Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2024 i Woman & Home

As we head into autumn and the leaves start to fall, every part of me wants to hang on to the lighter and (at times) warmer evenings. In the absence of them, you will find me behaving much like a tortoise. So it’s good to hear that hibernation – or should I say staying in – is the new going out. Well, according to Kathy Lette, anyway. Turn to page 194 as Kathy tells us to ‘pack away the running shoes… and join me in my slothful, autumnal state’. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Nadiya Hussain is a force to be reckoned with. I have met her a few times now, and she never fails to fill the room with warmth and laughter. This cover shoot is no different. They say…

LUXURY HAND WASH…

a new challenge ‘Speaking the language makes me feel part of the community’ Helen Colley, 65, lives in Manchester with her husband Michael. From my first visit in 2000, I loved the Dades Valley in Morocco. Its small farms are rich with wheat and red poppies, and there’s stunning mountain scenery. It’s a magical place. My husband Michael and I returned many times to the village of Ait Oudinar and made friends there. The men speak French as well as Arabic; they learn it at school, and my French was good. But the women only spoke the local Berber language, Tachelhit. Few of them went to school, and certainly not the nomad women. In 2009, we decided to lease and renovate a house in the village, spending two or three…

Four years ago, my daughters – senior social worker Bibaa Henry, 46, and 27-year-old photographer Nicole Smallman – were murdered in a random attack at Fryent Country Park, London. People often ask how I find the strength to carry on in the face of overwhelming grief. But the woman they see in TV interviews is far from the whole story. They do not know the real me, the bereaved mother who has dark days when I can hardly bear to leave home. For me, for my husband Chris and my surviving daughter Monique, the loss of Bibaa and Nikki is beyond all pain. Many times in the past four years I’ve wanted to curl up and die. But what drives me on is my fight against injustice, and for this…

Only a few years ago, I used to wish I was taller with longer legs, more luxuriant hair and my life all sorted. Not any more. Do you know what I wish for now? To be Gen X instead of boomer. Because when younger people talk about boomers, it’s hardly complimentary. ‘Boomer bashing has become a sort of sport’ I know it shouldn’t matter which generation I fall into – besides, the dates are somewhat flexible – but generally speaking, boomers are aged 60-78 and Gen X 44-59. And where Gen Z, aged 12-27, are concerned, it’s boomers who are the baddies. They don’t seem to value our life experience and open-minded attitudes. Instead, they’re thinking, ‘Planet-wrecking boomer, growing up being able to job-hop at will and buy a flat…

As I’ve got older my wardrobe has become more closely aligned. This has not happened by magic. Unless you’re a celebrity with a major fashion stylist on speed dial, effortless style is not that effortless. Occasionally an outfit comes together in a jiffy, but throwing clothes on and hoping to create a winning ensemble is like expecting victory in the Great North Run without doing any training. Careful planning, consistency and putting the hours in all help to establish a successful formula. ‘I play around with shapes, fabrics and colours’ What do you really wear? Ask yourself that question. Then look inside your wardrobe, pull the items out, and put them on a separate rail if possible. This is your Wardrobe Glue – the clothes that fit your lifestyle and…

After being inspired by supermodel Cindy Crawford, in the early 1990s, Caroline worked hard to realise her dream of becoming a renowned make-up artist. From working with Naomi Campbell on Vogue covers to attending the Grammys with Kylie Minogue, she has had a remarkable career and there’s a reason A-listers have her on speed dial. Sharing with us her most essential beauty tricks, this make-up specialist and trusted w&h Beauty Awards judge is a fount of knowledge. ‘Working with the most stunning women in the world made me realise that being beautiful doesn’t always make you happy’ RADIANCE REVIVER Medik8 Super C Ferulic, £69, Space NK Adding a daily exfoliator or radiance booster into your beauty routine is absolutely essential. Especially as we age, it’s crucial to look after your…

Many of us visit our GPs several times a year. They often know more about our lives than our loved ones do. But how clued-up are we about how they work? From discovering how your surgery is funded to revealing when it’s OK for doctors to break confidentiality rules, Dr Helen gives us the low-down. It’s like a small business There is a lack of understanding about how general practice is run and funded. GP surgeries are independent businesses with an NHS contract that sets out core things a practice must do. Most partners are GPs – they make key decisions, and share responsibility for the financial and operational running. If the books don’t balance at the end of the month, the partners take home less pay. There’s so much…

Chocolate teacakes A British institution, our version of the mallowy chocolate treat is irresistible. Makes 20, with spare biscuits • Prep 30 mins, plus chilling and setting • Cook 15 mins For the biscuit base: 125g unsalted butter, softened100g icing sugar, sifted1tsp vanilla extract1 medium free-range egg300g plain flour, sifted, plus extra for dusting50g ground almonds For the topping: 4 medium free-range egg whites200g caster sugar3 gelatine leaves, soaked in cold water for 10 mins300g dark or milk chocolate, melted You will need: 6cm cookie cutter; piping bag fitted with a 1cm round piping nozzle 1 For the biscuits, using an electric whisk, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla until soft. Beat in the egg, then fold in the flour, almonds and a pinch of salt. Briefly knead the dough…

After living in a new-build house, the prospect of reimagining a converted barn near York, with all its character and potential, gave Marisa Lumley-Holmes and her husband, Chris Shaw, a wonderful challenge. ‘We were definitely on the lookout for a project to put our own stamp and style on,’ says Marisa, an interior designer. ‘This place had been renovated in the 1990s and hadn’t really been maintained since then, so needed more work than we anticipated.’ Although they kept much of the house’s layout as it was, the kitchen was in an unconverted barn attached to the main building. It made sense to knock through here and alter the size of the downstairs bathroom to create one large open-plan kitchen-diner/sitting room. The back of the space was then opened up…

BALI Ella Dove finds natural wonders and a warm welcome in Bali My first experience of Balinese hospitality is a gift of a simple woven bracelet. Known as a Tridatu bracelet, its three coloured threads carry powerful spiritual symbolism – black for power and protection from bad spirits, red for creativity and courage, and white for spirituality and goodness. I soon notice that many Balinese people wear them. Giving them to visitors is a token of welcome to their beautiful island. In Bali, everyone belongs. Surfer’s paradise First up on our Balinese adventure is the beach town of Canggu. Perched on the south coast, it’s a surfers’ paradise of vast sands and rolling waves. One of the busiest towns on the island, Canggu is a tourist hotspot. However, it retains…

FATE AND FORTUNE Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty (£22, HB, Penguin) If you could find out how and when you’re going to die, would you want to know? For the passengers on the flight from Hobart to Sydney, they have no choice. When a woman tells people their fate the reactions are extreme. And then the first prediction comes true… In this thought-provoking novel, we question whether we would live our lives differently if we knew our future. A genre-defying gem. BLASTS FROM THE PAST Small Bomb at Dimperley by Lissa Evans (£18.99, HB, Doubleday) The brilliant Lissa Evans returns with a hilarious and heart-warming novel set in 1945, as demobbed aristocrat Valentine returns to the family’s stately home and its eccentric occupants. As his mother tries to marry…

As well as a 20-year stint presenting BBC Breakfast, LOUISE MINCHIN is the author of non-fiction titles Dare to Tri and Fearless, and her debut thriller Isolation Island. She talks about her sense of adventure on page 49. What is your relationship like with social media? I am addicted and I hate that I am. I had digital detox a few years ago, but am fully back on board the scrolling wagon, and lose hours watching videos I don’t need to see. I need to go cold turkey! TRACY CHEVALIER is the author of 11 novels, including the international bestseller Girl with a Pearl Earring. On page 173, she talks about writing her latest, The Glassmaker. What is your relationship like with social media? It’s a love/hate relationship. Social media…

PATTERN CLASH…

Eat your heart out, Lady Chatterley. You may have been judged obscene by 20th-century standards, but in sexed-up 2024, frankly, you’d be regarded as limp. The romance genre is raunchier than ever – check out #smuttok alongside #booktok on TikTok to see how many accounts are dedicated to the ‘smutty romance’. Sales of romantic fiction have soared by 110% in three years and our appetite for rollicking yet romantic shows is insatiable. In the 80s, Jilly Cooper’s ‘bonkbusters’ were a slightly guilty secret. Fast-forward to today, and the adaptation of Rivals on Disney+ promises a naked tennis scene that brings fresh meaning to ‘new balls, please.’ Here, we highlight the talented actors who bring the sexiest romances to life. Nicola Coughlan The star of Bridgerton’s Season 3 couldn’t get enough…

royal life The Princess of Wales has always felt the pressure. Marrying into the most famous family in the world has been far from easy, but capable Catherine seemed to take it in her stride. Though the glamorous carapace, whether decked in Alexander McQueen or Zara, has hidden a more anxious young woman who didn’t want to put a foot wrong. This past year has arguably been the toughest of Catherine’s life – dealing with major abdominal surgery followed by a cancer diagnosis and treatment. But it has also given her the time to reprioritise and reassess what really matters. Leading royal author Robert Jobson, who has written a new biography of the Princess, tells me, ‘This illness has made her realise that family is everything. It always must come…

ever wondered how much you could earn by decluttering your wardrobe? According to eBay, only 25% of us sell our unwanted clothes, with the average consumer holding on to more than £400 worth of clothing they no longer wear. With online selling platforms such as Vinted, Depop and Facebook Marketplace flourishing, it couldn’t be easier to recycle your pre-loved fashion and make money. And there’s growing enthusiasm from buyers – last year, 80% of online consumers used online marketplaces to purchase items, according to Mintel. It’s nearly 30 years since eBay started connecting buyers and sellers around the world. Gumtree launched in 2000, for selling and buying locally, and was joined by Facebook Marketplace in 2016. The arrival of Vinted (2008), Vestiare Collective (2009) and Depop (2011) brought us apps…

working as a consultant breast surgeon, it was my responsibility to tell around 10 women a week that they had cancer. It was an emotionally intense job and could feel like you’re being paid to break women. As a clinician, you have to develop a sense of detachment, otherwise you’ll crumble, but this wasn’t always easy. Sometimes, particularly after seeing young women, I’d cry in the toilets. There’s no counselling and very little training for breaking bad news. It’s just part of the job – until it happens to you. In 2015, aged 40, I found a lump. Despite my job, I never regularly checked my breasts, a fact that seems crazy now, but I simply assumed that it wasn’t going to happen to me. In the past, I’d had…

we’re a nation of stressed-out souls. The Mintel Managing Stress and Wellbeing study 2023 found that four in five UK adults have experienced stress in the last year, with finance, physical health and mental health the primary causes. On top of that, almost two-thirds of UK adults also said their stress level has worsened in the last 12 months. With this in mind, there’s never been a better time to take time out to revitalise body and soul. So if you only have 10 minutes at home or want some R&R with a professional treatment, we have all the tips, tricks and must-have therapies to help you feel great again. SELF-CARE ROUTINE Feel good with these small daily tweaks. They can make a big difference to how you feel. Choose…

hunting for your reading glasses only to realise they’re already on your head is frustrating, and we’ve all marched purposefully from one room to another – instantly forgetting why we’re there. Maybe you’re forever losing your keys or get embarrassed when you can’t remember people’s names? Memory lapse is common with age – decline can start from as early as 45 years*, while almost 40%** of people over 65 will notice some form of forgetfulness. Menopause can make it worse too. When hormone levels – which promote blood flow to the brain – drop, it can cause memory problems, aka brain fog. The good news? ‘The brain is a muscle and, like any muscle, regular exercise can keep it performing,’ says consultant neuroradiologist Dr Emer MacSweeney. So, you no longer…

Little blue pills, ‘magic’ beans, Viagra, or its generic name sildenafil – however you refer to erectile dysfunction (ED) medication – asking your partner to pop a pill before you head upstairs could be the answer when it comes to solving intimate issues. Available on the high street without a prescription, there are several versions to choose from (your pharmacist can advise your partner). This easy access makes it a simple solution for the two-thirds of men who have ED, especially as more than 70% say they find it embarrassing to discuss the topic with their partners. Curious as to what it could do for your sex life? Here’s what you should know. 1 CONFIDENCE COULD BE IMPROVED Using medication to overcome ED can boost his confidence in the bedroom…

What a fascinating topic this is. There’s been so much research into gut health and it’s still very much ongoing. But how can we tell if our own is flourishing or struggling? First, let’s look at the terminology. Microbes are tiny bugs in the form of bacteria, viruses or fungi. There are trillions of them living on and in the human body. The microbiome is their community, so when we talk about a healthy gut, we mean a healthy gut microbiome. Why is it important for human health? The microbiome will be host to both good and harmful bacteria, and the swing in favour of one or the other can influence whether or not you fall victim to conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease and other inflammatory disorders…

Chicken Caesar and ‘chips’ We’ve served a lighter version of the dressing with a side of roast celeriac. Serves 2 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 30 mins 2 free-range skinless chicken breasts1 small celeriac, trimmed and cut into 1cm thick ‘chips’1tbsp olive oil1 red chicory, leaves separated½ darker-leafed lettuce (such as romaine), leaves separated For the marinade: 2tbsp sriracha chilli sauce1tbsp runny honey1tsp soy sauce2 garlic cloves, crushedZest and juice ½ lemon1tsp sesame oil½tsp flaky sea salt For the dressing: 4 anchovies in oil, drained1 garlic clove, crushed3tbsp freshly grated Parmesan, plus a little extra to serve (optional)4tbsp low-fat mayo (we used Heinz)Zest and juice ½ lemonFew stalks parsley, leaves picked, plus extra leaves for the salad 1 In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken,…

✢ Create a feeling of connection and flow between rooms by repeating a colour, shape or design feature. A common terracotta thread has been used throughout Marisa’s home, with cushions, artwork and bedding. ✢ If you have high ceilings, a pair or trio of feature pendants will draw the eye up, making the space feel even larger. ✢ To create a cosy, snug feel in a large room, try painting a half-wall. Go for a darker tone on the bottom half, like this luxurious blue shade, and a lighter tone on top, so that you don’t lose that feeling of space.…

Pedalling through beautiful Tuscan landscapes, along rivers and canals, time evaporates as you ease into travelling the slow way. My partner Nik, who travels almost everywhere by bike, and I, a lapsed cyclist, were on a seven-night, self-guided cycle tour that took us on a 275km route from Pisa’s leaning tower to Florence’s Ponte Vecchio. Staying in hotels just outside the city centres, we’d stoke up on plentiful breakfasts, then set off on four- to five-hour cycles. In the evenings, we’d find a restaurant and dine on ribollita (Tuscan soup) and rich pasta served with artichokes, asparagus and lobster, washed down with a chilled Vermentino Toscana. Basking in around 30 degrees of sunshine, the countryside was all shades of green. Vineyards, olive groves and wheat fields punctuated by spires of…

International bestseller Nicholas Sparks needs little introduction. Mention his novel The Notebook – which he wrote when he was 28 – and its subsequent film, and watch people swoon. Author of 23 books, 11 of which have been adapted to film, Sparks explores the big themes in life – our hopes, dreams, tragedies, love and grief – with emotional depth, making him one of the most popular authors of our time. His latest novel, Counting Miracles, follows three very different characters who explore not only whether they can change, but if they can make peace with themselves. I had this vision of an old man in the forest, injured, with a dog beside him – and that’s all I had for this book for a long time. Many characters in…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Anton Du Beke The professional dancer and Strictly judge, 58, lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife Hannah, and twins George and Henrietta. WAKE UP The children are my alarm clock and because they’re at school, it’s normally around seven o’clock. The first thing I do is have a cup of tea in bed. Then I go to the bathroom, shower and shave before packing the children off to school. MORNING I love breakfast. Invariably it’ll be something egg based, poached or scrambled with avocado or salmon. After that and the school run, I’ll exercise. It depends how much dancing I’m doing and if I’m on tour, but exercise for me is usually gym based. LUNCH My day is determined by what I’ve got on.…

Star sign of the month LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER Fancy a new direction? The New Moon on the 2nd is the time to make plans. Around the 20th a painful issue could emerge. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD From December, those closest to you may be experiencing a tricky time. Think hard before doing anything drastic, it won’t be truly sorted until the spring. Call 0905 789 4156* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER On the 23rd Scorpio season arrives and you’re in your element. You want to forge ahead with an important project, but need to be tactful. The 8th is romantic. Call 0905 789 4157* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER When Venus arrives…

STAR LETTER A NEW CHAPTER I suffered with poor mental health during lockdown and felt jealous when I read in w&h about women who had left careers for something new. Inspired, I now work for a social housing charity. My mental health has improved and I love my new chapter. Thanks to all the women whose stories led me to take the leap. Krystal SACRED SANCTUARY A space of our own [July] really resonated. I remembered visiting the library after school, craving an hour alone. As an adult, I’ve been lucky to have a home full of family, friends and activity. But this made me realise I still need that place of sanctuary where I can regroup. Thanks to w&h, I’m now planning to carve that space out. Liz COMFORT…

nadiya Hussain cover shoots bring sunshine – meteorologically and metaphorically. It’s a scorching June day in north London when we gather to celebrate the publication of her ninth cookbook, Cook Once, Eat Twice. As the title suggests, she’s helping the nation save time and pennies through meal-stretching recipes that savvily spin leftovers. And sweetly, it was the celebrity cook and author’s eldest son Musa’s plans to leave the family home in Milton Keynes to go off to university that inspired it. ‘As soon as he started to talk about uni, I thought, “This will be the book that he’ll want to take with him to help him be more mindful of how he cooks, how he eats, how he saves, how to be frugal and how to use up…

What are you like first thing in the morning? I’ve become a morning person because my children wake anywhere between 4.30am and 6.30am. I have coffee first thing and we play, and it’s become my favourite part of the day. What is your worst habit? Sometimes, I pull off my small toenails. It doesn’t hurt because they’re so soft, but I have to wait for them to grow back so I can wear sandals. ‘I had enough of something to craft this career’ What makes you happy? My kids bring me this existential joy because they are so delicious and happy. Also, I’m lucky to be in the job that I love. What is your biggest fear in life? Growing up, I was afraid of ghosts, aliens and sharks. Now,…

Have all your friends bought the same ‘must-have’ neck cream or an identical dress? The odds are that you’ve been ‘influenced’. There’s a growing crop of 40+ influencers – people who’ve built a reputation online for their expertise – who are shaping our purchase habits, many partnering with brands that pay them to promote products on social media. Often supported by photo-snapping friends and family, they create posts that cut through where conventional advertising might not. According to Statista, 25% of UK consumers say influencers have impacted their purchase decisions. ‘We’ve seen a significant increase in content creators forging successful second careers aged 45+,’ explains Lily Taylor, influencer manager at Dopamine Studios. ‘It’s great that brands now recognise their credibility and impact.’ But can a hobby become a career? Meet…

Why am I sitting in a cupboard in this photo? It’s a fair question – and one I’m happy to answer, because at the time this photo was taken I was very content. It’s 1989, I am 21, and in Uruguay, of all places. I had been studying Spanish at St Andrew’s University when I won a scholarship with the company Coats Viyella – a major textile manufacturer – at their office in Argentina. I had never been that far on my own before, but soon enough I was flying 7,000 miles from home and arriving in the capital of Buenos Aires. It was midnight when I arrived, and a secretary from the company came to collect me and take me to my new home – an apartment on the…

Q I’ve lost my sense of purpose. All my adult life I have been heavily relied upon: first my kids needed me, but they’re adults now; work has been my passion, but last year, I retired. I have been caring for my elderly mother since my father passed away, but a few months ago, she decided that she wanted to go into a home, as she was lonely and felt vulnerable when I wasn’t around. I’ve gone from always being busy to the opposite. What do I do now? ‘You have an opportunity to redefine who you are’ A The first thing that struck me when I read your dilemma was the profound sense of loss that you’re feeling right now, and I really want to acknowledge that. In fact,…

HERITAGE Tap into British heritage dressing for what has to be one of the most comfortable trends of the season. Team tweed, herringbone, argyle and plaid with cosy textures, practical outerwear and sensible accessories to take on the elements in style. UNEXPECTED DENIM There will always be space in our wardrobe for this classic fabric, and we’re enjoying the fresh updates to this hardworking staple. But there’s nothing basic about these basics. WEAR WITH... THE KILT The unexpected style hero of the new season, the kilt is making its way into our wardrobes once again. If it feels a bit daunting, opt for a simple pleated skirt without the hardware to achieve a similar look. Team it with everything from snug knitwear to crisp tailoring. earrings, £27.99, pilgrim.net MIXED METALS…

It’s incredibly easy to damage your hair. Bleaching, heat styling and too-tight styles can cause stress to your strands, resulting in split ends, frizz and thinning. Previously, there was little you could do to overcome this damage – except go for a chop – but bond-building innovation claims to reverse damage and strengthen hair. ‘Historically, hair treatments were moisture-boosting masks, but bond-building technology is different – it really repairs,’ explains trichologist Anabel Kingsley. So how does it work? ‘Hair is made up of three types of bonds – salt, hydrogen and disulfide,’ says Anabel. ‘Bond builders work within the cortex of the hair to repair the disulfide bonds – they give our strands structure and strength. ‘But the one thing you can’t fix permanently is a split end,’ warns Anabel.…

Embrace rainy days ahead Are you dreading autumn showers? As the seasons change, plenty of rain is one thing we can expect. But while bashing the British weather is a national pastime, it’s worth knowing that wet days can also bring surprising wellbeing benefits. Pollutants, dust particles and allergens that hang around in the atmosphere are all swept away when it rains, resulting in cleaner, fresher air. Love the unmistakable earthy smell that comes with a downpour? It’s known as petrichor, and is a combination of plant oils and a compound called geosmin, which is found in healthy soil and released into the air. And such is the potency of this rainy scent that perfumers have tried to mimic it! So to enjoy its calming effects, simply put up your…

Q&A Q My daughter has premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It’s like a dark cloud over her for half the month. She can’t seem to get help – her GP will only offer the contraceptive pill. What should she do? A PMS affects women in the second half of their cycle, normally starting after ovulation. It has psychological symptoms, such as low mood, anxiety and irritability. Physical symptoms include bloating, headaches, spots, backache and breast pain. Also common are behavioural changes, such as clumsiness, brain fog and aggression. Establishing the severity of the diagnosis is important, so I would encourage your daughter to take a symptom diary with her when she sees the GP. The contraceptive pill can work, but is usually taken without a break (what doctors call back to back)…

Holiday season can be tricky for weight-loss goals. So we’ve teamed up with Slimming World to get you back on track after summer. You never have to go hungry and you could lose up to 7lb in two weeks!* HOW IT WORKS 1 Follow the menu. Feel free to repeat meals you enjoy. 2 Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the science of energy density (the calories per gram), satiety (how filling a food is) and how easy a food is to overeat. It’s a simple way to cut calories without counting and lose weight without going hungry. 3 Free Food is at the heart of the Slimming World plan. These are foods you can enjoy without weighing, measuring or counting. There are more than 350, many of which are incorporated…

Classic fish pie Delicious seafood in a creamy sauce with a golden mashed potato topping – you can’t beat it. Serves 6 • Prep 20 mins • Cook 35 mins 600ml whole milk100ml white wine1 bay leaf1 small onion, halved6 black peppercorns30g butter, plus extra melted (optional)30g plain flour120g extra mature Cheddar, grated2tsp Dijon mustard½ pack chives, snipped500g salmon, skinned, cut into3cm chunks2 packs smoked haddock, skinned, cut into 3cm chunks20 raw king prawns3 x 450g packs ready-made mash (or make your own) 1 Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 6. Warm the milk, wine, bay leaf, onion and peppercorns in a saucepan. 2 Melt the butter in a medium pan, then stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for a few minutes until it smells toasty. Gradually beat in the…

Inspiration for a beautiful abodePresent ed in partnership with CROWN It's not just paint, it's personal Get the BASICS RIGHT ✢ With so many dining tables and chairs to choose from, it’s crucial to pick a design that suits your space, is super comfortable and slots right in with the decor elsewhere in your home. ✢ If your style is bright and breezy, opt for a Scandi-inspired light oak table with splayed legs teamed with rattan chairs. ✢ Lovers of the modern country look might favour a limed oak Shaker farmhouse design offset against chalky pastel walls. ✢ Need a table for eight or more? Why not break things up and add an elegant twist by picking two slightly different chairs at each end? A different coloured upholstery works well, or try…

1 CHOOSE A NEW TOASTY SHADE Caramels, cinnamons and chestnuts are soothing yet sophisticated colours, and just the palette for the shift in seasons. When using such rich shades, add flashes of off-white or cream to keep the space fresh. If the wall colour is too much for your space, pick wood furniture and cushions in splashes of russet and ochre. Walls painted in Affogato Absolute matt emulsion, £57.50 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene; other items, stylist’s own 2 STYLE THE SEASON With Halloween on the horizon, arrange a seasonal display on a table. Feature faux pumpkins and vases filled with autumnal flowers and foliage, to complement a coffee-coloured backdrop. Walls painted in Figment and Saddle Stitch, both Walls & Ceilings matt emulsion, £19 for 2.5ltr, and Wood & Metal quick-dry…

1MARBELLA, SPAIN Average high in October: 25C Check your thermometer across the Iberian Peninsula – from the west in the Algarve to the east in Murcia – and one coastal city is consistently ‘scorchio’: Marbella. It’s also the best hub on this coast for breezy al fresco restaurants, and its old town is pretty as a postcard too. Couples and grown-up groups will love Gran Hotel Guadalpin Banus, thanks to its oceanfront position and private beach club. Doubles from £97; granhotelguadalpin.com 2 RHODES, GREECE Average high in October: 24C So hot it’s nicknamed the ‘frying pan’ of Greece, Rhodes’ locals swim in the sea well into November. That makes it ideal for families in October half-term, with beachfront hotels on the east coast. Amada Colossos has its own aqua park,…

AN AFFECTING READ The Millstone by Margaret Drabble I read The Millstone shortly after I’d had my baby. The clever single mother Rosamund in the story was very different from me – but her experiences of childbirth and her delight in her little daughter were similar to mine. I loved that she dared to break the rules, screaming her head off when medical staff wouldn’t let her visit her sick baby. It gave me courage! NOSTALGIC AND WHIMSICAL 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff I’m a keen reader, and I’m also a serious book collector, spending too much money on rare beautiful volumes. I love this collection of letters between an exuberant American playwright and the reserved proprietor of an antiquarian bookshop in the Charing Cross Road. It’s a…

Hope you had a nice summer break, because I booked a one-way ticket on a guilt trip. Every time I checked social media, friends were flaunting their ‘Living My Best Life’ hashtags. I felt assaulted by a never-ending stream of Instagram posts featuring pals kayaking in Cumbria, surfing in Cornwall, sailing the Solent or whooping it up at music festivals. They beamed back at me, smile wattage on ‘stun’, flexing protein-shake-fuelled bods as if poised to run a marathon up Mount Kilimanjaro at a moment’s notice. Unless I was noshing on raw yak meat with tribeswomen on the tundra or rafting with rebels on the crocodile-infested Zambezi, eating things that blinked back at me, well, apparently, I just wasn’t living! The most dangerous thing I’ve done all summer is to…