Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2024 i Woman & Home

I live in an old house that some might call a labour of love. Shunning the quiet life of modern convenience, we embarked on a journey to sympathetically modernise the place we now call home. It’s not an easy, inexpensive or quick fix, it’ll take years (and most likely put on the years!) to get to where we want it to be. But with each room that we complete, I feel proud of what we’re achieving. What’s the saying? Good things take time, and often, the waiting makes the getting all the sweeter. This month we have a home makeover special (from page 135) – whether it’s updating or amazing transformations to pore over, it’s jam-packed with inspiring ideas for those of us with crumbly walls, as well as anyone…

BERRY BEAUTY…

As soon as the curtain lifted again after the dark, silent pandemic years, musical theatre boomed back bigger, bolder and brighter, with attendance in the West End currently higher than ever before. While the Bridge Theatre’s 2023 revival of 1950s classic Guy and Dolls remains one of the hottest tickets in town, a new wave of shows is also rocking the boat. Recent times have seen musicals sidestep from glitz and escapism, embracing instead the grittier side of life. This year, for example, the West End has seen Next to Normal, which centres on a mother living with bipolar disorder, and Standing at the Sky’s Edge tells of three families living in Park Hill, a Sheffield council estate, with a score by Richard Hawley. Meanwhile, screen is switching to stage…

royal life King Charles’s October tour to Australia represents his biggest test since he ascended to the throne. As Prince of Wales, he has already undertaken 15 official visits to the country, spanning five decades. But there will be something entirely different this autumn when he becomes only the second reigning British monarch to travel Down Under. Previously, Prince Charles was visiting Australia to represent his mother. But this time, he will be there representing himself and the British public at large, forging closer links and reinforcing the special relationship Great Britain and Australia have enjoyed for almost 250 years. Significantly, he will be relying on the support of the Queen as they carry out engagements in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales before making an official visit…

When you are home alone, what do you love to do? I would more than likely be out in the garden, and I’d be doing the things that I enjoy. I never do any digging, but there are certain jobs that I love to do. I love pruning – in the growing season, there’s nothing like pruning to promote growth and getting a good shape of something. I love my roses. ‘It’s a pleasure being with family… there’s nothing better’ Who or what makes you happiest? When I’m with the whole family and they’re all doing something. It’s lovely to all have meals together, but there’s nothing I love more than to see everybody bonding. We’ve just been on holiday, and we put a water polo net across the pool,…

Most of us are lucky enough to have friendships that see us through thick and thin. From casual acquaintances to lifelong soulmates, they are all vital to varying degrees. That feel-good sensation we get from being with friends is borne out by research – they can help us lead longer, happier lives*. Conversely, ‘If we don’t have people we feel we belong with, we are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, and to have poorer wellbeing,’ says Dr Mhairi Bowe, deputy director of the Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. ‘When we do feel that sense of connection, we recover from illness better, we tend to adopt healthier habits, feel safer and less stressed, and we are more likely to offer help and – more…

high shine Metallic boots make a bold statement with their eye-catching contemporary flair. Their lustrous finish adds a touch of glamour and modern edge, making them a standout choice for those looking to elevate their style. animal magic Animal print boots are a daring way to add a touch of energy to your wardrobe. To let the print stand out, pair them with neutral block colours such as black, white or beige tones. buckle up Inspired by the catwalk, these elevated ankle boots exude a tough-luxe appeal. Style them with jeans and a leather jacket for a classic rock star vibe. Or, contrast the hardware with a flowing dress or midi skirt to add a feminine touch. the wild west Embrace the must-have style of the moment. These iconic designs,…

Hands up who’s a bit squeamish about looking in the loo? You might not relish taking a glance at what you’ve left behind in the bowl, but checking out any changes in your poo can indicate if you’re drinking enough water and eating enough fibre. It can also give you an important insight into your overall health. Changes in bowel habits can reveal hints of serious medical conditions, which may require treatment. In a final message before Dame Deborah James lost her battle with bowel cancer, she urged everyone to ‘check your poo – it could just save your life’. So here’s what to look out for, when you should see your doctor and what your poo may be saying about you. What is it? Poo is just your food…

Using a digital device in bed isn’t the best way to start or end the day. But for those of us who use our phone as an alarm to wake up, having it next to us feels necessary and non-negotiable. With prolonged screen exposure potentially disrupting sleep patterns and impacting on sexual intimacy, it’s worth being mindful when having a smartphone to hand in the bedroom. Our experts have the low-down. 1 IT COULD RUIN YOUR SLEEP Notifications, vibrations and your phone’s glow can cause you to stay up later and wake in the night. ‘The blue light suppresses melatonin production, which can prevent you from reaching deeper, more restorative stages of sleep,’ says digital wellbeing coach Katie Brockhurst at socialmediaforanewage.com. ‘Using it in bed stimulates the brain, making it…

The menopause middle. A phrase that slips off the tongue a little too well, but I don’t really like it. Why? Because it makes a plump abdomen sound inevitable. Like it’s a fate we can’t dodge, that it’s inexorably entwined with middle age. But why does it get there in the first place? In peri- and post-menopause, levels of the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone will fall, become a bit of a mess and trigger a catalogue of metabolic changes in the female body, among them a change in fat distribution. Where previously some women may have laid down fat on thighs and hips (after, say, a particularly overindulgent holiday), the drop in oestrogen may cause it to settle more around the abdomen instead, not only on the outside but…

Self-saucing chocolate pud As it bakes, the wet, slightly curdled-looking mixture transforms to a gorgeous saucy sponge. Serves 6 • Prep 25 mins • Cook 35 mins 100g butter, softened 150g golden caster sugar 3 medium free-range eggs, beaten 1tsp vanilla extract 125ml whole milk 125g self-raising flour 30g cocoa powder 70g dark chocolate, chopped For the sauce: 100g golden caster sugar 25g cocoa powder, sifted For the pink custard: 35g sachet strawberry blancmange 3tbsp caster sugar 500ml whole milk You will need: 1.5ltr ovenproof baking dish, greased 1 Heat the oven to 170C Fan/Gas 5. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, beating well between each addition. Add the vanilla, then half the milk, flour and cocoa. Stir to…

How to… DECORATE WITH DARK COLOURS ✢ Consider drenching your entire room in a dark shade, from the walls and woodwork, to furniture, curtains and radiators too. ✢ Ramp up the luxury by bringing in a metallic to add glints and ‘lift’ the scheme. Or try going for a high sheen rather than matt paint for a shimmer effect. Get the BASICS RIGHT Pick out the perfect paint, tiles and wallpaper to balance out Rosie’s rich, jewel-toned palette. PICK YOUR PRICE POINT Copycat sofas You don’t need to spend a fortune on a sofa to suit your style, but it’s always best to invest if you can.…

‘IF I COULD MAKE A CHANGE, I WISH WE’D INCLUDED AN ELECTRIC ELEMENT IN THE HEATED TOWEL RAIL, SO WE COULD USE IT IN SUMMER WHEN THE CENTRAL HEATING IS OFF’ When Kirsten and Mark Edwards bought their family home in 2015, it hadn’t been touched in decades. The telltale decor culminated in the bathroom, with an incredibly dated suite. ‘This bathroom, which is our en suite, had a green bath and basin, patterned wallpaper and a tatty beige carpet,’ remembers Kirsten. ‘It’s a lovely size, but the lack of a shower was an issue.’ Despite its grand proportions, the couple wanted a far more functional space that aligned with their style. ‘I contacted bathroom designers Ripples to discuss a fresh layout. I wanted a hotel-type feel that sat easily…

TEMPLE-HOPPING ALONG THE NILE Jill Starley-Grainger sets sail on a traditional ship along Egypt’s mysterious river. ‘Damn the expense! I’ve always wanted to go to Egypt… The Nile and the pyramids and the sand…’ As I reread Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile last year, I found myself agreeing wholeheartedly with the novel’s femme fatale, Jacqueline de Bellefort. So this year, I finally damned the expense and treated myself to a trip to Egypt, including five nights on the Flâneuse du Nil, a traditional sailing ship with two decks and seven guest cabins. With only 12 passengers and two Egyptologist guides, we’re all quickly chatting away like old acquaintances. But then I remember that the characters from Death on the Nile became fast friends – and five of them didn’t…

INTRIGUING STYLE Out of Africa by Isak DinesenI read this at Princeton University and wrote a junior paper on it. Dinesen wrote gothic fairy tales but her autobiographical works are as spare as Hemingway, especially her descriptions of the love of her life (Denys Finch Hatton). I became intrigued with the concept of ellipsis and how sometimes when there’s too much emotion, a writer cannot find the words to describe that. BRUTAL AND BRAVE Beloved by Toni MorrisonI heard Toni read from this as a work in progress and you could have heard a pin drop in the room. The finished version is even more magical, brutal and brave. I think it is a seminal part of American history, for a group of people who never asked to be Americans.…

BELLA MACKIE’s debut novel, How to Kill Your Family, was a number-one Sunday Times bestseller. On page 48, with her latest book, What a Way to Go, out now, she reflects on why we’re fascinated by the lives of the super-rich. What’s your favourite scent? My dog’s ears – not the most conventional smell and perhaps one only I would enjoy sniffing, but there’s something so comforting about the warmth of his fur. Irish novelist CECELIA AHERN’s books have been published in 40 countries, selling over 25 million copies worldwide, with several adapted for the screen. On page 179, she talks about her writing journey and her new novel, Into the Storm. What’s your favourite scent? The smell of my babies. I loved snuggling them and smelling their heads and…

FRESH FEEL…

As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, Strictly Come Dancing arrives at the perfect time, injecting some much-needed glitz and glamour into our Saturday nights. Since 2004, watching celebrities battle it out for the glitterball trophy has been a staple of our weekends, with millions of us opting for an evening on the sofa with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman over a night out. Even after 21 series and 294 celebrities – not to mention countless Christmas specials – it remains one of Britain’s best-loved programmes. So just what is it that makes us tune in year after year? As the show marks its 20th anniversary, we take a trip down memory lane and uncover what it takes to Strictly shine. Magical moment Rose Ayling-Ellis was the show’s…

‘It’s never too late to find your peak pleasure’ Mangala Holland, 51, from Glastonbury, is a female orgasm expert. I burnt out in my 30s, working in a corporate job I didn’t enjoy, so I took time out to travel and rethink my life. In Southeast Asia, I discovered yoga and meditation, and knew I wanted a more fulfilling purpose. At the same time, I felt blocked sexually. I’d had a string of one-night stands and hated my body. I had no understanding of pleasure, but at a tantra-focused yoga school, I explored my sexuality. The breakthroughs were incredible. ‘I discovered mind-blowing cervical orgasms’ With the help of a guide, I discovered how to achieve mind-blowing, cosmic, cervical orgasms, which result from gentle, sustained stimulation on the cervix. It tends…

Imagine the feeling that floods your body after a near miss with a car – an anxiety response kicks in, even when you’ve dodged it. Now imagine experiencing that feeling almost every minute of the day and believing that your only hope of escape is to take a compulsive action, even though you understand it makes no sense. That’s what living with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder is like. People who describe themselves as ‘a bit OCD’ because they like a tidy house have no idea how devastating it can be. At 42, I’m now in recovery, with a partner and nine-year-old daughter, but OCD dominated me for more than 15 years. Everyone has intrusive thoughts on occasion – what if I drop my baby, what if I step in front of…

Visiting my grandparents’ house during the school holidays was exciting. They lived in Stoke Ferry, Norfolk, in a manor house with two gardens – my grandpa, Hector, had one and my grandma, Queenie, had another, which featured a rather lovely summer house. This is where my sisters and I are in this photo – Beverley is on the left, Frances is standing up behind the table and I am on the right. I’m about six here, so Beverley would be eight and Frances 10. This photo was taken in the summer, but we would spend every school holiday there. We lived with our parents in Teddington, Surrey, and they had a small garden, so visiting my grandparents was quite the adventure. Here we are playing shops, a game we would…

Can a leopardess change her spots? I think so. In the past, I have been guilty of being a fashion snob around the ubiquitous print. Believing that only vintage would do, I avoided any outbreak of man-made spots on the high street – loyally standing by a 1960s faux fur coat found in a junk shop. And as every season needs an outstanding coat, a lighter-weight summer style, By Malene Birger from a designer resale store. Now I’ve added a maxi skirt from Ganni, wide-leg trousers from Jigsaw and I’m considering a utility jacket. Time to wear my leopard print with pride. ‘Animal print decorated the autumn runways’ This functional, fashionable and quite fabulous print makes the perfect accompaniment to wardrobe stalwarts, such as: everyday denim (white, black and indigo…

Go birding Need a pick-me-up? The answer could be right outside your door, as birdwatching – or birding – has become the latest way to get a feel-good boost. Connecting with local wildlife has been shown to improve mental health and wellbeing, reducing anxiety and low mood. In fact, 91% of Brits agree that seeing birds and hearing birdsong had a positive impact on their mindset, says a YouGov poll. A further study by North Carolina State University showed that people in a birdwatching group reported a greater improvement in their wellbeing compared to those who were simply walking. A daily dose of nature will have a lasting impact too, with birdwatchers reporting they felt happier for up to eight hours* after seeing or hearing birds. Parks, canals and woodlands…

THIS MONTH ✢ Foot pain✢ Rash✢ Weak joints Q I am experiencing pain in the ball of my foot, in between my second and third toes. My GP says it’s Morton’s neuroma and that I need to stop wearing high heels. I started playing tennis recently to help me lose weight, but this seems to have made matters worse. A Morton’s neuroma refers to a thickened nerve in the foot, which results in tingling, burning and pain. It starts slowly but can become persistent. It’s said to feel like walking with a stone in your shoe. It occurs because of nerve compression and nerve irritation, with narrow, high-heeled shoes known to be a cause. Those with flat feet, high arches or bunions are bothered most. It is also seen in…

Rich mushroom and red wine stew A deliciously unctuous and velvety stew – you won’t miss the meat in this veggie star. Serves 4-6 • Prep 20 mins • Cook 30 mins 40g mixed dried wild mushrooms4tbsp olive oil1 red onion, chopped4 garlic cloves, chopped30g butter600g mushrooms, halved or quartered if large1tbsp brown sugar2tsp plain flour1tbsp tomato puree150ml red wine1tbsp mushroom ketchup (or Henderson’s Relish)6 fresh thyme sprigsMascarpone, to serve For the polenta: 750ml vegetable stock250g quick-cook polenta50g butter100-200ml whole milk For the gremolata: 30g walnuts, finely chopped (or fried breadcrumbs if you can’t eat nuts) Zest 1 lemon, plus squeeze of juice, to serveLarge handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 1 Soak the dried mushrooms in 300ml boiling water. Heat 2tbsp of the oil in a large frying pan and…

Wine club If you haven’t already, check out our new-look woman&home Wine Club, in partnership with Naked Wines. The QR code below will take you to a short online quiz about the kind you prefer, then the wine genie will specially curate a box tailored to your tastes and the season. You’ll get your first case of 12 bottles for £64.99 with free delivery – you’ll also get my pick of a seasonal bottle for free. This month it’s the fabulous Small and Small Pinot Noir, from New Zealand. I love Pinot Noir with food, it’s not too heavy and its fruity qualities would partner perfectly with our one-pan Roast duck with blackberries and plums dinner party main on page 120. Give it a try and let me know what…

How to… CREATE A LUXURY LOOK ✢ Say goodbye to bathroom clutter by storing it away in elegant, fitted furniture – this will also help to conceal unsightly pipework. ✢ To save jostling for the bathroom, have his-and-hers washbasins. If there’s space, install two separate vanity units or create one using two countertop basins on a single vanity unit. Get the BASICS RIGHT Give clean, bright whites and greys a little depth with inky blues. PICK YOUR PRICE POINT Copycat vanities If you have the space, splash your cash on a double-sink design.…

author interviewW&H BOOK CLUB This year, Cecelia Ahern is celebrating the 20th anniversaries of her first and second novels – PS, I Love You and Where Rainbows End (also released as Love, Rosie). Written when she was just 21, both have been made into films. In total, she has written 18 novels and a short story collection, Roar, so her star is firmly set in the constellation of contemporary fiction. In Cecelia’s latest novel, Into the Storm, her 19th, GP Enya discovers a teenage boy who needs CPR. He survives, but what happens next sends her life into a perfect storm. ‘It’s all about my children at the moment’ When I was visiting the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, I saw a rag tree. I remember seeing them driving around…

horoscopes Star sign of the month SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER The Scorpio New Moon on the 1st means it’s the perfect moment for a fresh start. Expect the unexpected in relationships mid-month. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD It’s time to re-evaluate what you want from your job between 6 December and 23 February 2025. Call 0905 789 4157* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER Bonfire Night should go with a bang, as the Moon in Sagittarius favours fun. Positive influences before the 12th mean it’s easier to charm and persuade others. Call 0905 789 4158* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY Venus descends from the 12th, giving relationships and self-esteem a boost. Mid-month, anything that’s stalled…

STAR LETTER I LOVE MY WIG I read Zelda Burborough’s My Loss Of Identity Was Overwhelming [August] and I wanted to share how I dealt with hair loss. After a dermatologist diagnosed female pattern baldness in my 40s, I decided to wear a wig. It transformed my life. Wigs are often regarded negatively, but I love mine. They have restored my self-confidence and femininity, and I’m so glad I have them. Alison BEAT THE BITES As I get badly bitten by mosquitoes, I was advised to take vitamin B1 a month before going to Greece. So I was delighted to see the BR 60 Insect Bite Healer in Tech To Go [July], and decided to get one. It’s amazing – my mosquito bites have not bothered me at all. Liz…

‘WE CAN ALL PROTECT THE UK’S WATERWAYS’ Laura Reineke, 51, leads campaigns for cleaner waters. She lives in Henley-on-Thames and has three grown-up children. Having damaged my back running the London Marathon in 2017, I wanted a new fitness challenge, so I joined an open-water swimming club. I’m lucky to live in Henley near a beautiful stretch of the Thames. I didn’t start out as a proficient swimmer, but over time I progressed from a basic breaststroke to enjoy lovely, nature-filled, long-distance swims in the summer, as well as shorter jaunts in winter. However, the good times were increasingly marred by the filth my new swimming friends and I would frequently come across. Seeing nappies and sanitary towels washed up on the banks and raw sewage being poured into the…

One of my earliest memories is being taken to The Tower of London as a kid. I don’t remember anything about it before we got to the room that housed the Crown Jewels. My tiny brain immediately forgot the rest; how could any of it hope to compete with such shiny things? ‘Like magpies, we’re drawn to shiny things’ Apparently, I got angry upon being told I couldn’t take a particularly flashy tiara home, something I still feel was unfair all these years later. Maybe that day out provided the seed that planted my personal fascination with the super-rich, but I’m certainly not alone. So much of our culture now centres around the lives of the mega-wealthy – think The Crown, Saltburn, The Kardashians. Our appetite for watching the 1%…

‘I see myself as a pioneer’ Alli Stubbings, 42, from Cobham, Surrey, is the brains behind the ethical fragrance brand Medeau. THE IDEA Pregnant and researching which skincare and perfumes were safe for my body, I was shocked to discover that traditional fragrances are commonly laced with toxic ingredients that could cross the placenta to the foetus. When I told my husband, Ed, why I no longer wanted to wear the designer-brand perfume I’d always loved, it was a light-bulb moment. I’d previously worked in publishing and was preparing to be a stay-at-home mum. Ed had a career in the financial sector, but we decided to develop a fragrance brand that would be both safe and luxurious. We came up with the name Medeau – combining the image of an…

Looking stylish has never been so easyfashion inspiration TROPHY KNITS ✢ While neutral knitwear may seem like the safer option, a cheery cardigan is worth the investment, brightening up grey days with minimal effort required. This joyful design does all the hard work, clashing prints and adding pops of colour. SIMPLY RED ✢ Red is set to be the colour of the season, and the easiest way to incorporate it is with a hero accessory. ✢ A knitted dress is comfy and chic, ideal for nailing a smart-casual dress code. Look for styles with a nipped-in waist or add a belt for definition. COSY TEXTURES ✢ Shearling is key for winter, adding texture with a 70s-inspired edge. ✢ A printed jacket has the power to elevate the simplest of outfits.…

MEET OUR JUDGES ON p96 HAIRCARE A good hair day is always possible with these brilliant buys. Best dry shampoo Bristows Sol Fiesta Dry Shampoo, £1.49, Savers Absorbs excess oil while providing a lovely scent, at an incredibly low price. Best hairspray L’Oréal Professionnel Infinium Pure Soft Hairspray, £15.49, sallybeauty.com Helps give your style amazing hold without leaving hair crispy. It’s also hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive scalps. Best hair oil Kérastase Elixir Ultime Refill, £58, kerastase.co.uk This hero product has recently been reformulated and is now better than ever, gorgeously scented and refillable. Best heat protection Oribe Gold Lust Dry Heat Protection Spray, £43, oribe.com Shields from heat damage while giving a super-shiny finish. The scent is lovely too. SPECIAL RECOGNITION Best new launch for 2024: Haircare Kerasilk Strengthening…

Eight. That’s the number of prime ministers we’ve had since I last went on a date. It may have been more than 20 years ago but I can still remember just how intoxicating that initial spark of romance can be. Although, looking back, it was hardly the love affair of the century. We went to the cinema – he had man flu – and, after swallowing two heavy-duty congestion tablets, he proceeded to pass out during the trailers. Somehow that led to love. The rest, as they say, is history. Until now. Whatever path has led you back to being single, trepidation about climbing aboard the dating train is natural. With no timetable, it can often feel like you’re desperately standing at the platform waiting for something – anything –…

We’re often told to slow down, relax more and do less, in order to take care of ourselves. After all, stress is bad news. It’s been dubbed the ‘health epidemic of the 21st century’ by the World Health Organization, and 63% of Brits say they feel frazzled at least once a week*. The knock-on effect? Sleep problems, a weak immune system, depression and anxiety, IBS and high blood pressure can all be linked to chronic or long-term stress. So, juggling plates gets a bad rep. But recently, research argues that it’s not entirely a negative thing to be overstretched – if kept in check, ‘good stress’ could actually be the key to a longer life and a youthful spring in your step. Here’s how to harness stress to your advantage.…

Chimichurri chorizo hot dogs Use mild or spicy sausages in these rolls, inspired by South American street food choripán. Serves 4 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 10 mins 4 cooking chorizo (about 280g total) 2 peppers (any colour), halved, deseeded 1-2 vines cherry tomatoes 1 long baguette, cut into 4 Mayonnaise, to serve (optional) 65g rocket leaves For the chimichurri sauce: 1 long red chilli Bunch spring onions Small bunch each coriander and parsley, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 125ml extra virgin olive oil 2tbsp red wine vinegar 1tsp caster sugar 1 Heat the grill to high. Drizzle the chorizo, peppers, tomatoes, plus the chilli and spring onions for the chimichurri, with oil. Cook on the grill pan under the grill, turning until the veg is charred and…

How to… NAIL YOUR KITCHEN STORAGE ✢ The key to open shelving is getting the balance right. Arrange your pieces bottom-heavy, keeping the biggest ceramics on the lowest shelves and limiting stacks to eight or fewer pieces. ✢ Create a breakfast station inside a pantry unit, complete with a coffee machine and toaster. Organise cereals and coffee pods in glass storage. Get the BASICS RIGHT Keep to a simple monochrome colour scheme, adding in wood for warmth. PICK YOUR PRICE POINT Copycat lighting Hunt around for budget-friendly versions of your must-have items, like these lookalike wall lights.…

As we settle into autumn, it’s the perfect time to give your home a mini (or maxi) refresh before Christmas. There’s a look to suit every style, room, taste and budget, from comforting manor house vibes and Scandi simplicity, to colour-of-the-season red and equally as bold stripes. So sit back and enjoy our edit before shopping for the key buys you love. TREND 1 Seasonal SHIFT This cosy look is all about the autumn season. With a palette of russet red, ochre yellow and tan brown, bring in plain accessories and furniture before adding seasonal flowers and foliage – pumpkins aren’t just for the week leading up to Halloween! Whether you’re looking to cosy up your kitchen, retreat to a snug bedroom, or entertain or relax in your living room,…

WRY AND POIGNANT Time of the Child by Niall Williams (£16.99, HB, Bloomsbury) An exquisite portrayal of everyday life in the rural west Ireland of 1962, this novel revolves around Dr Jack Troy. His unmarried daughter Ronnie and he secretly take in an abandoned baby, but tongues are wagging. Akin to Dickens in his observations, Williams’ descriptions of gesture hint at his characters’ interior landscapes. Kind and funny, this needs a great film director. UNCOVERING THE TRUTH If You Didn’t Kill Her by Annie Taylor (£8.99, PB, Penguin) After 16 years in prison for ‘murdering’ her best friend, Chelsea is finding it hard to adapt to life on the outside. The world has changed drastically, and Chelsea is now infamous among crime podcast obsessives. But one thing hasn’t changed –…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Jenni Falconer The presenter and podcast host, 48, lives in London with her husband James, daughter Ella and dog Millie. WAKE UP My alarm goes off at 4am for my morning show on Smooth Radio. I have six alarms because I don’t trust myself to get up! MORNING I have a strict routine down to the minute so that I can get some extra time in bed. If anything interrupts my routine – like if the dog wants a walk – I’m in trouble because I’ve perfected it. I’ll have a shower, blow-dry my hair, do my make-up and get dressed in 15 minutes. On my journey to the studio, which takes about half an hour, I’ll look through all the stories that are…

Forget potions and lotions, tonics and tinctures. Medical research presented at a cardiology conference in Amsterdam reveals that laughter really is the best medicine. Apparently, a good chortle unleashes the same health-boosting chemicals as a bout of vigorous exercise. It brings about a drop in blood pressure and boosts the immune system. Clearly, a daily dose of Dawn French or Sarah Millican should be prescribed by doctors. It’s also a reminder to spend time with funnier friends. One of my gal pals was stranded in an elevator recently. Precariously suspended in a claustrophobic cube in pitch darkness, she texted a message to the outside world: ‘Send in Chardonnay and chocolate.’ I grinned at my pal’s cheeky charm, but also admired her ability to laugh in the face of adversity. Humour…