Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2022 i Woman & Home

Sometimes it feels as if life keeps bashing us. I think midlife women understand this more than most because by our age, whoever we are and whatever our background, we’ve had our fair share of trials and tribulations. But because of this we know how to stay strong – and it starts with looking after ourselves. That’s what we’re all about at woman&home – guilt-free self-care and a moment to ourselves, whether you’re smiling at the gutsy honesty of Fern Britton on p16, losing yourself in the fascinating genealogy feature, Family secrets, on p42, or feeling heart-warmed by the different friendship groups on p30. And don’t hold back on treating yourself, either! From gorgeous fashion to the latest in brilliantly innovating skincare, you’ll find it all here. This month, we…

1. Lift off Short lashes will be transformed – curled, sculpted and lifted. Put away your eyelash curlers. Maybelline Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara, £10.99, Boots 2. Enhanced flutter With this wonder wand you’ll get great results – a 50% increase in lash length and triple the volume. Avon Legendary Lengths Mascara, £9, avon.uk.com 3. Definition The ball wand creates volume while the other end lifts lashes. Make Up Intelligence by Gary Cockerill The Dual Mascara No2, £26, makeupintelligencegc.com 4. Turn up the volume The bamboo-fibre-enriched formula gives three times more volume and super length. No need for false lashes. No7 Lash Extender Fiber Mascara, £14.95, Boots 5. Life-proof With an incredible lifted lash result, it’s smudge-proof too, delivering up to 24 hours of wear. Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara, £24,…

Since the end of her second marriage, Fern Britton’s home has been a sleepy Cornish village near Padstow. But when we catch up with the TV presenter and author on a four-day trip to London, she’s relishing reacquainting herself with city life. ‘I went to the theatre last night to see Cabaret with Eddie Redmayne, who was stunning. Tonight I’m out with a girlfriend for dinner, then tomorrow I’m meeting four girls I go cycling with,’ smiles Fern, 64, suddenly looking playful. ‘If you hear someone’s stripped naked down Tottenham Court Road, that’ll be me!’ She’s alluding to two stories divulged in the hair and make-up chair. Firstly, the time she went nude sea swimming in broad daylight (‘It was a quiet little cove – then I saw some people…

‘Good sleep hygiene is all about being relaxed at bedtime and having a good physical environment for sleep,’ says chartered psychologist Dr Lindsay Browning, author of Navigating Sleeplessness (£8.99, Welbeck). ✢ Have a regular sleep and wake time, to boost your circadian rhythm. ✢ Avoid caffeine at least five hours before bed. ✢ Get outside to have sunlight exposure every day, to help your body produce melatonin at night. ✢ Have a warm bath. ✢ Don’t use your phone in bed. ✢ Keep the bedroom cool (around 18C is ideal) and dark.…

THE DOG WALKERS ‘We stay connected’ Sue Ashdown Day, 57, lives in Blythe Hill, London, with her husband Antony, 54, their sons Sylvan, 18, and Guy, 16, and the family dog, Skipper. Our Border collie Skipper soon taught me that when you have a dog, you meet people! We’d only had Skipper a few weeks in 2019 when I fell into a routine of congregating with the same familiar faces of dog walkers in the park, and got chatting to Helena. She mentioned she was starting a WhatsApp group for local people with dogs, and I was one of the first people she added. Pretty soon, whenever any of us got talking to a fellow dog walker, we would invite them to join us. The group soon grew to nearly…

This photo takes me straight back to New Delhi, India, in the 1960s. My husband John had an overseas posting at the British High Commission, and this was taken on a late summer day in the roof garden of our flat in Golf Links Road. You can see how clear the air was then. Today, with all the pollution, there would be nothing but fug. To the left of John is a friend who was visiting from England, and to the right, our ‘bearer’, who acted as a butler, and our ‘sweeper’, responsible for the housework. The cat was a Siamese that had been left behind by the previous incumbents, which was a tradition in the diplomatic service. In summer, the heat made her fur go completely white. I was…

What’s your earliest memory of performing? I went to a little infant school in Highbury [north London] and remember doing the nativity when a candle caught the hay alight. There was a mini fire so the next day we didn’t go to school! I played the cello for seven years and once did a performance at my junior school. They’d just polished the wooden floors and my cello endpin slipped. My cello smashed over the floor in front of the whole school. I was mortified. Did you ever have a plan B? I went to a girls’ grammar school and I was more of a creative. When I told the careers teacher I wanted to be an actress, she told me not to be silly and to do something like…

I knew I wanted to sing from the age of five. When I was nine, I was living with my mum [former Soul II Soul singer Melissa Bell] in Bahrain, where she was working. She got me on stage singing with a live band and I remember thinking, ‘This is what I want.’ When I was 12, Stevie Wonder wanted to sign me, but Mum thought I was too young. Instead, she put me in auditions and the first one I [got a job from] was also at the age of 12, for the BBC’s Star for a Night, hosted by Jane McDonald. Do whatever it takes to make your dreams work. I’ve never wanted to do anything else in life but sing. When I left school at 15, I…

Reviewing all my household bills. We’ve all felt the great financial squeeze of 2022, with high inflation and eye-watering energy price increases, so staying on top of outgoings is more important than ever. I’ve switched my broadband provider, saving me around £20 a month, and I’ve ditched a subscriptions fitness app – now that it’s getting warmer, I’ve started running outside again. If you haven’t reviewed your bills for a while, see if there are better deals for the services you need and ditch the ones you don’t use. Seal off those money leaks!…

BRITISH HERITAGE Give a nod to the British countryside with punchy florals and vibrant greens for a spring wardrobe boost. Mix the pretty with the practical, and layer your look with a timeless trench coat and smart loafers for an androgynous spin from the UK labels we’ve grown to love. AMERICAN DREAM Embrace style from across the pond and look for preppy knits and simple shirt dresses. Denim has long been an American staple, with classic straight-leg jeans an essential. Finish your look with sporty details like box-fresh trainers and a retro bomber jacket – perfect for off-duty dressing. PARISIAN CHIC The French excel in the style department, so channel your inner Parisian in signature Breton stripes and feminine frills. Inject texture to your wardrobe with bouclé separates and invest…

The year 2022 sees beauty goes high tech. In recent years, there has been a huge shift to a focus on products’ ingredients, allowing us to personalise what we use for our complexions’ exact needs. The problem is that many of us aren’t experts, and end up cobbling together a routine that isn’t necessarily right for us. And with so many new launches, hero ingredients and innovations being shouted about all the time, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. The best skincare products are the ones that work their hardest for you, and cutting through the jargon will help you become your own skincare expert. This is where we come in. 2022’S BIGGEST TRENDS LED TREATMENTS LED has been a popular treatment in salons for years, but now at-home…

1 FULL-BODIED BRUNETTE Josh Wood Colour Semi-Permanent Treatment Gloss in Smoky Brunette, £19, joshwoodcolour.com Apply this intense treatment shot all over darker strands to bring depth and dimension back to your locks. It’s the perfect quick fix when you’re between salon appointments. 2 LUMINOUS BLONDE Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Conditioner, £18.85, lookfantastic.com Bring the sparkle back to blonde hair with a detangling conditioner that banishes brassiness. Its purple colour eliminates orange and yellow tones, leaving hair bright and shiny after just one use. 3 GLOSSY LOCKS L’Oréal Elvive Colour Protect 8 Second Wonder Water, £9.99, Boots This clever product gives weightless hydration to coloured hair using lamellar technology – tiny molecules that form an ultra-fine topcoat on the surface of your hair to create a mirror-like shine. 4 RICH AND…

There’s no set timeline for HRT. ‘But if you want long-term benefits, think about doing it for at least five years,’ says Dr Vohra. She also advises lowering the dose or trying different forms – swapping from tablet to skin applications may help prevent indigestion and reduce chances of a blood clot. Want to come off HRT? Here’s how to lessen the blow: ✢ Don’t go ‘cold turkey’. Wean down slowly. ✢ Use a symptom tracker to record flushes, insomnia etc, and discuss with your doctor. ✢ Choose a time when life seems stable – not when you’re facing work stress or grief, for example. ✢ Exercise and eat healthily.…

If you’re concerned about your intake of additives, cook from scratch where possible, using fresh, unprocessed ingredients, or try making healthier switches in the supermarket: ✢ Use good-quality oils, such as avocado or coconut oil instead of vegetable oils and sunflower oils. ✢ Go for organic wines, as they are free from sulphites. ✢ If you drink nut milk, read the label. Brands like Plenish only contain three ingredients but others can be packed with stabilisers and thickeners. ✢ Ditch fizzy drinks. Try sparkling water with fruit juice added for flavour. ✢ If buying dried fruits like apricots, look for ones that are sulphite-free. ✢ Rather than buying tinned or dried soups, batch-cook and freeze your own so you know they are preservative-free.…

✢ 5-20 YOU’RE A PEOPLE-PLEASER ‘People-pleasers often want to be liked,’ says psychotherapist Juliet Grace. ‘These beliefs often stem from experiences of feeling insecure from an early age, or because of a desire to avoid conflict. But you end up feeling overcommitted and can become stressed.’ Take action If saying no to someone’s face feels overwhelming, text or email instead. Or approach it like a job interview, says Abbie Headon, author of The Power of No (£9.99, Ilex Press). ‘Look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Would you like to come away for my birthday? It’s only £500 each.” How would you feel and what would you say?’ Try it out for real in low-stake contexts, like when the cashier tries to sell an extra product at the till. The…

Q I’m in my late 40s and my periods seem to be getting heavier. I thought they would get lighter and further apart as I get nearer the menopause, but they actually seem to be slightly more frequent. They are also now quite painful. Is this normal? A Some people will notice that their periods will get lighter and more irregular during the perimenopause, or they may suddenly stop one day, but it’s also normal to have as you describe. I’m often asked ‘How do I know if my period is painful enough or heavy enough for me to need to see a doctor?’ The answer is very simple – if your period bothers you and disrupts your life, it’s the right time. Painkillers can be helpful, and there are…

As the evenings get lighter and the days get longer, your thoughts might start turning to summer holidays. And if you’d like to feel lighter, brighter and full of confidence by the time summer comes around, then get set for your spring slimdown with this exclusive eating plan from Slimming World. With these tasty and healthy meals you can fill up on all your favourite foods without ever feeling deprived. And you could even lose up to 7lb in just two weeks!* HOW IT WORKS Choose one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner every day. Feel free to repeat meals you enjoy, or find more ideas at slimmingworld.co.uk or slimmingworld.ie . Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the scientific principles of appetite regulation, and helps members to…

We all know we need to be healthier, fitter and exercise more. But lack of motivation seems to be hampering our ambitions – in fact, 30% of us use it as the main excuse for not working out. ‘When it comes to reaching your health and fitness goals, it can sometimes feel like a struggle to stay on track,’ says Krissy Cela, lead global trainer at Tone & Sculpt. ‘Once the initial rush of motivation dims, the actuality of staying consistent can feel lonely, draining and – at times – overwhelming.’ Exercising with others can make working up a sweat fun, improve focus and raise the issue of accountability. After all, who wants to let their friend down if they’ve planned to meet for a morning walk or partner up…

On a street that overlooks a pretty village green in south-west London sits a row of charming red-brick homes. Built between 1899 and 1903, they’re known locally as the Lion Houses due to the small sandstone lions positioned atop their gate piers, bays and parapets. When Louise Turle, her husband Marcus and their eight-year-old son Harry spotted the Victorian terraces, they knew they couldn’t live anywhere else. The family had been living in a compact railway cottage nearby for a decade and had outgrown the space. ‘After spending many weekends driving out to explore the home counties, we decided we couldn’t beat our own area,’ says Louise. In late 2017, Louise and Marcus finally viewed one of the houses and, despite needing a lot of work, they could see its…

The Newt, Bruton, Somerset Unique selling point Magnificent formal gardens. The low-down Set among 800 acres of woodland and farmland, The Newt hotel, based in and around a 17th-century former country house, is best known for its beautiful gardens. They have been tended by various experts over the past couple of centuries, with their most recent incarnation overseen by renowned Italo-French architect Patrice Taravella, whose belief is that gardens should be both useful and alluring. Herbs, flowers, fruit, vegetables and honey produced on site supply the restaurants within the hotel and wider estate, while you’ll also find cottage gardens, a Victorian fragrance garden, and the Parabola walled garden containing a vast collection of apple trees arranged in a baroque-style maze. Greenhouses and fountains pepper the landscape, and The Story of…

Louise Hare Hare’s bestselling debut novel This Lovely City, set in the aftermath of the Second World War, was a touching love story and enthralling mystery. Her new book,  Miss Aldridge Regrets, is another compelling historical murder mystery set aboard the Queen Mary in 1936. I was going to create my own fictional ship in my new book, but the Queen Mary is special. There are several very detailed books and websites dedicated to it, so it seemed a shame not to put them to good use. I treat my characters like real people. Some writers make CVs for their characters, but I have to write a messy first draft and spend time with them to find out who they really are. One of the most challenging things about writing…

CAPTIVATING REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier I only started reading du Maurier’s books a couple of years ago, and the minute I started reading Rebecca I was just there with the character. I felt safe. I just knew I’d be told a good story, and I was right. She is the most incredible storyteller. My Cousin Rachel would be another one, but Rebecca is perfect. MOTIVATING WHEN GOD WAS A RABBIT by Sarah Winman Sarah’s writing is beautiful. This is the book I read and thought, ‘I wonder if I could be a writer.’ It inspired me to write, as Elly’s story, spanning four decades, is so beautifully told. I couldn’t believe it was a debut. LIFE-CHANGING LITTLE WOMEN by Louisa May Alcott This book is my childhood. I would…

Harry Wild Jane Seymour plays Harriet Wild, a retired professor with a knack for solving crimes. Harry takes on various mysteries while staying at the home of her police detective son Charlie (Kevin Ryan). Acorn TV Anatomy of a Scandal Rupert Friend and Sienna Miller play a high-profile MP and his wife, whose marriage is torn apart when he’s accused of rape. Michelle Dockery is the justice-seeking barrister. Netflix Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? Agatha Christie’s whodunnit stars Will Poulter, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson. Will plays a vicar’s son teaming up with a socialite to investigate a murder. BritBox…

DAME STELLA RIMINGTON , the first female Director General of MI5, has written her autobiography and 10 Liz Carlyle novels, and her first Manon Tyler novel is out now. On p41, she reveals how she started out in the secret service. What’s your biggest fashion faux pas? Thinking I was going to a student hop with my boyfriend, I wore a flowery cotton frock I’d made from a Butterick pattern. To my horror, it was a grand ball with gowns and long white gloves… I soon slunk home! Formerly a criminal barrister, HARRIET TYCE is the bestselling author of Blood Orange, The Lies You Told and It Ends at Midnight. On p25, she talks about friendship. What’s your biggest  fashion faux pas? I think the worst was an attempt at…

Similar jug, £9, and glass bottle, £2.50, both dunelm.com; laundry liquid, £5.50 for 1ltr, daylesford.com; similar washing powder tin, £8.99, rinkit.com; apothecary bottle, £11.99, souschef.co.uk; similar wire basket, £12, ikea.com; similar tea towels, from £14, thelinenworks.co.uk; baskets, similar from oliverbonas.com; Light and Dark laundry chest, £180, gardentrading.co.uk; other items, stylist’s own…

Don’t get me wrong, I love my male friends. We drink, gossip, offer each other support. We’ve been there for each other through many years and I wouldn’t swap them for the world. It’s different, though, somehow, to the friendships I have with women, with the girls I’ve known since I was a girl, through to now, when I’m nearly 50. ‘I was dumped for being clingy’ It was a female friend who held my hair back the first time I puked on alcohol as a teenager, a female friend to whom I confided about periods and teenage acne. Boy trouble? Ask a female friend. Female friend trouble? You know the answer. We talked pregnancy, pets, homework, teenagers. Now mutters of the menopause are creeping in. Through lockdown, we organised…

When a friend recently gave me a book on the art of decluttering, I half-heartedly began the process by moving a stash of jam jars to the recycling and disposing of a cushion with a pug’s face on it that had gone musty-smelling after being left outside for a few nights. Soon after this, my kids arrived home for a break from university and wouldn’t you just know it? One of them needed the jars and the other felt desperately sad about the cushion. It made me think about the way we cling to stuff – not just our own but other people’s too. I was reminded of the kitchen in the last of my childhood homes – a small and awkward shape, in which two doors, a free-standing cooker…

‘My story is like Saving Private Ryan’ Journalist Michelle Hather, 58, lives in south-west London with her husband Simon. She is originally from Liverpool and has three sons, Oscar, 29, Rorie, 27, and Louis, 25. As mum to three young men, I look at the terrible suffering happening right now in Ukraine and I’m grateful that in western Europe we live in a time of relative peace. Can you imagine losing all your children to war? I certainly couldn’t – but I discovered that’s exactly what happened to my ancestors. I grew up in Liverpool, but my mum’s great-grandparents – Heinrich and Clara – originally came from Germany in 1878. I’d seen the family tree researched by relatives, which showed several brothers dying during the war years, but as a…

‘It’s easy to focus on the big things. But it’s the everyday memories that stay with us’ Sometimes there is a moment when everything becomes very clear. A moment that brings into focus what your life has become, and what you really want it to be. For some it can be a birth, for others a death. For me, it was both of those things. It was the moment 10 years ago, at the age of 37, when my pregnancy ruptured and I nearly died. After one blood transfusion and four days in hospital, I found myself back at home, back to being a wife and a stay-at-home mum. I’d lost the baby at 10 weeks, along with my ability to have any more children, but I was alive and…

‘My ethos is about a local, seasonal supply’ In 2013, former garden designer Cel Robertson, 45, launched the Forever Green Flower Company, an artisan flower farm in north Norfolk that produces seasonal, sustainably grown blooms. She lives with her husband and they have two grown-up children. THE IDEA A move from London to Norfolk in 2007 prompted a career rethink. I considered becoming a florist, but the global cut-flower industry is not particularly environmentally friendly and I didn’t want to be part of an industry that, overall, has a negative impact on the planet. I discovered there was a growing ‘slow flower’ movement across the world, with smaller growers producing a variety of seasonal flowers using regenerative methods of cultivation. Flowers grown in this way have a much lower carbon…

This season’s chicest accessory is a luxurious lightweight scarf. Worn for generations by the most sophisticated stars, they’ve stood the test of time and remain a stylish addition to any look. The sumptuous, patterned fabric is super versatile, so get creative with the way you wear them. Whether wrapped around the handle of a bag, tied into your hair, worn in place of a necklace or draped over your shoulders, they’ll add a touch of finesse to a minimal outfit. Wear with similar tones and elevate your wardrobe this spring.…

Mastering the art of the capsule holiday wardrobe has taken me years to perfect. On our Ibiza girls’ hols, I took everything and the kitchen sink, and only wore half of it. I packed items that never saw the light of day at home, and did I wear them on holiday? Answer: no, of course I didn’t. I have honed the capsule holiday wardrobe to perfection now, and it’s all about versatility. I don’t pack loads of shoes – just one pair of heels, one pair of flats and trainers for walking. A roomy tote is essential as I use it in-flight, and of course for carrying everything I need for a day at the beach. A sarong is the perfect cover-up over a one-piece, while a jumpsuit can be…

INCI The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, the technical terms for the ingredients on products’ lists. AHA & BHA Alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. AHAs are water-soluble, making them suitable for dry skin, while BHAs are oil-soluble, so they’re better for treating oily skin conditions like acne. SKIN BARRIER The outer layer of your skin, which can become compromised with the use of too many intensive ingredients. MICROBIOME Microscopic organisms that live on the skin’s surface, keeping it balanced and happy. UVA & UVB Ultraviolet rays, which cause harm in different ways. Think A for ageing, B for burning. PEPTIDES Structures made from amino acids, which trigger skin cells to perform certain functions, like building collagen and increasing elastin, giving skin better ‘bounce’. CERAMIDES Lipids, or fats that…

Your legs can get neglected at this time of year, especially if they’ve been buried under 100 deniers all winter long. While good genes and regular workouts count for a lot, the right products and prep can help them look their best. 1 DO THE PREP Shed dry, flaky skin and those annoying red bumps with a salicylic acid enriched body exfoliator. Apply Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator, £30, spacenk.com , to dry legs and buff in before rinsing off. The non-messy gel works to address crepey, uneven texture for unbelievably silky shins. 2 SMOOTH OPERATOR After exfoliating, your skin is prepared for a closer, smoother shave – it helps lift ingrown hair and stop dead skin clogging the blades of your razor. For a smoother shave, change your…

The menopause: one of life’s few certainties. Not an illness or condition, but a natural life event for every woman, when menstruation ceases and the ovaries stop producing oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Across the UK, 13 million women are either perimenopausal (the years leading up to the menopause) or postmenopausal (when you have gone 12 months without any period at all). Of these, 60% will experience menopause symptoms* due to the loss of these hormones, including hot flushes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, anxiety, low mood, brain fog, dry eyes, itchy skin, tinnitus and body aches. The length of time that symptoms last varies between individuals, but averages about four years. ‘Risks are actually very low when taking body-identical hormones’ ‘Often women suffer for a very long time and, as a result,…

If you’re no stranger to this column, you’ll know that strength training is a must for us girls. It should be a part of your life, twice a week (the stern hat is on today!). ‘Strength training is a must for us girls’ As soon as we hit our late 30s, hormones start to change. Falling levels of oestrogen and testosterone mean our bones are more at risk of breakages, our muscles lose their density, our libido fades to a fraction of its former glory and we lose sight of our self-worth. Cheerful, eh? But all that can improve with simple strength training. This will mean your muscles increase in strength so they support your joints better. The quality of your bones will improve (any pull on them increases their…

1 Which of these best describes how you feel when you say no to a request? A Guilty B Empowered C That you’ve made the right decision D You rarely say no 2 When someone asks you to do something, how do you usually respond? A Say you need to sleep on it B Say yes without thinking C Say no to make sure you don’t overload yourself D Say yes, then regret it 3 How do you feel when asked to take on a favour or task by others? A Flattered B That they’re taking advantage C Frantic and immediately concerned how you’ll fit it in D Interested but you’re going to check your diary first 4 As a child, were you…? A Always helping out your teacher with…

Fiction! Chronic back pain can be agonising, but bed rest is not the answer. Staying in bed for a prolonged period of time will simply increase your risk of having a blood clot in the leg, which can then travel to the lungs. Also, importantly, staying inactive does not actually help relieve your back pain. Exercise and physical activity are known to be more helpful to relieve discomfort, while getting up and about and keeping mobile have countless other benefits. Staying in bed increases stiffness, and reduces flexibility and muscle strength, meaning that the longer you remain immobile, the harder it is to return to normal levels of activity. Physiotherapy can be helpful for the treatment of back pain and you may be given exercises to help your recovery. Remember,…

✢ Trim all visible fat off meats and remove skin from poultry. ✢ If you feel hungry between meals, snack on Free Food and, for the very best weight loss, reach for fresh fruit or vegetables first. Fruit and veg that are lowest in energy density are called Speed Free Food. ✢ For extra health benefits and filling power, choose wholegrains, such as wholewheat pasta or wholegrain rice, where you can. ✢ Aim to have six to eight drinks a day – choose water, sugar-free drinks, tea and coffee. Remember, any milk needs to come from your allowance. ✢ The most successful slimmers join a group or online programme for shared support, inspiration and motivation.…

A mile off the Pembrokeshire coast, Skomer Island is best known for its puffin population. Thanks to the work of the Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales, the colony is growing every year. These charming birds are best spotted in the breeding season between May and July, when they return to their nesting sites. As well as its flourishing puffins, the waters around Skomer are also home to Atlantic grey seals, plus dolphins, porpoises, gannets and fulmars. The island is perfect for a day trip (check sailing times by calling 01646 636800), so stay nearby at Roch Castle, which has beautiful panoramic views across St Brides Bay, out towards Skomer. Find out more at rochcastle.com…

✢ Combine minimal mid-century furniture with opulent upholstered seating and contemporary glass fixtures for an eclectic feel. ✢ Mix and match shades of warm terracotta and deep navy blue with fresh whites for a modern take on the Mediterranean palette. ✢ Stick to neutral walls in subtle shades of white, grey and cream, to create a similar backdrop for different looks around your home. ✢ Play with pattern, combining simple woven motifs with geometric and textured fabrics.…

Roast salmon and new potatoes with salsa verde Looking for a simple, all-in-one meal that’s stylish enough for entertaining? This gorgeous and flavourful spring dish could be just the thing. Serves 4 • Ready in 40 mins 1tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing 500g baby new potatoes, larger ones halved 130g pitted black olives 200g asparagus, trimmed and halved 4 lemon slices 500g fillet of salmon 1tsp chilli flakes For the salsa verde: 2 garlic cloves 2tsp capers, drained and rinsed 2tbsp parsley leaves 2tbsp mint leaves 100ml olive oil 1½tbsp red wine vinegar 2 anchovies in oil, drained Watercress or other salad leaves, to serve 1 Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Brush a large, shallow baking tray with oil, place the potatoes on the tray, season and roast…

I’ve just finished Bella Mackie’s HOW TO KILL YOUR FAMILY . It’s a funny thriller that throws up many surprises along the way. Sarah Haddock, Ipswich I’m reading Edward Carey’s A YEAR IN PLAGUES & PENCILS – it’s an intimate look at one person’s perspective of 2020. Jane Emson, Huddersfield I’ve just finished Janice Hallett’s THE TWYFORD CODE – a twist on the crime genre. I enjoyed trying to solve the clues, and the use of spoken transcripts was cleverly done. Stephanie, Doncaster I’m reading Walter Tevis’ THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT . I’m surprised at how faithful the Netflix series was to the book. I love Beth – determined, yet so vulnerable. Sophie Clare, Manchester…

The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe Eddie Marsan plays former teacher John Darwin, the con man who faked his own death in 2002 for life insurance money. Monica Dolan plays his wife, Anne, who was in on the scam. ITV Gentleman Jack Suranne Jones is back as Anne Lister, alongside Anne’s now ‘wife’ Ann Walker. It’s 1834 and the pair have set up home together. But the arrival of Anne’s outrageous former lover (Joanna Scanlan) shakes things up. BBC1 Romeo & Duet Oti Mabuse plays Cupid, hosting a new show that mixes matchmaking with music. Singletons standing on a studio balcony are serenaded by potential love matches who they can hear but not see. Can they be enticed down for a date? ITV Doctor Who The Sea Devils, first…

Now you’re asking Author Marian Keyes and her good friend, actor Tara Flynn, radiate warmth and indignation as they help listeners with their problems. The Irish duo are a tonic as they discuss all manner of topics. The Week Unwrapped Get behind the news headlines with Olly Mann and writers from The Week. They discuss under-reported stories with long consequences, such as what we can do to clean up British rivers and the NHS prescribing comedy. It’s packed with fascinating nuggets that get scant attention elsewhere. Off Menu This long-running podcast with comedians Ed Gamble and James Acaster is a great way to relax. They invite a guest to their dream restaurant to enjoy a meal of their choice and talk through what makes it special. Get the heads-up on…

SHE’S MY WORLD I wanted to thank you for such a lovely article about dogs, A Woman’s Best Friend [March]. I was diagnosed with terminal cancer three years ago and live in chronic pain. However, my miniature schnauzer, Piper, came to me when I needed her most. Piper is my medicine – I swear I cope with my cancer because of her. She is my world. Chantal A SECOND CHANCE Animal stories are always the first thing I read in the magazine. Could I let other readers know about a fantastic charity in Manchester, Dogs 4 Rescue? It’s unique as there are no kennels. They take in dogs with two legs, dogs that have been badly treated and dogs that have nowhere else to go. Some are rehomed, while others…

@zantobe , 34, steps out in statement strappy heels that take this outfit from day to night. @mariamamanl , 53, looks effortlessly cool teaming head-to-toe print with on-trend chunky boots. @stylebeyondage , 69, mixes textures by pairing a leather-look shacket with her knitted midi dress. @lovedbylizzi , 47, teams her chic slip skirt with a bomber jacket and sporty trainers for a stylish look on the go. @francescasaffari , 33, gets her look spot on with a timeless polka-dot maxi dress that works all-year round. @rosasofia. style , 37, wows in a statement suit and retro shades that command attention. @petradieners , 50, adds the perfect finishing touches with studded mules and a raffia bag. @ich_bins _griseldis , 60, gives a modern twist to the classic white shirt and black…

Their faces are as familiar as family, and even when the news is dreadful, we’d rather hear it from them. Back in 1975, Angela Rippon was the BBC’s first permanent female newscaster. When she danced on Morecambe and Wise’s Christmas show a year later, she wowed viewers who’d never seen her legs before – and what legs they were! Moira Stuart was another barrier-buster, becoming the first female Caribbean newsreader on British TV in 1981. She later presented every news bulletin devised by the BBC, aside from the Ten O’Clock News. Foreign correspondent Orla Guerin was given her first flak jacket without armour plates, which she said was ‘as much use as a white handkerchief’. War reporter Kate Adie was similarly fearless, provoking one commentator’s remark that it was wise…

‘Seaweed is good for us and our world’ Fiona Houston, 55, is the founder of a sustainable enterprise that harvests and grows seaweed. She lives in Fife with her husband Duncan, their children Adair, 24, and Lydia, 23, and their dog Zack. Watching the tide come in from my home some years ago, it struck me that in seaweed, nature was offering us an abundant food source we were not using. I knew how nutritionally dense seaweed was and, in 2008, I co-wrote Seaweed and Eat It, a natural history guide and cookbook. I was yet to learn just how much of a role it could play in combatting climate change. Seaweed is rich in iodine, tyrosine, fibre and all 56 vitamins, minerals and micronutrients essential for human health. It’s…

‘I’ve discovered the modern quilting movement’ Rachel Mansi, 47, is an operations manager. She lives in Bristol with her husband Frank and sons Max, 16, and Rufus, 12. She sews colourful quilts, and believes creativity maintains mental and emotional wellbeing. I grew up in the 70s, when psychedelic patterns were popular. My mum, a bit of a hippy at the time, would take me to jumble sales in search of fabrics. I loved a patchwork cushion cover my grandmother had sewn, and was fascinated by how colours and textures combined to create patterns. Later, after having my children, I wanted to explore my interests and creativity. I started collecting vintage fabrics in bold colours, and sewed patchwork cushion covers, drawn by the anticipation of seeing how all the fabrics I’d…

Thrifty trick If you haven’t checked your credit score lately, now is the time to help make sure you bag the best deals on everything from credit cards to your broadband. FREE TO CHECK Go to one of the main credit reference agencies – Experian, Equifax or TransUnion – to check yours. It’s worth doing all three, as they can hold different information about you. BOOST IT Make sure your score is as strong as it can be. Tips to increase it include making sure information about you is accurate, being registered to vote at your current address, and never defaulting on credit card payments. CHECK ELIGIBILITY When applying for credit, always ask the provider for a ‘soft search’ to avoid rejection being stamped on your report. Remember, your credit…

MIX IT UP ✢ Greens pair together more easily than you might think, but if a top-to-toe look feels a little daunting, use a printed piece to break up the column of colour. ✢ Toughen up a silk tea dress with lace-up boots. White styles are perfect for spring and look great with bare legs. ✢ Midi-length dresses are best worn with longer coats, and wide lapels frame a fuller bust in a flattering way. THRILL OF THE FRILL ✢ Looking to add the wow factor to your occasionwear? Look no further! This show-stopping mint-green tulle skirt is guaranteed to ruffle feathers for all the right reasons. ✢ Keep your top half minimal by pairing with a simple white shirt and let the frills do the talking. Turn up the…

2022 offers a sense of calm and optimism, with soft pastel shades supported by neutrals, but also with a splash of fabulous bold colours. Each pair is podiatrist-designed so Vionic shoes provide the best kind of support. They contain three-zone comfort, which cups the heel, supports the arch and provides cushioning under the ball of the foot – for a difference you can feel. This season welcomes on-trend premium materials in a vast range of styles. Expect everything from sports-inspired sandals to luxe pumps. They’re all available in half sizes and a choice of widths (medium and wide) too, to guarantee the perfect fit. Check out my edit, as well as other lovely styles, at vionicshoes.co.uk/ WHSpring22 and use your woman&home exclusive 20% discount. I’ve loved hand-picking my edit from…

Singing in the shower makes us happier, according to a new study* . Compared to those who showered in silence for a week, songstresses recorded much higher happiness ratings after answering questions on their body confidence, contentment and energy levels. It’s no wonder combining singing with hydrotherapy has anxiety-busting potential. ‘Singing improves our mood because it really forces us to be mindful with our breathing,’ says psychological therapist Michael Padraig-Acton. ‘When we are belting out a tune, we simply have to breathe more deeply. This increases oxygen levels, our heart rate slows, our blood pressure decreases as our blood vessels relax and we simply feel more at peace.’ The shower is your stage and the loofah your microphone, so take it away!…

‘Menopause hit me at 50, just as I started a new job. I needed to function at my best, but I suffered brain fog, felt tearful and emotional, and was constantly waking up soaked through from night sweats. I was exhausted. ‘Luckily, my doctor took my symptoms seriously and prescribed HRT in low-dose tablet form. Within days, the symptoms stopped and I felt like myself again. ‘Five years later, a big scare around HRT and breast cancer meant I was taken off it, and the hideous symptoms came flooding back. Distraught, I pleaded to be put back on. ‘In July 2020 a breast cancer diagnosis, which resulted in a lumpectomy, threatened to derail my HRT journey again. Strangely, the threat of being taken off HRT terrified me more than my…

It’s just one little syllable; only two letters. A word we learn to express before we can even speak. Yet, by adulthood, many of us are tongue-tied when it comes to saying ‘No’. We baulk at the idea of letting someone down, accept an invitation we don’t want to go to, and take on too much at work, all to the detriment of our own wellbeing. Sound familiar? Take our quiz to discover whether you say ‘yes’ too easily, and how to stop it from having a negative impact on your life. You never know, you may find it liberating! DID YOU KNOW? The more difficulty you have saying no, the more likely you are to experience stress, burnout, and even depression, found research by the University of California.…

Saying no doesn’t have to be harsh. Tailor your response depending on who you’re talking to and the context, advises Abbie. ✢ GENTLE NO Reassure the other person they are important to you, empathise and suggest an alternative. Keep it positive. Say, ‘I’m busy on Thursday but can help on Friday if you like?’ ✢ ASSERTIVE NO Focus on your goals. Say, ‘I appreciate you asking me but Anita is actually in charge of that account.’ ✢ FIRM NO Remind yourself you don’t need to be everybody’s friend. Say, ‘Thanks but this isn’t for me.’ Quite simply: no!…

Tinnitus is a common condition where you can hear a noise or sound in your ear or head, but there’s no external source for the sound. It doesn’t mean that it isn’t real, but the noise is made within the auditory system itself. So even though no one else can hear it, it can be extremely intrusive and difficult to manage. Noises can vary in both severity and frequency. Persistent tinnitus affects about 10% of the population to some extent and, for around 600,000 people in the UK, it’s severe enough to impact their quality of life. The sound heard in tinnitus varies, but it’s often a ringing, buzzing, humming, hissing or whooshing noise. It’s often worse in a quiet environment, and can prevent you from falling asleep. You may…

BOTANIST Bring the outdoors in with this sophisticated take on the botanical trend, which sees interiors connected with nature. Relaxed, restful room schemes are a sanctuary of tonal greens, leafy prints and plush textiles, layered with an abundance of plants and greenery. Elegant accent details give this look a refined finish, from smart polished brass and black metal pieces to glossy glassware, ceramics and lacquered wood. Amplify the effect with a carefully placed mirror or mirror-finish furniture items. REGENCY REVIVAL While we’ve loved watching Bridgerton on the small screen, the costume drama has triggered a surge in interest in Regency-style decor that has now found its way into many of the new high street collections. The unfussy, elegant lines of Regency-inspired furniture, the heritage paint colours, heirloom prints and decorative…

Ice-cream cake inspired by Malakofftorte This Viennese-themed dessert is a brilliant showstopper. Serves 10-12 • Ready in 25 mins, plus freezing 2 eggs, separated 150ml double cream 250g mascarpone 10g caster sugar 150g dark chocolate florentines, roughly broken into small pieces 2tbsp milk 2tbsp rum 120g sponge fingers For the decoration: 50g dark chocolate 20g butter You will need: 21 x 11cm loaf tin, lined with 2 layers of baking parchment 1 Put the egg whites in a bowl and use a hand-mixer to whisk to firm peaks. 2 In a separate bowl, using the same mixer (no need to clean), whisk the cream and mascarpone to soft peaks. 3 Finally in a third bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the caster sugar until creamy and thickened. Gently fold into the…

FEMINIST RETELLING Elektra by Jennifer Saint (£14.99, HB, Headline) Saint excels with this tale of three women whose fates are intertwined: Agamemnon’s wife Clytemnestra, their daughter Elektra, and Cassandra, princess of Troy. The story opens with Clytemnestra’s sister Helen being taken to Troy. Her husband Menelaus and his brother Agamemnon raise an army to bring her back. Told from each woman’s view, Saint breathes new life into the classic story – a brilliant read. GRIPPING MYSTERY Theatre of Marvels by Lianne Dillsworth (£14.99, HB, Cornerstone) Meet Zillah, an orphan plucked from the slums to perform as an African queen. As Crillick’s Variety Theatre’s headline act, Zillah sees her star rising, mixing with Victorian high society. Until she bumps into Lucien, who shines a light on her heritage and she begins…

Joanna Cannon qualified as a doctor in her 30s – working in both A&E and psychiatry – before having a bestseller with her debut novel, The Trouble with Goats and Sheep. Since then, she’s written another bestseller, Three Things About Elsie; a powerful memoir, Breaking & Mending; and her new novel, A Tidy Ending, about Linda, a frustrated woman living in suburbia. But as with all Joanna’s books, not everything is as it seems. Joanna lives in the Peak District with her dog Lewis. The idea for A Tidy Ending came from when I was working on a psychiatric ward. I met someone who I thought was a visitor. It wasn’t until I went to the nursing station that I found out they were a new patient. It made me…

Watching I have just finished watching The Chair on Netflix – Sandra Oh can do no wrong in my book. We all love her. It’s brilliantly funny but tragically just six episodes long. I don’t know if there’ll be another one. Catastrophe is brilliant. I love it. We are in mourning [since] finishing Schitt’s Creek. Reading I have just finished a few books. A really surprising novel called Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud, The Promise by Damon Galgut, and I’m currently reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Listening I don’t really like lots of background noise. My daily listening in an ideal world is the birds. I love the transition from winter to spring – every day you start to hear a bit more birdsong. Learning One of…