Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2022 i Woman & Home

My daughter’s head teacher recently stood down after many years and my daughter, aged 13, remarked to me, ‘She was iconic. I hope she’s somewhere living her best life!‘ It made me smile but it also made me think that although the expression is a cliché, the concept is real. And this is the time of year we tend to think about what living our best life really means. A sense of purpose is key – finding the passions that get you up in the morning. You can get revved up about that on p22. Meanwhile, love is also important – whether it’s for your partner or simply for your fellow man, woman or four-legged friend. We’re celebrating love on our pages in this issue, from celebrity couples who have…

1. Slumber serum As you sleep, this lovely melting texture provides support for your skin when it is most receptive to repair. L’Oréal Paris Midnight Serum, £29.99, Boots 2. On the quiet The secret formula to help you recover from a lack of sleep, so you look rested. Guerlain Midnight Secret Late Night Recovery Treatment, £25, johnlewis.com 3. Bath-time soak This foaming bath has a blend of ylang-ylang and essential oils so you can unwind. Neal’s Yard Beauty Sleep Foaming Bath, £15, marksandspencer.com 4. Overnight hydration Bathe your skin in luxurious hydration while you sleep with this treatment. You’ll awake to nourished skin. Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial, £40, spacenk.com 5. Rest and radiance Drift into slumber by misting this nourishing formula onto your face and breathe in the soothing aroma.…

For a formal diagnosis, you’ll have to have symptoms for two consecutive years. This means you’ll spend around 40% of the year feeling low, with a noticeable change when the weather improves. ‘If your symptoms have a pattern, then you may be experiencing SAD,’ says Dr Arroll. But any low mood is worth discussing with your GP. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling can help. ‘Your GP may offer antidepressants in some cases,’ adds Dr Arroll.…

When it comes to fairy tales, a handsome prince kissing his beautiful bride on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day back in 2011 is impossible to beat. In lockdown, David posted a photo of a simple walk in the country, his wife not ‘overly impressed’ with his hat. They could be any other couple. Almost. They mark every Saturday, which was the day they met, by writing each other love notes. Aaah… Looking absolutely fabulous , Jennifer wed Ade (left) at home in Cheshire, in an Edwardian-style silk dress, with Ade donning a dress coat worn by Simon Ward in Young Winston. Richard says, ‘In most dynamic marriages, sex is a very important component.’ They also discussed using the anti-impotence pill, Viagra.…

Struggle is a wonderful thing. My mum Maria was a single mum but never took any money from the state. She juggled three jobs and often asked the neighbours on our street in Birmingham to look in on us. Mum wasn’t rich but we never went without. In fact, we were spoilt. If my sister wanted a doll’s house, she’d get it. If I wanted a go-kart, I’d get it. I remember my brother asking for a £100 suit, and although mum said no at first, she finally bought it, and back then £100 was a lot of money. Mum wanted us kids to have everything but that’s not necessarily a good thing. Struggle makes you strive for more and the entitlement of some children today is a bit worrying.…

Thrifty trick More of us are looking to get away this year, so whether it’s a New Year city trip to Japan or summer in Greece, using the right money cards make the most of your budget. Did you know when you use your debit card abroad, your bank slaps on a fee of around 3%? Some banks, such as Starling, Monzo and Virgin Money, do not charge this, but if you don’t bank there, then try these: ✢ Revolut: A free pre-paid card that lets you spend abroad in more than 140 currencies. You will also get top exchange rates and free ATM withdrawals*. ✢ Barclaycard Rewards Card: There are no charges for overseas spending or ATM withdrawals, as long as you pay back your balance in full each…

SKI TRIP Look stylish on the slopes with luxe layers that are as cool as they are cosy. From padded jackets to metallic boots, there’s skiwear to keep you feeling great, no matter what the weather. And don’t forget to take a selection of gorgeous knits for the all-important après-ski. Just accessorize with hot chocolate! COUNTRY RETREAT Breathe in that fresh, clean air and dress for hillside hikes with pub lunches in-between. Opt for earthy tones of berry, khaki and brown to blend into your surroundings, and mix textures by teaming quilted jackets with corduroy trousers. Chunky knitted dresses are easy to wear and will keep you comfortable all season too. TO THE COAST Heading to the waterfront for a change of scenery? Give the fail-safe nautical trend a modern…

✢ FOR WARM BLONDES Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask Golden Blonde, £39, lookfantastic.com A touch of sunny blonde pigment will lift warmer tones. You can leave it in for as little as five minutes or as many as 30, depending on results you want. ✢ FOR ICY SILVER BLONDES Schwarzkopf LIVE 5 Min Colour Boost Hair Mask in Icy Pearl, £5.79, feelunique.com An intense blue-coloured mask to zap yellow tones. Leave it in for up to five minutes, depending on the depth of toning you want. ✢ FOR BRASSY BLONDES Shu Uemura Art of Hair Yubi Blonde Anti-Brass Purple Balm, £49, feelunique.com Packed with purple pigment to make an instant impact on the tone of yellowing hair, the thick, balm-like texture doesn’t splatter all over your bathroom…

MICHELLE ROQUES-O’NEIL One of the leading names in aromatherapy, Michelle has over 40 years of experience as an aromatherapist. She’s also a reiki master, reflexologist, and a sound and craniosacral therapist. A go-to name for many brands in the beauty industry, she has trained therapists and developed treatments for Spa NK (Space NK’s own spa), plus created a spa menu and products for the British hotel and spa, Cowley Manor. In 2012, Michelle launched her Therapie Life range, which allows anyone to experience her aromatherapy treatments in their home. Haircare My scalp is sensitive, so I have to be so careful about what I use, as it reacts very easily. I keep it simple with Rahua Classic Shampoo, £34, lookfantastic.com . Then I use Davines Alchemic Conditioner in Silver, £24,…

✢ It’s recommended that adults see an optician every two years, even if you feel your eyesight is fine. ✢ Olfactory groove meningiomas are rare, benign tumours. They grow along the nerves running between the brain and the nose, in the front of the base of the skull. Only large tumours of this type compress the optic nerve. ✢ They often don’t produce any symptoms until they have grown to a large size. These can include loss of smell and taste, headaches, fatigue, blurred vision, memory less, nausea, vomiting and personality changes.…

‘First, check if there is a menopause spokesperson you can talk to,’ says Diane. ‘If not, arrange a meeting with your line manager. Before the meeting, have a think about how symptoms are affecting your job and what adjustments might work for you.’ ✢ Do you have easy access to toilets and a washroom? ✢ Do you need a desk fan? ✢ Can the air conditioning or heating be adjusted? ✢ Is there somewhere you can rest or take a break? ✢ If sleeping is a problem, can you work more flexible hours, ie start and finish later? ✢ Can you work some days at home? ✢ Can you take time off for healthcare appointments? ‘Write everything down,’ says Diane. ‘If you have notes, this will help you to feel…

These practical steps can help avoid the common triggers of an attack. ✢ Routine and balance ‘Stick to a sleep pattern, eat regularly and stay hydrated,’ recommends Suzie Sawyer, clinical nutritionist at feelaliveuk.com. ‘Dips in blood sugar levels, often caused by erratic eating patterns, can trigger attacks. Therefore, it’s important to eat every three to four hours.’ ✢ Exercise ‘Keeping fit and active is especially important to reduce stress and anxiety. The stress hormone, cortisol, can be a major migraine trigger – high cortisol reduces oestrogen,’ says Suzie. ✢ Supplements ‘Magnesium 400mg-600mg, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 400mg and coenzyme Q10 150mg a day† are the supplements we have most evidence for,’ says Gemma. ‘Providing you’re not on medications that would be contraindicated, they’re worth trying.’ TRY Magnesium 400mg, £10.99 for 72…

Fiction! Shocked? I know! We are all so well versed in the idea that we should aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables per day that the idea this is false seems shocking. The Government advice to eat five a day was based on the World Health Organization’s target of 400g of fruit and vegetables a day (one portion is approximately 80g). But, more recent research has shown that aiming for 800g, or 10 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, gives the greatest benefit for health. We are way off, though, eating on average just 3.7 portions. But don’t be disheartened, as even 2.5 servings is associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. So, five is good but 10 is better.…

Answer the questions below. Tot up your score to see whether you’re mostly squares, circles, triangles or diamonds. Read on for expert advice from therapist Marisa Peer on which areas of your life need an overhaul. 1 Friends describe you as… ◆ On the go ■ Happy-go-lucky ● A high achiever ▲ Generous to a fault 2 Your role in your family is… ■ The leader You make all the crucial decisions ● The peacemaker You try to keep everyone happy ▲ The follower You’re happy to just go with the flow ◆ The multitasker The house wouldn’t run without you 3 You’re waiting in a long queue at the supermarket checkout. You’re most likely to be… ◆ Unable to stand still ▲ Staring at the floor ■ Thinking about…

There are several reasons why most people give up on their New Year’s resolutions by the second Friday in January* – known as Quitters’ Day. One of the main reasons is that we tend to make extremely lofty promises, and therefore can’t meet them. So if your aim is to become healthier as well as happier this year, try these manageable bite-sized goals, recommended by our experts. SWAP BOTTLED WATER FOR TAP Dr Richard Marques, leading London dentist It’s not only good for the environment (we get through 7.7 billion plastic bottles a year) but, according to Dr Marques, it’s good for our teeth too. ‘The fluoride in tap water helps protect teeth against harmful bacteria and acids,’ he says. ADD GREENS TO EVERY MEAL Dr Chidi Ngwaba, lifestyle medicine…

Carolyn Pallister, public health manager and dietitian at Slimming World, shares her tips, which start at home, before you head for the supermarket. ✢ Plan out all your meals and snacks for the week ahead One study at the Sorbonne in Paris revealed that individuals planning their meals were found to have a healthier, more varied diet and lower levels of obesity. ✢ Write a shopping list Then head for the relevant aisles to reduce the temptation. ✢ Eat before you go If you shop when you’re hungry, you’ll be far more inclined to impulse-buy unhealthy foods. ✢ If it’s not on your shopping list, don’t buy it ✢ Dodge confectionery, cake and snack aisles altogether Make this one of your goals for every trip.…

No sooner are the Christmas decorations packed away than our minds turn to the blissful thought of summer holidays. Close your eyes and you can almost feel your toes sinking into sun-warmed sands or hear the chink of glasses at a harbourside bar. But, before you rush to book, it pays to check the small print – for instance, what happens if your holiday is disrupted by COVID restrictions? Opting for a package deal with a reputable company that has a flexible booking policy will make getting a refund or credit voucher easier and quicker than dealing with separate flight and hotel providers. As will taking out insurance that covers COVID-related disruption. And with those details done, you can carry on dreaming……

1 Start by choosing your artwork. Try balancing different styles, maybe a mix of favourite quotations, photography or botanical prints. Then aim for two key colours, selecting shades that will harmonise with your room’s decor. 2 Next, decide on the frames. The type of frame you use can make a huge difference to the look. A light frame will make artwork pop, while black frames create contrast. Keep frames the same for a unified look or mix and match for a more eclectic feel. 3 Once framed, decide on a layout. With your framed art on the floor, experiment with the placing. Focus on balancing colours and art styles, so the prints feel evenly mixed. If you have one that will be the centrepiece of the gallery wall, start with…

Banana bread with Greek yogurt icing Lightly spiced and bursting with banana, this makes the ultimate breakfast served with a dollop of Greek yogurt. Serves 10 • Ready in 1 hr, plus cooling 225g very ripe bananas Pinch ground clove, to taste 150g unsalted butter 150g caster sugar 2 eggs 150g gluten-free plain flour 1tsp gluten-free baking powder 45g ground almonds 1½tsp cinnamon Toasted flaked almonds, to decorate For the yogurt glaze: 75g 0% fat Greek-style yogurt 15g icing sugar ½tsp almond extract You will need: 10x25cm loaf tin, greased and lined 1 Heat the oven to 160C/Gas 3. Slice 1 of the bananas in half lengthways, set aside, then mash the rest in a bowl with the ground clove. 2 In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until…

MOVING TALE A Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning Wroe (£14.99, HB, Faber & Faber) In this moving novel, we meet 19-year-old William – a newly qualified embalmer, who leaves his graduation party on an evening in October 1966 to drive to a mining village in Aberfan, where a slag heap has fallen on Pantglas School. Browning Wroe recounts the inner journey that brought William to Aberfan. We were consumed by this story of healing and hope. PAGE-TURNER Other Parents by Sarah Stovell (£14.99, HB, HQ) In this small-town, school-set drama, mum-of-three Rachel Saunders isn’t prepared for the backlash from other parents when she divorces her husband and moves her girlfriend in. Then the school introduces a new inclusive curriculum, and single mum Laura Spence goes out of her way to…

I loved Elizabeth Day’s MAGPIE . Jake and Marisa love their house, but things change when lodger Kate arrives. Not easily forgotten. Deirdre Spendlove, Dublin I’m currently reading THE LAMPLIGHTERS by Emma Stonex. Three lighthouse keepers go missing and it’s about how their wives deal with it. It’s so good! Lara, Winchester I just finished the historical MRS ENGLAND by Stacey Halls. It was deliciously dark, leading me down one path and then changing direction. Louise Beech, East Yorkshire THE BOOK OF ECHOES by Rosanna Amaka is narrated by an African woman who lost her life on a slave ship. It follows her descendants’ search for happiness. Haunting. Kate Morrison, Sussex…

The Responder Martin Freeman stars as Chris, a cop on the night shift in Liverpool, who takes on a new rookie partner (Adelayo Adedayo). But survival in their relentless jobs will depend on them either helping, or destroying, each other. BBC1 The Gilded Age This lavish drama by Downton Abbey writer Julian Fellowes is set in the high society of 1880s New York and stars Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski and Meryl Streep’s daughter Louisa Jacobson. Sky Atlantic Screw Nina Sosanya and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell star as embattled prison officers who are at breaking point working in the dangerous pressure cooker of an all-male British prison. This six-part dark comedy drama also stars King Gary’s Laura Checkley. Channel 4 Anne Maxine Peake plays Anne Williams, who lost her teenage son in the Hillsborough…

Munich: The Edge of War Charting the buildup to World War Two. Jeremy Irons plays British PM Neville Chamberlain who goes to Munich in 1938 to negotiate with Hitler. George MacKay and Jessica Brown Findlay also star. Netflix The Tragedy of Macbeth Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand are Lord and Lady Macbeth in this adaptation of Shakespeare’s play about murder, madness and ambition. Hubble bubble! Apple TV+ Hotel Portofino This period drama is set on the Italian Riviera in the 1920s. Natascha McElhone plays the daughter of a industrialist who heads to Italy to set up a British hotel in the fishing village of Portofino. BritBox…

AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY  The month kicks off with a powerful Aquarius New Moon. It’s a great time for hatching plans. Passions run high on the 16th. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD Jupiter is in your zone of finances all year, so there are opportunities to make money. Be proactive from 6 March to mid-April. Romance looks lovely in August. Call 0905 789 4160* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates.…

LUCY DIAMOND , who lives in Bath with her family, has just published her 17th novel, Anything Could Happen. Her short story, The Wrong Wedding, is on p170. What is the most romantic thing anyone has done for you? My boyfriend suggested a weekend in Oxford, so I packed a bag and met him at the station, only to discover he’d booked Eurostar tickets and a hotel in Paris instead. He’d lived there previously, speaks fluent French and knew the best places to go. You bet I married him! Writer LAURA MILLAR , who specialises in travel and food journalism for a variety of publications, reveals the best romantic breaks on p154, from country house glamour and horse-drawn carriage rides to a stay in a beautiful fairy-tale castle. What’s the…

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

Despite the cold and shorter days, for some of us, this time of year brings the excitement of new beginnings and looking ahead. But for one in three people in the UK*, with winter comes the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder – also known as SAD. ‘As the days start getting noticeably shorter, some people find their mood becomes subdued,’ says Pareena Patel, a pharmacist at Lloyds Pharmacy. But it’s more than just feeling a little bit low. ‘You may find you don’t have as much energy or start to have problems sleeping,’ says Pareena. ‘Bouts of anxiety, panic attacks, stress, poor appetite, overeating, weight gain, frequent colds and loss of sex drive are all symptoms too.’ Sound familiar? It might feel like there’s no relief, but there are plenty…

I’ve received a lot of advice in my life – some good, some bad. I used to accept nearly all of it. Like a lot of women, shy women in particular, I move through the world carefully, always questioning myself. This internal uncertainty used to make me more receptive to external suggestions. If a man at the grocery store told me I’d be prettier if I smiled, I’d obediently change my expression. When a woman at the gas pump told me I was ruining my car with the cheap gas, I switched to the expensive kind until someone else told me I was wasting my money, and I changed my ways again, with considerable relief. ‘The floodgates of suggestions would deluge me’ This stopped when, at 36, I had a…

Did you have a plan B? Some days, when I’m getting up at 3am, standing outside in the pouring rain at Downing Street, when there’s nowhere to go for a  wee and I can’t get coffee, I think ‘I  could have been a partner in a  law firm by now’. If you believe in a multiverse theory, somewhere in a parallel universe there’s a version of me that became a lawyer! What scares you? Not fulfilling my potential is a  paralysing prospect. Best decision you’ve ever made? Having my son. There was a point in my early 30s where I thought, ‘God, what if I don’t have a baby?’ and I thought, ‘If it doesn’t happen by the time I’m 35, I’m going to have to put some money away…

Could you live on £179.60 a week? That’s the reality if you rely on the full state pension in retirement, after racking up 35 years of National Insurance contributions (NICs). It amounts to well under £10,000 a year. Recently, I spent a week trying to get by on the state pension and it was eye-opening. Yet 17% of pensioner households depend entirely on state pensions and benefits for their income, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. Perhaps you are one of them. Many scrape by on less, so I should count myself lucky. HOME TRUTHS My first revelation was that I could not afford to live in our current home on my own. Totting up just my essential bills – council tax, water, energy, broadband, landline, mobile, TV…

Roses are red, violets are blue… Jo Malone London has launched a new fragrance collection, and if you love the scent of freshly cut roses, it’s perfect for you. There’s something for every taste, whether you like a light and fresh fragrance or one that’s deeper and sexier, thanks to four distinct rose blends. Choose from the sensual floral fusion of Rose & Magnolia or the romantic Red Roses, which combines seven different roses with lemon and violet leaves. Velvet Rose & Oud is deeper, richer and smokier, blending clove, damask rose and oud at the base. Layer it on your skin with Red Roses for something even more unique. Meanwhile, Rose Blush is a fresh, modern mix of rose, basil and lychee. We love them all. Which will you…

Date night can be lots of different things, and what you wear depends on how well you know your ‘date’. If it’s a lifelong partner, you’ll be quite at ease with what you wear, whereas if it’s someone new, you’ll be feeling the stress. Of course, what you wear also depends on the sort of person you are, where you’re going and how you want to project yourself. The main thing is that you feel confident and that the clothes are flattering. I have a go-to blouse with a necktie, and it has a V-neck, which means I can show a bit of cleavage if I want to. This colourful blouse comes in an array of different prints. Depending on where I’m going, I’d pair it with slim black trousers…

‘We think of our homes as safe havens, but more and more evidence is emerging to suggest that indoor pollution and home-grown irritants are important factors in the rise of respiratory disease,’ says Dr Chris Etheridge*. Considering we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, here’s why good ventilation is vital to keep your home – and yourself, healthy. ✢ Even when it’s cold, get into the habit of opening windows every day. Airing rooms for just 10 minutes will improve air quality. ✢ A common strategy for eliminating household smells is to use air fresheners and scented candles, but these add to airborne pollution. To get rid of odours, let plenty of fresh air circulate instead. ✢ Remember to ventilate well when cooking and cleaning – both these…

Deborah Sloan, 57, from Brighton. ‘What began with aura as a child became chronic migraine by my mid-30s – 15 days of head pain every month. The attacks were sheer hell, pain I didn’t think I could survive. Vomiting, bedridden, my body shut down and I was hospitalised several times. At my worst, I experienced suicidal ideation. I had to give up the job I cherished as a counsellor, and close my busy practice. Last year, I raided my pension for £7,000 and went to New York for treatment using CGRPs, which were not yet approved here. It was a turning point – a lifeline. Migraine takes so much from you. Sufferers deserve the right support and treatment.’…

It may seem strange that I’d focus on this topic in a magazine aimed at women. But the fact that erectile dysfunction (ED) affects men does not mean it doesn’t have an impact on women! Difficulties with sex and libido can affect relationships, so it’s important women also have this conversation. ED is when there are difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection. It’s very common – most men will experience it at some point in their lives, though is more usual in men over the age of 40. There are many causes of ED, which can be both physical or psychological, although it’s often caused by a combination of the two. For example, if someone couldn’t get an erection because they were drunk, the next time they try to achieve…

‘Annie…’ came the email from w&h headquarters. ‘We’d like you to devise a workout for our readers – something to motivate them, something where they’ll see results… It should be short, manageable and…’ Well, I didn’t read the rest. I excitedly rolled my sleeves up and got stuck in. Then came another email. ‘It’s to be based on the Royal Canadian Airforce 5BX workout.’ I did a little search and it seems that this series of five basic exercises (hence 5BX) was devised in the early 1960s for the Royal Canadian Airforce, who decided that short bursts of progressive exercise was just the job to keep the pilots in shape – no matter where in the world they were. Prince Philip was an avid fan, apparently. ‘Imagine! A short workout…

Motivational life coach Carole Ann Rice shares her secrets for sticking to your resolutions. ✢ REALLY WANT IT Whether it’s dropping a dress size or stopping a bad habit, do it with passion. Write down why it would be so wonderful to have this change in your life. ✢ CREATE A STRATEGY Make up a vision board of inspirational images, or purchase a ‘goal target’ treat, to motivate you and keep you on track. ✢ BE ACCOUNTABLE Going it alone may prevent you from achieving success. Get a buddy to join you and check in on your progress regularly.…

Bee Osborn was searching for a property to rent in Oxfordshire in 2017 when she stumbled upon the thatched stone cottage she would soon call home. ‘I had been looking for an out-of-London rental, as my youngest daughter was starting school in the area. We were living in a town house in Battersea at the time and I had hoped to find a bolthole to be near to Lara during the week,’ says Bee. Despite an extensive search, Bee had no luck finding a property to suit her budget. Then, on a final drive back to London when stopping off for a sandwich, she saw the 1530s post office. ‘Next to the village shop, I noticed a “for sale” sign in the undergrowth and was immediately drawn to the cottage,’…

FIND AN ALL-TIME HIGH at Shangri-La The Shard, London Soaring 87 floors above the capital, The Shard is – currently – its highest building. And the Shangri-La hotel occupies 19 of its storeys, offering unparalleled views of the iconic London skyline from its rooms, restaurant and bar. The Sky Pool is the highest in Western Europe, while you can watch the sun set with a cocktail at the 54th floor Gong bar before sampling the delicious British-Asian fusion menu at Ting restaurant. HOW TO DO IT The Love is in the Air package includes an overnight stay with breakfast, bottle of rosé champagne, chocolates and flowers and use of the Sky Pool, from around £600 per night; shangri-la.com COSY UP IN PRIVACY at Palé Hall Hotel, Snowdonia Surrounded by rolling…

COSY MYSTERY The Maid by Nita Prose (£12.99, HB, HarperCollins) Introducing a most endearing character in this compelling whodunnit, Molly the maid may be considered a nobody, but she is far from it. On discovering a dead body in the grand hotel where she works, many are quick to point the finger at Molly. But this clever young woman soon works out that by connecting with others, you can achieve anything. A cosy crime mystery that’s uplifting, emotional and full of heart. With Florence Pugh set to play Molly in a film adaptation, you’ll be hearing a lot more about this crowd-pleasing book. (See p168 for our interview with Nita Prose.)…

‘I love the dark humour that comes when women get together’ Wahala combines a frank and daring exploration of modern female friendship with a dark, punchy thriller. Set in London, May’s novel centres around three 30-something Anglo-Nigerian friends grappling with career, relationship and family problems, laced with jealousy, disillusionment, revenge, humour and a love of food. The book is also a celebration of May’s dual heritage – she was born in Bristol and raised in Lagos, before returning to London aged 20. May now lives in rural Dorset with husband, Peter, and standard schnauzers, Fela and Lola. I’d always written dodgy poems as a child and angst-ridden poetry as a teenager. My advertising career also involved copywriting. Like many people, I wanted to write a novel, but work always seemed…

‘It’s the devil himself!’ Bess Hebblethwaite clutched Emily Brontë’s arm, as she stood on the doorstep of the parsonage surrounded by a gaggle of similarly hysterical neighbours. ‘Come up from hell!’ The clock on the staircase had told Emily it was a quarter to four. What on earth had happened in Haworth this snowbound night? ‘Now, calm yourself,’ Papa said, holding a lantern aloft to get a look at those gathered. He saw the sexton John Brown, a sensible fellow. ‘John?’ ‘It was just after the clock struck three, sir,’ John said. ‘I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t heard it myself.’ ‘Heard what?’ Emily’s sister Charlotte asked, bustling to the fore, a shawl wrapped tight about her shoulders. ‘Horses,’ John Brown said, his face gaunt. ‘I could hear…

Watching As a cook, I worked every night, so I never saw TV and I haven’t had a TV for years. I use a tablet and go to Netflix or Amazon Prime to watch Poirot, which I’m obsessed with. Reading The only books I read are about cooking. I’m reading, for about the 20th time, Great Chefs of France by Quentin Crewe, which first inspired me all those years ago. Listening I’m very eclectic with my music. I listen to Louis Prima, Elvis, The Stranglers, the Sex Pistols and Eminem. Scrolling I don’t! I’ve got an old-fashioned Nokia phone that I only use to make calls. I call people, write letters and send cards to say thank you. Buying I haven’t used my bank card for four years. I don’t buy…

Sarah Parish’s laugh should be bottled and available on prescription. It’s a feel-good, head-back, room-filling guffaw that is so beautifully infectious, you can’t help but chuckle when one crashes into conversation. The first arrives two minutes into our interview, when the actor amusingly describes how she recently entered embarrassing-mum territory. ‘We were at a house party and I did some dancing, and I saw Nell going like that,’ says Sarah, 53, recreating the disdainful glance she received from her 12-year-old. ‘I was really breaking my best moves as well!’ On the whole, the mother-daughter relationship is solid. ‘I was really glad to shut the door on my 40s’ ‘We laugh a lot,’ continues Sarah. ‘As a mother, I’m not a worrier, which I think is an achievement in this modern-day…

✢ FAKE THE SUNSHINE ‘Many people use light or phototherapy, which mimics natural daylight,’ says Dr Arroll. ‘Some studies suggest that light therapy is beneficial in 85% of people with SAD.’ Try Lumie Vitamin L (RRP £74.99, John Lewis & Partners). The warm and calming light creates a UV-free ‘sunshine’ effect to boost your mood in around 30 minutes. ✢ HAVE A LAUGH Switch on your favourite comedy. Giggling is one of the best remedies for low mood, as it triggers healthy changes in our bodies. ‘It boosts our energy, decreases stress and improves immunity,’ says Dr Marilyn Glenville. ‘It also triggers the release of endorphins, which make us feel happier and relaxed.’ ✢ DON’T PILE PRESSURE ON ‘Taking on too much will make you feel stressed and run down,…

DUKE AND DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE Student Kate Middleton had no idea of the future that lay ahead as she moved into her student accommodation at University of St Andrews in 2001. For a few doors along the corridor was Prince William, the future king, whose eyes boggled the following year at the sight of her modelling a daringly sheer dress at a charity fashion show. ‘Wow, Kate’s hot!’ he whispered to his friend. Now 21 years on, raising an heir and two spares, their smiles are wider than ever. IMELDA STAUNTON AND JIM CARTER The pair have 38 years of marriage and shared productions between them. Jim was memorable as Mr Carson in Downton Abbey, and his wife appeared as Maud Bagshaw, the Queen’s lady-in-waiting. Romantic moment Lockdown gardening and…

‘WE BROKE THE WORLD RECORD!’ Raz Marsden, 55, is a motor neurone disease nurse consultant from Oxford. In June 2019, she started a round-the-world trip on a tandem bike with Cat Dixon, 54, a CEO from Yorkshire. Crossing the border from Myanmar to Thailand, it was nearly midnight, we’d run out of water and couldn’t find anywhere to stay. Cat was not well, I felt sick, we’d had seven punctures over the past two days and now a slow puncture was threatening our back wheel. Alone, moments like this would have been completely overwhelming, but on a tandem bike, you’re never alone. We were often hungry, exhausted and grumpy, but because we had each other, every day was filled with laughter. We coped with every puncture, tyre explosion and hunt…

This picture of me and the late Rik Mayall was taken in the early 90s on the rather musty-looking set of TV comedy series Bottom. I played a Moldavian princess called Lady Natasha Letitia Sarah Jane Wellesley Obstromsky Ponsonsky Smythe Smythe Smythe Smythe Smythe Oblomov Boblomov Dob, which took a long time for anyone to say. The authentically gross decor reminds me of the days when I really did live in a squat near Crouch End. Or ‘Couch End’, as it is affectionately known now, due to the abundance of therapists rumoured to live there. ‘The set reminded me of my old squat’ I’d met Rik years before, during my first stand-up comedy venture at the Edinburgh Festival in 1983. He was genuine as well as charismatic. This was the…

IN THE FASHION TRENCHES ✢ You can wear a shirt dress buttoned-up or half undone, or use it as a jacket in the summer. ✢ A classic trench coat is thin enough to layer over your outfit while keeping you warm. The wide lapels frame a fuller bust. ✢ Knee-high boots mean there is no break in your outfit showing any leg, so you don’t need to worry about tights. Coat, £325, sizes xs-xl, scotch-soda.com; dress, £49.99, sizes s/m-l/xl, and roll-neck, £29.99, sizes xs-xl, both lindex.com; boots, £119, zara.com; bag, £180, jasperconran.com EARN YOUR STYLE STRIPES ✢ Add interest to your jumpers by popping over a crisp shirt. Pull out the collar and cuffs for a smarter take on knitwear. ✢ Size up for a slouchy fit that lends itself…

So, do blondes really have more fun? Anyone who isn’t naturally flaxen-haired will tell you no! Not when it comes to achieving and maintaining this hair colour, anyway. Unless you’ve been blessed with blonde hair since birth, going lighter is no simple feat, and most of us blondes enjoy our golden locks as a result of many hours of painstaking graft – be that professionally administered by an expert colourist in the salon, or a DIY job with at-home hair dye. But what is it about blonde hair that’s so popular? From Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren, to Julia Roberts and JLo, so many of our favourite A-listers choose to have some kind of lightener put on their hair as they age. And it’s not just on the red carpet…

When my optician contacted me, last May, for an eye examination, I thought nothing of it. My long-distance vision had worsened, so that needed checking. I’d also experienced headaches with dizziness and vertigo, but my GP had diagnosed vestibular migraines. At my local Specsavers, all seemed routine until the optician said she needed the opinion of her colleague. When she returned, I was asked to stay for further tests, but I was more concerned I’d be late meeting a friend. She then explained that the optic nerve in my left eye was swollen and she was referring me to an emergency specialist eye hospital that day. I then worried I was going blind. While my optician was sorting out the referral, I called my partner David and met up with…

Managing menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, brain fog and anxiety, can be tricky enough at the best of times. But what about while trying to stay on top of things at work? Latest figures* show that menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workplace, with nearly five million aged 45 to 65 years earning a living. ‘Until fairly recently, menopause was still a taboo subject in the workplace, and many women are still too embarrassed to talk about their symptoms,’ says Diane Danzebrink** , who launched the Make Menopause Matter Campaign in Parliament. ‘They worry they might be unfairly judged or discriminated against.’ For some, it all gets too much. A recent survey by BUPA estimated that around 900,000 women have left their jobs due to menopause symptoms. And the…

Three times more women than men suffer with migraine, mainly due to hormone fluctuation. ‘I think it’s part of the reason migraine is often dismissed as a “women’s condition” and not taken seriously,’ says Gemma. ‘Around perimenopause and menopause, migraines can worsen because of a dip in oestrogen levels. Some women find HRT gels or patches useful. The symptoms of menopause, like difficulty sleeping and hot flushes, can also impact. If symptoms change, get checked by your doctor to rule out anything else.’…

Q I’m taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and, although lots of my symptoms have improved (such as hot flushes, depression, palpitations and joint pain), I still have a much lower libido than I used to have. Sex isn’t painful – I just don’t want to have it and still feel I have less energy in general than before – is there something else I can take? A You may benefit from having some testosterone added to your HRT. Although often thought of as the ‘male hormone’, females do produce testosterone and levels fall after the menopause, and will gradually decrease with age. Testosterone has many roles in the body. It is just one of the sex hormones that women produce. To put it very simply, testosterone gives you back your…

When it comes to being content with life, there are some benefits to getting older. That’s evident because 70% of women in their 40s and 50s say they’ve never been so delighted with life*. But while feeling happy can be wonderful, it isn’t guaranteed. ‘Happiness is a state of feeling, not a trait, meaning it isn’t a permanent feature, but fleeting and changeable,’ says functional medicine certified health coach Suzy Glaskie. The good news? Adding more happiness to your life is easier than you think. ‘While some degree of our happiness is set by our genetics (experts estimate between 10% and 50%), the rest is down to us,’ says Suzy. ‘We can learn to be happier, just as we can learn to play a musical instrument or speak a foreign…

INCHWORMS Level A 4 Level B 5 Level C 5 Level D 6 Level E 8 Level F 8 PRONE LAT PULL-DOWNS Level A 6 Level B 7 Level C 8 Level D 8 Level E 8 Level F 8 GLUTE BRIDGES Level A 15 Level B 15 Level C 18 Level D 22 Level E 25 Level F 25 CRAB TOE TOUCHES Level A 6 Level B 6 Level C 8 Level D 8 Level E 10 Level F 10 AB CRUNCHES Level A 15 Level B 20 Level C 25 Level D 30 Level E 35 Level F 40 MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS Level A 12 Level B 18 Level C 24 Level D 30 Level E 40 Level F 50 V CRUNCHES Level A 10 Level B 12 Level…

When it comes to shopping, our emotions play a huge part in what ends up at the checkout. In fact, the weekly shop doesn’t start in your trolley or basket – it begins with your senses, along with a dose of persuasion for good measure from the supermarket powers that be. Had a hard day? The lure of the chocolate aisle may be too hard to resist. Celebrating? Tipples and savoury treats are likely to be the order of the day. And don’t even get us started on what happens if we shop when we’re hungry. Let’s just say it usually involves a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it whizz past the fruit and veg aisles in search of something a little naughtier for a snack. An unprepared visit to the supermarket can hinder our…

MAKE A STATEMENT Add visual impact by hanging a single oversized picture above a large piece of furniture, such as a sofa. Size-wise, the picture shouldn’t be wider than the furniture, as it will overwhelm it – aim for roughly two-thirds the sofa’s length for a balanced look. Hang artwork low enough so you can enjoy it while sitting down – aim for a gap of around 15-20cm between the bottom of the picture frame and the top of the sofa. Champagne Skies canvas, £245, barkerandstonehouse.co.uk CREATE STRUCTURE WITH A GRID For a more formal picture display, try hanging artwork in a tight grid formation. Choose frames of the same size and colour, and with matching mounts. Arrange art on the wall in a block layout, with evenly spaced gaps…

✢ Add warmth to whites by choosing shades with orange undertones rather than blue, and accent with taupes, tans and sage greens. ✢ For a neutral scheme, embrace textures to add interest with linen and wool soft furnishings, woven light fittings and jute rugs. ✢ Choose products with an artisanal quality – think hand-thrown pottery and natural materials. ✢ Keep clutter at bay with storage cabinets and baskets arranged in every room.…

Mediterranean veg and halloumi tray bake Take the stress out of midweek meals with this easy one-pot dish. Serves 4 • Ready in 1 hr 750g Jersey Royal potatoes 4tbsp olive oil ½ tsp chilli flakes 1 red onion, roughly chopped 4 garlic cloves, skin left on and bashed 2 red peppers, chopped 400g tin butter beans, drained and rinsed 2 courgettes, halved lengthways, seeds removed, and sliced 400g vine-on cherry tomatoes 450g halloumi, sliced Oregano, to serve You will need: Large roasting tin 1 Heat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Put the potatoes into the roasting tin, drizzle with the oil and season well. Roast for 20 mins. Remove from the oven and mix through the chilli flakes, onion, garlic, peppers, butter beans and courgettes. Nestle the cherry tomatoes into…

Think ‘Denmark’ and you may not immediately think of beaches. But while it’s not exactly Baywatch territory, coastal life is an integral part of Danish culture. Denmark is made up of 406 islands (more, even, than Greece – fun quiz fact) and 8,750km of coastline, so you’re never more than 50km from the sea, and island-hopping is one of the things Danes love best. ‘Denmark is notoriously flat, so it’s great for cyclists of all abilities’ I’ve visited a few during my eight years of living Danishly – with favourites including AErø, off the southern coast of Funen; and Bornholm, off the coast of Sweden. But there are a couple closer to home still on my bucket list – like the historic Hjarnø and Alrø, near Horsens in Jutland, where…

Master storyteller and bestselling novelist Diane Chamberlain is known for writing suspenseful novels with heart. Her new novel, The Last House on the Street, focuses on a town divided by prejudice and a compelling mystery that will keep you turning those pages well past lights out. Do I find it daunting starting a new novel? You might think that writing my 28th novel was easier than the first (or fifth or 10th), but that’s far from the truth. I’m full of self-doubt each time I begin a new story. My inspiration comes in many forms – reading a newspaper, studying history, overhearing a conversation between strangers. The Last House on the Street grew out of my interest in the ongoing fight for civil rights in the United States. I love…

As vice president and editorial director of a major publishing house in Canada, it may come as no surprise that Nita Prose went on to write a novel. The Maid introduces Molly, a wonderfully endearing character, and Prose has managed the perfect blend of cosy crime with a huge amount of heart. Florence Pugh is set to play Molly on the big screen. It was following a work trip to London that the idea hit. I went to my hotel room after a meeting and I was startled to see the maid there. I remember her looking at me, and me staring at her. Embarrassingly, she had my trackpants in her hands. She had tidied my make-up, she’d moved my clothes, and I realised she knew so much about me…

Scotland Outdoors Mark Stephen explores beautiful landscapes and meets people associated with them. From badger-watching to stoats in Orkney, landscape restoration and sustainability projects, plus birdsong challenges, it’s fascinating and relaxing. The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show Health and fitness guru Liz Earle discusses topics with experts. Episodes cover anti-ageing supplements, cruelty-free make-up, depression, inflammation and aspects of the menopause. Interesting if you’re curious about health and mental wellness trends. The Modern House A peach of a listen for anyone who loves beautiful homes, architecture and design. Matt Gibberd, co-founder of estate agency The Modern House, invites guests to discuss their favourite homes. Creatives such as ceramicist Edmund de Waal and fashion designer Lucinda Chambers share their dream homes.…

PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH A surprise around the 18th sends you smiling into your birthday month. 2022 should be a bumper year, especially for late February/early March birthdays. Call 0905 789 4161* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates ARIES 21 MARCH – 19 APRIL You’re in a strong position to get what you want in your job, or when dealing with authority, around the 4th and mid-month. Single? You could meet someone at work. Call 0905 789 4150* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates TAURUS 20 APRIL – 20 MAY The 8th is one of your best days for chasing a goal. After this, the stars are onside for plans that make your future feel more satisfying. The 18th is exciting. Call 0905 789 4151* and…