Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2024 i Woman & Home

Would you consider going abroad to see a dentist? I’m not sure the idea sits that happily with me but nevertheless it has become somewhat of a trend to fly out of the country and return with all-new pearly whites. Though, joking aside, jetting to another realm to seek genuine dental treatment is becoming a real ‘thing’ (page 91). From crowns and extraction to implants, it could mean that we skip waiting lists and save some pennies. Brave or simply astute, it’s an interesting conundrum and I’d love to hear your thoughts. It’s been just over a year since Christine Lampard had her first cover shoot with woman&home, and as she steps into Lorraine Kelly’s shoes once more, it’s time for a long overdue catch-up (page 16). I’ve written before…

SUMMER IN A BOTTLE…

It’s heartening to hear that many of our cherished stars devote their valuable time to important causes. By becoming ambassadors and patrons for charities, famous faces can make a big difference, helping to give a voice to organisations that often rely on donations and volunteers. This month’s cover star, Christine Lampard, has long been a Northern Ireland ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, and she once managed to raise more than £1.3m for Sport Relief by waterskiing across the English Channel. In celebration of International Day of Charity (5 September), as well as marking National Food Bank Day (6 September) and the Macmillan Coffee Morning (27 September), this month we’re embracing some of our bighearted celebrities. Find out more about ways you can help charities by visiting the Charities Aid Foundation…

The action may be taking place across the Channel, but the excitement here is palpable as Team GB goes for gold in the Olympics and Paralympics. The Games will draw 15 million tourists to Paris, and 15,000 of the world’s finest athletes will compete in a breathtaking 329 events across 35 competition sites. Team GB is sending around 330 competitors to the Olympics and 230 to the Paralympics. The Olympic Village will house around 14,000 athletes and support teams from all over the world, and roughly 9,000 for the Paralympics. Planning the event takes years, as we discover from four British women whose job is to ensure the Games run smoothly. ‘SOMETIMES I’M A THERAPIST AS WELL AS A PHYSIO’ Sian Knott, 50, is deputy chief physio for Team GB.…

The last time my husband and I had sex was just over a year ago. The feeling of closeness was lovely, and afterwards I remember saying, ‘We should do this more often.’ Steven* agreed. But days, weeks, months have slipped by since and it hasn’t happened again. It’s now been over a year. However, neither of us is too concerned that sex is no longer part of our marriage. Life is often portrayed as revolving around sex – movies and TV shows are full of steamy bedroom scenes and there’s huge societal focus on couples improving their physical connection. But for me, while a satisfying love life is a beautiful thing, it has never been top of the agenda when it comes to making a relationship work. Neither of the…

When was the last time you tried something new? 61% of Brits say they feel ‘stuck in a rut’ – but there may be a simple solution. According to behaviour therapist Karyn Hall, taking part in novel experiences can increase our motivation to explore, bringing back the wonder and joy we felt as children. Read on for ideas and inspiration. GO GORGE-WALKING This adrenaline-inducing activity combines walking, climbing, jumping and swimming as you navigate rocky terrains and jump into narrow streams. Choose a company with accredited guides, such as In Your Element’s adventure through Scotland’s Loch Lomond (iye.scot/activity/gorge-walking-lochlomond-luss) or Lost Earth Adventures (lostearthadventures.co.uk). Take walking boots, swimwear, towels and a change of clothes. DISCOVER YOUR ‘NIGHT SELF’ Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a night-time stroll. July and August…

I am an eternal optimist – in my head, I still believe air travel is a glamorous 1950s affair, where I trip through the airport in a ‘travelling suit’, before sipping on a glass of champagne. While that may be the experience for those who fly first class, I, sadly, wouldn’t know. Occasionally treating myself to easyJet’s ‘Speedy boarding’ – standing a couple of metres apart from those who didn’t opt for the privilege – doesn’t come close. Despite the stress and the grimness of modern-day air travel, there are few places better for people watching than airports. Standing in the security queue, I marvel at the women on hen do trips, who turn up at the airport at 4am, spray-tanned, hair curled and make-up contoured, with heels so high…

It started earlier this summer, when I selected Essie’s Odd Squad coffee-brown nail polish for a pedicure. Then when I needed a new pair of Birkenstocks, rather than opt for the white leather version, my go-to Arizona of choice, I bought Birkis in brown. This is not an attempt to conceal the build-up of grime, one of the consequences of wearing sandals in the city, but because chocolate brown feels luxurious and chic. ‘Now, it feels cool, classy and a little bit Italian’ Although I’ve been introducing it around the edges, my long-standing aversion to the shade still lingers. This has nothing to do with the, ‘no brown in town’ saying, an old-school rule from a time when gentlemen traditionally wore grey, navy and black tailoring in the city –…

I’D LIKE TO GET MY FRIEND A LOVELY GIFT FOR A BIG BIRTHDAY Penhaligon’s offers a fragrance profiling experience, which is a lovely way to find a new signature scent. After a consultation on what kind of fragrances you wear, you’ll do blind sampling (so you don’t get swayed by the pretty bottles!). I probably would never have been drawn to the scent I chose if I just went into the store to browse. Penhaligon’s also offers online profiling at penhaligons.com, where you can pick samples to be sent to you. MY HAIR LOOKS SO DRAB. WHAT CAN I USE TO PEP IT UP? Healthy hair starts at the scalp, so try livening up yours with Cécred Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub, £37, cecred.com. It’s Beyoncé’s new range and designed…

Dorset apple cake A British classic, best served warm, which will keep for a few days. Serves 10-12 • Prep 30 mins • Cook 1 hr-1 hr 15 mins, plus cooling For the cake: 250g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra to grease the tin100g caster sugar150g light brown sugar1tsp vanilla extract3 medium free-range eggs300g self-raising flour2tsp baking powder1tsp mixed spice100g ground almondsZest and juice 1 lemon350g Bramley apples (or you can use a tart apple like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, then cut into slices2tbsp cornflour3tbsp demerara sugar To serve: 300ml double cream1tbsp vanilla extractGolden syrup You will need: 20cm springform cake tin, greased and lined with baking paper 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. In a bowl, beat the butter, caster sugar and light brown sugar until light…

✢ Many people have misconceptions about the price of art, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Art needn’t be expensive and you don’t need to be a millionaire to become a collector. ✢ Don’t try to buy art as a good investment; buy it because you love it. If you discover in 20 years that it has increased in value, then you can feel smug about your excellent taste! ✢ Trust your instinct; the most important thing is your own individual response. Don’t buy the first thing you see – spend time looking, researching, reading and, most importantly, thinking. Of course, if you fall in love with a work, then go for it. ✢ Don’t worry about mixing the traditional with the contemporary.…

The word-of-mouth hit Small Pleasures was Clare Chambers’ first novel in 10 years. To honour all the books she’d written before, this was her last throw of the dice, which paid off. Small Pleasures became a Women’s Prize-longlisted, highly acclaimed novel, earning her a new army of fans and a gorgeous reissued backlist. Her latest novel, Shy Creatures, sees an art therapist unravel a mystery surrounding a talented mute man. I was very cynical after repeatedly writing books that didn’t sell well. I spent five years writing one that wasn’t taken up by my publisher, so I’d wasted a lot of time. I was 50, not very marketable, with a terrible track record in book sales. I thought I’d never be published again. Small Pleasures was my last try. ‘Publishing…

Whether you have short or long, curly or straight, thick or fine locks, the w&h beauty team has come up with every solution to your personal hair conundrum. From the best products to suit your tresses and style inspiration to take to the salon, to whether you need a collagen supplement or that luxe new hairdryer, this special supplement is jam-packed with answers, advice and expert ideas to ensure you have a good hair day, every single day. Enjoy! MEET THE TEAM Sarah Cooper-White Group beauty director Rhiannon Derbyshire Senior beauty editor Stephanie Maylor Beauty editor Annie Milroy Beauty writer…

Head to Saks for high summer hair and beauty, as they’re offering woman&home readers first appointments at their salons for half price. Choose a new hairstyle, colour, or a big blowout for a big weekend. Extensions are trending in their salons right now if you’re wanting to maximise volume, density and swish. There’s always a spotlight on hair health too – even more in holiday season – dialling up texture or soothing when smoothness is sought. An array of beauty choices is on the menu: from skin-nurturing facials and detoxifying massages to all the glam – nails, brows, lashes, waxing and tanning. There’s a clinical menu too if you want to zap, lift, tighten or tone. Whatever you fancy, they will welcome you in and serve up hair and beauty…

The feel-good factor of a bouncy blow-dry can never be overestimated, something more and more of us are seeking to replicate at home. Heated appliances have the ability to turn a bad hair day into a great one, but it’s not uncommon for the cost to reach triple figures. ‘These products make it so easy for consumers to create that faux-blow look at home, and rival a hairstylist’s professional blow-drying technique to create a salon-worthy finish,’ says Syd Hayes, Babyliss ambassador. The question is, will a more expensive tool yield better results? Not necessarily. While some appliances are certainly worth the splurge, there are more affordable options that deliver beautiful results. We have done the blasting, smoothing and blow-drying for you to bring you the latest heated tools to level…

Author of the Why Mummy series, and the writer of the parenting blog and Facebook site, Peter and Jane, GILL SIMS explores airport etiquette on page 55. Do you or would you ever have a piercing of any kind? I’ve only had my ears done. I nagged my mother about it for years. When she finally relented, we went to a place in Glasgow, where the man pierced one ear and I promptly had full-on hysterics. It took a lot of persuasion to convince me to have the second one done! Taking some time off from her mission to become a bestselling novelist, finance writer CAROLINE BLOOR shares her expert advice on the pros and cons of downsizing, and how to find the perfect place on page 52. Do you…

GARDEN STYLE…

‘SHARING OUR EXPERIENCES IS THE WAY TO PROVE WHAT’S POSSIBLE’ BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Sue Kent lives in Swansea in a house overlooking the sea. My earliest memories of gardening are of being in my dad’s potting shed, making cups of tea out of soil. I come from a family of gardeners – my great-grandfather was an RHS medallist and even had a Royal warrant to supply asparagus to the then Prince of Wales! I was born with an upper limb difference caused by the drug thalidomide. Growing up, I had to adapt a lot – and gardening was no exception. When my husband and I and our two children moved to our current house in Swansea in the 80s, I taught myself to garden using my bare feet, pulling…

What are you like first thing? When I wake up [at Royal Lodge, Windsor], I go into my bathroom, lock the door and sit quietly on the floor for about 40 minutes. Just me, completely silent. It’s a meditation moment. Then I have a bath. I have many different oils because after so many operations following my skin and breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, my skin is very thin and I need to use lots of moisturiser. ‘I really am a disruptive bad**s with purpose’ Given your experience of cancer, have you supported King Charles or Catherine, Princess of Wales? The key is not to be in anyone’s face. Be there for them with notes of support – I’ve been very supportive in the way they are to me. What…

‘I was inspired by my mud-loving cockapoo!’ Anna Muir, 56, runs canine accessory company, Pawdaw of London. She lives in Chingford, London, with her partner, Martin, 59, stepdaughter Martha, 16, and cockapoo, Phoebe. THE IDEA In 2019, I hit the menopause, and with it, a big brick wall. Since leaving school, I’d worked my way up to become a sales and operations director in the travel industry. Increasingly, I felt the need to work for myself. In June 2020, we took on Phoebe, a cockapoo puppy. A lovable mud-magnet, the car would often be filthy after her walks. I realised there was a gap in the market for a quality product to combat muddy paws – existing dog towels were not very absorbent. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT I decided to create…

There’s something magical about an item of clothing and its ability to transport you back to a moment in time. It may hold special memories of your youth, an event or a loved one. The jumper I’m wearing in the main photo is a faded 80s, dusty plum, cotton sweatshirt. It came from a charity shop and my granny bought it for me. She worked three jobs until she was about 80 years old – she ran tours at the Bowes Museum in Durham, worked at Citizens Advice one day a week and part-time at a charity shop in Galashiels, which is where this sweatshirt arrived. Granny saw it and knew what I liked – nice, simple clothing. I’m not sure how many times I’ve worn it, but it’s hundreds…

We all want our skin to look the best that it can – especially at this time of the year, when the days are warm and we’re maybe a little sun-kissed. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to roll out of bed, apply a light-tinted base and swan around looking effortlessly gorgeous and fresh-faced? So let’s make that fantasy a reality! It’s about using the right mix of skincare, with some tanning and make-up tricks thrown in for good measure. And this summer, it’s never been easier, with our round-up of hard-working products and expert tips. STEP UP YOUR SKINCARE ‘Glowing skin looks luminous from within,’ says aesthetic doctor Dr Sophie Shotter. ‘It epitomises good health. It should be achieved through optimising skin health, and then built upon with…

The expression ‘Turkey teeth’ may be associated with bright white gnashers and ridicule, but the reason many of us are travelling abroad for dental treatment is shifting. It’s now becoming popular for Brits wanting real medical help, such as crowns, extractions and implants – instead of vanity procedures. And why not? Head to destinations including France, Bulgaria or Egypt, and you could skip the queues and pay less than going private in the UK – and have a holiday while you’re at it. It’s no wonder the need is there. Some areas of the country are being referred to as ‘dental deserts’ due to having one dentist per 13,000 people – while a surgery in Kent reported receiving 27,000 calls when they opened up 60 new NHS places, with more…

For uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating physical and emotional menopausal symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the go-to relief for many women. But if you’re on it – or are starting – you may wonder how long you can take it and if you’ll feel dreadful after stopping. Here’s what you should know. 1 YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO It’s a myth that all women have to stop HRT after a fixed amount of years. If you have menopausal symptoms, are under 60 years old and not at high risk of breast cancer or blood clots, NHS advice is that the benefits of it are likely to outweigh any risks. ‘There’s no limit on the duration of taking HRT, but no ideal length of treatment either – it’s individual,’ says menopause…

Lovely readers, we’ve had some great chats over the past few months, and there will be plenty more of them this year. I say ‘chats’. More like sermons! Such as the importance of strong muscles, bones and joints to avoid fractures, to offset the effects of the big ‘M’ and give us independence. Why we value balance and moderation, not denial and restriction… blah, blah, blah! I feel that (fingers crossed) I may have got under your skin, in the nicest way possible, and that you are coming to view the health of your mind and body as a 365-day project, rather than something you tackle two weeks before you jet off on holiday. Whatever your plans, the summer holiday is an opportunity for a change of scenery, for different…

Baked tomato and shallot tart Perfect French style, designed to sip with a chilled glass of rosé. Serves 8 • Prep 30 mins • Cook 30-40 mins 350g tomatoes (a mix of sizes and colours), thickly slicedHandful fresh crispy sage, to serve (optional)Green salad, to serve (optional) For the pastry: 200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting130g unsalted butter, cold and cubed1 whole medium free-range egg, plus1 yolk, beaten For the filling: 400g bag shallots, sliced lengthways2tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle2 large garlic cloves, crushed1tbsp Dijon mustard2tbsp capers200g soft cheese150g Gruyère cheese, grated50g Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra to serve2-3tbsp whole milk You will need: 23cm tart tin, greased and the bottom lined with baking paper; ceramic baking beans 1 Heat the oven to 170C Fan/Gas 5. For the pastry,…

Number one for food lovers Look out in Waitrose & Partners stores as their much-loved premium No.1 range is getting a new look and 130 new product lines. The range will incorporate over 600 lines in all, with high welfare and innovation at its heart. Products vary from ready meals to dips, pasta, sauces, desserts, and meat and fish. We loved the No.1 Truffle Houmous (£2.85, 170g) a luxurious take on the classic dip, made with aromatic truffle flavour oil and topped with truffled chickpeas. Or if you’re up for a speedy supper (or cheeky Bloody Mary), pick up the No.1 Tomato & Vodka Pasta Sauce, with juicy pomodorini cherry tomatoes. COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH Lemon sorbet spritz Known as a Sgroppino in Italy, this refreshing tipple is just the…

✢ Texture is a must, with a muted palette, so shop for tufted rugs, woven cushions, jute fabrics and vintage-look leather. ✢ Include dark tones. A mix of earthy neutrals needs contrasting blacks and greys to create a sophisticated feel. ✢ If you want to include pops of colour, make them tonal. A dusky pink or terracotta wouldn’t look at odds with the browns of the leathers and jute materials. ✢ Lighting is important in an open-plan space, as it helps to zone different areas. Look for statement pendants to hang low into intimate spaces, or contemporary flush fittings for high-traffic areas where you want a feeling of flow.…

DINE Think about the time of day you plan to dine outside, with shade, lighting – and even a source of heat – all things to consider when creating an outdoor dining room. Use planters and pots to bring in texture and colour, enclosing your table and creating a sense of privacy and occasion. COOK An outdoor kitchen is not just a barbecue space, it’s a chance to join in when entertaining without the need to run back and forth to the house. Plan prep areas – a work surface with space to serve is a must, while a fridge is handy. You can create your own units or buy them good to go, some with a built-in grill/barbecue. LOUNGE Create an outdoor living room, where you can sit and…

1 BEER, DEVON Classic beach huts, striped deckchairs, bracing sea swims and crab sandwiches await at this suntrap pebble beach on Devon’s famed Jurassic Coast. The village’s maritime heritage is alive and well, and you can book a fishing trip around the bay – where mackerel are abundant in summer. For a change of pace, take the steep coast path towards the next bay, Branscombe, to enjoy panoramic views of the chalk cliffs. Stay: Belmont House guest house (adults only), double rooms from £90; belmonthousebeerdevon.co.uk 2 LLANDUDNO, CONWY With its wooden Grade II listed pier, amusement arcades, and fish and chip shops teaming up with a mountainside toboggan run, Llandudno offers a pleasing mix of Victorian seaside charm and more modern attractions. The Great Orme circular walk, taking in spectacular…

CHILDREN’S CLASSIC The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff The ninth legion of the Roman Empire marched to the wilds of the north of England and was lost, along with its standard, the eagle. The commander’s son Marcus returns north in an attempt to discover what happened. This novel brings the past to life, and also left me with the sense of the geography of Hadrian’s Wall and a love of my adopted North-East. MAIGRET MYSTERY The Saint-Fiacre Affair by Georges Simenon Simenon can do more in a sentence than most of us can achieve in a paragraph. This book takes Inspector Maigret from his Paris haunts to the village of his childhood to investigate an unexplained death. The description of place and character is so vivid that we’re…

horoscopes LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER With your ruler on board until the 22nd you can’t lose. Good fortune could come your way on the 15th. Use the charm Venus brings to make your own luck too. Call 0905 789 4156* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER You’re drawn towards learning or teaching. If you already do either, it’s a stellar time. This is a sociable period, but a friendship could hit the rocks after the 18th. Call 0905 789 4157* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER Back-to-school energy arrives on the 11th – your best day all year for putting plans into action. Consider what brings you pleasure. The 15th is peak feel-good. Call…

No one knows their hair better than you. But if you’re finding those strands are constantly misbehaving and you’re not feeling good, maybe it’s time to rethink things. With the right products, you can turn back the clock on your locks and enjoy full, shiny, beautiful hair at any age. Master the basics The foundation of any good hair day comes with using the right products for your hair type. ‘Using a shampoo and conditioner specially tailored to your hair type will make a world of difference,’ says hairstylist Sam Burnett, owner of Hare & Bone salons. ‘A professional hairstylist should ask clients lots of questions, and examine the scalp and hair,’ adds Sam. With so many products to choose from, it can be confusing to know what will work…

With over 30 years of experience in the salon, hairdresser Zoë Irwin certainly knows hair. Her speciality is predicting a trend shift months before it hits the mainstream. Whether it’s perfecting a platinum-blonde colour or creating perfectly undone ‘done’ hair, Zoë’s forte is a soft, feminine style with a cool edge. She is currently creative director at John Frieda Salons, and can be found in the London Marylebone salon, zhuzhing up a storm. Here is her guide to making at-home styling effortless. IF YOU ADD ONE THING TO YOUR ROUTINE Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist, £27, Space NK This mist will give an undone, sexy voluminous texture. It’s a brilliant way of reviving second-day hair after a blow-dry. Plus, the scent is absolutely gorgeous – it stays…

Pretty pastels Soft pastels are a great way to update grey or blonde hair. ‘They’re definitely not just a youth trend!’ says colour guru Josh Wood. Rose pink, dusty lilac and this year’s Pantone colour of the year – peach – are beautiful choices. Bleach London Super Cool Colour, £6.50, Boots, comes in a rainbow of shades that gently fade out with each wash. Soften regrowth If you’ve always had dark hair, it can be hard to get out of the cycle of colouring the grey hairs darker. ‘As your natural hair tone starts to fade, having a lighter frame around your face is a good way to blend in grey without having to colour your hair so frequently,’ suggests Josh. Avoid permanent colour between salon visits – it creates a…

Whether you’ve just started noticing a few strands, or your roots are full-on silver, we have a solution for you to make the most of going grey. Many of us rush to disguise our grey roots as soon as they appear, but even if you’ve been dyeing your hair for years and are contemplating growing it out, here’s all you need to know to make the transition as smooth as possible. Q I want to go full-on grey, but I’m scared of the attention it might attract Start by adding tones of blonde or caramel through your hair. ‘Then, every time you see your colourist, go half a shade lighter until you reach your root colour,’ advises Tony Culver, colourist at Salon Sloane (salonsloane.com). ‘This will ensure a softer grow-out…

Unless you’ve been blessed with blonde hair since birth, going lighter is no simple feat, and most blondes enjoy their golden locks as a result of many hours of painstaking graft – be that professional, administered by an expert colourist in the salon, or a DIY job at home. But what is it about blonde hair that’s so popular? From Meryl Streep and Dame Helen Mirren, to Julia Roberts and JLo, so many of our favourite A-listers choose to have some kind of lightener put on their hair as they age. And it’s not just on the red carpet that honey-hued hair is a favourite. Most salons will say that blonde is their number-one colour service. And when it comes to disguising grey, going blonde is up there as one…

YOUR ultimate HAIR GUIDE 1 PREP Use a primer like got2b gotGLOSS Hair Primer, £7, Boots. This will boost shine while protecting your hair from heat damage up to 230C. 2 IRON To get a super-sleek finish, straighten your hair. When it’s cooled, pull it into a ponytail, ensuring you keep the sides smooth. Then, secure it in place with a hair tie – go low like Gwyneth Paltrow, or take it higher to give your face a lift. Hair Ties, £1 for 60, Primark. 3 PERFECT Take a one-inch piece of hair out of the ponytail and tightly wrap it around the hair tie to hide it. Secure it with a hidden kirby grip and finish with a misting of shimmering Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine, £33, cultbeauty.co.uk, which instantly…

STAR LETTER ALL YOU NEED Thanks to Anna Richardson for her wonderful reply to a reader’s question about her autistic son [May]. Our autistic son, now 33, is funny, loving and a wonderful cook. He has a partner, a baby and a job, and I’m so proud of him. I hope others too will ‘find the joy’ and see, as I have, that love is all you need. Jill RELISHING ROOTS I loved Sharon Wright’s There Really Is No Place Like Home feature [June], about being from Yorkshire and moving to Surbiton. I left West Yorkshire in 1979, and relocated to London and then the south coast. I love our life, but even after 44 years ‘down south’, there’s always a pull. You can take the lass out of Yorkshire…

royal life At 40, a man can take stock. Look at themselves in the shaving mirror and reflect on what they’ve achieved and where they’re going. What would Prince Harry ask himself? Patrick Jephson, Princess Diana’s former private secretary, knew Harry as a boy, and asks, ‘What is Harry for? No one can really answer that and I’m not sure if he can. There is an inconsistency with what he says he wants and what he’s doing. He says he wants a private life, but if you want that freedom, you get a job, drop out of public life, keep your mouth shut.’ Ten years ago Prince Harry seemed to have the world at his feet. He was still serving in the army, one of the seven ‘core’ senior royals…

CHIP OFF THE BLOCK ✢ Commonly used to produce British wallpapers, a woodblock print in contrasting tones gives a vintage edge to this cotton dress. ✢ The Bardot neckline stands the test of time, as it’s flattering to all silhouettes, revealing a touch of flesh and broadening your shoulders, giving the illusion of a narrower waist. RETRO REVIVAL ✢ The newly revived Laura Ashley collection is a fusion of vintage silhouettes mixed with contemporary details. This dress features a striking deep V-back in contrasting red print. ✢ The ruffle sleeves add a touch of romance and femininity while also being flattering for the upper arms. FLOWER POWER ✢ This stunning silky suit is visually high impact, yet feels as comfortable as wearing loungewear. ✢ Dress it down with a simple…

If the eyes are the window to the soul, that makes eyebrows and eyelashes the dressings that invite you in. ‘Like our other hair, brows and lashes tend to thin out as we age,’ explains brow guru Anastasia Soare, founder and CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills. ‘Some people may also notice a change of texture, increased brittleness and faded colour.’ But what makes a beautiful brow? ‘A hallmark of healthy, youthful-looking eyebrows is density,’ explains Anastasia. ‘Thicker eyebrows can take off years, so using fill-and-detail brow products to create natural, defined arches will give a youthful refresh.’ The same goes for lashes – longer, lifted eyelashes will make your eyes appear brighter and more open. There are plenty of options to enhance your eyes. Some offer instant gratification, such as…

Start the day with a glass of OJ Having fresh orange juice with breakfast is more than just a zingy, refreshing way to wash down your morning meal, it has a host of health benefits too. ‘The high levels of vitamin C help the immune system to combat symptoms of common colds and illness, while folate – a B vitamin in orange juice – helps reduce tiredness and fatigue,’ says dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton. ‘Plus, polyphenols such as hesperidin, found in citrus fruits, promote normal blood vessel function and reduce inflammation to support a healthy heart.’ One small glass a day could also give your complexion a youthful boost. Vitamin C acts as a natural protector against the sun’s damaging rays and helps the body to make skin-plumping collagen. Go…

Q&A Q My son never had the MMR vaccine, as my ex-husband was against it. He got ill with flu and swollen glands, and now he’s getting further temperatures and has swollen testicles. My sister, a nurse, says this could be mumps. Could it? A Yes. Mumps infection can occur with very mild symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, and aches and pains. The classic symptom of mumps is swollen parotid glands (salivary glands in the cheeks), which makes patients look like a hamster! But he may have missed this symptom if it is mumps. Around five days after the glands start swelling, patients can experience swollen, painful testicles. The pain can be severe and may be associated with further flu-like symptoms. He needs to see a doctor. When the…

Are you as flexible as your friends at yoga? Been putting off seeing the GP with niggles for years? Our midlife MOT plan combines health, fitness and mind tests to make sure you’re the best possible version of yourself now, which will benefit you in the years ahead. But, don’t worry if you don’t score as well as you would have liked – we have plenty of tips to give you a boost. Plus, everything you need to know about what’s normal as you age and when you should take action. Turn over to get started.…

Chicken yaki udon Utilising a pack of veggies and straight-to-wok noodles makes this one a cinch! Serves 4 3tbsp mirin4tbsp soy sauce2tbsp runny honeyJuice 1 lime, plus extra wedges, to serveLarge pinch chilli flakes2tbsp sesame oil350g mini chicken breast fillets250g sliced mushrooms220g pack stir-fry vegetables (we used a rainbow pack)2 x 150g packs straight-to-wok udon noodlesSmall bunch spring onions, cut in half and sliced into matchsticksCrispy onions, to serve (optional)Pickled ginger, to serve (optional) 1 In a large bowl, whisk the mirin, soy sauce, honey, lime juice and chilli flakes. 2 Heat a wok over a high heat and add 1tbsp sesame oil. Add the chicken and fry for 5 mins, turning regularly until crispy and cooked through. Transfer to the bowl of sauce, tossing to coat. 3 Add the…

We’ve become so demanding of our living rooms: a place to relax, entertain, watch television and much more. Yet with a little design and style know-how, you can strike the right balance and create a room that works for all. From colour to furniture, storage to sofa placement and technology to accessories, follow our six steps to creating your perfect living room. Apollo vintage velvet two-seater sofa, £899, snuggler, £699, Elements Holmes sideboard, £599, coffee table, £349, acoustic wall wallpaper in natural, £12 per roll, Elements Lennon mushroom floor lamp, £119, and Elements Wigley rug, £149, all Dunelm 1 Find your PERFECT PALETTE When choosing colour for your living room, there are lots of factors to consider. What mood do you want to create? How do you want to feel…

Who doesn’t love a gallery wall? It might be a beautifully curated collection of black-and-white family photographs, an arrangement of abstract landscape paintings or a series of slogan prints all on a theme. But pulling a collection together takes time and a little confidence – not only do you need to choose the art, but then there’s the hanging of each frame or canvas on the wall. ‘The best gallery walls are about achieving balance. Aim to mix art designs – combine your favourite quotation prints with some photography, adding botanical prints, classic art or graphical art prints too,’ says Annica Wallin, executive creative director at Desenio. ‘Collecting art is a lot easier than you might think – you don’t need to be an art expert at all,’ adds Will…

eco-friendly escapesExciting ways to get away from it all With a steady increase in ecotourism, there are more options than ever for those who want to see the world while also supporting nature, local communities and wildlife. Even better, there’s no need to sacrifice relaxation or luxury. Here, we share our pick of some truly memorable, sustainable getaways you could experience. 1 WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, SOUTH AFRICA Amanda James takes a trip of a lifetime that she’ll never forget. Seeing animals in their natural habitat has always been a dream for me since I was a child, so a South African safari was something I couldn’t miss. As a bonus, I got to meet the Black Mambas, an all-female conservation group set up to protect vulnerable species like rhinos from poachers.…

COUNTRY HOUSE MURDER Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson (£22, HB, Transworld) A complex real-life art heist collides with a chaotic murder-mystery weekend in the latest outing for investigator Jackson Brodie. He’s on the trail of a carer who appears to have walked away with a mysterious painting. Atkinson brings each of her cast vividly to life, leading them through a series of coincidences and calamities to help unravel the mystery. An excellent read. LOCKED ROOM MYSTERY Look in the Mirror by Catherine Steadman (£16.99, HB, Quercus) Nina’s shocked when she learns her father has bequeathed her a luxury mansion on the British Virgin Islands. As far as she knew, he’d never even visited the Caribbean. So when his solicitor invites her to fly out and…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Shirley Ballas The Strictly Come Dancing judge and bestselling author, 63, lives in London with her mum Audrey, 87, and their dog Charlie. WAKE UP I aim to wake at 6.30am every day. As soon as I do, I like to check my phone to see that I’ve not missed anything. Then I make my bed immediately. I can’t do anything until my bed is made. MORNING I take a cold shower, then I get dressed. I’m not really a breakfast person and I like intermittent fasting but, if I am feeling a little peckish, I usually grab a banana or an apple. No two mornings are ever the same. Sometimes I’m driving to the dance studio, or I’m spending it with my mother,…

Have you got a stud yet?’ my girlfriend lent in conspiratorially, eyebrows waggling. ‘You just have to get one!’ I wondered how she was going to break news of her infidelity to her husband, but as she lifted her shirt I realised that when a middle-aged woman tells you she’s just got a stud, she means a gold nipple ring or diamond-encrusted belly-button bar. Forget hipster jeans or high-heeled Birkenstocks. Apparently the new look at the office party or school reunion is a midlife piercing. My pal’s belly button adornment wasn’t expensive, but I examined it with the kind of awe I’d lavish on the Hope Diamond or the Koh-i-noor. It seems she and her daughter had chosen identical ornaments as a ‘definitive bonding experience’. Hmm… My mum/daughter bonding involves…

TOP SHELF: FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Noughty Frizz Magic Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner, £7.99 each, Boots; Living Proof No Frizz Smooth Styling Cream, £16, John Lewis & Partners; Living Proof Instant De-Frizzer, £15, livingproof.co.uk; Lacura Wonder Spray, £4.99, Aldi; Umberto Giannini Blow Out Frizz Styling Cream, £9.95, Boots; Curlsmith Shine Gel, £24, lookfantastic.com; PS… Pro Frizz Shield Mist, £5, Primark; Tresemmé Lamellar Shine Finishing Oil, £9.99, Superdrug LOWER SHELF: FROM LEFT TO RIGHT Only Curls Purple Curl Cleanser and Conditioner, £22 each, onlycurls.com; John Frieda Frizz Ease Deep Conditioner, £7.99, Superdrug; L’Oréal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner, £12.99 each, Superdrug; Drybar Final Call Frizz Control Mist, £25, cultbeauty.co.uk; Noughty Frizz Magic Anti-Frizz Serum, £8.99, Boots; Hair Proud Shine Sauce 10 Minute Hair Mask, £9.95, iamproud.com…

‘Glass hair’ is trending, thanks to the glossy 90s resurgence. But mirror-like shine doesn’t have to mean a pricey trip to the salon.…