everyone dancing at a wedding. Fancy being touched by the hand of fame? These brilliant celeb beauty brands would convert any cynic. THE LATEST Prime + Perfect Mask, £20. Ideal for when you actually need to go somewhere after masking. Takes five minutes to make skin feel soft, glowy and plump, but doesn’t leave you all greasy or slick. FOR THE GENUINE TOUCH Honest Beauty When Hollywood…

As I approached the menopause I began to have very heavy bleeding, so I had a Mirena coil fitted to try and solve the problem. From that point forward I developed a recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) – it was so frequent that I was eventually referred to a urology consultant. The doctor said I had a slight prolapse of my womb, which stopped my bladder from emptying. The coil was removed, but the infection was established. I then began a cycle of taking antibiotics, almost constantly. They would ease my symptoms for a short while, but I would soon have another bout, with unbearable burning urine and lower abdominal pain. Life at that time was miserable. If I had a night out with friends and shared a few bottles…

SWAP REGULAR BAKED BEANS FOR NO-ADDED-SUGAR BAKED BEANS The no-added-sugar option contains less than half the sugar of regular baked beans. Pay attention to the ‘carbohydrates (of which sugars)’ label on products. Anything with 5g or less sugar per 100g is considered a low-sugar food. SWAP SUGAR ALTERNATIVES FOR CINNAMON Unrefined sugar alternatives, such as maple syrup, coconut sugar, rice syrup and honey, have exactly the same effect on our blood sugar as the white stuff, and are just as addictive. Cinnamon is a natural sugar-free sweetener that can be added to porridge, yogurt or fruit, and can help balance blood sugars. SWAP SUGAR FOR SWEET POTATOES (IN BAKING!) While these have natural sugars, they’re also packed with fibre and resistant starch – meaning they cause less of a spike…

Every day is different at Winkworth Arboretum, near Godalming in Surrey, where more than 1,000 different shrubs and trees change colour with the seasons. Established by plant enthusiast Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1937, Winkworth is owned by the National Trust, and it’s a magical spot for a quiet walk or family outing. At this time of year, all 95 acres form a glorious kaleidoscope of autumnal colour. Deep purple and red liquidambar blend with golden yellow hickory and tulip trees, while Japanese and Norwegian maples glow in copper and crimson. Don’t miss the Azalea Steps, which not only offer stunning views over the Surrey countryside, but also feature the fabulous katsura trees, with their sweet, candyfloss-like scent. For more, visit nationaltrust.org. uk/winkworth-arboretum, or call 01483 208477.…

Curried parsnip soup The delicious naan croutons make this tasty soup something extra special. For a vegan version, omit the cream and croutons. Serves 4 • Ready in 1 hr 2tsp olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 1tbsp garam masala ½tsp turmeric ¼tsp mustard powder ¼tsp ground cinnamon Pinch cayenne pepper, plus extra to serve (optional) 500g parsnips, peeled and chopped 1 large potato, peeled and chopped 1ltr vegetable stock 1 naan bread ¼tsp nigella seeds (optional) 70ml double cream, plus extra to serve (optional) Coriander leaves, to serve (optional) 1 Heat half the oil in a saucepan and add the onion. Cook over medium heat until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and spices and cook for 1 min, then add the parsnips, potato and stock. Simmer…

The bestselling novelist of The Tattooist of Auschwitz concludes her trilogy with her new book Three Sisters – a tale of the siblings held at Auschwitz. Making a promise to their father as little girls, they later promise each other, they will survive. Heartbreaking and hopeful, Heather Morris reveals what it’s like sharing other people’s stories. When people speak to me, I truly listen. Not only hearing the words but the emotions and the memories, picturing the elderly person as a child, a teenager and a young adult. I accept from the beginning it is their story. The son of one of the sisters in my latest book took The Tattooist of Auschwitz to his mother in Israel. She saw the cover and knew it was about Lale and Gita.…

VILLAGE MEMORIES A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY by J.L.Carr This is a delightful book. It’s basically a guy looking back on his time renovating a church in a northern village. Sounds a little snoozy, but he’s such a funny writer, and it’s a great book. I would recommend it to anyone. DICKENSESQUE GOLDEN HILL by Francis Spufford Set in New York in the 1700s, a man turns up with a note suggesting he’s owed one thousand pounds. The merchants aren’t sure whether to trust him or kill him. It’s like a Dickens novel – you’re immersed in it. FAMILY FOIBLES GROWN UPS by Marian Keyes I think Marian Keyes is the most wonderful woman and the most wonderful writer. She believes in the best of us. She shows people’s foibles…

SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER  Your New Moon on the 4th marks a fresh start. A new relationship arrives, or an old one changes. With your ruler Mars in Scorpio, you’re a real go-getter! YOUR MONTHS AHEAD Next year sees lovely times with children – maybe a new arrival. Relationships are also renewed, so expect the unexpected. Call 0905 789 4157* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates…

PEPSI & SHIRLIE, aka Helen ‘Pepsi’ DeMacque-Crockett and Shirlie Kemp, danced and sang their way to superstardom with the band Wham! in the 80s before launching their very own pop-singing careers, reaching No2 in the charts with Heartache. With a new autobiography released, catch up with the duo on p42. Which track gets you dancing round the kitchen? Pepsi ABC’s Poison Arrow. Shirlie Same for me! A journalist from London, COCO KHAN writes weekly in the Guardian among others, focusing on culture, lifestyle and trying to figure out the mystery of happiness in modern times. On p31, she reflects on the perils of promotion. Which track gets you dancing round the kitchen? I love to cook to music and bop and slide around in my socks. Right now, I’m really…

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

Cheryl Rickman is the author of You Are Enough (£10.99, Summersdale). She is a qualified positive psychology practitioner who specialises in writing empowering, practical books to help people fret less and flourish more. Sarah Gregg is a psychologist and published author who specialises in the psychology of happiness and flow. Her latest book is Choose Happy: Easy Strategies to Find Your Bliss (£13, Rock Point). Anna Mathur is the author of Know Your Worth (£14.99, Little Brown). A mum of three, experienced psychotherapist and psycho-educator, she specialises in working with, and helping, women; @annamathur…

Whether they’re our childhood heroines, jazzy legends, ballad-boomers or pop princesses, all are legends. Our celebration of some of Great Britain’s favourite songbirds comes with the happiest of memories – and an earworm guarantee. ADELE Managing to combine pop popularity with critical acclaim, she’s sold over 120  million discs, made £140  million and appears in the Guinness World Records several times over. Not bad for the girl born in London’s Tottenham, who took the music world by storm when her fellow teenagers were likely still asleep in bed! ICONIC SONG Someone Like You I NEVER KNEW Aged 16, Adele wrote her debut hit Hometown Glory in 10 minutes. CHRISTINE McVIE The mover and shaker behind some of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest hits, she was born Christine Perfect in the Lake District…

Tell us about your new podcast. We’re in an era where people need to start thinking about money. It’s something we’re trying to encourage people to think about, to consider the future. With Rewirement, the idea is to challenge these stereotypes about retiring and encourage people to think about it. It’s about enjoying your life now, but also looking to the future so that you have a healthy, happy retirement in which you’re financially stable. Do you think it’s ever too early to think about the future? When I was at CBBC, I worked on a show called Short Change, and even at that stage, it was about empowering people to shop around. It’s important we’re making sure young people understand what to do with their money, that they’re always…

‘I gave birth with a donor embryo’ Carolyne Ness, 62, gave birth to her son, Javed, when she was 58. Originally from Fife, Scotland, Carolyne and Javed now live in Sydney, Australia. Some 24 years after I started trying for a baby, I heard the words I had longed for. ‘You are pregnant’, confirmed my doctor.  I placed a protective hand over  my stomach as she reminded me I was an older mum with an extremely high-risk pregnancy. ‘I thought I was too old, but a miracle happened’ I spent my 20s travelling, returned to Fife when I was 30, and met a man I’d later marry and try to have children with. But, we were eventually told we had unexplained infertility. It was a crushing disappointment that tore us…

First the long list, then the shortlist… Now, months after beginning our annual search for women who inspire, motivate, trailblaze and campaign, we present our winners of the woman&home Amazing Women Awards 2021. From their charity work, to their vision, dedication, entrepreneurship and the support they offer our communities, we celebrate the many achievements of these exceptional individuals. SMASHING THE GLASS CEILING Michelle Vickers, 56 CEO of the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation, she has enjoyed a stellar career in not-for-profit organisations. What does this award mean to you? More than I imagined it would. Reliving my improbable journey and acknowledging it fully, I am so proud of myself. Which woman inspires you? My amazing friends, and Michelle Obama – for the way she balances commitment to family and hard…

Treat yourself If you are keen to see films on a big screen again after being starved of the cinema during lockdown, you can pick up fistfuls of cheap or free cinema tickets along with your banking, insurance or mobile. ✢ Open a Club Lloyds current account, and you can choose six free Odeon or Vue tickets each year. ✢ Buy insurance via Compare The Market, and benefit from two-for-the-price-of-one cinema tickets every Tuesday and Wednesday for a whole year. ✢ Every week, Vodafone offers two adult Vue tickets for £7, to be used on any night, through the Vodafone app. ✢ O2 users can get one free Monday night Odeon ticket a month via the O2 Priority app. Thrifty trick Few things are more frustrating than bagging a bargain,…

Roll up your sleeves, the time has come to treat yourself to a style statement. Metallic straps are timeless and practical, so go for gold if you often wear warm tones like caramel, red and cream; or if you prefer cooler shades, including blue and grey, opt for a silver colourway. Either way, a chic watch will become one of the items you wear the most, so we’ve rounded up four of our favourites to showcase the best arm-candy this season. Or why not put one on your Christmas wish list? We have! From left to right: ✢ £149, coeur.uk ✢ £200, Michael Kors at watchshop.com ✢ £239, uk.mondaine.com ✢ £249, rotarywatches.com Trench coat, £199, sizes 6-20, hobbs.com…

As soon as I saw that Gucci’s AW21 collection included a version of their 1996 red velvet trouser suit, as worn by Gwyneth Paltrow and designed by Tom Ford, I was on a mission to find something similar. I mean, that is a suit with swagger, is it not? As I write this, I’m sure the high street is revving up for a flurry of velvet suits that are as near to the Gucci version as legally possible. The red suit I picked is double-breasted with a cropped trouser. Although I was unsure about the shorter length at first, I found them flattering. It’s a leg length you can wear with trainers for day and heels by night. Tailoring is back, and trouser suits also were seen at Stella McCartney,…

PAULA BEGOUN You may not immediately recognise the name, but you’ve probably heard of (and have most likely bought a few things from) her eponymous, results-driven skincare line, Paula’s Choice. Before founding the brand in 1995, Paula started out as an investigative journalist and became known for her no-nonsense beauty critique. She has also penned 21 books, selling more than 2.7 million copies. Here she shares the secrets of radiant skin. My skin saviour I have a complicated skin type with different concerns, including oily patches, clogged pores, signs of ageing, breakouts and a little rosacea. Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, £37, paulaschoice.com , helps keeps redness under control. Speedy grooming My skincare routine takes about five minutes and my make-up application the same. I won’t leave the house…

✢ UTIs affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys. Symptoms include the urge to pass urine often, with urine that stings, smells, looks cloudy or has blood in it. ✢ Urinary infections are common because bacteria can easily travel along the urethra to reach the bladder. ‘The menopause also increases vulnerability to UTIs, as do conditions that impair immunity, such as diabetes or when having cancer treatment,’ says GP Dr Gemma Newman. ✢ Drinking water, cranberry juice and taking cystitis sachets from the chemist can help. Antibiotics may be needed if symptoms persist, although one third of E.coli UTIs display resistance to key antibiotics*. ✢ ‘Avoiding long-term medication use is infinitely better,’ says Dr Newman. ‘Clinically researched plant extracts, such as D-mannose, boswellia, turmeric, green tea polyphenols and pumpkin seed extract…

1 BREAST The risk of dying from breast cancer has dropped 39% since the 1970s, but there are still over 150 daily diagnoses. The likelihood of getting it increases with age, so if you’re between 50 and 71, you’ll be invited for a mammogram every three years, and this screening aims to find breast cancers early. Examine your breasts regularly to check for unusual changes – visit breastcanceruk.org.uk to learn how. 2 LUNG Advances in treatment mean a more positive outlook for lung cancer, despite it claiming the lives of 16,000 UK women a year. Worryingly, non-smokers account for 15% of all cases, with air pollution, passive smoking and workplace exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos, being major causes of the disease. See a doctor if you have the most common…

This is a topic I’ve been suggesting to w&h for a while. I pitched the idea as ‘Cellulite – should we be bothered?’ The Editor’s comment came back as… ‘Yes, Annie, go ahead, but we’re all assuming (hoping) the answer is a resounding “No… we shouldn’t!’” Dead right, we shouldn’t! It’s not life-threatening or contagious and there are far more important things for us to dwell on. All that said, though, we’re women and we do like a skin debate. So, in a Joyce Grenfell, no-nonsense sort of way, we’re going to strip back the layers (pun intended), and find out whether we can do anything about cellulite and why it is totally normal. Because that’s what it is – TOTALLY normal. We all know what cellulite is – that…

does have a live virus, but it has been weakened so it can’t cause you harm. You may get side effects from the vaccine, such as aches and pains, a headache, sore arm, or feeling unwell with a fever, but this isn’t the flu – this is your immune system responding to the vaccine and it should pass within a few days. Vaccines save lives, so get your flu jab this year! Absolute fiction – the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. In fact, it protects you against influenza, which can have serious complications. The jab is offered to everyone over 50 each autumn and winter, plus pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions. The injected flu vaccination does not contain live influenza. The nasal flu vaccine, given…

LOOK ONE WINTER COASTAL This season sees a twist on the classic coastal look, with the focus on cosiness and warmth. Cool blues and greys lose their chill teamed with plush faux furs, chunky knits and sheepskin, with furniture in reclaimed timber, weathered woods and rustic weaves adding to the mellow vibe. Patterns are relaxed and low-key – try soft stripes, plaids and faded prints in shades of denim, pebble and sand. LOOK TWO COUNTRY MANOR Enjoy Downton Abbey grandeur on a smaller scale with this eclectic style. Traditional and timeless, but comfortable and lived-in, the look’s signature ingredients include wood panelling, rich colours, plush upholstery, country florals, tweeds and plaids. Details are key, from statement lighting and chintzy lampshades, to buttoned- back furniture and family portraits hung on the…

New priorities Have your spending habits changed over recent years? According to a new survey, 56% of people in the UK now say they are less likely to buy goods or services from businesses with a poor record on sustainability. Of 1,000-plus people, 14% said green issues were their highest priority. Make your shop more sustainable by choosing unpackaged items whenever possible, followed by easily recycled packaging, such as glass or aluminium rather than plastic – and, of course, taking reusable bags. Online, avoid next-day or super-fast delivery. Step out It’s the oldest means of transport and also the greenest. Travelling by foot generates zero carbon emissions, putting it streets ahead of buses, trains or cars – even electric ones. Experiment with creating your own car-free zone around your home…

Pistachio nougat Nutty little bites that are perfect to give boxed as a gift or for serving alongside coffee over the festive period. Makes 36 pieces • Ready in 45 mins, plus cooling 400g shelled pistachios 200g white sugar 40g blossom honey 140g glucose 100ml orange liqueur 2 egg whites 2 sheets of edible rice paper, cut to the size of the tin Icing sugar, for dusting You will need: Sugar thermometer 20cm square cake tin, the base lined with baking paper, and the edges greased with oil 1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Toast the pistachios for 8 mins. Turn off the oven but leave the door ajar with the nuts inside, as they will be easier to incorporate while warm. 2 Pour about 100ml water into a pan.…

A cruise around England’s beautiful coastline on the brand-new ship Viking Venus is a breathtaking treat, says Jane Druker. Having been starved of excitement, eating out and experiencing entertainment, being aboard the Viking Venus – a small ship with eight decks – is heavenly. The drinks are on tap, the service truly impeccable and each cabin has its own outside terrace. ‘Being aboard is heavenly’ My journey began in Portsmouth, alongside just 360 people as opposed to the usual 930. After a  negative COVID test, I booked myself in to the LivNordic Spa. There’s a  hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna, which I followed with a  swim in one of the two pools. While doing my laps, the only thing on my mind was which place to breakfast in. And…

LONDON WHY The country’s capital can be Marmite-like, depending on how you feel about crowds, public transport and expense, but nowhere else can beat it for the sheer variety of architecture, food and drink, activities and sights. Whether ticking off classics such as Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace, or wandering off the beaten track to lose yourself in neighbourhoods from Bermondsey to Bloomsbury, there’s always something to captivate you. DO/SEE London is known for its grand Victorian museums, particularly the Natural History Museum (nhm.ac.uk), V&A (vam.ac.uk), and the Science Museum (sciencemuseum.org.uk), which are worth visiting for their architecture alone. Both Tate Britain and the Tate Modern (tate.org.uk) showcase compelling artworks, while the National Portrait Gallery (npg.org.uk) and National Gallery (nationalgallery.org.uk) focus on more classical paintings. There are…

IT’S NOT NEVER by Louise Gregory and NGK is a wonderful love story set in space with a strong, intelligent leading woman. Catherine Mackay, Gloucester GET A LIFE, CHLOE BROWN by Talia Hibbert is a laugh-out-loud romcom with a body-positive plus-size heroine with fibromyalgia. Sarah Bennett, Lincolnshire Just finished THE MOTHERS by Brit Bennett, which I had to keep pausing to screenshot. It has so many marvellous phrases and thoughts. I loved it! Cesca Major, Reading THE WIND CHIME by Alexandra Walsh is set in the present day and the Victorian era. A mystery linked by a lost diary, a mansion and photos, it’s intriguing. Deborah Black, London…

The heat of the last few days is broken by the rain. Salvia hears it in the night, the reassuring patter on the roof, the murmur as it hits the pool in the atrium, as if the house has acquired another fountain. When she rises at dawn, the house feels fresher, her clothes no longer sticking to her body with sweat. Salvia rolls away the mat she has been sleeping on, nudging Methe with her toe. Methe groans but gets up. ‘I’m sure you snored last night,’ Methe grumbles. Salvia just rolls her eyes. They leave the tiny storeroom off the landing, creeping downstairs. Methe, the pretty one, will have to wait on their mistress, dressing her hair. And fend off the master’s wandering, grasping hands. Sometimes Salvia is grateful…