Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2022 i Woman & Home

I have to admit that Mother’s Day is one of my favourite celebrations of the year. I always made a big fuss of my mum when I was little, and now I love getting the same attention from my three daughters. Some cards, flowers and a cooked breakfast involving neither preparation nor washing up and I’m a happy woman (I’m a pretty cheap date). We’re celebrating with some fabulous Mother’s Day bakes recipes (p154), a nostalgic look at TV mums – saints and monsters! – (p30), and a fascinating interview with three generations of mothers aged 94, 64 and 36 to see what’s changed about being a mother and daughter – and what hasn’t (p44). Meanwhile, on our fashion pages, I’m loving our real women’s denim guide (p70). I had…

1. Multitasker Can be used as an all-over foundation, concealer, highlighter or for contouring. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Concealer, £25, lancome.co.uk 2. Skin enhancer Not only does this conceal, add coverage and luminosity but it contains colour correctors. Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer, £27, Space NK 3. Lightweight This lighter version has all the qualities of the original plus real impact. Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long Lasting Make-up SPF20, £35, esteelauder.co.uk 4. Hydrator With moisture-drenching ingredients, this creamy base delivers a wash of colour. Jones Road What The Foundation, £40, jonesroadbeauty.com 5. Skin plumper Think of this as skin-boosting serum and foundation. It blends like a dream. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation, £34, charlottetilbury.com 6. Long-lasting Created to last 32 hours, it contains vitamin C to…

A 2020 study revealed that we humans have a staggering 6,200 thoughts per day* . But being able to let go of at least some of these helps us to reduce anxiety and stress, making our lives feel lighter and less complicated. 1 Listen to your inner wisdom Learning to listen to yourself, to your innate voice of inner wisdom or intuition, is a valuable life tool. Björn calls it ‘the intelligence of the moment’ and describes it as a finely honed, quiet compass inside you. Other voices may get in the way of your inner wisdom, such as when you seek advice from others. Your ego has a voice too – ‘It often drowns out everything else with its noisy demands,’ says Björn. These extra voices shut off access to…

EQUAL BREATHING This style of breathing restores focus and calms the nervous system. ✢ Breathe in and out through your nose. During inhalation and exhalation, count to make sure your breaths are equal in duration. ✢ Continue for at least five minutes. 4-7-6 BREATH A common stress-reducing breathing technique. ✢ Stand with a straight back, allowing the lungs to expand. ✢ With your mouth closed, press your tongue gently on the roof of your mouth, inhale slowly through your nose for four seconds. ✢ Hold your breath for seven seconds. ✢ Audibly exhale ‘whoosh’ for eight seconds, keeping your tongue pressed into the roof of your mouth. ✢ Repeat for four cycles. LION’S BREATH A technique to stretch the muscles in the face and relieve tension. ✢ Inhale deeply through…

What’s your earliest memory of acting? Making up a little show for my parents when I was about eight. I was born in Scarborough, where my father went to recuperate after he was a prisoner of war. He was training to be a barrister, and when he finished his articles, he moved down to London and we moved to the country in Sussex when I was about seven. Was there ever a plan B? No, I never thought as cleverly or as consciously as that. I had a perfectly normal education and it wasn’t until I left school that I applied for drama school. I didn’t have a theatrical upbringing but I was taken to the theatre by my grandparents. I remember the lights and feeling the whoosh of warm…

After I had a spinal stroke, Sailor really has transformed my life’ ‘Sailor does all the tasks I can’t – he loves helping’ Caroline Hall, 44, lives in Bolton with her assistance dog, Sailor. Ten years ago, she suffered a spinal stroke and spent eight months in hospital. When she returned home, she’d regained movement in her right side and partially in her left, and learnt to get around with sticks. At the time of my stroke, I  had a busy job as an  RSPCA officer, which involved spending lots of time outdoors. The life I  returned to was very different. I  effectively became a prisoner in my house, unable to do the things I  wanted. If I  dropped anything, it would lie there until someone could pick it up.…

This picture was taken on an amazing trip on my own with my father. It was 1968 and I was six. My sisters were too young to go on a grown-up adventure. Not that we went anywhere. We may have been on a boat but we were moored at Dell Quay, near the Fishbourne Marshes in Chichester, where I grew up. I liked being outside and loved the idea of being daring, but I was actually quite cautious. Here I am, tiller in hand, my father’s cap on, taking my job very seriously. For that moment, I was the captain! ‘A story always starts with the place for me’ The Fishbourne Marshes was the landscape of my childhood. Every Sunday we’d feed the ducks at the millpond, then walk out…

A DIY divorce may sound attractive, as a quicker way to end your marriage online, without the expense of solicitors or going to court. It can work well in less-complicated cases, for example where you and your partner agree on every aspect of the divorce and have no children or assets to consider. You can file for your own divorce or dissolution online at gov.uk/divorce, with a court fee of £550. However, as Vicki from Stowe Family Law says, ‘The divorce itself is a simple process, and the costs are fairly low. It’s the financial side of things that can be complicated and push up the costs.’ If you have children, mortgages and retirement plans to divide, it can be well worth paying for specialist legal advice. Even with a…

‘I’ve won awards for my brownies’ Former health visitor Lynsey Bleakley, 45, lives near Bangor in Co Down, with her husband James, 43, and daughter Yazmin, 20, along with three Labradors and a cat. She left her 18-year career in the NHS to launch Bumble & Goose, a baking business delivering luxury brownies and personalised biscuits across the UK and Ireland. THE IDEA I had worked for the NHS for almost 18 years. But after struggling to conceive, my husband and I suffered four miscarriages between 2015 and 2017. Along with the grief of losing my babies, I suffered from complications that had a huge impact on my health, both physically and emotionally. I started having CBT therapy and my therapist suggested a hobby to occupy my anxious mind –…

With spring on the horizon, what better time to turn to the great outdoors and embrace the beauty of organic shapes and textures? The hammered gold and rustic forms are a little different from your usual fine jewellery, but they’re timeless and wearable. They make a statement worn alone, or stack chunky chains with more delicate designs. Whatever your style, these perfectly imperfect pieces are a worthwhile investment.…

I love a classic trench, and this season it has been rehashed and revamped on the runways. Styles shown at Burberry and Balenciaga were reworked to be anything but basic. At Burberry, the backs of the trenches were cut out, while Balenciaga splattered its version with paint and slipped it off the shoulder. Dua Lipa has been spotted in New York-based designer Luar’s version that fastens with a single strap. At Michael Kors, a more classic version was shown with high-waisted tailored shorts and a cropped top. I’ll be missing out the midriff-revealing top – but the oversized cut of Kors’ trench is infinitely wearable. You could sport a trouser suit underneath, or a pencil skirt and fitted top. The one I’m wearing is by Hobbs and captures the mood…

Serving burnt food is a hosting faux pas. However, those blackened offerings are more than a culinary no-no. Burnt food, including ‘burnt ends’, chargrilled roasted onions, and even overdone toast, could pose a health problem. The latter contains acrylamide – a compound found when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures. And that’s not all. Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed when protein, including beef, pork, fish or poultry, is cooked using high-temperature methods, such as pan-frying, or grilling directly over an open flame. Tests on rodents have shown a link between a high consumption of these compounds and chemicals, with an increased risk of cancer, plus changes in DNA cells. While the impact on humans hasn’t been confirmed, experts still advise cooking food at a…

✢ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions – emphysema and chronic bronchitis – that narrow the airways, making it harder to breathe. It usually develops in people over 35. ✢ It is often caused by smoking, air pollution or persistent exposure to dust, chemicals and fumes. ✢ Symptoms include breathlessness, wheezing, persistent chesty cough with phlegm and chest infections. ✢ Symptoms can be controlled with inhaled medications. ✢ For support, visit the British Lung Foundation at blf.org.uk…

Welcome the season with a  fragrant display of potted bulbs, in vibrant shades of green and pink. ✢ Group your floral collection on a sideboard in your hallway to welcome guests, or as an eye-catching table centrepiece for family gatherings. ✢ Use an eclectic mix of weathered plant pots and ceramics when potting up the bulbs. A chipped teacup makes the perfect mini-planter for a  single bulb – use bulb fibre in place of compost, as it doesn’t require  drainage. ✢ Pair hyacinths and daffodils in pots, and fill vases with pink tulips, cow parsley and ranunculus for the ultimate springtime look. Gather extra greenery from your garden to fill out shop-bought bunches.…

1 BUILD BAY SEATING Convert the unused space below a bay window into built-to-fit seating, with easy-access drawers underneath for added storage. Upholster with a patterned velvet for a luxurious feel to juxtapose the raw plywood. Window seat upholstered in Fern Leaf Green velvet, £79 per m, woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk; for a similar coffee table, try housingunits.co.uk; Isola armchair, from £2,199, heals.com; Ellie bamboo pendant, £110, designvintage.co.uk; Adaliz rug, £475, and similar cushion covers, all grahamandgreen.co.uk; Amnis Green tumblers, £9.50 each, abodeliving.co.uk; for a similar vase, try gardentrading.co.uk 2 CREATE A COMPACT BAR Ditch a bulky bar cart in favour of this simple drinks station set up in a discreet spot under your stairs. Keep decanters stocked up so guests can help themselves – perfect for entertaining! Walls and cupboards in Breathe…

Apricot, pistachio and rose layer cake A showstopper bake that’s perfect for a special occasion. Serves 12 • Ready in 45 mins, plus cooling For the apricots: 6 ripe apricots, halved and stoned 2tbsp honey or maple syrup ¾tsp vanilla extract ½tsp rose water (optional) 1tbsp lemon juice For the sponges: 6 eggs 150g light muscovado sugar 150g self-raising flour For the icing: 200ml whipping cream 350g fat-free 0% Greek yogurt 1tsp rose water (or 1tsp vanilla extract, if you prefer) 2tbsp chopped pistachios Rose petals and flowers, to decorate (optional) You will need: 2 x 18cm cake tins, greased and lined 1 Heat the oven to 150C/Gas 2. Put the apricots, honey or maple syrup, and 150ml of water into a saucepan. Add the vanilla extract. Leave on a low…

EXPERT TALKS WITH CUNARD If you like to come home from a cruise more knowledgeable than when you set off, then consider choosing Cunard. Its guest speakers include a fascinating mix of people, from author Bernardine Evaristo and presenter Richard Osman to explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes. ✢ A 12-night cruise to the Canary Islands, departing from Southampton on 3 April, costs from £799pp; cunard.com LEARN TO DANCE WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN If dancing puts you in your happy place, step on board Royal Caribbean and enjoy a wide variety of enticing venues. These vary from trendy nightclubs playing the latest club music to posh, outdoor dancing under the stars. Whether you love salsa, hip-hop, swing or ballroom, you’ll be able to learn the latest moves from the professionals before…

Josie Silver, an unashamed romantic, has been writing for over 10 years, but it was her debut novel, One Day in December, that became an  international bestseller. Her third novel, One Night on the Island, sees Cleo and Mack meet at a luxury cabin in Ireland, both insisting they should be staying there for the night, when a storm sets in… Music, news and magazines all spark initial ideas – and then I let my imagination run riot with ‘what ifs’ to build the bones of a story. I write in an office at the bottom of my garden. It’s my sanctuary – scented candles, a comfy chair and the writer’s essential – a cupboard full of stationery and new notebooks! I’m not a huge planner. I tend to get…

EASY READING QUENTINS by Maeve Binchy This is quintessential Maeve: lots of stories mixed up in a Dublin restaurant that you want to book a table at straight away. She is such an assured storyteller and this is comfort reading at its best. A doughty doorstop. INSPIRATIONAL KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL by Anthony Bourdain The energy and passion in this blew my mind when I first read it. I have given it to my sons to inspire them to travel and experiment with food. It’s a tale of ’sex, drugs, bad behaviour and haute cuisine’. Bourdain’s voice is so strong you could reach out and touch him. CULINARY TALES HOME COOKING by Laurie Colwin A collection of musings on everyday life and recipes to go with them, from Friday-night supper to cooking…

Life Changing Join former Woman’s Hour presenter Jane Garvey in this podcast where people talk about events that changed their lives. Hear from a woman who suddenly became a mother of two aged 24, and a nun who gave up her vows. Apple Podcasts, Spotify Out to Lunch with Jay Rayner Take a seat at the table as the top food critic chats to a famous guest at a restaurant of his choice. With the likes of Mary Beard and Bernardine Evaristo, expect great conversation and dining vicariously at excellent restaurants. Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify Feel Better, Live More In this insightful podcast series from Dr Rangan Chatterjee, you get a mix of longer episodes with health experts, plus shorter sessions that share tips. If you get Amazon Music,…

Author CATHY RENTZENBRINK speaks and writes on life, death, love and literature. Shortlisted for various prizes, to date she has only a teenage darts championship under her belt. On p29, she urges people to write their life stories – her latest book is Write It All Down: How to Put Your life on the Page. Where is your favourite springtime walk? I love the primroses, bluebells and wild garlic on the coastal paths around Falmouth. I like to stand on Pendennis Point and breathe in the fresh salt air. LOUISA ADJOA PARKER is a writer, poet and equality, diversity and inclusion consultant, who draws on her lived experience of marginalisation to tell  her own and others’  stories. On p52,  she tells us about her childhood in the countryside. Where is your…

W & H STREET STYLE Add your pictures by hashtagging #womanandhomestreetstyle or email wandhstreetstyle@futurenet.com to join in.…

HEAL WITH OILS Aromatherapy essential oils have the power to reset your mood. To get the benefits, apply Puressentiel Stress Roll-On, £7.99, uk.puressentiel.com, to your wrists and temples. This blend of 12 oils, including lavender, orange peel and ylang ylang, can calm feelings of anger and nervousness. TRY GRATITUDE TRACKING ‘Don’t overthink – focus on small moments and successes’ To ground yourself, take five minutes to write down what you are grateful for at that moment. ‘There’s no need to overthink things. Just focus on the small moments and successes that you don’t always acknowledge,’ says psychologist Jan P. de Jonge. ‘This could include having a cup of coffee without being disturbed, or a surprisingly sunny day.’ TAKE A WELLNESS BATH Run a bath, lower the lights and sprinkle magnesium…

‘Inspiration for my creations is the amazing textile heritage in this country’ Lisa Watson, 51, makes traditionally British quilts, cushions and blankets. She lives in Manchester with her children Joe, 21, and Iona, 18, and their rescue dog B. I grew up sewing, with one of my most treasured possessions being a needle box my grandmother gave me. I made my own clothes as a teenager, took a degree in fine art textiles, and worked in arts and education until I turned 40, which felt like the right time to start my own small business. Combining my love of textiles, design, colour and our amazing British textile heritage, I make unique Harris Tweed quilts with the utilitarian strip patchwork first seen in North East England. I love Harris Tweed cloth…

My seizure came out of the blue five years ago. It took away memories I’ve never been able to recover and I have no memory of it happening. As I lay in a hospital bed, my partner Tony had to explain that at around 3am, I had been making strange noises that had woken him up. Thinking I wasn’t breathing, he started doing CPR on me, before asking our eldest daughter to call for an ambulance. By the time the paramedics arrived, I had regained consciousness – though I don’t remember this. The last thing I recall is sitting on our bed at home with an ambulance crew surrounding me. They had tried to establish my level of awareness by asking me if I knew who the man was sitting…

Louisa Adjoa Parker, 49, is a writer of English-Ghanaian heritage who lives in Somerset with her husband Peter Fry. There’s a photo of me giggling in the surf, smiling in the sunshine, yet bracing myself as the cold water laps my legs. I remember the moment so well. I was seven years old and visiting my maternal grandparents, who had recently moved to Devon. I was happy there, yet never felt I belonged in rural Britain. My dad is from Ghana, my mum is from Reading, Berkshire. They met when a friend of my mum’s set up a dating agency and Mum agreed to go on a few dates. My dad proposed on the fourth one and, after my siblings and I were born, we moved from Yorkshire to East…

‘If you’re older, you have more to lose’ You hope it will never happen to you, but with no-fault divorces coming into effect, it’s important to navigate the decoupling minefield if you need to. Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining, but it can also provide freedom, and the potential to emerge stronger and happier. Stats show that we are getting divorced later in life than ever before. More than 13,000 ‘silver splitters’ over the age of 60 got divorced in 2019, according to the Office for National Statistics, and the pandemic has stretched many more relationships to breaking point. ‘Splitting up can be a financial disaster when you’re older because you’ve spent more of your life building your assets – so you have more to lose and far less…

✢ Petitioner The person who starts divorce proceedings. ✢ Respondent The person who receives the divorce petition. ✢ Decree nisi A provisional divorce document that shows the court is satisfied that you have met the requirements for a divorce. Once you have reached the decree nisi stage, a court will need to approve the consent order, to make it legally binding. ✢ Financial agreement Sets out how your finances will be divided after a divorce. ✢ Decree absolute A legal document that makes the divorce final. You can only apply for a  decree absolute after waiting at least six weeks and one day after the decree nisi. ✢ Child arrangements or residency What used to be called  custody. The decision about  where the children will live and when. Normally it’s…

Thrifty trick Over 62 million credit cards were issued last year, with transactions totalling around 196 million* . While credit cards have a place when it comes to managing your money, they can be damaging if used incorrectly. These savvy tips will keep you one step ahead: ✢ Cap your limit: Maxing out your card will hurt your credit score. The rule of thumb is to stick to 25% of your allowance – so, if your limit is £2,000, do not spend more than £500. ✢ The APR: This tells you how much interest you’ll pay, but avoid interest entirely by always paying off your bill in full. Also, look for cards that offer interest-free spending, and use them for perks, such as cashback or loyalty rewards, rather than to create…

We’ve all been there. That burning, itching, bright red reaction when you’ve used something you didn’t know you were sensitive to. When it comes to skincare, we all have high hopes. But sometimes the bathroom mirror can greet you with a face that more closely resembles a tomato than the smooth, dewy complexion you were hoping for. OUCH. As a beauty editor, I’ve had my fair share of red-faced moments when testing new formulas over the years. It’s an occupational hazard, often caused by overzealous usage of a new ‘miracle’ cream that has landed on my desk. Like many ‘beauty addicts’, I’m a sucker for ingredients that promise fresher, more youthful, peachier skin. But the problem is that many of us (one in three, according to a new Mintel study)…

One of the quickest, and easiest, ways to change your look is to do an at-home mani. And while it’s tempting to reach straight for the colour, by spending just a few minutes prepping your nails, it will not only make your polish easier to apply but will give your DIY job a professional edge. We asked celebrity manicurist Michelle Class for all her best tips and tricks. Cuticle care Start with cuticles. ‘Please don’t use cuticle clippers at home,’ advises Michelle. ‘You can cut away living tissue, which can lead to infection. Instead, hydrate them with cuticle oil, which is like conditioner for your nails. Put a drop on each and massage all over. Keep a bottle on you all the time and rub some in whenever you remember…

Move over oat, rice and soy, there are new picks when it comes to a drop of dairy-free. And it’s no wonder it’s such big business – more than a third of us now buy plant-based milks*, with Waitrose declaring potato milk one of 2022’s top trends. Not sure which ones taste good? Formulate Health founder Mina Khan gives us the low-down. PISTACHIO Lactose- and gluten-free, and lower in sugar and calories than oat milk, it uses less water than almond milk during production, but is pricier. BENEFITS Commonly fortified with vitamin B12 and calcium, it contains monounsaturated fatty acids – which are good for the heart – and is rich in copper and magnesium, which can improve bowel function. It has more potassium than other milk alternatives. TASTE Mild,…

Ten million of us suffer pain daily, which affects our quality of life, says The British Pain Society. But before you head to your medicine cupboard and knock back another couple of tablets to ease that tension headache or aching joints, try these soothing suggestions instead, which may help – from getting frisky and upping your water intake, to treating yourself to chocolate… 1 TAKE VITAMIN C ‘It’s one of the most important nutrients for joint health, as it helps your body make cartilage, which cushions joints,’ says nutritionist Cassandra Burns. 2 GO HOT AND COLD For backache, physio Tim Allardyce advises alternating between a covered ice pack and a hot-water bottle on the painful area. ‘Keep switching every five minutes until the pain stops,’ he says. 3 BE…

It’s the beginning of February, traditionally a time when New Year’s resolutions become a bit… sort of… fuzzy around the edges. You can’t actually remember why you started them, but you seem to have spent the whole of January in a permanent state of holier-thanthou-ness. A day isn’t a good one unless you’ve stopped, given up or abstained from something, never mind the exhausting pledging, promising and overcommitting. So girls, change is not just for January, it’s for YOU. Now that January is done with, let’s see how we progress from here. The first thing is to allow yourself some downtime. Let’s take food, for example. To make changes to your shape, health and fitness, we need to make changes to our energy intake. If you want to lose fat,…

Both fact and fiction! The answer to this one is as individual as you are! It’s correct to say having too little sleep impacts on your health – we all know the after-effects of a bad night’s sleep on our mood and energy levels. In fact, long-term lack of sleep is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and obesity, it impacts your immune system, and is associated with memory loss, depression and more. But, you might not need eight hours, you may need slightly more or slightly less. In general, sleeping less than six hours or more than 10 hours per 24-hour period is not recommended, but if you wake up refreshed after seven or nine, that’s the right amount for you. Even that may change.…

EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF SCOTLAND IN THE SUMMER STRATHSPEY RAILWAY If you just take one extended rail journey around Scotland, make it this one, because this 11-day itinerary includes two of the most breathtaking railway journeys in the world. You’ll travel the famous ‘Road to the Isles’ behind the steam locomotive known as the Jacobite. This 84-mile round trip begins at the foot of Ben Nevis and journeys over wild moors, passing Scottish lochs and crossing the iconic, 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. Another unforgettable rail journey is the stunningly spectacular train ride out to Kyle of Lochalsh and back travelling coast to coast across the Highlands, in the shadows of mountains and forests, beside bright lochs…

FRIENDS DIVIDED The Herd by Emily Edwards (£14.99, HB, Bantam Press) Nothing in life is black or white, as this timely novel shows. When polar opposite best friends Elizabeth and Bryony have children, they know they may bring them up differently, but not how divided they’ll be when it comes to vaccination – and how one small lie can lead to devastating consequences. Controversial, addictive and clever, with very believable, complex characters, this is an impressive debut. BURIED SECRETS The House of Ashes by Stuart Neville (£14.99, HB, Bonnier Zaffre) Sara is shocked when an elderly lady, Mary, shows up at her door declaring that she’s in her house. The old farm was home to Mary for 60 years. It’s where she was born, and held captive for a decade,…

I’m rereading D.E. Stevenson’s MRS. TIM GETS A JOB – a diary of an army wife who, left with an empty nest, moves to Scotland to work for an irrepressible hotelier. Anaita Davar, India I’ve just finished THE GIRL IN THE MAZE by Cathy Hayward – a family drama about three generations of mothers. I found it thought-provoking, moving and addictive. Nicola, Sheffield SHIVER by Allie Reynolds is full of dark, delicious fun. Perfect to read at this time of year, it’s a gripping, twisty debut that really draws you in. Catherine Balavage, London SHE’S MINE by A.A. Chaudhuri – to say it was a brilliant psychological thriller is an understatement. I had to sit in a dark room for a while afterwards. Danielle, Mid Glamorgan…

Daisy fiddled with her earrings. Too dangly? She wanted to look nice, but not like she’d made too much effort. Luckily, she’d had her hair highlighted last week, so there were no grey roots showing, and the floaty leopard print dress with a leather jacket looked trendy without being try-hard. She went downstairs, wiping her clammy hands on her skirt. In the living room, her daughter, Tilda, was watching Netflix on the television, YouTube on her laptop, and TikTok on her phone. She looked up as her mother came in. Quaking, Daisy endured the beady eye of a 15-year-old. ‘Sexy.’ Daisy blushed to her newly done roots. ‘Stop it! I don’t want to look sexy. Just… approachable.’ Tilda nodded, rolling her eyes. ‘Sure, that’s what everyone’s going for on Tinder…

No Return There’s a holiday nightmare for Sheridan Smith as she plays Kathy, a mother on a family trip to Turkey when her teenage son Noah (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) is arrested. Michael Jibson plays her husband Martin. ITV Peaky Blinders Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his gang are back for a final series. After his thwarted attempt to assassinate Oswald Mosley, the search is on to discover who betrayed him. Tom Hardy also returns. BBC1 Starstruck Adam Lambert, Sheridan Smith, Jason Manford and Beverley Knight are the judges in this series where members of the public perform in teams of three in the guise of their music heroes, such as Freddie Mercury and Ariana Grande. Olly Murs hosts the fun. ITV This is Going to Hurt This seven-part dark comedy…

Magpie Murders Lesley Manville heads up this twisty crime drama spanning two time periods. Editor Susan Ryland receives an unfinished manuscript that changes her life. BritBox Pam & Tommy This eight-part biopic about Baywatch star Pamela Anderson (Lily James) and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee (Sebastian Stan) covers their tempestuous marriage. Disney+ Reacher Fans of the Jack Reacher movies now have an all-action thriller series. Fresh out of the military, Jack turns up in small-town Georgia to find he’s a prime suspect in a murder case. Amazon Prime Video…

PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH  March’s first fortnight is full of potential for lucky breaks. It’s also a great time for self-started projects. The 18th is eventful. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD  Your lucky ruler sails through Pisces until 20 December, bringing good things. This happens every 12 years. After next year, you’re better off financially. Call 0905 789 4161* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates.…

A GREAT SUCCESS Can I send my heartfelt thanks to Julie for being a living kidney donor [Letter in December]? I was one for my late husband. After seeing him languish on dialysis, I asked if I could donate. Though I’d been told I wasn’t a good enough match, the transplant was a great success. Sadly, my husband passed away three years later, but I don’t regret my decision. Pauline RISING UP I’m sure I’m so glad you left me [January] resonated with many women who’ve had to reinvent themselves after a relationship breakdown. How easy it must be to lose one’s ‘self’ through a chipping away of one’s confidence, especially with children in the mix. It’s all the more admirable to rise like a phoenix to claim back positivity…

‘I’m not going to lie, I’m open to a facelift’ Shirley Ballas has a message on her phone that she wants to share. It’s from her therapist in response to a text she sent detailing her weekly schedule in an attempt to explain why she’s feeling a touch ‘overwhelmed’. ‘Not a healthy list. Self-care is needed,’ reads Shirley aloud, after talking us through her commitments from the past week – judging BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing, travelling the country to visit family and former soldiers for Remembrance, a full day of teaching at her south London dance studio, hosting dance lectures and online classes, plus rising at 4am to learn choreography for panto. Then Shirley flicks open her diary to illustrate the point – a virtually illegible mass of scribbles and…

DO ‘LEGS UP THE WALL’ This yoga pose quietens the mind, says yoga expert Hannah Barrett. ✢ Lie on your back, legs up against the wall, feet parallel to the floor, your bottom near the skirting board. ✢ Keep knees relaxed, feeling a light stretch in the legs. ✢ Stay in position for 10-15 minutes. TRY CAT/COW STRETCH Mobilise the spine to release tension, says Pilates expert Korin Nolan. ✢ Start on your hands and knees, your spine in a neutral position. ✢ Inhale and, as you exhale, tuck your bottom under and drop your head. Inhale and on the exhale, reverse the stretch, lifting your bottom and chin to the ceiling. ✢ Repeat five to 10 times. GET INTO CHILD’S POSE This relieves tension in the neck, back and…

There is no such thing as an ordinary life. That’s what I’ve learnt since I started teaching memoir writing. I am always blown away by what lies just beneath the surface, that in any gathering of people there is such an incredible diversity of stories. All writing goals are good, but I have a special place in my heart for those with the ambition of crafting a family story so that it can be preserved for their children or grandchildren. ‘Secrets are always very intriguing’ Perhaps I am a bit jealous. I come from a long line of nobodies where no one seemed to write much down. All my grandparents died young and we don’t have much in the way of photos or documentation. I’d love to know more about…

‘We were expected to give up work and become full-time mums’ Barbara (Mimmi) Jackson, 94, is a retired school teacher from Leyland, Lancs, and mother to Hillary, Verity and Martin. How did you do things differently to your mother? My mother brought my brother and me up during World War Two, so she struggled with rationing and evacuation – pressures I didn’t have as a mother in the 1950s and 1960s. The day I started high school, war was declared, and the next day I was evacuated to Blackpool, while my six-year-old brother was sent to a family in Cheshire. We were apart for seven months. Once reunited, war made us a strong family. My relationship with Mum was particularly close. She never had the luxury of handing out treats,…

Has there ever been a moment in history when women were more at the centre of things? From global leaders and media moguls to sporting superstars and business tycoons, our voices are being heard. Gone are the years when football was a woman-free zone, or parliament was a sea of old, white men. Today’s CEOs, politicians and scientists are increasingly likely to be women, and campaigns calling time on sexist and abusive behaviour are gradually bearing fruit. However, women and girls have been disproportionately affected by the COVID pandemic. Globally, we’ve had more job losses, education disruptions and increased burdens of unpaid care work. On top of that, the gender pay gap endures, while men still hold more positions of political power and employment management. Of course, there’s plenty to…

An amicable divorce might sound like a contradiction in terms, but if you can reach an agreement with your soon-to-be-ex partner, and avoid court proceedings, you will save time, money and trauma. ‘An amicable divorce is only possible if both partners are willing to take a collaborative approach,’ says Vicki Rawlins, partner at Stowe Family Law. It’s vital to keep communicating, consider the other person’s point of view and be willing to compromise. Try to settle potentially contentious areas early on, such as the examples cited when divorcing for unreasonable behaviour, or any issues about who pays divorce costs. Then focus on what really matters to you, such as your home, finances or arrangements for the children, if you have them. You can get help to reach agreement via mediation,…

How we’re treated and the environment we live in shapes how we view ourselves. I was a quiet child who walked looking at the floor, rather than standing tall with confidence. I didn’t live in a secure, safe environment. My mum had me when she was 15 and after my parents divorced when I was five, we lived in Sheffield in lots of different houses. My mum married again and my stepdad was a violent man who hated it when any focus was on me, so I protected myself by never talking about myself to deflect attention, which contradicts who I am inside. Now I’ve come full circle and it’s a privilege to be able to help other people who are facing similar challenges. I’ll always have to care for…

All-occasion BLAZERS The humble blazer is a hard-working piece in your everyday wardrobe and can add elegance to whatever’s worn underneath. Team with everything from jeans and a T-shirt, to floaty dresses and matching trousers. Fun finishing TOUCHES Look to accessories as the perfect pick-me-up. Whether it’s jewellery, arm candy or soft additions, they can update your look without breaking the bank, and are the easiest way to experiment. Happy KNITS It’s not quite time to ditch jumpers, but we can start getting excited for spring with these cheerful designs. Bright colours and bold prints are instant mood boosters and, when worn with jeans or floaty midi skirts, can transform a dull winter day into a fashion masterpiece. Timeless TANK TOPS The sweater vest has undergone a revival in recent…

1 Streamline your routine If a complicated routine with lots of different ingredients has left your complexion begging for mercy, it’s time to go back to basics. Too many acids, retinoids and peels used all at the same time can upset the balance of your skin’s natural microbiome, stripping it of important bacteria that can protect and nourish. Repair your skin barrier with ceramide and humectant-enriched moisturisers, which help to boost the oil and water levels in your skin barrier. Try Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, £43, elizabetharden.co.uk , an easy-to-use, biodegradable, daily dose capsule to help get skin back on track. 2 Gentle cleansing Cleansing is one of the most important parts of a good skincare routine, but make your mantra ‘less is more’. Forget…

1 SO SMOOTH Augustinus Bader The Hair Oil, £38, augustinusbader.com Formulated with Professor Augustinus Bader’s patented TFC8® technology, an innovative formula that enhances the potency of his products, this hair oil tames frizz and protects your locks from heat styling and environmental aggressors. With pomegranate, argan and baobab oils to boost shine, hair will look and feel its healthiest. 2 HYDRATION RESCUE Fable & Mane SahaScalp Amla Smoothing Serum, £29, cultbeauty.co.uk A healthy scalp is key to beautiful hair and this problem-solving serum is a must for itchy, flaky or overly oily scalps. A few drops massaged into roots and lengths will replenish parched strands and rebalance irritated roots. The result? Frizz-free, easy-to-manage hair. 3 SILKY STYLER Living Proof No Frizz Weightless Finishing & Styling Spray, £33, spacenk.com If you…

The quiz While eating plenty of healthy, nutritious food is key to protecting yourself from the inside out, dietary supplements can offer that extra support to keep you fighting fit – essential at this time of year. But with so many supplements out there, it can be difficult to know what’s worth it, and what’s not. Answer the questions (below) to discover how in the know you really are, and where you need an extra dose of information. 1 When is the best time to take vitamins? A Breakfast B Lunchtime C Dinner time D Just before bed 2 What are EPA, DHA and ALA types of? A B vitamins B Omega-3 fatty acids C Probiotics D CBD 3 When do you need to up your folic acid intake? A…

One of the commonest questions that I ask in my surgery is ‘what contraception are you using?’, and often as women get into their late 40s and early 50s, they reply something along the lines of ‘oh nothing, I don’t need it now, right?’. It’s true your fertility declines as you get older, but you can still get pregnant and many women do! So if you wish to prevent pregnancy you need to consider contraception, potentially for longer than you might think. In fact, we cannot say you have gone through the menopause until you have not bled for one year. If you go through the menopause under the age of 50 you need to use contraception for two years after your last period; if you go through the menopause…

MIX STYLE AND PRACTICALITY Classic window shutters offer an elegant option for living room windows in period properties or new builds, and can be custom-made to suit the style and shape of window. For full-height windows, tier-on-tier shutters are a practical solution, with top and bottom halves that can be operated independently, so light and privacy levels can be adjusted as desired. Tier on tier shutters, from £191 per sq m, californiashutters.co.uk GIVE WIDTH TO NARROW WINDOWS Create the illusion of width at narrow windows or French doors by fitting a curtain pole that’s wider than the frame. Extending the curtain pole a little on each side allows the curtains to be drawn to the edge of the frame, making the window feel wider than it actually is. Caverley curtains,…

✢ Choose traditional furniture with turned legs, scrolled arms and decorative details. Opt for a raw wood finish to add warmth. ✢ Work in texture and pattern with woollen blankets, block-print fabrics and fringed cushions. ✢ Invest in classic lighting to illuminate your home – think brass pendants and fabric shades on ceramic bases. ✢ Keep to a trio of colours when decorating an open-plan space. Soft shades of pink, green and blue work perfectly for a coastal-country scheme.…

Cantonese-style crispy pork with spicy noodles Succulent meat with the most divine crackling – delicious! Serves 4 • Ready in 1 hr 25 mins, plus overnight marinating 2tbsp rice wine vinegar, plus extra for brushing 1tsp Chinese five spice 1tbsp brown sugar ½tsp smoked sea salt 1 garlic clove, grated 1kg pork belly Coarse rock salt for baking (enough to cover the whole skin in an even layer) 1tsp vegetable oil For the spicy noodles: 550g fresh egg noodles 2tsp crispy chilli oil 1tbsp sesame seed oil Juice of 1 lime Small pack coriander, roughly chopped (reserve some leaves to garnish) Roasted peanuts and sliced red chilli, to garnish (optional) 1 The night before, mix together the rice wine vinegar, five spice, sugar, smoked sea salt and garlic. Rub over the…

ITALIAN ADVENTURE There’s a quieter and more restful mood in Venice nowadays, and arriving on a small ship feels just right. Since the summer of 2021, the biggest cruise ships have no longer sailed along the Giudecca Canal, towering over the crumbling palazzi and leaning bell towers. Now, they’re out of sight and, to the Venetians who campaigned against their presence, out of mind, docked at the ferry terminal across the lagoon. ‘It’s a wonderfully relaxing and immersive way to see Venice’ Small ships, however, still occupy prime position in the city, docked at San Basilio on the Giudecca, an easy stroll via a latticework of greeny-blue canals to Piazza San Marco. Uniworld’s 126-passenger SS La Venezia, arguably the sleekest of them all, offers week-long itineraries from here, spending a…

INTO THE DEEP The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka (£12.99, HB, Penguin) Haunting, ironic and poetic in its resonance, this slender volume is a must-read. It opens with brilliant observational detail on Alice’s community of swimmers – the characters, the quirks – and a pool event that presages what is happening to Alice. Otsuka switches to a gentle meditation on memory, grief and love, as Alice transitions into a care home. As she surrenders her identity and independence, there are vivid flashbacks and tender mother-daughter scenes. Don’t miss this beautifully written, heartfelt, wry and wistful exploration of loss.…

‘There are so many characters in the world’ If you’ve ever dreamt of owning a beach hut or spending a night on the Orient Express, you may well have read one of Veronica Henry’s books, set in gorgeous surroundings. She has written 20 novels dealing with very real situations, and her latest, The Impulse Purchase, sees three generations of women take over the running of a pub. Veronica, who has three grown-up sons, lives in Woolacombe, North Devon, with her miniature schnauzer, Zelda. I always start my books with the question ‘Where do I want to take my readers?’ I like to take them on a journey, so I invariably start with a setting, which you can tell by the title of my books. There may be a beach hut,…

Reading I’ve just read Katy Wix’s memoir Delicacy, which goes to the darkest parts of her experience of grief, disordered eating and her battle with people who make her feel, because of her weight, that she doesn’t fit into show business. I found her book painfully relatable. Watching The television I watch is nearly always with my kids and we binge on Modern Family, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Cobra Kai, which stars the actual actors from the Karate Kid movies. Listening I love BBC Sounds and in lockdown I got obsessive about podcasts. My favourite was The Battersea Poltergeist because I love a ghost story, even though I don’t believe in ghosts. Scrolling I’m a slave to social media and work hard not to be. I’m better than I used to…

ARIES 21 MARCH – 19 APRIL Spring is sprung on the 21st when your birthday month begins. From the 27th, communication planet Mercury enables you to ask for – and get – what you want. Call 0905 789 4150* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates TAURUS 20 APRIL – 20 MAY Future plans are in the spotlight on the 3rd and single Taureans could meet someone special. Be prepared for a (maybe stressful) surprise around the 19th. Call 0905 789 4151* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUNE Make time around the 10th to attend to something you need. It’s one of the best moments for making things happen. A challenge on the 3rd could reap benefits. Call 0905 789 4152* and choose…

‘It’s a joy to cast off thick tights and thermal bras’ My local bookshop has a new sign in the window – ’Please note; the post-apocalyptic fiction section has been moved to current affairs.’ After the roller-coaster ride of the past two years, it’s hard not to conclude that ‘optimism’ is an eye disease. But it’s important not to become Eeyore-esque because research proves that optimists live longer than pessimists. Yep. Apparently, optimism lowers blood pressure and boosts your immune system, which increases longevity. And spring is the perfect springboard for feeling more upbeat. It starts with the joy of casting off those thick tights and thermal bras. By mid-January, I’m so cold, my breasts start chattering. The fog’s so thick that taking a gulp of air risks chipping a…