Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2022 i Woman & Home

editor’s letter There are so many influential women in this issue, it’s hard to know where to start! From page 28 you can read the brilliant news that Twiggy is the latest ‘face’ of iconic make-up brand Charlotte Tilbury. The 60s supermodel is an eternally youthful 72, and follows in the footsteps of the indomitable Joan Collins, whose debut with the beauty firm was at 86. Twiggy is one of the many famous older role models, alongside Helen Mirren and Kim Cattrall, employed by beauty brands that recognise the spending power of the 40-plus woman. But it’s not just the fantastically well preserved who we admire here at woman&home. There are so many brilliant unsung heroines who are quietly making a difference. From page 36 you can read about the…

BODY-CARE BLISS 1. Stay calm Sensitive skin will be soothed by a combination of calming ingredients, moisturising hyaluronic acid and natural oils. Nursem Caring Body Cream, £17.50, nursem.co.uk 2. Whipped cream With seven decadent oils, this melt-in moisturiser turns flaky patches into smooth skin. Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream, £29, fentybeauty.com 3. Slick trick A silky, citrus-scented and deeply hydrating oil that will leave skin feeling supple and glowing, with softened stretch marks. Mutha Body Oil, £80, cultbeauty.co.uk 4. Bright side Oils needn’t feel greasy. This one soaks in instantly, with rosehip oil to promote brighter, even skin tone. Frank Body Rosehip Dry Body Oil, £16.95, frankbody.com 5. Dream cream Treat your body to a slurp of rich, buttery goodness, and say goodbye to dry skin in…

As a teenager, I’d spend all day talking to my best friend at school, then go home and phone her in the evening. I’d drag the telephone from the living room to the hall, the extension cord a dangerous tripwire. ‘What can you possibly have to talk about?’ my dad would say. ‘You literally saw her three hours ago!’ As a student in halls, I would tie up the communal phone for hours. In my 20s, my boyfriend – now my husband – travelled around for work, and we kept the romance alive across time zones through a complicated system of phone cards and callbacks. And then, a couple of years ago, it hit me. It had been years since I’d phoned a friend for a good old chinwag. ‘When…

‘WE PROVIDE BREAKFASTS TO 1,000 SCHOOLS’ Carmel McConnell MBE, 60, is an ex-CEO, social activist and author. In 2003, she founded Magic Breakfast, a charity that provides healthy breakfasts for hungry children across the UK. Carmel lives with her partner Catherine in north London. Seeing a hungry child eat is something you never forget. They devour food with urgency. I grew up in east London. We weren’t a wealthy family, but there was always food on the table. Many kids on our street weren’t so lucky, and Mum would invite them round for beans on toast. Seeing how they ate stuck with me. Fast forward to the year 2000 and I was running an ethical tech business and researching my first book, Change Activist. I loved my career, but I…

So they’re off, embarking on a thrilling new chapter in their lives. But where does that leave you? Feeling lost, redundant and knocking on the door of their uni halls with a casserole? When you’ve spent close to two decades with your offspring, there’ll be something of a void when they’re gone. In a survey commissioned by university accommodation provider Unite, a third of parents admitted to drinking more to ease the transition. Similar numbers acquired a pet to fill that teen-shaped gap, while another third threw themselves into cleaning. Yes, cleaning! For some of us, it really is that bad. However, while I missed my twin sons – then daughter – terribly, I discovered that this stage isn’t quite the desolate wasteland I’d envisaged. In fact, I’ve even (whisper…

Ambition was my antidote for homesickness. Growing up in Palermo, Sicily, I was a cheeky, eager boy. I had lots of friends and a big, loving family. I enjoyed playing football on the beach and dancing, which I fell in love with at the age of seven after seeing a TV show called Come Dancing. At 14, I won a place at a prestigious dance school in Bologna. My life became training and competitions. The effort paid off. By 2012, I won the Italian championships and in 2015 I got the job on Strictly! Never give up. It’s a motto I live by – it’s incredible what you can achieve. Britain is home now, but when I first moved, it was scary starting a job in a new country without…

Bunches have been in the business of delivering happiness for over 30 years, sending fabulous bouquets, long-lasting houseplants and gourmet gift hampers all over the UK. They are committed to making a difference to the world we live in, as well as the people in it – being there for you in life’s most meaningful moments. Their commitment to becoming a plastic-free, more sustainable business makes them the perfect choice for sending gorgeous gifts all-year round. As we enjoy the last of the British summer, it’s the perfect time to deliver a dose of sunshine to someone special, whether that be a simple thank you to a close friend, or celebrating the arrival of a new baby or a birthday – a wonderful bouquet of flowers will help you to…

‘I wanted to showcase British flavours’ Claire Oxley, 49, launched Allotment Drinks – a range of sparkling drinks, naturally flavoured by the British veg plot, hedgerow and garden – in February 2020. She lives in York with her partner and their three children. THE IDEA Following a career as a teacher and latterly working in a museum’s educational team, I wanted to do something for myself. In 2015, I started an events business with a friend, delivering gin-tasting experiences at hotels and venues. Every week for three years, we paired a range of gins with mixers and sodas. It struck me how the trend was to feature exotic flavours and garnishes, such as pomegranate, grapefruit and kiwi. While these are delicious, I started to question why we weren’t celebrating home-grown…

EASY CHIC Bouclé jackets are so elegant, but for a modern twist, try integrating the luxurious check into your wardrobe with a shirt jacket. The neutral colourway on this one means it looks equally good with denim or bright colours. Shacket, £49.99, sizes xs-xxl, zara.com; jumper, £110, sizes 6-22, wraplondon.co.uk; trousers, £79, sizes 4-18, hush-uk.com; earrings, £27.99, pilgrim.net; silk scarf, £295, aspinaloflondon.com TAILORED TARTAN Plaid trousers in feminine shades with soft front pleats are a wise buy you’ll wear year after year. Team with a simple cream knit – another versatile investment for the season. Top, £69, sizes xs-l, phase-eight.com; trousers, £99, sizes xs-xl, cos.com; shoes, £59.99, vionicshoes. co.uk; earrings, £130, carolinadebarros.com; bag, £149, massimodutti.com; bracelet, £27.99, pilgrim.net STYLE TIP Checks work well with other checks or styled with heavier…

Winser London’s core collection offers a selection of stylish investment designs made up of beautiful fabrics that create the essentials of a woman’s wardrobe, with a wherever, forever versatile attitude. New styles and colours are added from season to season to allow for intelligent wardrobe building. From at-home leisure to office essentials, Winser London has curated a collection of clothes that will last a lifetime. Whether modern workwear or weekend luxe, each time we dress, we want to add comfort, confidence and style that will add a smile and a great feeling to the start of the day. We love Winser London’s knitwear, from sustainably sourced fine merino wools to delicious cashmere, the soft mulberry silks with added stretch and body, the amazing fitting trousers, and simple-yet-stylish dresses and coats.…

1. THE BLEMISH BUSTER The right cleanser is especially important when you have acne-prone skin, to deeply clean pores without stripping moisture. This is the perfect option, as it’s gentle but still effective. Ameliorate Clarifying Facial Cleanser, £15, lookfantastic.com 2. THE MULTITASKER This clever gel-to-oil-to-milk cleanser takes the benefits from all three types of cleanser, cleverly turning them into a hybrid product that gets rid of make-up, dirt and oil, as well as refining pores, all without stripping the skin. Your complexion will be left feeling soft and soothed, without the need for a double cleanse. Liz Earle Cleanse & Glow Transforming Gel Cleanser, £24.50, Boots 3. THE MAKE-UP MELTER Rich oils or balms are ideal as a first cleanse to remove make-up. This hot cloth cleanser melts away stubborn…

FLORALS PATTERN KNOW-HOW Consider what type of floral best suits the room you’re decorating, whether it’s country, ditsy prints, bold blooms or modern botanicals. Sticking to one style is simpler and often works best when using a busy floral pattern. Start with a larger-scale pattern as your hero print and then combine with several medium- and small-scale patterns to add balance and create visual interest. Build your colour scheme around your hero print, picking two or three complementary colours from within the design, and using these throughout the room on furniture, soft furnishings, wall colour and accessories. Partner busy florals with textured plains, patterned weaves and soft neutrals to add balance, contrast and create areas of calm. Small-scale geometrics, such as spots and stripes, can work well when used as…

Not too many years ago, the idea of a ‘smart’ home might have been dismissed as a fad, but home tech has now become a key part of our lives, whether we’re using it to control our heating, monitor who’s at the front door or play our favourite music all around the house. Ranging from standalone gadgets and gizmos to home automation systems that connect a range of devices to one hub, there’s something to suit every budget. Smart light starter kits, from £79.99, philips-hue.com 1 SPEAK TO YOUR LIGHTS Being able to talk to your lights to switch them on and off is fun, but smart lighting has plenty of practical benefits too. Smart LED bulbs contain software that connects to a smartphone, tablet or voice-controlled device that…

Crown’s new Walls & Ceilings collection delivers their most popular formulation in 80 stunning colours, perfect for transforming any room. You’ll be spoilt for choice with their biggest selection of shades if you win one of their 10 vouchers for £150 worth of paint. From dark, rich hues, such as Ruby Chocolate™, which provides a cocooning space, to light, calming tones, such as Botanical Extract®, which creates a space with an airy feel. Crown has also introduced eight key trend colours to revitalise your home with fashion-forward hues. Using selected Vegan Verified ingredients, Crown’s unique breatheasy® 99% solvent-free formulation offers you the confidence to decorate your home safely. Limiting exposure to airborne triggers of asthma and allergy, it helps create a healthier space for your whole family. And they’re pushing…

Limoncello panna cotta with strawberry salsa These delicate but creamy and indulgent panna cotta are a perfect make-ahead pud, the strawberry salsa finishing them off with a sophisticated flourish. Serves 4 • Ready in 15 mins, plus setting 300ml double cream 250ml milk 50ml limoncello or orange liqueur 3tbsp caster sugar 3 leaves platinum-grade gelatine Zest ½ lemon For the topping: 100g strawberries, thinly sliced orquartered½tsp sugarJuice ½ lemon You will need: 4 dariole moulds, approx 8cm diameter 1 In a large saucepan, gently warm the cream, milk, limoncello and caster sugar until dissolved and the mixture is just steaming but not boiling. 2 Meanwhile, bloom the gelatine leaves by soaking them in a bowl of cold water for 5 mins. Squeeze each gelatine leaf, then stir into the warm…

Known as ‘the Queen of the Big Reveal’, multi-award-winning novelist Dorothy Koomson has had huge success, not least having her third book, My Best Friend’s Girl, picked for the Richard & Judy Book Club, and The Ice Cream Girls turned into a TV series. Her defining moment, though, was seeing her novel in bookshops for the first time. In Dorothy’s 18th novel, My Other Husband, we meet Cleo, who can’t clear her name without exposing her deepest secrets. Dorothy lives in Brighton with her two Yorkies, Jollof and Fufu. Bad people can do good things and vice versa, and that’s always the starting point for my books, including my new one, My Other Husband. Characters, like people, are multidimensional. Very few of us are any one thing at any one…

‘Craft? The only thing I can knit are my brows’ Like all working mums I was always way too busy for hobbies. But now that my kids have fledged and the nights are drawing in, I have time to take up a little something. Gardening, perhaps? But all I’ve ever sown are wild oats. Craft? The only thing I can knit are my brows. Karaoke appealed, mainly because, like most women, I spent my teens warbling ABBA hits into a hairbrush. But after just one karaoke session, I had to accept a showbiz career didn’t beckon. Why? Well, because when I asked the audience what they’d like me to play next, they yelled unanimously, ‘Scrabble!’. Salsa lessons proved just as disastrous. Unfortunately, I am to dancing what Boris Johnson is…

Luxurious, restful summer sleep may well be easier with these gorgeous products from award-winning Aromatherapy Associates and SMUG Sleep Masks! Soft lavender and fragrant rose will help you drift off to sleep on balmy nights when you use the sleep mist, cooling gel face mask, deeply relaxing bath or shower oil, and the micro-weight eye mask that doesn’t rest on the eyes. This box includes: ✢ Aromatherapy Associates Hydrating Rose Face Mask 100ml (RRP £45) ✢ Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Sleep Mist 10ml (RRP £23) ✢ Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil 9ml (RRP £12) ✢ SleepSMUG Contoured 3D Blackout Eye Mask (RRP £12, colour may vary) To order Simply visit toyl.co.uk/WH Terms & conditions Please allow up to 14 working days for dispatch. Your offer…

1 WORRY NOT Hormonal changes, life stresses and concerns about your changing body can all lead to anxiety at this time. ‘Problems can seem heightened when we go to bed, and when we wake at night,’ says sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan. ‘From an evolutionary point of view and with the physiology of human nature, we drop our guard in the hours before sleep, which can make us more vulnerable to stress and concerns.’ TACKLE IT ‘Most people wake up between 2am and 4am and struggle to get back to sleep due to stress and worries manifesting themselves,’ says Dr Ramlakhan. Try acceptance and commitment therapy. This works for those who can’t get to sleep or who wake in the middle of the night. It’s about accepting and acknowledging the…

Are you lying comfortably? Then we’ll begin. The previous pages may have struck some familiar chords. Too hot. Too anxious. Too wired after drinking caffeine or alcohol. The reasons for insomnia are many and varied. But the experts agree, it’s absolutely possible for all of us to sleep soundly as soon as our heads hit the pillow. Over the rest of this special supplement, we’ll bring you the latest advice, apps and gadgets. You’ll learn how to set a routine, choose the best bedtime food and drink, exercise wisely and find online help available free of charge. It’s time to end the nightmare of insomnia. Starting tonight. Ready for bed?…

Diet can have a significant impact on almost every aspect of our health, and sleep is no exception. The right foods can promote a more satisfying snooze, improving our ability to drift off and the overall quality of our sleep. But eating the wrong things, or at the wrong time, can leave us feeling restless. Some foods have natural sedative or stimulant properties that can be allies or enemies in our quest for better sleep. Our sleep-wake cycle is regulated by the hormone melatonin, which prepares our bodies for rest. To produce melatonin, our brain needs tryptophan, an amino acid that is found in most sources of protein, but it can be difficult for tryptophan in the blood to reach the brain because other amino acids can block its path.…

CONSCIOUSNESS Place sleep at the top of your priorities. Be aware of the disruptive effects of stimulants, drugs and electronic devices, and the enhancing benefits of exercise and good diet. Adjust your lifestyle accordingly. ✢ Quit smoking. ✢ Limit alcohol consumption to weekends. ✢ Keep your phone and other devices out of the bedroom. ✢ Avoid caffeine after 11am. ✢ Take regular exercise at a time that suits you. ✢ Avoid eating before going to bed. ✢ Be prepared for night-time anxieties by thinking about the next day’s tasks and concerns before bedtime, and having a strategy planned. CONSISTENCY Create a consistent sleep routine that begins first thing in the morning. Plan your daily timetable to enable you to wind down and go to bed at the same time every…

DOROTHY KOOMSON is a global bestselling author, and one of the UK’s biggest-selling black writers of adult fiction. With her 18th novel, My Other Husband, out this month, we catch up with her on page 173. Do you have a hobby or are you planning to take one up? A local woman taught me how to make jewellery by cutting metal and manipulating it into my chosen design. It was so much fun, and I made my husband a second wedding ring, plus a couple of pendants for myself. Award-winning author KIT DE WAAL has penned novels and short stories, among them My Name is Leon, which has been adapted as a film for the BBC. On page 65, she shares a childhood memory. Do you have a hobby or…

TWILIGHT EVENINGS…

It’s beginning to look as if fashion representation for those over 40 is finally changing. Step forward, Helena Christensen for Karen Millen, Twiggy for Charlotte Tilbury and Cindy Crawford for Off-White – all in recent months. For a leading beauty brand to use Twiggy, who’s 72, is something we should be cheering about from the rooftops. The 60s supermodel has come of age with every bit as much clout as she had back then – and possibly significantly more. Midlife women; our time is NOW. At. Last. Why has it taken so long? To be fair, it isn’t something that has happened overnight. There have been significant steps towards more inclusive models on our catwalks and in fashion and beauty campaigns in recent years. Lauren Hutton modelled for Calvin Klein…

It was a brief, handwritten thank-you note from a customer, but it meant the world to Ky Hoyle. It read, ‘Thank you. After three children and 20 years of marriage, I’ve finally had an orgasm!’ The letter came at the beginning of Ky’s business venture, but she’s kept it safe over the past three decades so she stays focused on exactly why she set up her sex shop: ‘To help women understand that they have the right to sexual pleasure – and showing them how to achieve it.’ ‘The toys are secondary,’ explains Ky, who is in her 50s. ‘Without sounding too saintly, we’re not really about flogging sex toys, we’re more about trying to give people permission to explore their sexuality. And women particularly have needed that, especially when…

Good to know Do you have old paper £20 notes? They will go out of circulation on 30 September 2022, meaning they will no longer be a legal tender after that date. The old £20 notes, first issued in 2007, feature economist Adam Smith. The old notes are replaced by the polymer £20 note, which came into circulation in February 2020. If you have the old £20 notes, you can either spend them before the end of September or swap them at the bank or Post Office. After this date, some banks may swap them at their discretion, or you can post them to the Bank of England, but you will be sending money at your own risk. Paper £50 notes will also go out of circulation at the same…

The chic and speedy DRESS A dress is perfect when you feel you have nothing to wear. These stylish designs are comfortable yet flattering, and will work for formal and casual events with simple style tweaks and accessories. The versatile BLAZER No longer synonymous with workwear, the blazer is a smart buy that will see you through the seasons and a variety of occasions. It instantly elevates an outfit, making it an ideal layering piece to invest in. The everyday BAG A simple design that’s stylish and functional will guarantee longevity. From roomy totes to practical shoulder bags, there’s a style to suit every need. Unusual shapes, luxe textures and subtle patterns add interest and are timeless. The understated KNIT The humble knit is not to be overlooked – it’s…

A summer glow makes us all feel better. Skin looks fresher, eyes seem brighter and teeth appear whiter. Plus it’s the perfect time to have a fun with your makeup. From gleaming skin and a pop of colour on your lips, to gilded eyes and zingy nails, a few make-up tricks are the perfect way to keep those summer vibes going long after the holiday is over. It’s never been easier to be a golden goddess! Glowing SKIN Start your make-up with a golden canvas by applying a gradual face tanner after cleansing to help even out your skin. Typology Progressive Self-Tanning Serum, £18, uk.typology.com, works on all skin tones, from pale to dark, and can be used alone or mixed with your daily moisturiser. Apply it every other day…

Whether you’re feeling rundown or your anxiety is becoming overwhelming, lifting your spirits could be as easy as gazing up at the sky, says research by Coventry University. Feelings of awe from stargazing – known as skychology – can help release the happy hormones serotonin and dopamine, which not only lift your mood but also reduce fatigue. ‘Stargazing allows us to connect with something greater than ourselves,’ says consultant psychologist Dr Elena Touroni*. ‘This can be very beneficial for those with depression, where there tends to be more focus on the self.’ Download the Star Walk 2 app (free, iOS and Android) and point your phone at the sky to guide you.…

Q My adult son started smoking cannabis over lockdown. He lives with us, and my husband began to have a joint with him in the garden now and then. While my son seems to manage with the occasional joint, my husband now smokes cannabis daily. He says it isn’t addictive, and it’s simply that he enjoys it and that he used to smoke when he was younger. Is cannabis addictive? A Firstly, it’s important to say that cannabis is illegal in the UK. It can cause dependence – in fact, it was recently found that a record number of people over the age of 55 years are seeking treatment for cannabis misuse or addiction, which is an increase of 777% over the past 15 years. The cannabis or weed that…

Surprising plastic pollution What plastic item that’s used daily by 3.6 million Brits is often still flushed away? The answer is contact lenses. Research by eye-care expert MyVision reveals that many wearers don’t realise that their lenses are plastic and dispose of them down the toilet. However, due to their size, they’re not suitable for everyday recycling collection either. Instead, you can drop used pairs off at Boots Opticians branches for specialist recycling. Water wise Ever wish you knew how much water your household used? The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is in talks to develop mandatory water-efficiency labels. Not only will you be able to make greener choices when buying products that use water, but also it will help you save money. In the meantime, have…

‘Meatballs are an easy dish to put together, and the sticky sweet and sour glaze on these makes them ever so moreish’ A BIT ABOUT SABRINA British-Iranian chef, food writer and author Sabrina Ghayour is a regular on Saturday Kitchen, and you’ll find her recipes in national food magazines and newspapers. She found fame hosting a supper club, Sabrina’s Kitchen, showcasing bold flavours from her homeland. This is her sixth cookbook, which was written during lockdown, in Yorkshire. ✢ Persiana Everyday by Sabrina Ghayour (£26, HB, Aster) is out now. Photos: Kris Kirkham. Pork, coriander and spring onion meatballs with tamarind glaze Serves 4 • Ready in 50 mins 500g minced pork (15-20% fat)1 bunch spring onions, very thinlysliced from root to tip1tbsp garlic granules1tsp ground white pepper1 small pack…

FANTASY ISLAND THIS ONE SKY DAY by Leone Ross Set on a mythical Caribbean archipelago, this is a rich, brilliantly told fantastical tale with characters that jump off the page. I loved how it felt like I was right there as the story unfolded. This was on the Women’s Prize for Fiction longlist. HAUNTING READ THE SENTENCE by Louise Erdrich This was on the Women’s Prize for Fiction shortlist, and is about a woman who comes out of prison, trying to restart her life… and ends up working in a haunted bookshop. Set in 2020, it deals with that year’s difficult issues with humour and sensitivity. HEART-WARMING The Second Time We Met by Frances Mensah Williams This is a great romcom. Two people from very different backgrounds fall in love…

There’s a peculiar loneliness to being the only person awake. The minutes stretch into hours, the night creeps past, and you turn and toss, trying to rest your mind while hoping that, finally, you’ll drop off. If this is you, then help is at hand. We’ve gathered the very latest research and advice from our w&h experts to transform your sleep experience – starting right now. Ready to make this your last night of sleeplessness? Let’s begin……

Even if you’ve slept like a baby all your life, come menopause, you may be in for a rude awakening. As if the hot flushes, brain fog and anxiety aren’t enough, along comes the midlife change and suddenly the brain can also forget how to switch off at night. Insomnia during menopause can be due to falling levels of oestrogen and progesterone, both sleep-promoting hormones. But night sweats and emotional issues don’t help. Happily, you may have noticed a certain buzz around the subject. Perimenopause and menopause have never been in the news more, with doctors and health specialists increasingly aware of the issue and willing to help find solutions. Ready for a restful sleep? Follow our experts’ advice to help you drift off.…

Avoid that BOOZE-FILLED SNOOZE Whether it’s a heavy night of tequila shots and cocktails or just a modest cognac nightcap, alcohol before bedtime can wreak havoc on sleep. We often consider alcohol to be a sure-fire way to help us nod off, and although that’s somewhat true, as soon as our head hits the pillow, the kind of sleep that follows is far from restorative. As a depressant, alcohol has the ability to dull our nervous system and send us to sleep with ease. When we hit the hay after one too many, the high levels of alcohol in our bodies can induce a speedy trip to sleepy town but that signals the beginning of an internal war. Alcohol and sleep become mortal enemies in a battle between the cycles…

DECLUTTER In this new world of partial homeworking, I sometimes find difficulty in separating my work life from my home life. Thanks to Clear Space, Clear Mind [July], I’m approaching clutter like an overgrown garden, weeding out the things that no longer serve a purpose or bring me joy. Now I just need to convince my partner the rest of the house needs weeding! Helen HAPPY MEMORIES I so much enjoyed Fiona Gibson’s Where Were You in 1977? [June]. Oh my gosh, it was like I wrote it myself – C&A, stamp collecting, Blue Peter… It brought back so many memories I’d told my daughter about. She said it would have been nice to be that age ‘in those times’, like it was a really long time ago! Julie HURRAH…

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

What is your earliest memory? The one that shaped my career was working with Lord Lichfield on a Triumph lingerie calendar. He was a prestigious photographer and I was 19, fresh out of the box. What was your plan B? I wanted to be on stage in musicals. It was my plan A, until I realised I wasn’t that good when I was in my teens. I didn’t have a plan B, but then modelling showed itself to me and I went with it. I love music, so what happened turned out to be plan A too, which was getting into music television: MTV, Top of the Pops and all those kinds of shows. What scares you most? The thought of losing people I love. I have little moments of…

Hannah Riches, 49, is married to Neil, 58. She lives in Reading with daughters Milly, 14, and Bessie, 12. Watching Neil attempt to draw the hands and numbers on a clock face, I finally accepted what I had feared for months. My wonderful, articulate, clever, gregarious and capable husband wasn’t simply becoming forgetful and scatty. He hadn’t grown bored or uninterested in our family life. He had dementia – aged just 51. Although that formal diagnosis in 2014 was upsetting, it was also a relief. There was a reason behind what we’d all been struggling with for a while. When Neil battled with clock-face dementia tests, where he had to write clock numbers on a circle and then draw on the hands to show certain times, it was part of…

We sat in her plush drawing room at Kensington Palace, surrounded by framed photos of ‘her boys’, William and Harry, and dissected the collapse of her marriage to their father, Charles. Diana was in a chatty mood. It was June 1995: five months before she gave her infamous interview to Panorama’s now-disgraced Martin Bashir. But the Princess was already rehearsing some of the lines that were to become so well known. ‘There were always three of us in this marriage,’ she told me, ‘so it was a bit crowded.’ She thought that, without Camilla, her marriage might have survived. ‘But,’ she said, ‘I now know – and we should all recognise – that Charles’ love for his lady friend is stronger than any marriage he might have made. She is…

My mother was 25 when she had her first child. She always told us she felt desperate to get going, knowing she wanted a big family, like the one she had come from. She was proud of us, wanted to show us off, knew, without being told, that these are the best years of her life and she wanted a record of them, photographs she could hang from a chain on the picture rail in the front room. Over the years, we got used to her obsession, long after the best years have been painted over with disappointment. Lots of families didn’t have a camera in the early 1960s, and even if you did, the whole roll of film took months or years to fill, each precious shot taken gingerly…

Looking for a way to update your wardrobe for autumn? Then try adding a splash of colour with a bright bag. The timeless quilted style of Dune London’s Dorchester gets an update in vibrant jewel-toned shades for the new season. It’s the perfect size to wear on the shoulder or as a cross-body bag. The hardest decision? Which colour to opt for! Bags, £70 each, dunelondon.com…

The best fashion buys are ones that are inter-seasonal, that you can update with clever purchases as the weather changes. This month I have picked items that will update your classics while ensuring you can wear them for seasons to come. The biggest runway trend for AW22 was for clothes you can wear anywhere, any time. That sounds perfect. It’s all about that trouser suit, the oversized blazer, a dress that takes you from day to evening, flattering knitwear and corduroy trousers or shorts. Some may be already hanging in your wardrobe. That oversized blazer? It was seen at Versace, worn with tiny metallic skirts and latex boots. Art deco silhouettes inspired the collection at Saint Laurent, which included maxi-length white satin paired with an oversized black jacket and heels.…

My friend Jane emailed the other day and declared she was going to start ‘working out’. Her message was punctuated with words like ‘power’, ‘sweat’ and ‘endorphins’. After I picked my chin up off the floor (she isn’t known for her love of movement), I made a gentle suggestion that she make a start by simply being more active. Jane has a very sedentary job, working from home and staring at a laptop. ‘That’s what I just said – working out,’ came the retort. It’s not actually the same thing. Keeping active means moving more outside of the gym, Zumba class, HIIT session or 5km run, and makes a sizeable contribution to your health. And by good health I mean protection from serious conditions and diseases. The official name for…

Spend lazy evenings celebrating the last of the summer sun with al fresco gatherings and garden parties. ✢ Make the most of balmy days come nightfall with lanterns, candles and festoon lights in your garden. A firepit or chiminea will keep you cosy into the night. ✢ Create a bar with a supply of fizz on ice, gin cocktails and a glass hurricane filled with citrus fruits to garnish. ✢ When hosting family and friends, take indoor tables, chairs and even bar carts, outside, and cover with table linens and soft furnishings to create a cohesive look. Gin glasses, £34 for set of four, champagne flutes, £48 for set of four, round marble board, £40, Moreton Kubu trolley, £425, glass ice bucket, £55, classic glass hurricane, £50, Orion portable lamp,…

✢ Combine an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary pieces – think mid-century furniture teamed with organic patterns and prints. ✢ For a cohesive look, stick to a similar colour palette. Pops of yellow and blue will lift a neutral scheme while tying the room together. ✢ Go for statement glassware throughout, with abstract pendant lights and bold, bottle-style vases.…

PURPLE CONEFLOWER With drooping petals, this coneflower (Echinacea pallida) is a late-summer star and a favourite with pollinators. It needs full sun, shelter and well-drained soil, and will reward with blooms from June to September. In winter, leave the seedheads for wildlife, then cut stems to the ground in late February. H: 80cm-1m. Available from sarahraven.com YARROW ‘CLOTH OF GOLD’ The flat, golden flowerheads of yarrow (Achillea filipendulina) make a striking show in the border. It thrives in sun and well-drained soil, but needs staking to stop it drooping in wet weather. It has semi-evergreen ferny foliage and draws in bees, butterflies and moths. Yarrow flowers June to September. H: 1.5m. Available from thompson-morgan.com MONTBRETIA ‘LUCIFER’ An eye-catcher, montbretia (crocosmia) comes out in August to October. It has upright, lance-shaped…

Pantry pasta This deceptively easy anchovy spaghetti is an Italian classic that you can put together in minutes with just a handful of store-cupboard ingredients. Serves 2 • Ready in 15 mins 200g spaghetti50g can anchovies in oil1tbsp capers, drained and rinsed1tbsp olive oil2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced½tsp crushed chilli flakes 1 Cook the spaghetti in a large pan of boiling, salted water according to the pack instructions. 2 Meanwhile, pour the oil from the can of anchovies into a very small saucepan and cook the capers for 2-3 mins until crisp. Lift the capers out onto a plate, then turn the heat down low and add the 1tbsp olive oil. 3 Add the sliced garlic to the pan and cook for 5 mins without colouring. Add the anchovies and…

Lemon and blueberry drizzle cake Lemon cake is always a winner and this one has the addition of juicy blueberries and two zingy drizzles. Serves 12 • Ready in 55 mins 175g butter, softened175g caster sugar3 medium free-range eggs200g self-raising flourZest of 1 lemon115g natural yogurt150g blueberries tossed in 1tbspflour, plus extra to serve For the lemon syrup: 50g caster sugar4tbsp lemon juice For the icing: 125g icing sugarLemon juice You will need: 20cm round cake tin, greased and the base lined 1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, then fold in the flour and lemon zest. Fold in the yogurt. Gently stir in the blueberries, trying…

TWISTS AND TURNS It’s been a decade since Hannah was at Oxford, yet she’ll never forget it. Her room-mate, April, was killed by one of the university porters. Now he’s dead and Hannah wonders if she helped send an innocent man to prison. But if Hannah digs too deep, could it put her husband, April’s former boyfriend, Will, in jeopardy? A clever novel to keep even the most dedicated thriller fan perplexed. The IT Girl by Ruth Ware (£14.99, HB, Simon & Schuster) CLEVER AND IMAGINATIVE Isaac and the Egg by Bobby Palmer (£14.99, HB, Headline) Isaac has reached breaking point. Standing on the edge of a bridge, he’s distracted by a scream in the woods. On investigation, he finds an egg – but it’s no ordinary egg. It’s unsightly…

The train arriving at platform three will be the 14.22 to Coventry.’ Cathy released the button on the microphone and turned back to her magazine. Not for her the fashion mags or gossip columns her friends loved. Cathy’s guilty pleasure was reading travel brochures, even though the closest she’d come to a holiday in 40 years was a trip to Bournemouth with Mum, a few years before she died. Tearing herself away from a three-page spread on gîtes in the South of France, Cathy leaned towards the microphone. ‘Arriving now at platform three, the 14.22 to Coventry.’ Cathy missed her mum with a pain that was almost physical. The tiny house seemed big and empty, and without Mum’s pension, Cathy’s salary was eaten up with the mortgage and the bills.…

horoscopes Star sign of the month VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER The 10th and 11th are full of excitement. After then, there’s potential for misunderstandings. The 18th looks romantic. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD There’s a theme of expansion for your family. Work’s busy and there could be changes there too. You’ll need a decent break at Christmas! Call 0905 789 4155* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER Communication is key. In negotiations, the missing jigsaw piece arrives on the 23rd, when things start to improve. Travel plans go haywire after the 10th. The 25th is lucky. Call 0905 789 4156* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER A lot is happening with friends and comes with a…

THINK PINK A BACKGROUND NOISE AT NIGHT MAKES US FEEL SAFE. TRY ‘PINK NOISE’ VIA THE FREE RX PINK NOISE APP AT THE APP STORE. MAKE A LIST Writing down your worries – and how you might solve them – before bed can help. Make work to-do lists before you leave the office so you can switch off more easily at home. TRY A BODY SCAN IMAGINE A LIGHT RUNNING OVER YOUR BODY – AT EACH POINT IT SHINES ON, RELAX THAT MUSCLE. 4-7-8 BREATHING Designed by Harvard-trained doctor Andrew Weil, this technique could get you to sleep in a matter of minutes. Exhale through your mouth, making a whoosh sound. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for…

There are times when we all find it difficult to sleep. Upsetting news, an important day at work – something stressful fills our minds, keeping our thoughts in a churn and stopping the arrival of blessed sleep. For most, this is the experience of a couple of nights, and then things return to normal. But for others, it’s a regular occurrence, three, four or five times a week. And for some, every night is a battle. It’s no surprise that insomnia and anxiety disorders are intimately related. A 2013 study found that 8.2 million people in the UK suffered from anxiety during the year. The past two years, with the pandemic and now war in Europe, have only exacerbated the situation. Every night there are thousands – if not millions…

It’s well known that working up a sweat is beneficial for both our body and mind. It can boost our mood, reduce stress and help us lose weight – and it can even lead to better sleep. But how much does exercise affect our rest? Should we work out in the mornings or in the evenings? And what’s the best type of activity to do to improve our sleep? The World Health Organization recommends that adults aged between 18 and 64 do at least 150 minutes of exercise each week (that’s roughly 30 minutes, five times a week), or at least 75 minutes of vigorous cardio. So you don’t need to run a 10km every day to feel the benefits. Even 10 minutes of light movement, such as walking, may…

If you’re having problems getting to sleep, chances are the mornings will be tricky too. And, come the dark mornings of winter in a month or so, the struggle will be even greater. The lack of light means your brain produces more of the hormone melatonin, which makes you sleepy. It’s the reason some animals think it’s a good time of year for a long, cosy snooze. Sadly, we don’t have that luxury. But there is a way to recreate those bright spring mornings that will tell our bodies it’s time to get up. Say hello to one of these sunrise alarm clocks, which are certain to get you bouncing out of bed. Best for music lovers Do you like waking to the sound of tunes or the morning news?…