Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2024 i Woman & Home

Is spring just around the corner? I do hope so. Each year, I get the urge to deep clean – not unusual, perhaps, but how about spring-cleaning your mind? On page 113, we look at how to be more present, to identify the changes we want to make, to value our age and, among other things, put ourselves first. Imagine! So, rather than giving my arms a workout as I diligently go through the children’s wardrobes – read floors – and locate what fits and what doesn’t, I will instead limber up my brain. The thought of a clear mind puts a smile on my face already. Talking of smiles… every so often you meet people that really make you beam. They put you at ease instantly, as though you’ve…

NEW SEASON MAKE-UP…

Fashion goes in one era and out the other. If only I’d kept my flares, crochet bikinis, boob tubes, high-waisted jeans, ponchos and platform shoes… because one glance at our high streets reveals that the 70s and 80s are making a comeback. Even the perm is back on fashionistas’ noggins. According to many of London’s most exclusive hair salons, the new perms cost from about £200 and come in several variations, from the Braid, which mimics the effect of hair that’s dried in a plait, to big, bouncy styles that enable you to impersonate Brian May or Carole King on karaoke night. It’s tempting, isn’t it? The perm was so easy. No blow-dries or hot rollers… but it can go so hideously wrong. When I flick through old photo albums,…

in my experience ‘I’VE FOSTERED MORE THAN 200 CHILDREN’ Author Maggie Hartley has written 24 books about her experiences as a foster carer. She has one grown-up biological son. I’ve always loved working with children. My passion for it started when I was 16 and volunteered at a holiday playscheme for children with disabilities, many of whom had autism. One day, I saw a young boy who was sobbing and distressed. He didn’t speak English, but I watched, amazed, as another volunteer calmed him down just with her expressions, gestures and touch. It had a pivotal effect on me – I knew then that I wanted a career that helped children. In my early 20s, I began working at a residential care home, before becoming a house mother at a…

What are you like first thing? Annoyingly chipper. I know I must be annoying to Michael, and my son Chester does impersonations of me. Everybody takes about an hour to wake up but I’m like, ‘Ping! Let’s go!’ If you were at home alone, what would you do? I’d watch something like Virgin River or reruns of Grey’s Anatomy that none of the men in my house are willing to watch with me. Even if I’m on my own I’ll wear something nice that makes me feel good. I don’t laze around in onesies. I’ll be eating a healthy, picky platter with houmous, falafels and peppers, and I’ll be drinking kombucha. What is your biggest fear in life? As I’ve got older, I really want to stay alive for long…

When he was around five years old, my son informed me that when he grew up he wanted to be a binman. While other kids dreamt of becoming football players, astronauts and pop stars, Jonas, it seemed, had his sights set on slightly more pedestrian career goals. Nothing wrong with childhood aspirations, of course. Someone has to be the next Beckham – it just probably wasn’t going to be Jonas. At the time, he was obsessed with a toy dustbin lorry he’d been given for his birthday. I wouldn’t have minded, except it beeped relentlessly and was mechanically incontinent, leaving rubbish all over the living room floor. Fast forward a decade or so and that particular toy has long since been consigned to the rainbow bridge (AKA the charity shop),…

straight-talking woman As wildly un-PC as it may seem now, when I was 20 I was resigned – like many women – to my breasts doing the talking. Whatever my mouth was saying, it just didn’t seem to command the same attention. This astounded me when I first grew ‘lady lumps’ as a teen. What was it about breasts that drained common sense from otherwise decent males? All these years on, I’m still not sure I fully understand their appeal. And, while I’m still the happy owner of a considerable embonpoint, times have changed now I’m older, as has the response of onlooking men. As many women know, the blessing of youth and looks can be a double-edged sword. Like so many girls, I lacked body confidence, even struggling with…

Looking stylish has never been so easyfashion inspiration ✢ Elevate your knit and skirt combination with fringed detailing. Set to be a key trend for the season, you’ll be a step ahead of the fashion game in this number from Mint Velvet. ✢ For a pulled-together take on this casual, cool style, keep your colour palette to a minimum with two or three key tones. ✢ A tiered dress is a timeless style that you’ll wear again and again. For an everyday outfit option, dial down the dramatic look with a neutral knit. ✢ To keep your silhouette svelte, add a belt to highlight your waist. Opt for a similar hue to keep the look cohesive. ✢ This spring, replace your trusty blazer with a waistcoat. Wear it done up…

Celebrate 10 years of PRAI’s Neck-Xperts and its bestselling Ageless Collection, featuring the cult favourite Throat & Decolletage Creme. This is a rich, luxurious creme featuring PRAI’s unique Sepilift technology and hyaluronic acid to dramatically lift and tighten sagging skin, diminish fine lines and blitz crepiness. Clinically proven, it provides visible results in just seven days! Why do we need neck care? ✢ The skin on the neck and decolletage is thinner than the skin on your face. Your neck contains fewer oil glands, which means it needs more hydration and ingredients specifically designed to prevent premature signs of ageing. ✢ ‘Tech Neck’ is on the rise. We’re on our phones now more than ever and, with screen time on the rise, we’ve noticed that the repetitive motion of looking…

Since 1932, Revlon has created game-changing hair tools and bold innovations that are faster, easier and smarter, to help make your hair, your day and your life more of what you want them to be. Unleash your hair’s full potential With the award-winning One-Step Volumiser collection, you can achieve voluminous salon-worthy blow-dries at home with less damage, in up to half the time*. A viral TikTok sensation, the 2-in-1 styling tools combine the power of a dryer and the volume of a hot-air styler. Dry, curl and style in one step Achieving the look you love is now even easier with Revlon’s latest innovation, the One-Step Blow-Dry Multi Styler. With three detachable heads, the 3-in-1 tool is designed to deliver a variety of styles for maximum versatility: from curly looks…

THIS MONTH ✢ Threadworms ✢ Nail trauma ✢ Antibiotics Q I’m so embarrassed, but a few days ago my bottom felt itchy. Yesterday, I noticed white things in my bowel motions. My friend said it might be worms. I look after my grandchildren regularly and think they have them too. What shall I do? A This sounds very much like a threadworm infection. It’s incredibly common in kids under 10, but thankfully, it’s easily managed! A threadworm is a parasite which takes up residence in the gut of an infected person. The female worm lays eggs around the bottom, resulting in an itch, particularly at night. Eggs tend to get transferred onto hands when using the toilet – they are then passed on to things such as bedclothes and to…

Think you’d like to hunker down until spring? After months of cold and grey days, it’s normal to feel a bit off-kilter around now. In fact, 57%* of us experience a low mood at this time of year compared to during the summer. But if something’s holding you back or you’re constantly tense and anxious, there are ways to unwind your mind. From letting go of the past, learning to live in the moment and embracing everything the future has to offer, our must-try techniques will help give your head a refresh. Do you need a MIND MOT? If you’re feeling out of sorts, discover the tweaks that will get you back on track Whether you’re preoccupied with money worries, your own or your family’s health, or you’re simply struggling…

Carrot cake A true classic, packed with plenty of warming spices, it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. Serves 10-12• Prep 20 mins• Cook 35-40 mins 125ml vegetable oil2 eggs300g brown sugar2tsp vanilla extract300g grated carrot (about 3 carrots)260g plain flour2½tsp baking powder2tsp ground cinnamon1tsp ground ginger½tsp ground nutmeg125g plain thick yogurt100g walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped For the cream cheese frosting: 500g cream cheese, chopped and softened110g icing sugar, sifted60ml lemon juice1tsp vanilla extract 1 Preheat oven to 160C (325F)/Gas 4. Lightly grease and line the base and sides of 2 x 20cm round cake tins with non-stick baking paper. 2 Place the oil, eggs, sugar and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk on high speed for 8 minutes or until well combined and…

ISLAND-HOPPING IN GREECE Cruise pro Jane Archer test-drives a small-scale vessel specialising in on-shore immersion It must be kismet. Here we are with time to kill before heading back to Adamantas, the busy port town of Milos, and there is a bar beckoning. There are gorgeous views of Plaka, the island’s charming but tiny capital. The Aegean beyond is sparkling in the summer sun. It would be churlish not to stop. When it comes to Greek islands, it’s fair to say that Milos isn’t well known. You can’t fly there from the UK and most cruise ships pass by – though mine hasn’t. That’s because this island-hopping cruise I’m on with the Unforgettable Travel Company is no ordinary sailing holiday. For one thing, Elysium is more yacht than ship –…

There are few things more enjoyable than sitting down with a Lucy Diamond novel. Her stories of family, friendship and life are heartfelt and escapist, with a ‘laugh, cry, repeat’ premise that will keep you hooked. Lucy has written 19 books, including bestsellers The Beach Café and The Promise. Her latest novel, I Remember Paris, sees journalist Jess return to the French capital to write iconic artist Adelaide Fox’s memoir. Cue stormy relationships, buried secrets and a second chance at being happy. Lucy lives in Bath with her husband, and has three grown-up children, one dog and two cats. ‘My confidence vanished, like with so many midlife women’ My husband whisked me away to Paris, which was lovely – and where the idea for my new book started. He had…

If you’re dreaming of buying a new home, it may seem further away than ever right now. Last year’s rising mortgage and interest rates have stretched the affordability of those hoping to buy – and the rest of 2024 doesn’t look much easier. UK house prices could fall by up to 4%, according to Halifax, as competition increases among sellers to find a buyer. Could improving your present home be the answer? Our experts at woman&home believe it could. With some clever remodelling, an affordable makeover and some brilliant accessories, you may not need to move… just improve! We asked designers, finance experts and decor gurus to open the door to all you need to know. COUNTING THE COSTS Moving house may seem like an obvious solution to improving your…

✢ Pick out one accent colour to use throughout your home to tie all the rooms together. A punchy red works well with modern or period schemes. ✢ Colour match the wooden elements in your home to your paints and fabrics, such as soft mustards with bamboo cabinetry. ✢ Choose Scandinavian-style accessories for their simple elegance. White and wooden pieces in curved, arched and angular shapes make a statement without overpowering a room. ✢ A few investment pieces, like an anglepoise lamp, will help to carry more budget buys from the likes of Ikea and Habitat.…

DON’T MOVE improve! On the banks of Loch Lomond, Elaine Paterson Gordon and her husband, Alan, found the perfect place to call home. The 19th-century listed property was small, but the couple could see it had potential – if they could just navigate the strict planning restrictions to extend a historic building in a national park. ‘The site was especially sensitive as it’s part of a group of “chocolate box” cottages that are very quaint but not always conducive to modern living,’ says Elaine. ‘The house only had one bedroom, and low ceilings and small windows meant it was dark inside.’ The couple, both architects, worked closely with the national park planning authority to scope out ways to extend the house sympathetically to the local area while meeting their ambitions…

Anew kitchen tops the wish list for most people when it comes to renovating. From soft-close cabinetry to luxe hardware, modernising the hub of your home can add up to be a costly investment. But for Claire Carr and her husband, David, a kitchen refit was a must when faced with the awkward layout and lack of seating in their four-bedroom family home in Christchurch, Dorset. With a keen eye for a bargain, the couple came up with a plan to buy a used kitchen at a fraction of the cost. ‘We bought second-hand cabinets and appliances from Rehome (rehome.co.uk), in a classic design that reminded me of the deVOL kitchens I’ve always loved. While it was a bargain at £4,000, it could have been an expensive mistake and there…

DON’T MOVE improve! When Sharon Lee and Lucas Dussurget decided to renovate their Victorian semidetached home in south-east London, they made sure they took their time. ‘We lived in the house for a while before we made changes,’ says Sharon. ‘We wanted to get to know the space, to see how the light travels.’ The couple’s first step was to commission architects Emma and Ross Perkin of Emil Eve to help them revise the layout and oversee the project. Their brief to the architects was an eco-friendly renovation, with ‘generous entertaining space, lots of storage, natural light and two sinks in the en-suite bathroom’. Overall, the aim was to create a more open-plan feel, while still retaining the sense of separate living spaces, each with its own identity. The sitting…

KRISTIN HANNAHis an award-winning author. On page 179, the US lawyer-turned-writer, tells us about the five books that changed her life. What did you imagine you would be when you were a child? As the child of a peripatetic adventurer, I longed for stability and certainty. I never dreamt of being a writer, or an astronaut or a ballet dancer. I wanted to be a small-town librarian. Books were my best friends back then and working among them sounded ideal. Bestselling author and mother of three grown-up children, LUCY DIAMONDlives in Bath with her husband, dog and cats. On page 177, she tells us what inspired her latest novel. What did you imagine you would be when you were a child? I longed to be a magical princess – I…

DOPAMINE DECOR Walls painted with matt emulsion in Village, £117.82 for 5ltrs, lakelandpaints.co.uk; similar Anders sofa, from £1,450, sofa.com; similar coffee table, £625, and side table, £350, both coxandcox.co.uk; for similar cushions, try grahamandgreen.co.uk; round glass lamp, £238, grahamandgreen.co.uk; similar lampshade in Raspberry Taj silk, £66, pooky.com; other items, stylist’s own…

Emma Watson Thanks to her role in the Harry Potter film franchise, actor Emma has garnered a huge following and is determined to use her platform for the greater good. When she was just 24 the star, now 33, was appointed as a United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador. At the time she said, ‘Women’s rights are something so inextricably linked with who I am, so deeply personal and rooted in my life that I can’t imagine an opportunity more exciting.’ Since then, she has been integral in campaigning for women’s rights, specifically dedicating her time to the #HeForShe movement, which is working towards gender equality. Melanie Brown Back in the 1990s she was a feminist icon as part of the Spice Girls but now, after experiencing domestic abuse, Mel B…

I’m astonished to look at the two fresh-faced girls smiling out of the photo with heady Crete in the background and realise that this picture is more than 30 years old. My best friend Lisa and I were living it up on a holiday we absolutely couldn’t afford in sun-baked Crete. If Lisa’s mother hadn’t jammed a week’s worth of dried soup packets into Lisa’s case, we’d have starved. Breakfast was coffee and lunch was the soup. Finally at dinner, we splurged on dolmades and wine. Bliss. Trying not to get sunburn, I lay under an umbrella and read Jung Chang’s Wild Swans. Lisa had the latest Jackie Collins. When we were finished, we swapped books. It shimmers in my mind as a time of uncomplicated fun and peace. Fun…

ALBARAY Putting people, production and the planet at the heart of everything it does, this independent label has sustainability at its forefront since launching in 2020. Using 100% responsibly sourced fabrics, its design approach is contemporary but with a focus on designs you’ll be able to wear year after year. ✢ Sizes 8-18, albaray. co.uk NAVYGREY Keeping it simple, yet luxurious, this British company specialises in knitwear. Crafted from ethically sourced wool, its timeless creations are designed to last. It’s all in the details too, with each garment finished with organic cotton care labels, folded into organic cotton bags and shipped from its solar-powered hub in Devon. ✢ Sizes xs-l, navygrey.co BEEN LONDON In 2018, the ethos of this brand was to create accessories that didn’t take natural resources from…

How to look your best every daybeauty inspiration The bigger, the better. ‘Voluminous hair is perceived as more youthful,’ explains hair guru Sam McKnight. ‘It’s how we remember our hair in our youth.’ If yours needs a bit of va-va-voom, read on for our ultimate guide. FIND YOUR STYLING ROUTINE Identify your hair type. If it’s fine hair like KATE MOSS YOU NEED To focus on building volume and fullness. Choose products that won’t weigh down your strands – picking light moisturisers rather than rich masks and heavy conditioners. You’ll need to pay particular attention to your scalp – if it’s thinning, it will be more noticeable. ✢ Bumble and bumble Bb Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray Light, £31, bumbleandbumble.co.uk ✢ John Frieda PROfiller+ Strengthening Super Fluid, £9.99, boots.com Boost fine…

HELP! MY HAIR SEEMS FRIZZIER THE GREYER I GO Grey hair is thinner than hair with its natural colour, so it’s more prone to damage, and can be dry and coarse. Try the John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery with Ceramides range. Treat your hair once or twice a week with the Deep Conditioner, £7.99, boots.com, and you will see a difference in the smoothness of your hair after one wash. WHAT FOUNDATION WON’T SIT IN MY FINE LINES? Sisley Paris Phyto-Teint Perfection, £81, johnlewis.com, is my new make-up bag favourite – a lightweight foundation with skincare benefits. It comes in 29 shades and the matte yet radiant finish magically seems to cover imperfections and redness. It’s pricey, though, so for something more affordable, try L’Oréal Paris True Match Liquid…

68% of women put the needs of others first at the expense of their own, according to research* One of the most time-consuming and painful things I’ve had to do since my mum passed away is sort through cupboards (and cupboards) full of her beloved needlework stuff. Recently, I offered up 12 neat, colour-ordered boxes full of high-end embroidery thread on a local online community site, free for ‘someone who could make use of them’, and after about 30 seconds had to switch off the comments, as demand was overwhelming. The ‘rules’ of such an offer – as with most things – is first come, first served. But just as I was responding to lucky Number One, Number Eight’s words caught my eye: ‘Perhaps it would be nice for you…

Baked Camembert with hot honey A trend to try – our hot honey is infused with chilli and garlic to give a savoury edge to this cheesy fondue. Serves 2• Prep 15 mins• Cook 30 mins 1 whole Camembert cheese (about 200g), the top scored in a criss-cross pattern Toasted sourdough, pickles, crudité veggies (chicory, radicchio, carrots, cucumber) and charcuterie, to serve For the hot honey: 100g good-quality runny honey1 small garlic clove, crushed1tbsp chilli flakes (see tip, below)1tbsp white wine vinegar1 thyme sprig, plus extra leaves to garnish 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. Put the honey ingredients in a small pan and gently simmer for 2-3 mins until fragrant. 2 Put the cheese in a snug-fitting dish. If it comes in a wooden box, you can…

Trending According to the Waitrose 2023 trend report, we’re a nation that’s craving comfort foods; the humble potato is ever popular, with side dishes such as triple cooked chips and Dauphinoise up 19%. Fermented foods are firmly in the mainstream as our interest in gut health increases. Protein is a big seller for the under-35s, and BYOC (bring your own cocktails) – rum and tequila-based cocktails have a combined growth of 84%! Hands down our favourite international cuisine is Italian, with Chinese and Indian joint second most popular. Smashed peas on toast was declared the new ‘avocado on toast’, and in Waitrose, sales of 725g pack of frozen garden peas rose 28% in autumn. Sales of no- or low-alcohol beer, cider, wines and spirits are also up 23%. What else…

✢ It’s all in the detail with this handcrafted and characterful look. Choose block-print styles, bold colour combinations and hand-painted finishes to recreate it. ✢ When it comes to textiles, pattern is a must but don’t go too kitsch. A simple repeated motif in a two-tone palette will strike the right balance. ✢ Echo the soft palette of peachy pinks, clear blues and sage greens with equally whimsical shapes in furniture and accessories – a scalloped tray, bamboo-turned handles, a frilly bedspread or a spherical lamp.…

COMING-OF-AGE CLASSIC Anne of Green Gablesby L. M. Montgomery I read this when I was about 12. It features an unconventional girl who’s moving through a world that’s frightening and outside of her control, yet she maintains this effervescence and optimism. I think she’s a great role model for girls who may feel like they’re ‘the other’ or they don’t belong. It’s about finding your way. ICONIC AND IMAGINATIVE The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien My mum gave me this book many times but, for whatever reason, it didn’t take hold – until we went on a driving vacation. I sat in the back of the car and opened The Hobbit. I didn’t look up for the entire trip. It’s a book about being called to adventure, about finding courage to…

horoscopes ARIES 21 MARCH – 19 APRIL Around the 18th, tricky news turns out to be helpful, and you come into your own on the 20th. Turn chances into results, but beware a sticky moment on the 25th. Call 0905 789 4150* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates TAURUS 20 APRIL – 20 MAY Your long-term challenge is to be so OK with change, nothing fazes you. Events around the 3rd and 9th offer practice. The latter is more demanding – stay cool. Call 0905 789 4151* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates GEMINI 21 MAY – 20 JUNE Is there a situation you’re putting up with? Around the 17th, make conscious moves to shift it. The stars align to help you then in a way they won’t…

All £20 or less…

Do you know which direction your living room faces or the orientation of your kitchen? You should do; it’s one of the main considerations when choosing colour for a scheme, along with its proportions, what time of day the space is mostly used and the atmosphere you want to create. And getting this right is the difference between a room always feeling welcoming and one that, somehow, just misses the design mark. Even once you know the room’s orientation, it’s still important to sample before you paint to see how varying light can affect the colour. North-facing ROOMS These get virtually no direct sunlight and have a blue-toned light, which can be challenging when you want to create a warm, inviting space. ‘North-facing rooms tend to make colours look consistently…

1 FRAME A FABRIC Lacking a little colour in your living room? Introduce a vibrant focal point with a length of leftover fabric hung on a simple rail, displayed in a frame or stapled onto a canvas. If your skills stretch to sewing, then knock up a pair of matching cushions. No fabric? A patterned scarf works just as well. Wall in Card Room Green modern emulsion, £59 for 2.5ltr, farrow-ball.com. Wall hanging in Rick Rack Hot Pink, £280m, janeclayton.co.uk; Slowcoach sofa, from £1,445, loaf.com 2 STITCH A SIMPLE COVER Hide a kitchen appliance behind a pretty curtain made with any fabric in your stash. Measure the height of the space, add 10cm and cut. Sew a 7cm hem at the bottom, and a 3cm hem at the top, leaving…

STAR LETTER ONE GOOD TURN Wow! Wow! Wow! I have just read about the Spread a Smile charity [New Year Heroes, January]. How inspirational was that – fantastic people! I worked every Christmas when I was nursing on the wards and it was the best, so I’m now in the process of joining the wonderful charity. Thanks for the inspiration w&h. Jane INSPIRATIONAL RECOVERY I can’t get Sarah’s experience out of my mind [‘Life is different but it can still be beautiful’, December]. What an inspiring woman to have gone through such a traumatic and life-changing experience and remain so positive. Thank you, Sarah. Janine CELEBRATING LIFE I had such an enjoyable time reading about Fiona Phillips [January]. While she has been diagnosed with an extremely cruel disease, it was…

royal life The Queen and Princess Anne As the only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, it’s the perfect tribute that the Princess Royal is the absolute double of her mother. Sarah Ferguson and Princess Beatrice While we can see Sarah in both Beatrice and Eugenie, with their big smiles and auburn hair, we can hardly tell Fergie and her eldest daughter apart. The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte While Princes George and Louis look very much like dad William, Kate has her very own mini-me in eight-year-old daughter Charlotte. Zara and Mia Tindall She may only be 10 years old, but Mia Tindall is looking more and more like her mum as she grows up, and she has also inherited Zara’s love of horse racing.…

As parents everywhere send their children off to school dressed as their favourite characters for World Book Day, mini Harry Potters, Gruffalos and Matildas battle it out for the title of ‘Best Dressed’. Taking place in more than 100 countries around the world, the charity event’s aim is to promote reading for pleasure to young children, a noble cause with reading deemed the single biggest indicator in a child’s future success. For adults, it is just as important. Aside from the enjoyment they bring, books can increase brain power, reduce stress and create connections. During lockdown, people rediscovered their love of books, spending more time reading than ever. And if the rise in the number of independent bookshops – which climbed to a 10-year high in 2022 – is anything…

Every week as I arrive for my dance class at London’s Royal Ballet School, I can’t help but smile. Who’d have thought I’d finally get the chance to move within these hallowed walls, learning with a world-renowned choreographer? But here I am – and it’s not despite my multiple sclerosis, but because of it. The Royal Ballet School is collaborating with the MS Society to offer the opportunity to train with the school, culminating in a groundbreaking performance this month. And I’m part of that. I’ve always been passionate about dance. I started at the age of six with ballet and tap. Later I included other forms, like ballroom and Latin, but ballet was my favourite. Even as an adult I’d look forward to classes, performances and practising at home.…

There’s nothing quite like live theatre. And there are few musicals more magical than Disney’s Frozen. Helen Burgess-Shaw, 44, is part of a top team who bring sparkle and shine to every performance. How did you get into your career? Growing up, I loved the theatre. As a teen, I enjoyed amateur dramatics, so when I finished school I did a BTEC in performing arts – but I soon realised I preferred being backstage. Aged 19, I got my first job as a wig assistant at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester. I’ve gone on to work in wigs, hair and make-up (aka WHAM) teams on such shows as Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Grease and Wicked. How does your morning start? On matinee days, my alarm goes off at…

FASHION CONFIDENCEstyle advice The 1990s move towards minimalist style is back and I’m here for it! Fashion is cyclical by nature and I’ve never believed the old maxim about not wearing clothes the second time around. Jettison the jumpsuit, bin the bomber jacket, toss the tuxedo? My wardrobe would be half-empty without these essentials. And, as a fan of faff-free style, I adore the elegant 90s silhouette – give me a slinky bias-cut skirt over fussy 80s frou-frou any day of the week. With the huge growth of the clothing resale market (up by an impressive 109% between 2016 and 2022, according to a report by GlobalData), it’s easier than ever to revisit the less-is-more decade. The late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy – a New York fashion publicist who married John F.…

1 Blemish buster NYX Professional Fix Sticks, £6.49, boots.com, come in 18 shades to conceal blemishes. There are also six colour-correctors that help to neutralise redness, brighten dull skin and cancel out the blue/purple tone of dark circles. 2 Glowing skin Add a sprinkling of Skin Proud Glow Dust Exfoliating Powder Cleanser, £13.95, iamproud.com, to wet hands, then massage into skin. Vitamin C, ferulic acid and pineapple enzymes help to remove dead, skin-dulling cells. 3 Wide-awake eyes For persistent dark circles, use vitamin C – a potent antioxidant and powerful brightener. Bubble Morning Rays Eye Serum, £14, boots.com, gradually improves signs of fatigue for a brighter, wide-awake look. 4 Time to tan St. Moriz Advanced Firming Gradual Tan, £9.99, boots.com, provides skin with a developing sun-kissed colour and a firming…

In just a few years time it may be possible to bite into a juicy, meaty burger – made from real beef – without any animals being killed. This might sound like science fiction but it is scientific fact. We have the technology to grow meat in a lab without slaughtering animals. It could change our countryside too, with fields of cows, pigs and sheep no longer commonplace. It might even benefit our health. Think you could stomach it? We have the lowdown – plus, how to make your current meat-eating habits even healthier. TIME TO TUCK IN Could ditching traditional meat be the future? You’d be forgiven for thinking lab-grown meat – or what the food industry calls cultivated or cultured meat – sounds like something from Frankenstein’s laboratory.…

Whether you’re flying solo or getting intimate with a partner, the pursuit of pleasure is a major reason to heat things up in the bedroom. But hormones released during orgasm mean there’s more to sex than chasing that natural high. Preparing to get steamy? Here’s what may happen. 1 EMOTIONS CAN RUN HIGH Teary post-climax? You’re not alone. An orgasm involves physical and psychological relief, plus a big release of neurochemicals, says psychosexual therapist Kate Moyle at LELO. Some women are particularly sensitive to this – those who struggle with vulnerability could find letting go overwhelming. Couples using sex to connect after being distant may also feel uncomfortable emotions, adds Kate. Talking beforehand about what you may feel can help. 2 SLEEP WILL BE DEEPER Many of us associate slumber…

When the topic of physical movement crops up, it’s very often only cardio or strength work that comes to mind, but mobility and flexibility are also hugely important to our overall fitness. I’ve been sitting here at my laptop in a perfectly good ergonomic position, and shortly I shall get up to visit the loo. That action will be accompanied by some ‘oofs’ and ‘ahhs’, and I don’t mind admitting it will take my body about 10 seconds to adapt to being vertical again! As we age (don’t you hate it when sentences start with that!), our ligaments and tendons become stiffer and less flexible because the amount of lubricating fluid inside the joint reduces and our cartilage becomes thinner. Cheerful news, isn’t it? Ligaments – which hold bone to…

Harissa chicken nourish bowl This lunch will offer a boost of energy to get you through the afternoon. Serves 4-6• Prep 10 mins• Cook 10 mins 500g skinless, boneless chicken thighs3tbsp olive oil3tbsp harissa (we used smoked chilli by Belazu)2 flavoured rice pouches (we used lime and coriander) or flatbread150g pickled red cabbage250g houmousSmall bunch coriander, roughlychopped (optional) 1 Put the chicken thighs in a large bowl with 2tbsp of the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, mix together, then set aside. 2 Heat a cast-iron grill pan on a high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5 mins, brushing with 2tbsp of the harissa. Turn and cook for a further 5 mins until cooked through. Brush with some of the remaining harissa,…

Magnolia might have fallen out of favour in the mid-90s but, love it or hate it, the buttery-beige shade is making a comeback. A warmer take on ever-popular off-white, the secret to making this polarising colour work in your home is layering. Balance is key, working in different textures, tones, shapes and scales to give the beige backdrop a bit of personality. Here are three ways to stamp your style on neutrals. TURN UP THE TEXTURE Take beige to a new style level by introducing plenty of natural texture. This can be as simple as adding a fluffy neutral rug or bouclé armchair, or involve more effort, such as a plaster-effect paint on the walls or a textured wallpaper. Beige is easy to layer up; it’s the perfect blank canvas,…

1 CLEAR A TABLE FOR DISPLAY Fed up of your hallway being a dumping ground? If you create a stylish space, family members might be less inclined to create mess – hopefully! Style up an arrangement on your hall console, mixing vases of different heights and adding a piece of fresh or artificial foliage to one. Place two large bowls or trays on the console for keys, post and phones. Try painting the inside of your front door a soft blush shade, teaming with a warm honey-coloured carpet underfoot, to boost this sense of calm and order. Kingston Citrine carpet, £14.99sq m, carpetright.co.uk 2 BUILD DRAMA WITH LIGHT AND DARK Hallways are great places for statement lights, as there’s less visual clutter around them. If repainting the woodwork, a rich…

SISTERLY DEVOTION The Painter’s Daughters by Emily Howes (£20, HB, Orion) It’s 1759 and the painter Thomas Gainsborough lives in Suffolk with his wife and daughters, Peggy and Molly. Best of friends, the sisters do everything together and Peggy keeps a close eye on Molly, who tends to suffer from mental confusion. But a move to Bath makes the secret harder to conceal. It’s an illuminating read and an important look at views on mental health in the 18th century. UNEXPECTED FRIENDSHIP Frank & Red by Matt Coyne (£18.99, HB, Headline) Meet Frank, a reclusive widower whose gruff manner endears him to no one – except Red, the six-year-old boy who moves in next door. Cue an unlikely friendship that will evoke every emotion in you, including much hilarity. This…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Kate Thornton Presenter and journalist Kate Thornton, who turns 51 this month, lives in south London with her son Ben, 15. WAKE UP My alarm goes off at 6.36am, because it feels like a good halfway point between 6.30am and 6.45am. I’ll have a coffee, drop off Ben at the bus stop to go to school, and come home and do a workout, which is usually half an hour of either Pilates or weights. MORNING I’ll go through emails, reply to calls and get all my life stuff done, probably with another coffee. I’ll have brunch at around 11am. I like sourdough with scrambled eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes and rainbow chard. I’ve been using the Zoe app to work out which foods suit me and…

The past year has seen a real rise in the public profile and engagements of our young royals. Quite understandably, the Prince and Princess of Wales wanted to keep George, Charlotte and Louis protected for as long as possible, particularly while they are still schoolchildren. But with the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the children’s importance to the image of the Firm has risen, along with their status. George, aged 10, is now heir-in-waiting and future King, while Charlotte, eight, is the future Princess Royal. Initially, Kate and William protected their children from the public gaze with carefully released pictures only taken by Kate herself, and by using the full weight of the law for unauthorised intrusions into their privacy. The pictures were often cute, wholesome and relaxed family snaps,…

After the arrival of their two children, Lydia Hutchinson and Andrew Long wondered if they had outgrown their three-bedroom terrace in east London. ‘The house was quite big, but it didn’t necessarily feel that way because the kitchen wasn’t large enough to eat in, which meant that one half of the double reception space was a dining area,’ says Lydia. ‘We also wanted a dedicated home office.’ The couple began the search for a larger property further out of London, and approached Matthew Whittaker and Camilla Parsons of architectural firm Whittaker Parsons, to ask if they would visit a couple of houses that they were considering. ‘During our conversations, we talked about our current home and they offered to look at that too,’ says Lydia. ‘The ideas they came up…

WHERE TO START Do your research. Ask neighbours who’ve done work to their property about their experience and whether they faced any restrictions. Consult a planning expert, architect or builder and research what’s allowed in your area via planningportal.co.uk if you live in England or Wales, or mygov.scot in Scotland. Find out whether your property is located in a conservation area, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, national park or if it is listed, as these factors can all influence what’s allowed. If your property is listed, you’ll need to apply for listed building consent. WHAT’S PERMITTED? You can build some extensions, loft conversions and outbuildings without full planning permission under Permitted Development (PD). It’s best to run your ideas past a planning officer from the outset to see what’s possible.…

GAIN SPACE If your kitchen is small, it may be worth investing in structural work to create a larger footprint. Could you remove a wall between your kitchen and adjoining dining room, steal space from a hallway or remove a cupboard under the stairs to gain valuable extra room? This could create the perfect spot for a dining area, study space or family snug. Always consult a structural engineer and builder to check where load-bearing walls are. GIVE IT A FACELIFT If your units are in good condition, create a new look by painting them. Prime the surfaces and use durable furniture paint to get best results. New handles and a replacement worktop will elevate the look even further. GO FREE-STANDING Dreaming of an island? A design on wheels, or…

SOLAR PANELS Solar panels fitted to your roof capture the sun’s energy and convert it into power for your home, even on a cloudy day. You’ll need around 20m² of roof area for the average-sized system, and it’s best if they face south for maximum output. It is possible to fit them on east or west-facing roofs, but those that are north-facing won’t typically generate a good return. The Energy Saving Trust suggests panels facing east or west will yield 15 to 20% less energy than those facing south. If you generate more energy than you use, you can sell it back to the national grid via the Smart Export Guarantee scheme. DRAUGHT-PROOFING Sounds simple, but eliminating draughts from your home can have a significant impact on heat loss. Seal…

Decluttering can feel like a never-ending job; as soon as one room looks tidy, another needs attention. Often, you need to see the space from a different angle, assessing how it’s used and where those clutter hotspots are. Then you can make a plan of attack and streamline your home in style. SORT THE BATHROOM Swap a pedestal for a vanity unit with open and closed storage to make the most of space under the sink. Sort through lotions and potions, keeping opened ones in your bathroom, binning any out of date and storing spares elsewhere. Billy 800mm wall-hung vanity with fluted drawer, £459.99, drench.co.uk Often, we add to shelving without taking anything away, resulting in clutter. Edit display shelves to allow pieces to be seen. Pop any cards…