Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2025 i Woman & Home

Do you have the winter blues? It’s hard not to when the weather is so gloomy outside, the comedown of Christmas is hitting hard, and the twinkly lights that made the short days brighter are boxed up and sit waiting for next year’s celebrations. But fear not, woman&home is here to make everything a little easier, and what better way than to have the cheery Emilia Fox on our cover? Silent Witness fans will know that Emilia is back on our screens this month as the new series of the British crime drama makes its return. You see, suddenly those long nights don’t seem quite so bad after all, do they? It’s the first time I have met Emilia and given that I am a huge fan of her work,…

During the dark days of bleak midwinter, summer can feel like an impossible illusion. In 2005, the third Monday of January was dubbed ‘the most depressing day of the year’, with grey weather, a lack of daylight and the comedown from Christmas festivities all playing a part. That’s why Mind and Rethink Mental Illness (in partnership with Co-op) has chosen this time of year for its Time to Talk Day, which falls on 6 February 2025. It’s a UK-wide campaign to encourage conversations about mental wellbeing between family, friends and colleagues. Here, we celebrate some of the stars working to reduce the stigma around mental health by supporting charities and speaking about their own ups and downs. DAVINA McCALL Having pulled her way out of drug addiction over 30 years…

‘SEEING ANIMALS FLEE SHOULD BE A CATALYST FOR ACTION’ Tracey Seaward is one of the producers of The Herds, an innovative performance art project that uses puppets to highlight the climate catastrophe. Tracey lives in London with her partner Mark, a film production designer, and their puppy Habiba. This spring, up to 100 life-size animal puppets – elephants, giraffes, antelope and lions – will travel through cities across the world. The Herds is a huge public performance art spectacle that will follow a 20,000km route from Central Africa to the north of Europe. By symbolising animals fleeing climate disaster, the aim is to raise awareness of the need to take action. As a producer for this incredible venture, my hope is that our project will inspire individuals and governments to…

MOUNTAIN AIR Whether you’re into skiing or après, hit the slopes in style with a clean colour palette. Stick to blocks of colour rather than prints, which can date easily. Highquality base layers are crucial, and make a big difference in warmth and comfort. COUNTRY RETREAT There's nothing like a woodland stomp to blow away the cobwebs. Fair Isle knits, waxed jackets and corduroy capture the farmhouse spirit. Offset khaki with cinnamon, chestnut and pink tones. HOME SWEET HOME Curl up in cashmere, fleece-lined jersey and sheepskin for that warm, fuzzy feeling. Teddy fleece, otherwise known as borg, is on trend and creates texture within your outfit. Invest in neutral tones, introducing earthy hues such as chalky blue and burgundy. WINTER SUN Are you jetting off for a vitamin D boost?…

Have you noticed your hair is lacking in oomph? Does it seem finer than before or are there more hairs on your hairbrush? According to Viviscal, 50% of women will experience hair loss at some point in their life. But why does it happen? ‘There are many possible causes, from hormonal changes, genetics and thyroid health to nutritional deficiencies and scalp health,’ explains trichologist Anabel Kingsley. ‘There are different types of shedding, with female pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium (excessive hair fall) being the most common.’ Certain stages of life can also trigger hair loss, such as post-partum or during menopause or illness. ‘Our strands are sensitive to our health because they are dispensable – hair growth is given the last priority by our body,’ says Anabel. So how…

Reach for the grinder before you’ve even tasted your food? The average UK adult consumes around 8.4g of salt a day – 40% above the recommended intake of 6g – so cutting down is highly recommended. But what happens when you do? 1 YOU COULD LIVE LONGER Consuming high concentrations of salt raises the concentration in the blood, and this is what causes health problems, says gut specialist Dr Alasdair Scott (selph.co.uk). ‘High salt concentrations also trigger the release of several hormones, which increase blood pressure.’ Drinking water when eating salty foods can lower this concentration, helping to prevent high blood pressure. 2 IT COULD CAUSE DEHYDRATION ‘Diets too low in sodium – a chemical element found in salt – can cause dehydration, as it’s an essential electrolyte that helps…

Posh mushrooms on toast Use any variety of mushrooms here – including exotic wild ones that are now readily available. Serves 2 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 20 mins 2 thick slices sourdough bread3tbsp olive oil25g grated Parmesan, plus extra30g butter400g mixed mushrooms1 garlic clove, crushed1tsp fresh thyme150g baby spinach leaves1tbsp white vinegar2 medium free-range eggs For the parsley and olive gremolata: 2tbsp chopped fresh parsley2tbsp pitted black olives, finely choppedZest ½ lemon 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment. Combine gremolata ingredients in a bowl, then cover and set aside. 2 Brush both sides of the sourdough with half the oil. Bake for 12 mins, turning halfway through. Top each slice with Parmesan, piling it up on each one. Return…

5 mins with… Holland & Barrett’s development team Food editor Jess Meyer discovered this year’s biggest health food trends. A GOOD CUPPA Brews with science-backed health benefits are the next big trend. Holland & Barrett’s new functional tea range ‘with Benefits’ sachets is designed to support the immune system, sleep, concentration and more. FIBRE BOOST Look out for fibre-fortified swaps, including sodas and snacks. Most of us don’t eat the recommended 30g fibre each day, which does our heart and gut health, and weight management, good. BRAIN FOG Research suggests omega-3 fatty acids, iodine and choline plays a key role in preventing cognitive decline. Keep an eye out for foods rich in these ingredients to boost brain health. COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH White Russian A decadent after-dinner drink. Serves 1…

✢ If you usually decorate your home in shades of white and cream, a soft olive green is the perfect choice when exploring colour. Start with a few small soft furnishings to introduce the warming tone, with a cushion or throw placed on a sofa, before committing to paint colours and furniture. ✢ Use black accents to break up an all-neutral scheme and bring a grown-up feel to the decor. ✢ Look for natural materials and handcrafted accessories to bring interest to plain areas – think woven jute, handblown glass, frayed linen and cane webbing.…

FUNNY AND INSPIRING Having It and Eating It by Sabine Durrant I read this 20 years ago as a newish mum with a toddler and a baby, when life had become very domestic. I had started a creative writing evening class, and this novel – which I remember being pin sharp and very funny about the chaos of motherhood – really resonated, galvanising me to keep writing. It definitely made me feel less alone back then. HISTORICAL ESCAPISM Restoration by Rose Tremain I love escaping into historical fiction, and this novel spirits you straight into 17th century Britain, to the court of King Charles II, where aspiring physician and hedonist Robert Merivel is trying to win favour. As an author, you’re always trying to find your characters’ voices, and this…

Bestselling thriller writer GILLIAN McALLISTER talks about training to be a hostage negotiator for her latest gripping novel, Famous Last Words, on page 173. What’s your worst date ever? Recently, my husband cooked me a very elaborate meal for our wedding anniversary. I had forgotten about it and came down from the bath wearing a rabbit onesie. I couldn’t admit I had forgotten, so I decided to pretend it was intentional, then had to eat the entire meal in it! PRAGYA AGARWAL is a writer, professor at Loughborough University and founder of a research think tank looking at global gender and racial inequities. On page 46, she encourages us to reflect on our biases. What’s your worst date ever? It was with a self-proclaimed ‘feminist’ who proceeded to speak over…

KITCHEN REFRESH…

Kings and Queens have reigned for centuries, but is the UK monarchy falling out of fashion? For some, the argument for a democratically elected head of state has never been stronger, with former Empire colony Barbados ditching the British monarch. The chief executive of Republic, Graham Smith, saw the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the accession of her less popular son, as a chance to shift public opinion towards abolition. Can he succeed? Emily Andrews meets Graham to talk about what Republic stands for and why he thinks Harry and Meghan are a ‘great asset to Republicanism’. Emily What’s the aim of Republic? Graham We’re a 40-year-old campaign group with a single issue; the abolition of the monarchy for a democratic alternative. The strategy is to change public opinion…

What are you like first thing? I’ve got a twin brother [Nathan] and we’re on opposite clocks. He’ll say up late and struggle to get up, while I’ve always been good in the morning but need my bedtime. Being a morning person definitely helps doing a sport usually early in the morning and having children [Logan, six, and twins Kit and Beau, four]. The first of our three creeps into our bed [around] 5am, then by 6am all three are [there], so it’s time to get up. ‘If I hadn’t found rowing, I’d probably be a PE teacher’ What scares you the most? Anything out of my control happening to the kids or my family. The idea of my child going Interrailing as a teenager doesn’t panic me nearly as…

When we hear the word ‘hoarder’, we often think of TV programmes where piles of stuff fill every corner of someone’s home. The people featured will accumulate and hold on to all manner of peculiar and seemingly pointless items. However, these are extreme examples and often paint an unrealistic picture of what living with hoarding disorder is actually like. ‘TV programmes about hoarding aren’t always helpful because hoarding is not a lifestyle choice, a moral failing or even poor housekeeping,’ says Jo Cooke, director of Hoarding Disorders UK. ‘It is a mental health disorder.’ Hoarding disorder is characterised by having so much ‘stuff’ that it affects the way you live. People with hoarding behaviours find it difficult or impossible to throw things away. Their homes may become unmanageable and they…

From the late Jane Birkin in baggy trousers and a trench coat at Paris Fashion Week to Alexa Chung in a chocolate brown cord blazer and party dress, this ribbed cotton fabric is a perennial It girl favourite. Counting up the cord in my closet, there are three pairs of trousers, two blazers, and when I want to go for full-on hygge chic, an army green jumpsuit. This reliable wardrobe staple is comfortable, snug – and a superb way to conjure up a little casual glamour. ‘I’m a fan of the fabric’s ups and downs’ Corduroy has been around for centuries, but the textile we know and love today originated in 19th-century Manchester. I’m a fan of the fabric’s ups and downs, its crinkle-cut effect; fond of the names given…

Kate is a beauty pioneer who launched her Hollywood skin clinic in 2004, treating the great and the good of Tinseltown. One of the first to bring hyaluronic acid to the market, Kate offered hi-tech facials with injectables, peels and lasers, when no one else was doing it. Her bespoke skincare was soon snapped up by American retailers, bringing her revolutionary approach to the masses. Twenty years later, Kate Somerville products are still ahead of the curve in terms of ingredients and effectiveness. TOP TRICK Exfoliation is a must, because dead layers of skin make your complexion look dull. Whatever your age, it will make a difference. Whether you use a hot flannel or a product like ExfoliKate, do it at least twice a week, and your serums and creams…

Life can often feel like a constant plate-spinning exercise, so it’s no surprise that 26% of us say we don’t have enough time to adopt healthier habits*. But as little as 30 seconds a day of doing something consistently can improve your vitality, fitness and strength, says personal trainer Nicole Prasad**. Not convinced? We’ve rounded up our expert-approved, time-friendly tips that can help boost your health in midlife and beyond. So what are you waiting for? 3 minutes FRY AN EGG To lose belly fat Enjoying eggs for breakfast could be the key to reducing those mid-afternoon cravings. In fact, one study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that starting your morning with eggs can help you stay fuller for longer and reduce your calorie intake throughout the…

Chicken, fennel and butter bean tagine Butter beans add fibre and extra protein so you can save on the more expensive chicken. Serves 4-6 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 1 hr ½tsp each ground turmeric and ground cumin1tsp ground coriander1tsp paprika500g bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs1tbsp extra virgin olive oil1 small cinnamon stick1 large onion, thickly sliced into wedges1tbsp tomato puree1 large fennel bulb, cut into 8 wedges400g tin butter beans in water200g large pitted green olives, drained30g toasted flaked almonds For the couscous: 200g wholegrain couscous2 preserved lemons, rind finely chopped, flesh discarded ½ small bunch parsley ½ small bunch corianderJuice ½ lemon 1 Mix the spices with a pinch of salt and sprinkle over the chicken pieces. Heat the oil in a tagine or shallow wide-lidded casserole, add…

It’s so easy to get into a decorating rut, worrying that a new, bolder paint shade might not work. But the right colour or combination of colours can transform a space, making an unwelcoming living room cosy, a dark hallway inviting or energising a drab kitchen. Unlock your home’s wow factor by embracing your colour confidence. Get the BASICS RIGHT The colour you choose to paint your walls has a huge impact on the feel of a room, so before you splash out on a tin of off-white paint, consider the purpose of the room and the mood you want to create. Is it a bedroom that you want to feel relaxed in? If so, calming sage greens or muted pinks will help to soothe and unwind. If you want…

2 DAYS 1 FAKE FITTED FURNITURE You don’t need to spend a fortune on luxury furniture when a lick of paint will do. Line up a wall-to-wall run of inexpensive Ikea drawers, sand down, prime and paint with two coats of matt emulsion in a muted shade. Replace the drawer tops with a single piece of plywood – you can have a sheet cut to size at a local DIY store – to give the impression that the units are built-in. Malm chests of drawers, £79 each, Ikea; painted in Smoked Trout Estate Eggshell, £78 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball; Audrey Rose stool, £225, Graham and Green; other items, stylist’s own 4 HOURS 3 REVAMP A WARDROBE To breathe new life into a tired wardrobe, remove the wood panel inserts…

Delving into morally grey areas of life, author Gillian McAllister explores ethical dilemmas and difficult relationships. Her first novel, Everything but the Truth, was a Sunday Times bestseller, and her book Wrong Place Wrong Time became a Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club pick. Gillian’s latest novel, Famous Last Words, is another edge-of-the-seat thriller exploring why a loving husband and father is the gunman at the centre of a hostage situation. ‘I didn’t sleep when my book was picked by Reese’ An ordinary man holding three people hostage interested me. What if the gunman turned out to be your husband? I thought that would really raise the stakes. But, then I had to think of the reason why it happened, and that took almost a year. Thrillers are ubiquitous, so it’s important…

STAR LETTER FEEL THE POWER! After starting a new role at 55, I’ve at times been in an uncomfortable position in a workforce of 30-somethings who understand the technology. But reading Sharon Wright’s It’s Time to Be Kind to Yourself [November] gave me a surge of power, and I’ll not be written off by my age. Ginny THANK YOU, KATE Having lost my husband of 40 years in June, I want to thank Kate Garraway for sharing her feelings following her loss of her beloved Derek [December]. My Chris was very ill and, like Kate, I didn’t expect to lose him so soon. Reading about Kate’s experiences has given me confidence to move ahead with my new life. Mary YOU’VE INSPIRED ME Recent months have left me feeling alone following…

On a bright autumn day in the company of Emilia Fox, chit-chat turns to Strictly Come Dancing. Like many, the Silent Witness actor and her teen daughter Rose were glued to the recent series. ‘We love watching Strictly together and I’d like to know whether I could do it. I’d love the training, it’s just going out in front of an audience. I’d be so frightened of letting people down,’ says the star, who describes herself as an introvert whose profession repeatedly requires her to jump out of her comfort zone. ‘I worry about doing a play, I have to go through the whole script 600 times a day and touch every piece of wood,’ she adds. ‘Being an actress is challenging but you’re not being yourself, so you get…

‘I’VE FINALLY BECOME THE PERSON I WAS MEANT TO BE’ Vivienne Joy, 52, a transformation coach from Nottinghamshire, was happily married to her husband for 12 years – until a chance chat with another woman changed everything. At the age of 39, I thought my life was sorted. I was running a successful business and had been happily married to my husband Pete for 12 years. Then, shortly after my 40th birthday, I spotted a Facebook post from a friend of a friend. Lara* was having some dating issues and, as I was doing a life-coaching qualification, I messaged her to say I hoped she was OK. Although we had never met, we ended up chatting all afternoon. That night, Lara messaged again. ‘I’ve missed you,’ she said. A fluttery…

Christmas may feel like a distant memory, but the excitement of woman&home Christmas Live still lingers. From laughter-filled sessions with celebrity guests (have you got your breath back from Trinny’s workout?!) to delicious food and wine tastings, plus plenty of shopping and pampering, the event was packed with fun, beauty and fashion tips – and so much more! We loved chatting to our readers, catching up on the events of the year and looking ahead to 2025. It’s a true highlight in the w&h calendar and we really did kick off the festive season in style, didn’t we? Here are some highlights… CELEBRITY LINE-UP TRINNY WOODALL Trinny’s talk wasn’t just informative but incredibly moving and honest: ‘I was in awe as she spoke so openly about her troubles,’ said one…

Childbirth does funny things to a body. Way back when we announced the birth and weight of my second (enormous) child, one of my then-husband’s friends actually posted ‘commiserations’ on Facebook, presumably directed at my knackered vagina. The sheer inappropriateness of this aside, he probably wasn’t wrong. I had the luxury of coming to terms with many of these changes – and what they meant for my sex life – from within the safety of a loving marriage. But now, newly divorced after nearly 20 years, the idea of revealing this battered pre-loved body to someone new is, frankly, horrifying. ‘Would a new partner understand why I can’t join them on a trampoline?’ Imagining what it might feel like to start over with a new partner is worrying. How might…

Strike a CORD ✢ Corduroy is a cold-weather classic and gives a cool, retro spin. Look to warm colours of burgundy, beige and brown. ✢ When investing in a statement suit, go for silhouettes you know. A wide leg always flatters and a single-breasted blazer is versatile. Full BLOOM ✢ Florals is a classic look that never fails to deliver. With its ruffle sleeves, this satin midi dress can be styled for so many occasions. Layer over a chunky cardigan and boots for a low-key look. ✢ Keep accessories to a minimum when wearing a busy head-to-toe pattern. Laid-back LUXURY ✢ A raincoat needn’t dampen your style, so pair the practical with the pretty. This layered look is perfect for getting more mileage from your occasion wear. ✢ Quintessentially British,…

It’s that time of year when we can all feel a bit blah about how we look. Winter’s in full swing, the combo of cold temperatures and central heating playing havoc with our skin. So it’s time to inject some feel-good factors into your beauty regime, from perkier skin and silkier hair to smart ideas for your make-up. SKIN 1 DO THIS DAILY It’s not rocket science, but make sure you’re cleansing your skin twice a day and you’ll really notice a difference. Keep things simple with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, £11.50, Boots, which takes off make-up and grime without needing to spend a fortune. 2 Rethink facial massage If you wake up puffy, you’re probably no stranger to some morning massage to help things deflate, but keep it ultra…

We can help you live your best lifewellbeing We’ve been doing everything to excess recently – except sleeping. So after all the festivities at the end of 2024, it’s time to return to eight hours of slumber. ‘Almost every ailment is linked in some way to poor sleep,’ says professor Jason Ellis, director of the Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research. ‘Sleep deprivation increases our risk of developing health issues and it reduces our ability to cope with them.’ The good news is you can improve sleep by looking into what’s wrong then making a few tweaks to your routine. Turn the page to find out how. WHAT’S RUINING YOUR REST? Regular disturbances cause chronic sleep deprivation – so it’s vital you find out what’s waking you in the night. 1…

Q My partner has a rash in his groin, which seems to have got worse. It looks really red and angry in the skin folds, but the worst thing is that he scratches it all the time. Whenever he wears tight jeans or trousers, it makes it worse. It’s very embarrassing. A This sounds very much like ‘jock itch’ or its medical name, tinea cruris. It looks like a red rash with raised edges classically in the groin, and it tends to burn and itch. It’s also flaky and scaly, and can migrate up to the abdomen and down to the thigh. Jock itch occurs because of fungus – something that can live harmlessly on the skin, but equally something that can create an infection en masse if the environment…

Happy New Year everyone! Right, down to business. At the risk of sounding like a primary school teacher, I’d like you to read this very carefully. When I was first asked this question, I immediately said, ‘Better for what?’ Fat loss, came the answer. So, which is better – diet or exercise? Before I answer that, I’d like to tweak the question. Let’s ask which is easier for fat loss, diet or exercise? It’s diet. Exercise contributes, of course, but if the only reason you do exercise is to burn fat, then that’s a shame and the same as driving around in your car to use up petrol. Exercise has a massive part to play in boosting our health, immunity, increasing disease prevention, lowering blood pressure and making us feel…

St Clement’s pudding This dish is based on a lemon self-saucing pudding, where a soufflé-like sponge tops a lovely creamy sauce. Serves 6 • Prep 20 mins • Cook 30-40 mins 1 lemon70-75ml freshly squeezed clementine juice30g butter, melted3 medium free-range eggs, separated200g caster sugar50g plain flour1tsp baking powder250ml milkPouring cream, to serve You will need: 1ltr baking dish, lightly greased 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan and boil a kettle of water. Grate the lemon zest and squeeze the juice into a measuring jug with the zest. Make the liquid up to 100ml with clementine juice. 2 Combine the butter, yolks and sugar in a large bowl and beat until smooth. Sift in the flour and baking powder until combined. Very gradually beat in the milk, a little…

BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER Confessions by Catherine Airey (£16.99, HB, Viking) Orphaned by 9/11, New York teenager Cora is invited to County Donegal to live with her estranged aunt Roisin. Moving back and forth between Ireland and New York, and between different viewpoints, we learn about two sisters – Roisin and Moira, Cora’s mother – both falling for the same man. But, what happened since? An irresistible literary page-turner. HEARTBREAKING AND POWERFUL The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang (£16.99, HB, Little, Brown) Set in 1800s China, this saga will completely transport you. As a child, Little Flower encounters resentment, jealousy and cruelty when she’s sold into the wealthy Fong family, as young Linjing’s slave. Delving into class, gender, polygamous marriages and the practice of ancient foot-binding, this story of…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Michaela Strachan TV presenter and Dancing on Ice star Michaela, 58, lives in Cape Town, South Africa. WAKE UP Since being in the UK for Dancing on Ice training, I’ve not been sleeping well, partly because of postmenopause and because I’m so immersed in ice skating, I don’t switch off. I wake around 5.30am and get out of bed by 7am. BREAKFAST I’ll chop up some fruit and mix it with yogurt and muesli, followed by a Green Vibrance superfood drink. MORNING Exercise is a great way to start my day and I’m getting plenty of that with Dancing on Ice. [Pro ice-dance partner] Mark [Hanretty] likes to do two hours of off-ice training, general technique and choreography, then two hours on the ice,…

Star sign of the month AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY The days before the 12th are good for communication. Life calms down after the 18th, but use the time before to nail big decisions. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD If a significant other has been having a trying time, things ease from March. If your energy’s stalled, that shifts then too, and home projects go well. Call 0905 789 4160* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates. PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH The month starts on a dreamy note and improves. Things warm up from Valentine’s Day onwards, and by the 20th you’re getting powerful recognition. Call 0905 789 4161* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates ARIES 21 MARCH – 19 APRIL Many of you are having to deal…

Is it just me who can’t stand squeezing into skimpy, figure-hugging, low-cut clothes any more? I’ve developed a chronic case of clothes-trophobia; at 66, I thought I’d surrender to elasticated waistbands, flat orthopaedic footwear and cosy thermal underwear. But no. Thanks to all those celebrities who insist on defying their age, I’d be accused of ‘letting myself go’. I should be Instagramming nude photos of myself like 55-year-old Catherine Zeta Jones, a gift she gave hubby Michael Douglas for his 80th birthday. I should be hitting the red carpet in a knickerless, near-naked frock held together by a few flimsy ribbons – Jennifer Lopez’s break-up revenge on Ben Affleck. (That’s a nice dress you’re almost wearing, J. Lo.) Picture Amanda Holden’s pert posterior, Michelle Obama’s chiselled biceps, Liz Hurley’s buoyant…