Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2023 i Woman & Home

Some of you will have met Christine Lampard at our woman&home Christmas Live event last year. I remember thinking how striking she was and, as we chatted, I knew that she was a cover star in the making. Christine is standing in for Lorraine Kelly this month, and she tells us that she loves every minute of the job. It’s clear that despite her incredibly successful career, she takes none of it for granted, and her refreshing down-to-earth attitude makes her all the more likeable. Read her interview from page 18. You will have seen that this month we have our summer books special on pages 171-181. Whether you’re jetting off somewhere exotic or staying at home, a really great read is a must, and we have some wonderful author…

GOLDEN HOUR ESSENTIALS…

One of life’s mysteries is why men think sleeping under canvas, being munched by mosquitoes, constitutes a ‘holiday’. My partner is perfectly at home in the wild but, sadly, the wild is perfectly at home in me. When, on our last camping trip, I saw a spider the size of a dog gambolling over my feet, my scream was no doubt heard on the space station. My boyfriend raised a perplexed brow. ‘Wait! You can pour boiling hot wax on your private parts then rip the hairs out by the roots and yet you’re terrified of an insect?’ He went on to say that being 1,000 times its body weight should make me a tad more secure, before scooping it onto a newspaper sheet and shaking it free in the…

The coronation was deemed a roaring success, but now the pomp and ceremony is over, it’s time for King Charles III to show us what his reign will really be all about. As the oldest monarch ever to be crowned in the UK, he doesn’t have much time to truly make his mark, so can he be a cavalier king remembered for great change and leadership, or will he be our caretaker king until William takes the helm? He’s been in the role for a matter of weeks, but Charles has more than a few serious pitfalls to navigate before he will be looked upon as a king who stands for modernisation. There’s no doubt in my mind that, at the moment, he falls short of being the visionary monarch…

I was about six years old when this photo of me looking rather wild was taken – caught in the act of what I was always doing: trying to entice animals to me. I’m actually hanging off the gate where I had my first business – selling flowers to passing cars – and this is Jedda, the dog. My older sister, Gail, brought him home one day because he’d been abandoned. My parents refused to let her keep him so Gail said she’d live in the shed with him. I thought that was very clever. Jedda ended up staying. ‘I dreamt of being a showjumper’ My parents worked in seasonal businesses, so we moved around quite a bit. We rented this house in Minehead, which had a decent-sized garden, one…

With thanks to our judging panel And the w&h beauty team… Senior beauty editor Rhiannon Derbyshire Digital beauty editor Fiona McKim Beauty editor Stephanie Maylor Beauty editor Jess Beech Beauty writer Annie Milroy CLEANSERS BEST BALM CLEANSER INVESTMENT Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, £47, emmahardie.com A spa facial in a jar – indulgent, relaxing and leaves skin looking like it’s been pampered by a professional. BEST BALM CLEANSER BUDGET FRIENDLY B. by Superdrug Melting Cleansing Balm, £9.99, superdrug.com If you love a balm cleanser but don’t want to spend a lot, this no-frills formula will hit the spot. It leaves skin cleansed and smooth. BEST CREAM CLEANSER STELLA by Stella McCartney Reset Cleanser, £50 (£38 for a refill), stellamccartneybeauty.com A gentle, milky cleanser that removes all traces of…

MEET OUR DOCTOR! Best known for her role on C4’s Embarrassing Bodies, Dr Pixie is a practising GP in central London Q I have really bad flatulence. It never used to be a problem but I have started a new job and am feeling stressed. I’m worried I’ll embarrass myself in front of my colleagues. A This is a taboo subject but the reality is we all have to pass gas and can release as much as two litres in any given day! Firstly, if you swallow air when you speak or chew gum, it can result in excess gas. Certain foods make us windier too, such as cabbage, broccoli, beans and prunes. Constipation can also result in gas build-up. This is not an uncommon complaint when you start a…

MENU TO SERVE 6 TO START Burrata with courgettes and olives FOR THE MAIN Rosé roast chicken ON THE SIDE Orzo with tomatoes and peppers FOR PUD Apricot custard tart with amaretti crumbs TO START Burrata with courgettes and olives Although this feels indulgent, it is a very simple throw-together dish and makes the most of fresh summer flavours. Serves 6 • Prep 5 mins • Cook 15 mins 1 medium courgette and 6 baby courgettes, sliced 2mm thin (or use 2 small)2-3tbsp light olive oil3tbsp extra virgin olive oilZest and juice ½ lemon2tsp white balsamic or white wine vinegar½ red chilli, finely chopped2 x 150g balls burrata (or use good-quality buffalo mozzarella)150g frozen/fresh broad beans, blanched and podded75g Nocellara, Kalamata or…

Deliciously plant based The Food team got the chance to sample the new Deliciously Ella plant-based range at her restaurant, Plants by DE, in London. The products, also called Plants, are launching exclusively in Waitrose & Partners. The range includes fresh soups, yogurt and milk alternatives, pasta sauces and many more, including the moreish salted chocolate-dipped almonds. The range is all plant-based so if you’re following a vegan diet or just want to eat more plant-based food, you can find many more convenient options. DRINK OF THE MONTH Magic coffee It’s the latest coffee trend from Australia, made with a stronger shot of coffee and slightly less milk than a flat white, to create a coffee with the perfect ratio of coffee to milk. Find it at M&S, or make…

1 Rearrange the furniture 1 HOUR Just because you’ve always had your living room furniture in certain positions doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. A quick move-around can give you a new-look room. If your sofa is tight against a wall, consider bringing it forward and adding a shelving unit or console table behind, making a cosier space. Or try turning your sofas to face each other, at right angles to the TV, to open up the room. Isaac three-seater sofa in Alabaster brushed linen cotton, £2,000, House scatter cushions, from £30 each, Wonder bell pendant light, from £60, all sofa.com; other items, stylist’s own 2 Add a splashback 1 DAY Give a utility room a new look with some pretty tiles. Choose large-format styles that are…

1 CLOSE TO HOME VERTE Devon With all the thrill of a tree house, but all the comforts of a sleek, contemporary home, this self-catering stay on the Chevithorne Barton estate overlooks a forest glade that opens out to horse-dotted fields. Through big windows in the book-lined lounge or from the firepit-furnished terrace, you and your group can take in morning birdsong. Once coffees are drained, spend days enjoying the wild moorland of nearby Exmoor National Park, or stick closer to home with wanders through the celebrated on-site oak collection. Sleeps six to 10 self-catering from £3,450 per week; uniquehomestays.com DOG FRIENDLY 2 BRUCEFIELD ESTATE Clackmannanshire An hour’s drive from Edinburgh, this lovely estate has family-friendly bothies (basic but modern huts), and a two-bedroom cottage, Slackbrae. In the semi-ancient woodlands,…

FUNNY AND POIGNANT Unreliable Memoirs by Clive James This is the first of his memoirs, describing his childhood in Australia, and it’s one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. He really knows how to paint a scene and has such a brilliant way with words. He’s hilarious but pin-sharp about serious subjects such as grief, loss and love. There are so many wonderful lines – it’s a joy to read. POWERFUL CHARACTER The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ by Sue Townsend I was a bit younger than Adrian Mole when I first read this, and to this day, I can’t work out how Sue Townsend got into the mind of a teenage boy so accurately. It really made me think about your power as a writer. Mole…

Star sign of the month LEO 23 JULY – 22 AUGUST Love and finance is in focus when unresolved business resurfaces. It peaks on the 13th, then on the 16th, the powerful Leo New Moon offers a new approach. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD Early September, there’s progress around love or money. Plus, there might be a new romance pre-Christmas! Call 0905 789 4154* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. VIRGO 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER You’re busy right now, but the 10th is lucky. When your birthday month begins on the 23rd, some confusion arises. Check arrangements, as plans change. Call 0905 789 4155* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER It’s time to review a friendship or work relationship. Are you giving too…

International bestselling author SHARI LAPENA has penned six thrillers, including The Couple Next Door. On page 167 she talks about lies, secrets and her latest novel. Where do you dream of living – even if it’s only for a couple of months? In a villa in the south of France. I was there once, many years ago, and I absolutely loved it. I adore the scenery, the castles, the food, the art – maybe I should go back… DR MEG ARROLL is a psychologist specialising in health and wellness. Her approach is to give practical tips and strategies for life’s tricky problems – both complex and everyday, as you’ll find on page 56. Where do you dream of living – even if it’s only for a couple of months? Remember…

DINE AL FRESCO…

CATHERINE TATE After three series of The Catherine Tate Show, her character Lauren Cooper’s catchphrase ‘Am I bovvered?’ has become one of the most recognisable comedy quotes of all time. Catherine’s breakthrough from stand-up into TV actually began at a 2004 Edinburgh festival after-party, when the then controller of comedy at the BBC approached the comedian, now 53, and encouraged her to develop her characters, including Lauren. The rest is history. VICTORIA WOOD From Dinnerladies to As Seen on TV, Victoria Wood’s sketches remain some of the best-loved television moments ever, but her live shows – including 1983 Fringe show, Lucky Bag – proved she was a dab hand at musical comedy too. The late star, who passed away aged 62 in 2016, still inspires much of the comedy world…

The FIRST-TIMER ‘I WENT TO GLASTO FOR THE FIRST TIME AT 54’ Sarah Baker, 55, is a ceramicist and works part-time in a school. She has three grown-up children and lives in Kent with her husband, Richard. Last year, she went to Glastonbury for the very first time. ‘It’s like a fantasy village – so happy’ I know I’m a late starter with festivals. As you get older, I think you hit a middle ground where you’re not young enough to go clubbing but you’re not old enough to give up dancing completely. Bring on festivals! I finally made it to Glastonbury with my husband Richard last year, having tried to get tickets for ages. As a frustrated hippy, Glasto was my dream. Richard was nervous – he worried about…

straight-talking woman Last week, I had an argument with a stranger over dog poo. I’m a fan of the stick and flick strategy (we were in woods, not on a pavement), and she laid into me for not picking it up with a poo bag. Heated words were exchanged about nature versus plastic before I headed home to rant about her on Facebook. Then yesterday, my 13-year-old plastered her face with fake henna freckles and proceeded to call me a ‘dinosaur’ for not understanding that her TikTok universe does the same. Again, I took a deep breath and hit my keyboard. ‘What IS it with teenagers and fake tan?’ I asked the ether. Was anyone listening? Did I care? Not a jot. In that moment, it made me feel better…

SLEEVED COTTON DRESSES Breaking into a sweat trying to decide what to wear? All hail the cool cotton dress. From tiered skirts to voluminous sleeves, this non-restrictive style has that throw-on-and-go appeal that will save you from a fashion meltdown. STYLE TIP If you suffer from thigh rub, invest in anti-chafe shorts to slip under dresses. We love M&S’s £20 twin pack, available in eight shades. DOPAMINE DRESSING Boost your mood and your look with a colourful costume, minimal styling needed. Keep the silhouette fuss free, and go for plunging necklines to flatter the bust and high cuts to lengthen your legs. STYLE TIP Simple lines ensure this one-piece flatters in all the right places. Plus the natural material, with a hint of stretch, will keep you cool and comfy.…

We can help you live your best lifewellbeing The great British summer – a time when barbecues, beach trips and booze often go hand in hand. We certainly put that into action, with 24%* of us admitting a hangover has curtailed plans to go outside to enjoy good weather. We know it’s not ‘good’ for us, but that probably won’t stop most of us from overindulging. And why not? ‘After the dark nights of winter, we welcome the return of sunshine, fun and socialising,’ says Sandra Parker, mindful drinking coach and founder of Just The Tonic. Luckily, there are insider tricks when it comes to selecting your tipple that can be kinder on your body, without ruining your warm-weather buzz. HAVE A HANGOVER-FREE HOLIDAY Make your al fresco drinking…

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Prawn and black bean burrito bowls DIY tortilla bowls are great for jazzing up weeknight salads – the fiery prawns are addictive with the cooling ranch dressing! Makes 4 bowls • Prep 30 mins • Cook 15 mins 250g raw king prawns1tbsp cayenne pepper1tsp ground cumin3tbsp olive oilLarge bunch spring onions, trimmed2 corn cobs4 large tortilla wraps4 little gem lettuces, halved lengthways1 tin black beans, rinsed and drained, warmed1 avocado, dicedFew sprigs coriander, leaves picked, to serve (optional) For the ranch dressing: 100g mayonnaise 150ml soured cream 1tsp garlic granules 100g blue cheese Small handful chives, snipped Juice ½ lemon You will need: Metal skewers, or wooden skewers soaked for 30 mins in warm water 1 In a bowl, toss together the prawns, spices and 1tbsp oil, and leave in…

LOOK 1 ISLAND LIFE Enjoy the laid-back vibe of the Balearic Islands. Start with a neutral palette, layering shades of plaster pink and coral with pops of ochre and fuchsia. Pair whitewashed floors with woven mats, and mix oversized rattan pieces with pampas grass and dried palm leaves. Scatter seating in the form of fabric or woven pouffes, or try a hanging seat. ADD SIMPLE GEOMETRIC PRINTS IN EARTHY TONES Heathland four-seater lounger sofa, £1,279, dfs.co.uk; ceiling lamp in bamboo, £78.95, sklum.com; Li Rui Peng coffee table, £307, amazon.co.uk; similar Jute pouffe, £80, johnlewis.com CREATE A STUNNING FOCAL POINT BY HANGING A COCOON CHAIR Hanging rattan bowl chair, £699, folkinteriors.co.uk; for a similar rug try Ankara kilim rug, £210, laredoute.co.uk; for similar cushions try Jaz cushion with pom-pom, £55, grahamandgreen.co.uk;…

MUM NOIR The Whispers by Ashley Audrain (£14.99, HB, Michael Joseph) If you couldn’t get enough of Audrain’s debut novel, The Push, you will devour this highly anticipated follow-up, which also delves into the complexities of motherhood. When a boy falls from a window after a neighbourhood party, three women confront how this dreadful event affects them – and we learn their deepest, darkest thoughts. A brilliant, honest read about families in crisis. TEENAGE CHILLS Kala by Colin Walsh (£16.99, HB, Atlantic Books) A group of friends reunite in their home town on the west coast of Ireland, after avoiding each other for years, and are forced to grapple with a dark past. Something terrible happened when they were 15, and now they’re back to reconnect – and finally find…

There’s nothing more wonderful than settling down with that latest thriller you’ve been longing to get your hands on, or an escapist romance set in your favourite place to while away the warm, lazy afternoons – whether from the comfort of your lounger, a cafe in an Italian piazza or, like one of our authors, a delightful village in Ireland. You’ll find all your must-reads here in our summer special Book Club, plus eight authors share what they’re reading this summer. And there’s a magical short story by Santa Montefiore. Enjoy! DREAM destinations ASPIRATIONS AND INSPIRATION The Beach Holiday by Isabelle Broom (£8.99, PB, Hodder & Stoughton) Born in the UK, Honor has wanted to be a successful author for as long as she can remember – mostly to impress…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Idris Elba Actor Idris Elba, 50, lives in London with his wife, Sabrina. He has two children. WAKE UP I’m usually up by around 7am unless it has been a particularly heavy night! Over the years I have got so used to living on five hours sleep – but there is no doubt I feel better if I get seven or eight. Shower – always shower. Until I’ve had that first shower of the day, I don’t really feel prepared to face anything. BREAKFAST This was the first meal I was allowed to cook on my own as a kid, and I can always remember the sense of pride it gave me. Eggs on toast is so simple but something I enjoy so much.…

As high summer approaches, thoughts turn to summer holidays – and the royals are no different. Every year, without fail, the late Queen Elizabeth would spend much of July, August and September at Balmoral – her favourite home. The castle, in the Scottish Highlands, has provided many happy family memories, and Princess Eugenie has said, ‘I think Granny [was] the most happy there.’ Of course, the last time most of the family were there was in September last year, when they went to pay their respects. Princess Anne and King Charles were with the late Queen when she died, but Prince William, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward were still on their way, while Eugenie, Beatrice, Zara and Peter Phillips travelled up afterwards to say goodbye. Charles, of course, has his…

LEAN ON ME I read your article on the power of female friendship [May] and so much resonated. At 11, I met a BFF, Susan. We were really close, then just kept in touch with birthday and Christmas cards. Her husband urged her to get in touch again 12 years ago and we’re back to being firm friends. Treasure those special friends, they are important. Lynne HRT HERO I would like to thank Annie Deadman for alternative advice to HRT for the menopause [April]. She writes so honestly, I love it! I can’t take hormone replacement therapy, I’ve just hit 60 and am on a keep-fit campaign that is really helping, along with Annie’s pages for support. Keep up the great work! Tracey THERAPY HELP As…

What are you like first thing in the morning? I’m definitely a morning person. I get really excited about the day ahead, particularly if I’ve got something fun on. I get up about 6am and I start with a glass of warm water to hydrate. Then I have my cup of tea in my special china mug. What’s your worst habit? Probably getting up really early and annoying everyone in the house! I sleep really well too, which irritates other people. As when you say ‘I’m a really good sleeper’, it divides the room dramatically, as most people don’t sleep very well. I get a lot of eye-rolls. ‘I’m sure I’ve upset people, I’m only human’ If you were at home alone, what would you do? I love pottering with…

‘I wanted to bridge the gap between fashionable and practical’ In 2017, Helen Lofts, 35, left her city career in London to move back to her home county of Devon, where she founded sustainable water-wear brand Davy J. Helen lives in Plymouth with her husband and nine-month-old daughter. THE IDEA I grew up in south Devon and have always loved being in and around the water. The idea for Davy J happened in 2016, when I was frustrated with fashion swimsuits that looked good but weren’t practical for any kind of activity, like jumping off a boat or diving into the sea. My city career was based in international development and sustainability, and this fed into an entrepreneurial desire to create a business that was sustainable. The two strands came…

Earlier this year, John Lewis announced that floral prints were out. Fashion director Queralt Ferrer made a headline-grabbing statement when she said, ‘We’ve got to move on. It’s a trend that has been around for too long and they were everywhere across the high street.’ While I much prefer a strong, graphic print, I wouldn’t write off florals completely. Beautiful blooms are incredibly popular for special summer occasions. What I am happy to see the back of is all those enormous, floppy frocks. Zero hanger appeal, hardly any better on the body. Who thought it was a good idea to pump up the volume? After too many summers filled with super-sized shapeless frocks, I’m bored with the buffet dress – all that fabric billowing in the wind. The only way…

You don’t have to be in a sunny climate to enjoy a siesta. Although you may feel ‘lazy’ going for a snooze in the afternoon, it can re-energise, solve problems and boost productivity. Giving our brains a short break during the day can be healthy, if you do it the right way. Here’s all you need to know. 1 YOU WILL FEEL LESS FRAZZLED With most of us having smartphones, it’s hard to step away from commitments, messages, social media and news updates, even when we’re meant to be relaxing. ‘We’re living in a time when our brains are bombarded with information and it can leave us stressed out,’ says Dr Rachel Taylor*, who specialises in sleep and brain function. ‘A nap allows us to switch off from all of…

Snacking. Let’s define exactly what we’re dealing with here. There’s eating something between lunch and dinner because your train has been cancelled and you’ve got a long wait, so out comes your apple and the mini box of almonds (oh, I’ve trained you so well). But then there’s mindless snacking, picking at foods with no nutritional substance, which, for five minutes, taste so good. After that, you can barely recall putting it in your mouth. Why do we do it to ourselves? Most processed snack-y foods will contain sugar and flavourings. The more you eat, the more you want, because when we eat sweet or highly processed food the brain’s reward system is activated as the chemical dopamine is released. But let’s not get too profound or we’ll lose the…

TIP: Freeze the plain profiteroles in bags or containers for up to 3 months. Refresh in a moderate oven for a few minutes before assembling Neapolitan ice cream slice Shards of chocolate and a creamy texture make this nostalgic treat seem like a posh cheat’s Viennetta! Serves 8-10 • Prep 30 mins, plus cooling and freezing • Cook 30 mins 300g strawberries, hulled and halved2tbsp caster sugar1tbsp balsamic vinegar1tbsp Chambord liqueur, or strawberryliqueur (optional)200g dark chocolate, melted300ml double cream397g tin condensed milk250g mascarpone1tbsp vanilla pasteExtra sliced strawberries and crumbledshortbread, to decorate (optional) You will need: 900g loaf tin, lined with baking paper 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. Toss the strawberries on a lined baking tray with the caster sugar and balsamic vinegar. Roast for 30 mins until…

T he seaside city of Pula is the perfect place to begin exploring Croatia’s beautiful northern Istria peninsula – a sun-baked stretch of coast that has served as a valuable crossroads to Europeans for millennia and still blends the continent’s many influences. The vestiges of bygone times are everywhere – and are cherished. Remarkably, Pula is home to one of Croatia’s oldest citizens, a woman born near the end of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Her descendants have spanned Mussolini’s Italy, German occupation during World War Two, been both Yugoslavian and Croatian, and seen the nation join the eurozone in January. Six generations of one family, born in Pula, an ancient and yet very modern city. I discover this leaving the restored Roman arena, the only surviving Roman amphitheatre to have four…

One of the most prolific writers of her generation, Canadian author Shari Lapena is quickly becoming a household name. Her debut novel, The Couple Next Door, was a New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, as were all her subsequent books. She’s known for her fast-paced plots, and her new book, Everyone Here is Lying, is no exception. A child is missing and everyone has something to hide… Shari lives with her husband on a farm outside Toronto. She has two grown-up children. ‘I make things as bad as I can for my characters’ Ideas for my books come from an initial scene in my head. With Everyone Here is Lying, I had the idea of a dad, William, and his difficult daughter both arriving home unexpectedly. William loses his…