Innholdsfortegnelse for April 2022 i Woman & Home

Spring is here! At last, the end is in sight to the winter days of white cloud, mud and leafless trees. At this time of year, nothing can hold nature back – daffodils, buds on the trees, even dandelions on the lawn are a welcome sign that it’s all on its way (OK, maybe the dandelions on the lawn aren’t quite as welcome). It’s a time for family, friends and having some fun, which is why we have plenty of Easter inspiration for you in this issue. I always find at this time of year, the sun suddenly appears one morning and showcases all the dust that has gathered in the corners, calling for the mother of all spring cleans. We have lots of lovely ideas for sprucing up your…

1. Fashion icon With notes of green citrus and sweet neroli, this is a lighter and more radiant version of the original. Gucci Bloom EDT, £89, The Perfume Shop 2. Coming up roses If you love the original version, you will adore this more intense and enveloping eau de parfum. Diptyque Eau Rose EDP, £128, diptyqueparis.com 3. Golden girl As gorgeous on the outside as it is on the inside, this cardamom and gardenia-infused perfume is perfection. Jo Loves Golden Gardenia, £115, 100ml, Space NK 4. Romantic reflection Add a touch of sensuality with this scent, featuring sultry amber, spicy peppercorn and alluring vetiver. BOSS The Scent Le Parfum for Her, £82, 100ml, Boots 5. Grown-up florals Slightly salty, a little bit fruity and just the right amount of woody.…

Her bright blue eyes are welcoming and her skin is porcelain, but the most striking thing about Elizabeth McGovern is her delicate poise and strength of character. We meet via video call from a ‘borrowed’ dressing room at a theatre in London’s Shepherd’s Bush after rehearsals for Ava: The Secret Conversations, her show about Hollywood legend Ava Gardner, also starring Anatol Yusef. There’s no publicist, no hovering stylist, which is a matter of course for actresses of Elizabeth’s calibre. The absence of an entourage is a nod to her down-to-earthness, which is particularly obvious when she talks about Matilda, 27, and Grace, 23, her daughters with film director Simon Curtis, whom she married in 1992. Of course, Illinois-born Elizabeth has another family – the Downton Abbey cast, with whom she…

About this time two years ago, I started to attend the dawn chorus. I’d put on my coat over my pyjamas, then go down to the canal two minutes’ walk away, to watch while the sky went from blue to apricot, and listen while the birdsong went from a tentative duet to full-blown choir. Yes, it was that glorious spring of the first lockdown, when nature seemed supercharged and – along with everyone’s newfound appreciation of it – the birdsong more joyously raucous than ever before. But the truth was, my ‘spring watch’ had been an all-yearlong watch for a few years by that point; my love of nature crept up on me in my 40s, like falling in love with a person. Along with my initiation into the dawn…

Thrifty trick It’s the end of the tax year on 5 April. Here are three end-of-tax-year money moves to make now: 1 Use your £20,000 ISA allowance, which lets you save or invest without having to pay any tax on your returns. If you don’t max out this tax year’s allowance, you lose it. However, a new ISA allowance of £20,000 kicks in on 6 April, the start of a new tax year. 2 Claim the working-from-home tax relief, worth £125. It doesn’t matter how many days you work from home – if your employer has asked you to work remotely, you should be eligible. Find out more at gov.uk/tax-relief-for-employees/working-at-home 3 If you earn less than £12,570 – the personal allowance – use the Marriage Allowance to transfer up to…

SWAP white shirts FOR striped styles They’ve long been a reliable option but, this season, go for a contemporary twist. Choose stripes in muted colours or pastels to keep your top versatile and team with chic, minimal separates. SWAP tailored blazers FOR oversized fits The perfect layering piece has been upgraded to a more relaxed shape. The simplest way to wear it is by keeping your outfit underneath streamlined to avoid overwhelming your frame. SWAP court shoes FOR quirky heels Have fun with your footwear this spring, with sculptural styles that elevate any look. The key is to keep the front of the shoes neutral to ensure they go with everything, and let the heel at the back up the fashion credentials. SWAP midi skirts FOR maxi lengths The just-below-the-knee…

Dull, rough, flat, thin-looking – no, this isn’t a checklist of 40+ skin issues, rather the signs of ageing hair. For some of us, this is a gradual process; for others, it’s as if hair transforms overnight, from shiny and swishy to dry and unruly. But these inevitable changes are treatable. The haircare aisle abounds with ingredients usually reserved for anti-ageing skin creams. With the right products, you can turn back the clock on your locks and enjoy full, shiny, beautiful hair at any age. Q My hair feels like straw. Help! Hair fibres become more coarse and wiry over the years, and as the scalp produces less sebum, hair turns dry and brittle. Use a deep conditioning mask to restore elasticity. Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, £35, John Lewis & Partners…

Feeling stressed? Hot flushes taking over? B vitamins could be the cure – but with eight different ones to choose from, many of us are confused about which we need. ‘And make sure you take them in the morning, as they can interfere with sleep,’ says registered nutritional therapist Paula Werrett* . Our experts have the low-down. B1 THIAMIN RDA** 0.8mg B1 can be found in peas, fresh fruit, nuts and wholegrain bread. BENEFITS Run-down and wiped out? ‘Thiamin supports energy production and the nervous system, and improves our resilience to stress,’ says Paula. TRY Solgar Vitamin B1, 100mg, £9.99 for 100, amazon.co.uk B2 RIBOFLAVIN RDA 1.1mg Plenty of cheese and milk, tuna and dark meat will help you hit your daily target. BENEFITS ‘Riboflavin plays a key role in…

With more than seven million people in the UK* living with a form of cardiovascular disease, it has never been more important to enjoy a heart-healthy diet. In fact, according to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) experts, a diet filled with fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, lean meat and fish is the key to reducing your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. So, is your diet helping or harming your heart? Take the test Answer each question, tot up your scores and discover how you can make your diet more heart-friendly. 1 Which oils do you usually cook with? A Butter B Coconut oil C Olive oil D Rapeseed oil 2 What’s your go-to snack? A Crisps B Chocolate C Nuts D Dried fruit 3 Which of these fruits do you…

For most people, COVID-19 is a mild infection that improves over a few days to a week or so. The majority who have had the virus make a full recovery by 12 weeks. But around one in five patients with COVID-19 may develop long COVID symptoms. Within this group, most people will slowly improve over time. Long COVID symptoms can affect every organ system in the body. The most common one is tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest, and you may also have brain fog. These symptoms relapse or worsen after episodes of physical or mental exertion – called post-exertional malaise (PEM). Other symptoms include headaches, weakness, long-term changes in taste and smell, tinnitus, recurrent fever, palpitations, shortness of breath, aches and pains, change to appetite, mood changes and more.…

WOOD AND VINYL 1 WARM UP WITH THE REAL THING Solid-wood floors can be sanded and refinished repeatedly, but engineered wood boards only a limited number of times. Opt for warm, honey-toned woods to create a cosier vibe. A matt oiled finish like this will highlight the grain and character of the wood beautifully. GoodHome Visby natural oak solid-wood flooring, £44 per sq m, diy.com 2 FAKE IT WITH A LUXE LOOKALIKE For high-end without the high maintenance, consider LVT flooring – luxury vinyl tile. Made up of multiple layers of vinyl, LVT flooring is thicker and more durable than standard vinyls, as well as being scuff, stain and water resistant. Available in tile or plank format, which gives flooring a more convincing appearance, designs range from wood and stone…

Rhubarb and ginger trifle Our Easter dessert is comforting in flavour, but spectacular in looks, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serves 8 • Ready in 40 mins, plus chilling For the poached rhubarb: 100g caster sugar Zest and juice of 1 orange 50ml stem ginger syrup 500g rhubarb, trimmed weight, cut into 5cm batons For the rest: 1 ginger loaf, approx 230g, cut into 6 slices 2 stem ginger balls, diced 500ml fresh custard 300ml double cream To decorate: Crushed ginger biscuits, optional You will need: 18cm diameter trifle dish, approx 2.5 litres 1 For the rhubarb, place the sugar in a pan with 50ml water, the orange zest and juice, and the stem ginger syrup. Heat until the sugar is dissolved. Add the rhubarb and gently simmer for…

Divine Chocolate Smooth Milk Speckled Eggs, 155g, £4.75, Waitrose & Partners Chunkier than some of the other speckled eggs on the market and made with fair-trade cocoa. They have a satisfying crisp shell and smooth, milk chocolate centre. Salted Caramel Carrots, 80g, £4, Waitrose & Partners These adorable chocolates would make a great fun gift for adults or children. They’d be a brilliant topping for carrot and walnut cake too. Lindt Lindor White Chocolate Eggs, 80g, £1.99, most supermarkets Individually foil wrapped and perfect for scattering around the house for your Easter egg trail. The chocolate is creamy and will certainly fulfil sweet cravings. Galaxy Enchanted Eggs, 80g, £1.29, Ocado We love the caramel flavour in these crunch-coated rose-gold eggs. They have a chic design and are a nice option…

BEST SWEET ALTERNATIVE White Chocolate and Lemon Hot Cross Buns, 4 pack, £1.65, Waitrose & Partners These buns taste rich, like a brioche, and have a good scattering of white chocolate chunks throughout. For extra indulgence, Rose suggests serving with lemon curd instead of butter. BEST FREE-FROM Free From Hot Cross Buns, 4 pack, £2, Morrisons Scoring well for both appearance and taste, these are a great traditional bun for those who can’t eat gluten. They had a fantastic texture with a good, satisfying bite compared to others, which dissolved in the mouth. BEST TRADITIONAL Jacksons Tea-Infused Hot Cross Buns, 4 pack, £1.60, Ocado Delicious and aesthetically pleasing, with a neat but rustic cross and a good, well-risen shape. Acting food director Silvana Franco loved the ‘delicious spicy aroma and…

SCENIC SPLENDOUR WALKING TOUR OF BAROLO, PIEDMONT, ITALY Take it easy on a relaxed, small-group tour that takes in some of Piedmont’s most beautiful scenery. Over five days, you’ll be discovering new areas in the region via some stunning hiking routes, and be rewarded with local food and wine. From the hills of the Monferrato, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique vineyard landscape, to the quaint paths of Barolo, you’ll work up an appetite before enjoying wine tastings in family-run cellars. Foodie highlights include sampling fresh truffles in Alba – Piedmont’s unofficial culinary capital – while winery highlights include a visit to a family-run winery in the Alice Bel Colle region, producing dry, full-bodied barbera wines. How to do it A five day tour costs from…

Sarah Pinborough A critically acclaimed author and screenwriter, Sarah Pinborough has written 23 books, but it was her 2017 novel, Behind Her Eyes, that was turned into a Netflix series, with an ending that had everyone talking. In her latest novel, Insomnia, we meet Emma, who fears lack of sleep may be driving her insane – like her mother. It’s quite challenging coming to a new book because you feel like people expect a certain type of story from you, and that can be a pressure. I decided that, with my last book I’d been so lucky to have a hit, not to worry if the next one was! I have the final scene clear in my head before I start writing. I have ‘tent-peg’ points for reveals or twists,…

COMPELLING THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY by Patricia Highsmith I love the mystique surrounding Ripley and the glamorous locations. Highsmith is very good at making you uncomfortably care about the dislikeable protagonist, and in this particular book, you kind of hope he gets away with it. You’re invested in him not getting caught. HAUNTING REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier It’s the ultimate gothic country house setting with brilliant characterisation. It also has a wonderful psychological plot. Probably du Maurier’s most famous novel, which is atmospheric, suspenseful and shocking. A CLASSIC THE WHEEL SPINS (THE LADY VANISHES) by Ethel Lina White This clever 1936 mystery has been turned into a film three times. And it’s no wonder – the location on a train crossing Europe, the idea that the main character, Iris,…

Watching Motherland on BBC2 and BBC1’s Ghosts are massive for me. I watch them with both my kids. Listening The radio is on all the time. I listen to Smooth Radio an awful lot because I like the music and the DJs – they’re my women, my people. I always listen to Liza Tarbuck on Radio 2 and also Amanda Holden on Heart Radio. I’m a fan of podcasts like Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time because she gets great guests. I’ve been loving Josh Widdicombe and Rob Beckett’s Parenting Hell – it’s the funniest podcast ever and really makes me laugh when I’m driving. Reading I only read when I’m away from the kids or on holiday. Reading is a luxury. The books that are constantly by my bed…

Journalist and bestselling author HELEN RUSSELL hosts the How To Be Sad podcast, based on her book of the same name, and is working on a documentary for the BBC. On p20, she tells us why it’s OK to feel sad sometimes. If you could bottle one memory, what would it be? Slicing through cool, glassy water on my stand-up paddleboard in a fjord. It was the first day of spring and a seal swam alongside. That, and the smell of my three kids as newborns – I’m a menace for sniffing a newborn! ANNABEL ABBS is an award-winning writer of fiction and non-fiction, who’s just written The Language of Food. On p26, she pays homage to women chefs. If you could bottle one memory, what would it be? When…

Seat cushions and napkins made in Wild & Free fabric, £59 per m, vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk; for similar table runner fabric, try pennymorrison.com; plates, £8.95 each, bowls, from £7.95 each, all rexlondon.com; similar ceramic egg holder, £2, similar white jugs, from £9 each, both Dunelm; fabric-covered plant pot set (on windowsill), £37 for three, dejaoohfurniture.co.uk…

We’ve all been brought up to feel that being happy is good and being sad is not. Yet while we may aspire to be shiny, happy people, in fact the ‘good vibes only’ approach needs a rethink. Most of us are so scared of being sad we jeopardise our chances of being happy – or really living at all. Studies show suppressing so-called ‘negative’ thoughts doesn’t work. By contrast, allowing for temporary sadness helps improve our attention to detail, increases perseverance, promotes generosity and makes us more grateful for what we have. We can all get happier, by learning to be sad better. Here’s how. OUR EXPERTS Julia Samuel MBE is a psychotherapist, author and speaker. She is the author of books including Grief Works and This Too Shall Pass.…

Five years ago, I was rummaging through a collection of antiquarian cookery books when I came across one that was unlike all others. I knew instantly that this chef was a cut above the rest. I could smell her chopped herbs and her freshly zested lemon. And yet I’d never heard of her. Who was Eliza Acton? Like many women, I first learnt to cook from my mother. But now I started learning from Eliza. A self-taught cook, she spent 10 years creating her bestselling recipe book, Modern Cookery for Private Families in 1845. After she died, Eliza languished in the shadow of Mrs Beeton, but her legacy was revived, thanks to Elizabeth David in the 1950s. Eliza is now considered the inventor of the modern recipe and a pioneer…

What’s your earliest memory of gardening? Being in my grandfather’s allotment in Ilkley. I remember sweet peas climbing up canes and dangly Cadbury’s cocoa tin lids to frighten away the sparrows. What scares you? Boredom, so I avoid it at all costs. It also frightens me that we are heading towards rabid intolerance. I find cancel culture alarming. What’s the best decision you have ever made? To be a gardener, to marry a very tolerant lady and have two glorious daughters. And the worst? I forget them. I don’t want to dwell otherwise you start getting embittered and unhappy. I play the glad game. What’s been the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Take a risk. The errors of omission are the ones that you regret. Things you…

‘Our children have acute special needs’ Kerry Curl, 41, a wedding industry business coach, and husband Stephen, 47, a builder, live in Cambridgeshire with their sons Alex, 12, and Benjamin, 11. They met via a dating website in 2009. Stephen and I haven’t spent a night alone as a couple for 12 years. Our eldest son Alex is autistic and our youngest has ADHD, and their needs are such that we can’t even ask close family to look after them. ‘Many couples would have broken under the pressure we face’ When we met, I could immediately tell I wanted to spend my life with Stephen. I loved his strength and resilience, he admired my spirit and work ethic, and we wanted children. We were delighted when Alex was born and…

Former teacher Melanie Gail, 59, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, had a radical rethink. Lockdown put paid to my job as an English language teacher, as my school was forced to close. A single mum to a teenage daughter, I had no idea what to do next. ‘Why not become a wedding celebrant?’ suggested my brother, who lived in Australia. ‘It’s a big thing over here.’ Looking into it, I found there was a growing market for couples who wanted a bespoke marriage ceremony, rather than a church or register office do. I was a confident public speaker and a good listener, so my skills seemed a good fit. Encouraged, I signed up for a six-week correspondence course, which cost £490 and qualified me as a celebrant not only at weddings,…

‘I began to understand the past was not my fault’ Tina McGuff, 52, is an author, student support officer and mental health trainer. She lives in Tayside with her husband, Jock, 62. Between them, they have four grown-up children. The moment life as I knew it came to a shocking end, I was fast asleep. Our neighbour, Dave, gently woke me and told me to gather my sisters and follow him. Aged 13, I led my sisters, aged 10, seven and three, downstairs, past police officers and blood-stained walls. I tried to stop myself shaking with fear. Dave told me Mum had hurt Dad. I couldn’t believe my kind, gentle mum was capable of causing pain. I thought we were a happy family. We’d spent five carefree years living in…

The camellia flower has always been important for Chanel. It’s the brand’s iconic emblem and is now also the star ingredient in their new beauty offering, Chanel No.1. ‘The Czar’ red camellia was created and grown at Chanel’s very own botanical conservatory garden – and is a complete force of nature, as neither water nor cold have any effect on its petals, thanks to protocatechuic acid, a powerful antioxidant nestled in the heart of the petals. And it does wonderful things for skin too. This unique ingredient combats the first signs of ageing; reducing the appearance of wrinkles and pores, and boosting skin’s elasticity and radiance. The new range is available at chanel.com and includes: ✢ Revitalizing Cream, £84 ✢ Powder-To-Foam Cleanser, £42 ✢ Revitalizing Serum, £90 ✢ Revitalizing Eye Cream,…

The runways were awash with colour for SS22, from the prettiest pastels through to Crayola brights. Designers wanted to bring happy vibes to the runways, and they did just that. Sunshine yellow, the shade du jour, was showcased in hues of every variation you can think of and used for everything, from glamorous evening wear to minimalist day wear. It was all as delicious as a lemon posset dessert. From Alexander McQueen’s gorgeous diaphanous tulle dress, to Max Mara’s tailored shorts and Jil Sander’s elegant draped shirt dress, the collections were a ray of sunshine after a gloomy winter. Chanel’s light yellow tweed mini skirt suit, Dior’s A-line dress with matching coat and Prada’s bright long-sleeved, nipped-in-waist dress were all fashion editors’ favourites too. Bringing colour into your wardrobe is…

CATHY KANGAS Not only is she a beauty industry expert with her own internationally successful skincare line, Cathy is also a hugely influential animal philanthropist. As passionate about animal welfare as she is beauty, Cathy created a brand that would support her ongoing dedication to animal welfare, while simultaneously changing how women over 50 view skincare. With targeted solutions and high-quality ingredients at affordable prices, PRAI Beauty has paved the way for women everywhere to embrace ageing beautifully. Beauty essential My ultimate product is our famous and fabulous PRAI Ageless Throat & Decolletage Creme, £25, praibeauty.co.uk . I remember looking in a mirror and realising that my neck was ageing faster than my face. Hence, I developed this – it’s been my go-to for 10 years! Haircare For hair, I…

From candles to mattresses, shampoo to tinned tomatoes, we may be unwittingly exposing ourselves to a daily cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which can slowly alter our delicate hormone balance. That’s because there’s evidence to suggest that EDCs interfere with the body’s endocrine system – the network of hormones and glands that regulates our body. ‘I call them our invisible hormone-wreckers because these toxins can damage women’s four main hormones – oestrogen, thyroid, cortisol and insulin – affecting how we feel and perform,’ says nutritionist Nicki Williams, author of It’s Not You, It’s Your Hormones (£14.99, Practical Inspiration Publishing). Research on EDCs in the body shows they do this by blocking natural hormones or tricking receptors to trigger a hormone response. The good news? While we can’t eliminate EDCs, there…

I’ve had fibromyalgia, which causes pain all over the body, since I was 19. It means that I have daily pain in my hips and knees. In 2017, I was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder, which causes physical symptoms, such as paralysis and loss of balance. These symptoms worsen with emotional stress. In 2010, I developed double pneumonia. I remember being admitted to hospital by ambulance, but nothing until two weeks later. I had fallen into a coma and, when I woke, I couldn’t speak and I had no feeling in my arms or legs. When I returned home, I couldn’t walk. My dog, Icy, an Alaskan Malamute, instinctively tried to help me. He was a big, strong dog, and when I took a few steps, he’d walk next to…

Easter is one of the most enjoyable occasions for food lovers, offering a chance for stress-free gatherings and casual dining. It’s also an annual opportunity for the wonderful, humble egg to grab its moment in the spotlight. Packed with nutrients and one of the most versatile ingredients in the fridge – if you’ve got a few eggs, you’ve always got supper. Perhaps kick off the Easter weekend with a toasted muffin stacked with smoked salmon, crowned with a soft poached egg and drizzled with warm homemade Hollandaise sauce. Then an afternoon of baking using the magic of whipped egg white to add lightness to your mousse or meringue. And for those seeking a quiet supper for one, there is the joyful simplicity of an omelette and a glass of wine.…

‘We had an Enid Blyton moment when we brought the children and they ran in and choose their bedrooms’ Leaving the hustle and bustle of a busy town, the Watters family headed to Hertfordshire to find their country escape just over 10 years ago. A five-bedroom farmhouse, with parts dating back to the 14th century, was just what the family needed to spark their creativity. ‘I’d just started my own art business and craved a tranquil environment,’ says Nicola. Finding their cramped and noisy surroundings uninspiring, she and her husband, Paul, decided it was time to relocate for themselves and their three children, Hannah, Melissa and James. ‘I had grown up in the countryside by the sea,’ says Nicola. ‘I wanted the children to experience a country childhood as…

THE PERFECT PAIRING The still rosé wine from Folc offers great flavour and great ethics too. The winery has WineGB sustainability scheme accreditation, meaning it has reduced its environmental impact, while the international awards the rosé has accrued makes it the mostly highly ranked in England – plus it’s vegan; drinkfolc.com PLASTIC-FREE PLANTS When you want to add to your houseplant collection or gift a plant without also adding a plastic pot, head to The Little Botanical. It provides a ceramic pot or basket with every purchase at no extra cost. The company’s My Home Bundle makes a great housewarming gift; thelittlebotanical.com FARM SHOP DROPPED If you love the idea of using a farm shop but find it isn’t practical, try The Modern Milkman. Your order of fresh produce and…

Whether you’re a chocoholic, a sucker for a hot cross bun or just fancy a nice glass of something bubbly, it’s definitely the time to indulge. Our food and drink experts have put the latest buys through rigorous testing. For fairness, each product was assessed on flavour, texture and appearance. Judges each gave a score from one to five for every category, then calculated the average to determine this year’s winners. MEET THE JUDGES…

PROSECCO BEST BUY Definition Prosecco DOC, 11% ABV, £11.99 (£9.99 each for six), Majestic The Definition range is designed to bring you the classic interpretation of some of the world’s classic wines, and Majestic got it bang on with this lightly floral, dry, citrus, pear and peach-flavoured fizz. The perfect aperitif with salty snacks or charcuterie and a real crowd-pleaser. Specially Selected Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superior DOCG, 11% ABV, £7.49, Aldi If you prefer prosecco on the sweeter side, then this peachy number has your name on it. A great-value energetic fizz with oodles of sweet peach – more tinned than fresh, but pleasing all the same. Taste the Difference Conegliano Prosecco DOCG, 10.5% ABV, £10, Sainsbury’s Zesty and delicate, the lower alcohol content of this fizz makes it a versatile…

HISTORICAL ADVENTURE Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter by Lizzie Pook (£14.99, HB, Pan Macmillan) It’s hard to believe this immersive story is a debut novel. Set in Western Australia’s dangerous 19th-century pearling industry. Eliza’s dad, a prolific pearler, is missing, presumed dead. Stopping at nothing to find the truth, Eliza begins her quest to find him. Written with sensitivity and heart, we defy you not to fall in love with this feisty, headstrong heroine. INSPIRING THOUGHTS Burning Questions by Margaret Atwood (£20, HB, Vintage) This collection of non-fiction essays and lectures, assembled from the past 20 years, is a kaleidoscope look at life and literature from the perspective of one of our finest writers. As well as tackling questions like debt and climate change, she delves into the stories behind…

I have just read MIDNIGHT IN EVERWOOD by M.A. Kuzniar. It’s based on The Nutcracker and is positively dreamy. Isabella May, Sotogrande, Costa del Sol I’m reading HAMNET by Maggie O’Farrell. There’s such a strong, emotional line through it. Beautiful writing, rich with description, I was hooked from the start. Miranda, Barry, South Wales Stanley Tucci’s TASTE: MY LIFE THROUGH FOOD is just a gorgeous recounting of his food experiences from childhood to now. Funny, moving and great recipes. Gill Jones, Bishop’s Stortford, Herts I loved THE BOY IN THE FIELD by Margot Livesey. It begins as a thriller but turns into a story about family, ancestry, first love and secrets… Christina Müller, Hanau, Germany…

The truth was, moving to Manchester had been more challenging than Emma had anticipated. She’d imagined it would be the perfect fresh start, a way of escaping the torturous memories of splitting up with her fiancé Jake, and moving out just as his new girlfriend moved in. Emma had never even visited Manchester before deciding to move there. Back in June, the idea of fleeing to a city where she didn’t know a soul had actually appealed to her. As a freelance copywriter, she could work from anywhere, and the prospect of swapping her sleepy home town for somewhere vibrant and exciting – somewhere she could reinvent herself as she worked towards feeling half-human again – had seemed like exactly what she needed. But it hadn’t ended up working out…

Bridgerton Season two of the hit Regency drama focuses on aristocratic philanderer Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and his romance with new character Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley). Netflix Against the Ice Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Joe Cole star in this true story about Danish explorers on an Arctic expedition in 1909 who face a fight for survival against the elements, polar bears and their own paranoia. Netflix Murder in Provence This three-parter follows judge Antoine Verlaque (Roger Allam) and his romantic partner Marine, who investigate murders and mysteries in Provence with the aid of a local detective. BritBox…

TAURUS 20 APRIL – 20 MAY Mid-month Mercury enters Taurus, leading to exciting news around the 18th. The Taurus eclipse at April’s end acts as a mental and emotional refresh. Call 0905 789 4151* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUNE Fiery words are flying early April. Don’t get spiteful. If you need to apologise by the 10th, do. Right at April’s end, your ruler enters Gemini and you perk up. Call 0905 789 4152* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates CANCER 21 JUNE – 22 JULY Whatever happens, do something on the 19th. This is a peak month for joyful times with children and lovers – anything that might bring pleasure, say yes. Call 0905 789 4153* and choose weekly, monthly and…

‘When opportunity knocks, fling open the door’ I have always been a chronic dilly-dallier. I put the ‘pro’ into procrastination. When my teacher told me I’d never amount to anything because I procrastinate too much, I replied, ‘Just you wait!’ She’s still waiting… In my youth, I wanted to join a procrastinator’s self-help group, but couldn’t decide whether or not to commit. You see the severity of my condition? But it’s not all bad. The best thing about procrastination is that if you put something off for long enough, someone else may do it for you. I know I’m not alone. Women are chronic procrastinators, as we’re always being judged. Are our skirts too short? Are our tops too low? Do these jeans make me look fat? If I sleep…

LOOK TO THE FUTURE I felt so much for child refugee Joan Salter [January]. She survived and overcame such turmoil. Many children grow up in difficult circumstances, or with some sort of trauma, but, as Joan highlighted, it is crucial not to blame your past for everything. You have to look forward and make your own future – it’s an important message. Kay TIMELY GIFT Close on 50 years ago, I sent for my first mail-order catalogue. At that time they gave away free gifts with your first order; mine was a sweet little carriage clock. This clock has been with me ever since – through four babies, five house moves, one divorce and a second marriage. Through total heartbreak and much joy, it has kept perfect time, getting me…

@kay_elle_kay , 54, proves how versatile a pleated skirt really is by wearing with trainers and Breton stripes. @mintconditionlondon , 49, gives leaf prints a modern makeover with frilled layers and chunky tan boots. @wagdoll , 52, opts for timeless style in classic denim, tonal separates and tan accessories. @marti_7447 , 47, makes others green with envy in a top-to-toe bold outfit. @thatsnotmyage , 58, offers a lesson in layering as she styles up her blue boiler suit with khaki knitwear. @lucindachapmanofficial , 41, springs into the new season in a bright blossom frock that looks fab on the redhead. @theeditbutton , 38, adds a bright pop of colour to her relaxed, everyday look. @diviningstyle , 59, confirms a patterned midi dress is effortlessly stylish as she adds knee-high boots…

‘WOMEN HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CRUCIAL TO THIS INDUSTRY’ Caroline Alexander and her husband William head up Castle Farm in Shoreham, Kent. It includes the largest acreage of lavender in the UK, as well as arable crops, beef cattle, a PYO apple orchard, pumpkins, hops, dried flowers and a farm shop. They have three grown-up children. ‘Farmers are brilliant at problem-solving’ My father was a publisher with a passion for education and environmental issues. Even as a child, I enjoyed the company of farmers, and I was a frequent visitor to our local cattle market. I studied architecture followed by landscape management – I met my future husband at the college where he was studying agriculture. I then had a career advising farmers on wildlife conservation and tree planting, as well…

Getting a television to watch the 1953 coronation when I was seven was a huge moment. Most of our neighbours didn’t have telly so they all came to our house to watch it. When I  started watching television, I  began to impersonate people on screen, particularly comedians like Hylda Baker, who was a huge inspiration. I’d dress up as her and impersonate her, which Mum loved. She would say, ‘Oh, there’s nothing on this television. Turn it off. Alison, do Hylda Baker!’ It really affected me when my elder sisters got married and left home. We grew up in suburban Liverpool in a modest three-bedroom house, and when Sylvia and Pamela [now 88 and 85] were gone, within the space of a year, the place was quiet and lonely, particularly…

NYASHA DALEY, 44, from Coventry, found her soulmate after reassessing her own life. I’d been single for 18 months when the pandemic struck and, to begin with, lockdown was a bit of a novelty. However, loneliness soon kicked in. I used a dating app, but did I really fancy yet another socially distanced walk around the park with a stranger? COVID gave me time to realise I’d been looking for the wrong things, such as status and money, when what really mattered to me was warmth, honesty and spirituality. I switched to a site that gives women the power to make the first move, and within days, I was exchanging messages with Dwain, 37. Our first phone call in July 2020 lasted two hours as we talked about life paths…

‘We found a delicious use for a waste product’ Danielle Bekker, 45, founded Binary Botanical, which launched almost four years ago and offers low-alcohol and alcohol-free varieties of vegan, gluten-free ‘wine-lovers’ beer’. She lives in Surrey with her husband Brett and their two teenage children. THE IDEA I’m a chemical engineer and a master brewer, and have spent my entire working  career in brewing. I clearly love beer, but I’ve never enjoyed drinking it with food and would typically switch to wine with a meal. I wanted to develop a  new style of beer – one that was lower in alcohol and calories, and that could be drunk out of a wine glass with a meal, appealing to both men and women. My ambition was to offer both a low-alcohol…

BETWEEN THE LINES ✢ Update your trusty Breton collection with a versatile striped cardigan that instantly ups your style credentials. ✢ Chunky lace-up books are going nowhere, but why not try them in a lighter colour to lift your outfit? They toughen up any look while still being soft enough for spring. ✢ Layer your cardigan under a lightweight quilted jacket that is essential transitional outerwear. This style is reversible, so you get two looks in one! SUBTLE SPARKLE ✢ Give your outfit a touch of fuss-free glamour with a lurex striped knit. It’s the perfect item to nail that smart-casual dress code. ✢ Take advantage of the neutral tones and weave it into your existing wardrobe. ✢ If you’re after a lighter look, team with a soft cream suit.…

ACE YOUR BASE Freshen up your foundation by swapping the heavy matte formulations of winter for a lighter, radiant base. This routine cheats a fresh, healthy glow in an instant. ‘Perfect foundation application is all about prepping skin,’ says Caroline Barnes, Max Factor’s make-up artist and UK ambassador. ‘It’s important to really feel your face, assessing its needs. On some days it may need different things – one day it might be dehydrated, one day it might be oily – so understand and treat your skin before thinking about make-up.’ If it’s dry, add a nourishing moisturiser like Roc Multi Correxion Hydrate & Plump Moisturiser SPF30, £35.99, feelunique.com – you can feel your skin drinking it up as you apply, leaving it feeling instantly plump and bouncy. A primer will…

We’re not talking Indiana Jones here – this is more about taking a small detour on your way to work or popping into a shop that has always intrigued you. Because even this small act can make you happier. Previously, animal studies found that new experiences were beneficial for brain development. More recently, a group of researchers have attempted a similar experiment on humans. Scientists enlisted volunteers in New York City and Miami, and tracked GPS data on their phones, while messaging every other day to ask the participants about their mood. ‘We found that for every person, on days when they displayed greater exploration, greater “roaming entropy”, they reported feeling happier,’ said co-author Dr Aaron Heller of the University of Miami. While discovering something new seems to have the…

✢ SWAP cleaning chemicals for natural ingredients, including baking soda, lemon or vinegar, or use E-Cloths, from £3, e-cloth.com, which remove 99% of bacteria with water alone. ✢ SWITCH plastic wrap for the Bee’s Wrap Reusable Food Wrap range, from £12.99, lakeland.co.uk. When heating up with a microwave, cover food with another plate instead. ✢ DITCH old cookware for products with a toxin-free non-stick coating, such as the eco-friendly Earthpan range, from £44.99, lakeland.co.uk…

If you usually skip my column and head to those nice cookery and travel bits at the end, then just give me a moment. Earlier this year, you may have been one of the thousands who ‘joined a gym’. Box ticked. Phew, you feel fitter already. The fantastic range of classes that most health clubs offer do hit the spot. Yoga for flexibility, Bodypump for strength, Zumba for uplifting cardio, spinning for cyclists and weights for lifting. You like going, you feel good afterwards and the cafe serves great coffee. So the choice between joining a health club (lots of classes, danger of faffing) and trying a personal trainer (you do what they say and no faffing) might sound like a no contest, but a PT could be a better…

Fact! In modern society we are spending more time than ever before indoors, with the heating on full blast and the lights often on. But exposure to electric light inside is not the same as spending time outside in the natural light. Being in the fresh air has many health benefits for us. Firstly we need the exposure of sunlight on our skin in order to make vitamin D, although supplements are required in the winter months, as there isn’t enough exposure to sunlight for the body to make vitamin D. Apart from vitamin D, being exposed to natural light helps to set the body’s internal body clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which helps it to function. After all, we don’t need to function at the same level at…

SET THE TABLE Hosting a family gathering? Make room for extra guests with a mix of different types of seating. Combining benches, chairs and even a sofa will give your gathering a pleasingly relaxed feel. Henshaw extending dining table, £875, Laura Ashley at next.co.uk. For similar antique Lancashire spindle-back dining chairs, crockery and glassware, try vinterior.co. Similar sofa, try neptune.com. For a similar vase and cushions, try johnlewis.com. Vintage bird egg prints by Henrik Grönvold, £25 each, Primrose Prints at etsy.com MIX AND MATCH VINTAGE PIECES Uncoordinated china in similar colours, such as blue and white, will add a playful note to afternoon tea. Team old and new crockery in simple stripes and checks with elaborate florals and textures to create a cohesive but unique set. Blue Arden plates, £18…

✢ Team furniture sourced from antique fairs and auctions with contemporary prints and patterns to  keep the look fresh. ✢ Soften practical spotlights with ambient table and floor lamps fitted with fabric shades. ✢ Keep colours tonal, opting for muted sage greens and soft duck egg blues to complement a  neutral scheme. ✢ Add natural texture with jute rugs, wicker baskets, draped linens and handcrafted ceramics.…

SWEET & LOW Taste the Difference Fairtrade Moscato, 5.5% ABV, £2.75 for 187ml or £5.25 for 750ml, Sainsbury’s This has enough vim to partner the Easter pavlova or trifle and, at 5.5% ABV, it’s a lighter way to round off a meal. ALCOHOL FREE Alcohol Free Sparkling Wine, 0.05% ABV, £2.75, Sainsbury’s This is a fresh apple-flavoured bubbly that steers clear of being grapey or too sweet. It’s also pretty low in calories – a 125ml measure has only 42 cals. Which we think is worth a toast in itself! ALCOHOL FREE Nozeco, 0.5% ABV, from £3, Tesco, Morrisons, Co-op A very drinkable de-alcoholised wine that’s just a little sweeter than the real thing. It’s fresh and appley with light floral aromas and plenty of bubbles. You won’t feel too…

✢ STAY Kinloch Lodge and restaurant in Sleat offers a variety of packages, from a Digital Detox, £479pp sharing for two nights half-board, including a botanicals massage, to an Otter-Spotting Escape. New this year, its Golden Anniversary package kicks off with a specially created golden cocktail and includes three-nights half-board and two days’ activities, including a guided wildlife walk, shoreline foraging and a Torabhaig Distillery tour for £899pp sharing; kinloch-lodge.co.uk; 01471 833333. ✢ DINE A three-course Sunday lunch is £34pp, exc wine; three-course evening meals are £75pp. ✢ GETTING THERE BY CAR Skye is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Inverness Airport, or five to six hours from Glasgow Airport. Take the free Skye Bridge from the Kyle of Lochalsh to Kyleakin.…

GRIPPING READ Reputation by Sarah Vaughan (£14.99, HB, Simon & Schuster) From the bestselling author of Anatomy of a Scandal comes another part-courtroom drama, part-thriller. Emma Webster is a respectable MP, but the sacrifices she’s made weigh heavily on her, and her daughter. When a man is found dead in Emma’s home, her life is thrust into the spotlight, and she knows one false move could destroy it. A thought-provoking look at what it means to be in the public eye, and the sometimes shocking pressures women face. Tightly plotted and very clever, this page-turner is a fascinating read.…

‘Even family members can be a mystery to each other’ As far as destination whodunnits go, Lucy Foley is fast becoming the thriller reader’s go-to. Her first crime novel, The Hunting Party, set in a remote lodge in Scotland’s wilderness, became a Sunday Times no.1 bestseller, followed by The Guest List, set on a windswept Irish coast. So, where to next? In The Paris Apartment, we find ourselves in Montmartre. Local resident Ben has gone missing, and when his half-sister Jess visits him, it seems everyone has a reason for his disappearance. Lucy lives with her husband, her baby and their cat in Brussels. Rather than going on a writing retreat, I book an Airbnb somewhere interesting. And that’s what I did when I came up with the idea of…

Our House Tuppence Middleton plays Fiona, who arrives home one day to find strangers living in her house. As she desperately tries to contact her estranged husband (Martin Compston), events spiral out of control in this four-part thriller. ITV The Ipcress File Joe Cole stars as Harry Palmer, famously played by Michael Caine in the 1965 film, in this adaptation of Len Deighton’s thriller. Wheeler-dealer Palmer is recruited as a Cold War spy when a British scientist is kidnapped. ITV The Witchfinder This comedy set during the Civil War follows a hopelessly bad witchfinder (Tim Key) taking an accused witch (Daisy May Cooper) to trial as the country is ravaged by plague and strife. But his mouthy captive proves to be a tricky travelling companion. BBC2 Holding Conleth Hill and…

Inside Total Film Get the heads-up on the latest movie releases with this podcast hosted by Jane Crowther, editor of Total Film magazine. She and fellow film journos talk about the latest news in the film world, and review what’s on at cinemas, with plenty of fascinating insights and discussion points. Floating Our Boat Ever wondered what it would be like to live on a canal boat? Well check in on midlifers Fran and Rich. Since 2018, they’ve been travelling the UK’s canals and rivers, exploring the country, weaving and painting. As they share their experiences on YouTube, and in this podcast, it’s like listening to friends. The WOW Podcast Hosted by Jude Kelly, founder of the WOW (Women of the World) Foundation the latest series of this podcast looks…