Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2023 i Woman & Home

FLORAL FANCIES…

When I was growing up, skinniness was inniness. To keep our bottoms perfectly pert, we girls lived on a daily diet of half a celery frond. Our obsession with thinness meant we wouldn’t even cook with thick-bottomed saucepans. But now, big bottoms are in vogue. A full derrière is de rigueur. Yep, all that dieting was for nothing (which, ironically, was all we ate from the 70s on. ‘I’ll have a cup of skimmed air, please.’). Today’s pin-ups are of a peachier persuasion: think Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, and curvaceous co. My girlfriends are swapping their organ-squishing control tights for padded pants to get a more rounded silhouette – like Wonderbras for bums. But some are taking the fad too far. A woman in my Zumba class recently had…

By any measure, 50 is a milestone birthday. Even the most optimistic among us have to admit we’ve probably passed life’s halfway point by now. At 40, you can still tell yourself you’re young, but by 50 there’s no denying that you’re middle-aged. I need my glasses to read the label on the pills for my sciatica, and when I drop something on the floor, I hesitate before I pick it up while I work out what else I can do while I’m down there. But I’ve found life after 50 is also strangely liberating. My primary evolutionary function – procreation – is over. The baby ship has well and truly sailed, so there’s no more dithering about whether to have just one more before it’s too late. I have…

What is fashion confidence? To me, the title of this column conveys a sense of purpose, of being self-assured and comfortable in your own skin. Admittedly that’s a complicated issue – and there’s more to it than me telling you to buy a new skirt. Fashion gets a bad rap, but wearing the clothes and accessories that make you feel good really does matter. I’m a firm believer in dressing to feel your best. There’s no point in buying or hanging on to clothes if they aren’t 100% right for you. I can’t stand jackets with armpit-bothering tendencies, voluminous dresses, ruffles, culottes and bright prints – and I haven’t worn high heels since the last century. Eliminating items that have a less than positive effect and choosing the styles that…

HEALTH We can help you live your best life Fun. It’s not usually a word grown-ups think refers to them. It’s for kids in the playground and dogs that chase their tails, not for those of us wrestling with financial and family worries. Yet in light of the news most of us feel unsatisfied with life compared to how we did in 2020*, an injection of fun could be just what we need. ‘The responsibilities of adulthood derail us from creating more fun in our lives, but we must cultivate it – our wellbeing depends on it,’ says clinical psychologist Dr Marsha Chinichian**. So, rather than seeing fun as a treat you have to earn, look at it as a necessity. Anything that relieves stress, or enables you to manage…

Whether you want to use less harsh chemicals on your skin or are aware of the environment, you might have considered switching to a natural deodorant. But maybe your research has been met with horror stories about the side effects – such as excessive sweating or bad body odour? Our experts reveal what to expect when making the change. 1 YOU MIGHT SWEAT MORE Natural deodorants don’t contain aluminium, which works by plugging the sweat glands to keep your armpits dry. ‘When you switch to a natural deodorant, you go through a transition period where the body is removing the aluminium and releasing it from the body – this can feel like you’re sweating more than you’re used to,’ says Dr Ross Perry*. But this is simply your body…

If you only read one of my columns ever, make it this one. How you fuel your body will have a direct impact on your mood. And then an improvement in your health and energy levels will follow. There’s so much to say on this topic that I got myself into a lather and had to pace up and down for half an hour to collect my thoughts. I’m going to plant three words in your mind. Gut. Mood. Body. We’re going to start with a case study. Let’s take Susan. She’s 53, works full-time, and has two boys in their late teens. She has a busy husband, who also works full-time. The onus on life and house admin generally falls to Susan. She’s frazzled, so evening meals are quick…

Summer lovin’ Next time you’re in Sainsbury’s, you’ll find an array of new Summer Edition products with fresh, vibrant citrus flavours and fun twists. It includes modern Mediterranean dishes such as a picnic and tapas range (pictured), and new desserts like Summer Lemon Illusion Dessert, £4.50, a hidden zesty lemon curd nestled inside a white chocolate mousse, coated in a white chocolate shell. Look out for other irresistible treats such as a Chicken Souvlaki Sharing Kebab, £6.50, and a No Beef Brisket with Maple & Bourbon Melt, £4. COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH Spiced rum mojito Add a fresh kick to this classic long drink, scaled up to enjoy with friends. Serves 6 300ml spiced rum 100ml ginger cordial 25g fresh mint 4 limes, 3 squeezed, the other cut into wedges…

Bestselling author JOANNA CANNON looks back on her book-filled childhood and jobs that led her to writing on page 57. Which actor would you choose to play you in a film of your life? Sadly, you would need a time machine for this, but Bette Davis would be the actor I’d choose. Such an independent and determined woman, on and off screen, I can just imagine her marching through the Peak District with my German shepherd dog in tow! Writer, journalist and author TESS STIMSON has written 17 novels, including psychological thriller The New House. On page 42, she reveals ‘the rules’ she made for herself when she turned 50. Which actor would you choose to play you in a film of your life? Dame Maggie Smith because I intend…

COOL AND RELAXED…

NATALIE PORTMAN In 2011, Oscar-winner Natalie, 41, turned vegan after reading Jonathan Safran Foer’s Eating Animals, a thought-provoking look at the effects of industrial farming. She has also made the commitment to not wear leather, fur or feathers, and has even created her own vegan shoe line. In 2017, the passionate celeb received the Ongoing Commitment Award from the Environmental Media Association for her work in this area. STELLA MCCARTNEY Like her late mother, Linda – who was a passionate vegetarian and animal rights activist – fashion designer Stella, 51, has spoken out about animal welfare. Her hugely successful designer lines are stocked across the world, but you’ll never find a product containing fur, leather or any type of animal skin in her ranges. MICHAELA STRACHAN Michaela, 57, is one…

What are you like first thing in the morning? I am not a morning person; I take a little while to wake up so I’m not sprightly and I don’t jump out of bed! I like to be able to have a cup of tea and a little bit of time to myself. What’s your worst habit? I’m a real picker, so if there’s food in the fridge, I’ll have a corner of it – so when someone gets it out, there’s always a bit missing! If you’re home alone, what do you do? I like to put something I’d like to watch on the TV. Or I love to have a relaxing bath, light my candles and try to have a little bit of zen me-time. What makes you…

It feels like just yesterday that the then Kate Middleton married Prince William in the fairy-tale wedding of the century. But 12 years on, what a transformation. At the time, the shy, and rather gauche, middle-class gal at the University of St Andrews was famous for nothing more than causing a sell-out stampede to the shops every time she wore something, partying at Boujis nightclub, looking gorgeous and dating the UK’s most eligible bachelor. Fast forward to 2023, and she is a mother-of-three, married to the heir to the British throne, the newly minted Princess of Wales and a campaigner for children’s early development. It’s no exaggeration to say that the future of the monarchy rests on her slender shoulders. It’s been a long apprenticeship. Behind the long, glossy locks…

At the time this photograph was taken, despite being surrounded by other children at a birthday party, most of my friends lived within the pages of a book. As the only child of an only child, I wasn’t the most accomplished at joining in, but rather than try to acquire the skills of socialising, I turned to stories for company and adventure. Looking back at my childhood, it feels like I spent a huge proportion of it in my local library. My mum would leave me there while she went shopping (in a golden age when this was perfectly acceptable behaviour), and upon her return, I’d be waiting with my arms full of inappropriate books (I was quite interested in murder), and the hope she would let me use her…

THIS MONTH ✢ Cancer screening✢ Anabolic steroids✢ HRT and the pill Q I’m very concerned about my son. He’s in his 20s and lives at home after returning from university. He has a job, but spends most of his free time at the gym. He’s obsessed with working out, and often seems very angry. I found some pills in his room. What could be going on? A Although keeping physically active and eating a balanced diet in general is considered to be healthy, there has been a recent rise in a number of conditions, including orthorexia, when ‘clean eating’ and exercise can become harmful, and can have a concerning impact on physical and mental health. Body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders can also be very serious issues. It’s also possible…

Strawberry cheesecake A luscious set makes this dessert feel light and nostalgic, with a sweet, crunchy base. Serves 10-12 • Prep 25 mins, plus 6 hrs chilling and setting 250g shortbread biscuits80g butter, melted4 platinum-grade gelatine leaves300g strawberries, hulledJuice 1 lemon125g caster sugar For the filling: 280g tub Philadelphia cream cheese 200g Greek yogurt 250ml double cream 2tbsp Chambord or other berry liqueur For the topping: 250g strawberries, hulled and quartered, plus extra to decorate1 sprig basil (about 6 large leaves), plus extra small leaves to decorate50g caster sugar1tsp cornflour1tbsp Chambord or other berry liqueurMini meringues, to decorate (optional) You will need: 20cm springform or loose-bottomed cake tin, greased and the base lined with baking paper 1 Whizz the biscuits in a food processor to make crumbs. Add the butter,…

Sausage, fennel and burrata pasta Tasty sausages add all the seasoning you need in this creamy and deliciously savoury pasta, which can be on the table in well under 30 mins. Serves 4 • Prep 5 mins • Cook 15 mins 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced and the fronds reserved6 Italian-style sausages165g jar sun-dried tomato pesto400g pasta (we used mafaldine)150g ball burrata Plus: Splash of oilChilli flakes (optional) 1 Heat a splash of oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the fennel, season and cook, stirring until softened and a little coloured. Set aside on a plate and return the pan to a high heat. 2 Squeeze the sausages from their skins and add to the pan, breaking up with a wooden spoon. Cook for…

1 PLAN PLENTY OF CABINETRY With Crittall-style doors and an on-trend colour palette, you can create a visual extension to your kitchen that you won’t want to hide. Due to its close proximity to the main kitchen, it can offer extra workspace and storage, as well as its washing facilities. Why not add a traditional pulley clothes airer? It lends itself to this country look. Large Chichester laundry cabinets, painted in Rhubarb, from £8,000, neptune.com; Rhubarb and Pearl square tiles, £108 per sq m, bertandmay.com 2 CONVERT SOME OF THE GARAGE Transform a single wall in an outbuilding or garage into your washing area. A simple look is a practical solution, so choose solid wood furniture and hard-wearing metal and wicker for functional pieces that look beautiful too. Include a…

A garden room can be an extra living space, a sanctuary for enjoying your garden all year round, an office or a quiet zone. In recent years, they have become the modern alternative to extensions, as they are less intrusive and more affordable. ‘More people now choose a garden room rather than a conservatory, since the solid roof construction makes them suitable for year-round living,’ says David Salisbury of David Salisbury Joinery (davidsalisbury.com). What’s more, they can add value. ‘A good-quality garden room can boost the value of your home by 5-15%,’ says Luke Jackson from estate agents Michael Graham (michaelgraham.co.uk). PLAN AHEAD Ensure there’s access for maintenance and avoid positioning the garden room near trees. You’ll also need to think about access for delivery, though panels could be carried…

YOUTHFUL DREAMS Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury This is the song of my childhood: a novel of magic and adventure from one of the 20th century’s great masters of the art. A story of ageing and coming of age, of death and desire and the darkest of dreams, it hits the spot perfectly; between horror and joy, exuberance and solemnity. And Bradbury’s prose is enchanting; crisp as an October apple and filled with joie de vivre. GOTHIC FABLE Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake I first discovered this book when I was in my teens and have revisited it regularly ever since, finding new things to discover every time. Illustrated by the author himself, it offers a glimpse into a world that seems both fantastic and starkly real. Dense,…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Judi Love Comedian and Loose Women star Judi Love, 42, lives in London with her two children. WAKE UP Usually I’m awake by 6.30am but some days, I’ll be up at 5.30am to be in the gym for 6am. The first thing I do is look in on my son and daughter, and give them a kiss on the forehead. Then I’ll go downstairs and check on the cat. MORNING If it’s a day I’m on Loose Women, I’ll put on a tracksuit. A car will pick me up at 7.15am to take me to the studio. I’ll get there at about 8.20am. BREAKFAST At the studio, I’ll probably eat salmon, boiled egg and spinach. WORK We have a briefing, then it’s time to…

horoscopes Star sign of the month GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUNE You come into your own on the 11th. A change requires a push mid-month. The New Moon on the 18th brings opportunity. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD Next month finances need TLC. If a partner is focused on property or possessions, they know what they’re doing. Flexibility is key at Christmas. Call 0905 789 4152* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. CANCER 21 JUNE – 22 JULY June’s first week is intense for romance. Practise self-love and positive shifts can happen. Plus, leave big conversations until after the 27th, when they’ll go well. Call 0905 789 4153* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUGUST After the 6th, love and desire planets are in…

An eye test made Joanna Page realise she had to reignite the acting career she’d paused for almost a decade to be a full-time mum. ‘I’d thought, “I don’t want to do any acting, I don’t want to be taken away from the family,” but when the optician asked me to read the beginning of a chapter from a book, I went off on one. I found myself going, “It was a dark night, he looked through the window and he saw her,”’ explains Joanna, 46, dramatically reciting the words. ‘I didn’t need to commit to it that much, but I really enjoyed it. I thought, “Jesus, I think I need to go and do a bit of acting!”’ Shortly after leaving London’s prestigious drama school RADA, the West Glamorgan-born…

‘IT SOWED A SEED OF HOPE – MY DREAMS COULD COME TRUE’ Freya Rose Archer, 42, is an award-winning shoe and jewellery designer. She lives near Portsmouth with husband Matthew and children Johnnie, 12, and Willow, four. She is an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust Women Supporting Women initiative. I don’t think anyone could ever have predicted that I would grow up to run a successful company, be happily married with two beautiful kids, and work as an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust. The odds were stacked against me. I had a pretty turbulent childhood. My parents split up when I was little and my mum was on her own with three kids, struggling to stay afloat. I left home at 15 and moved around, working odd jobs to get…

fashion inspiration Looking stylish has never been so easy ADD SOME FLARE ✢ You can always rely on a classic fit-and-flare dress to take you from the office to dinner with ease. ✢ The gold button detailing gives this beauty a premium finish. Keep it looking luxe and style with delicate gold jewellery. ✢ Cut on the bias, the heavy textured fabric drapes effortlessly over your frame for a flattering finish. CLASSIC DENIM ✢ Lean into the 1970s vibe of the denim boiler suit and wear with a pair of on-trend clogs – comfy while still looking polished. ✢ Layer with a white vest or Breton tee underneath and leave slightly unbuttoned to add interest and break up the blue. ✢ A wide-leg cut is incredibly flattering, skimming…

Peptides exist naturally in our body and act as the building blocks of vital proteins such as collagen and elastin, which in turn help make our skin bouncy, smooth and elastic. But as we age, levels of collagen and elastin start to reduce, and that’s why the texture of our skin can begin to change, with lines, wrinkles and sagging becoming more noticeable. Peptide-enriched skincare can help. ‘The addition of peptides into your routine encourages your skin to boost its levels of structural proteins such as collagen, which helps to plump, restore and strengthen the skin,’ says Dr Ellie Bradley, No7 science credentialing manager. There are lots of different kinds of peptides that do various things for your skin, from hydration and smoothing, to slowing the signs of ageing, and…

A friend of mine hates goodbyes. She couldn’t face her grandmother in her final days, and slips away from parties (doing this has a name – it’s called an Irish exit or a French exit). She’s not alone in her aversion – how many of us are guilty of evading farewells? For some, it’s because they are awkward or emotionally charged. For others, they remind us of someone or something that left unexpectedly. Saying goodbye means accepting we may forget, or be forgotten, it means letting go. As a result, it’s synonymous with loss or vulnerability. ‘A goodbye is tough, but it’s a moment of tenderness’ ‘Goodbyes are moments of shared emotion,’ says psychotherapist Jordan Vyas-Lee, co-founder of mental healthcare clinic Kove. ‘Our preference to not be seen with our…

NHS waiting lists are only getting longer, so it’s no wonder that more and more Brits are being lured abroad to have painful health problems sorted faster and at a fraction of the cost than going private here. In 2019, 248,000 UK citizens chose to go overseas for medical treatment, more than double the number who did in 2015*. ‘It’s often significantly cheaper to go abroad, sometimes a third of the price that you’d pay privately in the UK,’ says Dr Naveen Cavale, plastic and reconstructive surgeon at both the NHS and REAL clinic**. ‘Plus, if it’s packaged a bit like a holiday – near a beach or pool to recover by – it makes something quite scary feel much less intimidating.’ But there’s a catch. ‘It is cheaper because…

SERVES 4, GENEROUSLY TO START Goat’s cheese in vine-leaf parcels with charred grapes FOR THE MAINS Char siu pork burger with pickled vegetables Chicken with peaches and preserved lemon salsa ON THE SIDE Charred vegetables with bagna càuda FOR PUD Blackened bananas with ice cream and coconut toffee sauce TO START Goat’s cheese in vine-leaf parcels with charred grapes Something a little different to kick things off, these are fabulous, especially when they’re accompanied with a crisp white wine. Serves 4 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 5 mins 12 large preserved vine leaves, drained and dried4 x 75g slices goat’s cheeseHandful fresh mint leaves, lightly bashed2tsp olive oil4 small bunches red grapes, about 100g4 slices sourdough breadRocket leaves, to serveExtra virgin olive oil, for drizzlingBalsamic vinegar, for drizzling You…

Habitat BOLD DESIGN For trend-led interiors at an affordable price, turn to Habitat’s mood-boosting colour schemes and striking accessories. Next PRETTY PASTELS Perfect for giving neutral rooms a fresh new look, start with a plain pastel, then layer in a statement rug and a few smaller ditsy-style prints. H&M Home ECLECTIC SHAPES It’s all about modern curves in retro colours – statement lamps, quirky patterns and shapely furniture. M&S RUSTIC RETREAT Give your home an artisanal feel with a muted palette and crafted pieces with a handmade feel. John Lewis & Partners COUNTRY TWIST We love the cottage-core style of this dining set-up, with its fresh and bold yet relaxed and cosy feel. French Connection IBIZAN ESCAPE Bring holiday vibes home with this tactile collection of soft, slouchy furnishings and…

Garden sofa, custom-built; table, recycled water tank; for a similar antique marble side table, try 1stdibs.com; for a similar firepit, try gardentrading.co.uk; similar rattan planter, £25, dunelm.com; for similar brass lanterns, try nkuku.com; recycled wool blanket in Jacob Tartan, £75, tartanblanketco.com; velvet cushions in Dirty Orange and Burnt Orange, £60 each, oka.com; similar gingham cushion, £45, theoldandnewcompany.com; for other similar cushions, try coxandcox.co.uk; Nora Grid throw in Rust, £126; Parrot Green mug, £26 for two, alsohome.com DINING AL FRESCO SET UP YOUR OWN BAR Get the drinks in at your own garden bar – whether that’s a fold-down wall-hung table or one with bar stools. Choose a sunny corner, thinking about the time of day you’re able to enjoy the bar, and add a few interior touches, like candles, mirrors…

Exciting ways to get away from it all SEAFOOD AND SHINGLE SHORT BREAK Mersea, Essex A briny hit of seaside just a quick hop from London, Mersea is made afresh by the tides each day. The UK’s most easterly inhabited island is where the rivers Blackwater and Colne empty into the sea in a swirl of salt marsh, sand and shingle. Come for open horizons, birdwatching, blazing sunsets – and history. The island has been inhabited since pre-Roman times and lore has it the ghost of a Roman centurion haunts the Strood, the tidal causeway linking the island to the mainland. Mersea is a tale of two halves: head to West Mersea for breezy beach strolls past colourful beach huts (rentable by the day via thelittlebeachhutcompany.co.uk) and shellfish platters featuring…

AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL Mrs Porter Calling by AJ Pearce (£16.99, HB, Picador) Emmy Lake is back in the popular wartime series. In charge of a column at People’s Friend magazine, she’s proud of the part it plays in the war effort. But then entitled socialite Mrs Porter takes over the magazine and wants to fill it with features about her aristocratic friends. Emmy’s loath to watch all they worked so hard for being destroyed. Heartbreaking yet feel-good, we loved it. ✢ See p179 for our chat with AJ Pearce. PAST MEETS PRESENT Windmill Hill by Lucy Atkins (£16.99, HB, Quercus) Astrid was once a leading actress with a film-star husband. Now in her 80s, she lives a frugal life with her dachshunds next to a historic but decrepit windmill. Mrs…

Emmy Lake, the budding wartime journalist, charmed her way into our hearts in AJ Pearce’s debut novel, Dear Mrs Bird. An instant hit, it became a Sunday Times bestseller, a Richard & Judy Book Club pick, and was shortlisted for The British Book Awards Debut of the Year. In Mrs Porter Calling – the third book in the series – we are reunited with Emmy and her pals at Woman’s Friend magazine, along with a glamorous, overbearing new owner, who is about to change everything. AJ Pearce lives in Hampshire with her two golden retrievers. ‘The problem pages really captured my imagination’ I have always loved magazines, going back to the days when comics were delivered to our door. Twinkle was my first. You would quite often receive free gifts…

The transition period between the death of a monarch and the coronation of a new one can be tricky at the best of times. The pendulum swings between honouring the legacy of the sovereign who has gone before (and after 70 years, what a legacy Queen Elizabeth II leaves) and looking forward to the new reign. King Charles has, arguably, had a trickier time than most. There have been the public-relations disasters of two Windsor ‘spares’ (Princes Andrew and Harry), a resurgence in republican fervour (both at home and abroad in the 14 other Commonwealth realms over which King Charles reigns), and the daunting prospect of his short reign (at 73, Charles was the oldest ever heir to the British throne) being compared to the glittering arc of what went…