Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2025 i Woman & Home

‘Going solo’ is a phrase that’s often used as a positive affirmation of female empowerment. But what does it really mean? Of course, doing something by yourself can be efficacious. Going on a holiday as one or joining a group alone can be exciting, but for others, it’s a big step. Singledom in midlife is on the rise, and on pages 36-39, we look at the pleasures of going solo, as well as the occasional pitfalls. ‘For every woman who’s struggling with being single, there’s another who finds it liberating,’ says Nicola Slawson (who writes newsletter The Single Supplement, which has 12,000 subscribers). It’s an interesting read – I’d love to hear your thoughts. One woman who’s an inspiration to many of us is Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley (page…

‘It feels great to serve the community’ Shanie Page, 33, is the owner of Grounded, a community-centred wellness and coffee brand. She lives in Ebbsfleet, Kent, with her partner Keith, 34, a project manager. THE IDEA I love the wholesome vibe you get with a good coffee shop, and had often thought about setting up my own mobile coffee business. However, I’d always dismissed the idea as impractical and financially untenable. It wasn’t until Covid that I realised I no longer wanted to commute to London five days per week for my job as a clinical exercise specialist for older adults. So, in 2022, I decided to make my business dream happen. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT I researched different vehicles and decided a trailer was the best option for me, as…

In the 90s, it seemed like there was a new pop band turning up every week – particularly in Dublin. Band manager Louis Walsh – probably best-known as an X Factor judge – was a big presence in the Irish music industry and would send me to various auditions. I had been singing and dancing professionally all through my teenage years, so had got to know Louis. He was also the manager of my brother-in-law’s band, Westlife. Nicky Byrne is married to my sister Georgina. On the way to a dance class, Louis called and asked me to pop over and perform backing vocals on a U2 charity song at Windmill Lane studios. I was only 16, which seems crazy now. I continued to seek out opportunities. After auditioning for…

In my head, I think I’m ‘print averse’ – preferring to keep pattern for artwork and home furnishings rather than my body. But my wardrobe tells a different story. It reveals a selection of stripes, leopard spots and a small sprinkling of florals. Admittedly, the pattern section is a drop in the ocean of navy and olive green, but maybe I’m letting go of my minimalist tendencies! ‘I think it’s a shame to be nervous of wearing prints,’ says designer Justine Tabak. ‘I often get stopped in the street wearing a print dress (rarely in a plain). Prints bring out a spark of joy for yourself and others.’ ‘New clothes need to make friends with your old’ There’s no doubt that pattern offers extra colour and lightness, that print can…

IS THERE A MORE ECO ALTERNATIVE TO EYE PATCHES? Eye patches have surged in popularity – they are the quickest way to revive tired eyes. But single-use ones are contributing to the huge number of beauty products that end up in landfill every year. Instead, try Iräye Reusable Eye Patches, £30, irayeskincare.com, which can be used up to 50 times. Just pop on for five minutes after eye cream to smooth and depuff. HELP! MY PARCHED POST-HOLIDAY SKIN NEEDS RESCUING Too much sun can leave your skin looking dehydrated, so restore it with a dose of TLC. Trinny London Take Back Time Elixir, £79 for two 15ml vials, is an ultra-light formula that penetrates deep down to target the skin’s vascular system with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and pro-vitamins for a more…

Grilled halloumi and fruity bulgar salad Sweet and salty with a little spice for good measure, this is a great dive-in dish. Serves 4 • Prep 10 mins • Cook 15 mins 120g bulgar wheat1 small red onion, sliced2tbsp red wine vinegar2tbsp Waitrose No. 1 Chilli Jam3tbsp extra virgin olive oil1 fat garlic clove, crushed½tsp ground cumin¼tsp sumac1 mango, cheeks finely sliced, the rest chopped off the stone2 x 250g packs Cypriot Halloumi, each cut into 8Juice 1 lime4 sticks celery, sliced½ pack Waitrose Candy SeedlessGrapes, halved25g pack Waitrose Cooks’ IngredientsFlat Leaf Parsley½ x 25g pack Waitrose Cooks’Ingredients Mint 1 Cook the bulgar in a pan with 600ml cold water. Bring to the boil; simmer for 15 mins. Drain; rinse. Heat the grill to medium-hot. 2 Put the red onion…

How to ELEVATE A KITCHEN ISLAND ✢ Make the island a focal point with standout lighting. Hang pendants in a pair or trio above, high enough not to block the view across. ✢ Ensure an island looks aesthetically pleasing and practical. Add a pitcher of greenery or styled tray arrangement at one end that can be easily lifted away if needed. Get the BASICS RIGHT Create a calming scheme with soft, muted tones. STATEMENT HARDWARE Get a high-end look by replacing standard hardware with a luxe finish, from taps and fittings to handles and pulls. Gold Tinkisso kitchen tap, £146.99, Dowsing & Reynolds PICK YOUR PRICE POINT Copycat light pendants Add some glam with shapely glass lighting.…

1 PUT DOWN A RUNNER A great way of cosying up cold, hard floors or adding a hit of colour, give the space a lift with a floor runner. Choose a design that complements your kitchen colour scheme, whether a rustic neutral, chic-bordered runner or a standout pattern. 2 ADD OPEN SHELVING Too many cabinets can feel overpowering in a small kitchen, so lighten the mood by adding a run of open shelving along one wall. It will provide a spot to display some kitchen essentials, colourful mugs and storage jars, plus a few decorative items too. Match shelving colour to your work surface, or brackets to hardware for a sleek look. 3 BRING IN GREENERY Plants are a natural winner. Easy-care varieties like ferns thrive in kitchens, while potted…

INVISIBLE NO MORE Murder Takes a Vacation by Laura Lippman (£9.99, PB, Faber & Faber) Mrs Muriel Blossom is out of her comfort zone on her first solo trip abroad, but fellow traveller Allan is in Paris to show her the ropes. Is his help as innocent as she thinks? As her vacation is derailed, Muriel has the feeling she’s being followed, and when those around her go missing, she realises that something is up. Honest and charming, Mrs Blossom is delightfully relatable. LOVE AND POWER Aphrodite by Phoenicia Rogerson (£16.99, HB, HarperCollins) From sea foam she rose; Aphrodite, dazzling gods and mortals alike. This witty, modern retelling of her myth follows the saga of Titans and Olympians through her bold, irreverent voice, reimagining Greek gods as vivid personalities. With…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Alan Titchmarsh Gardening guru, broadcaster and author Alan, 76, splits his time between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. WAKE UP When I’m filming Love Your Weekend I get up at 6am, shower, shave to Classic FM, read my briefs then set off to do two solid days of interviews with sheep and cattle farmers, dog handlers and a couple of celebs. Generally speaking, I’m up about 7am. Being an early riser comes with being a gardener. BREAKFAST About 7.30am. Usually cereal. Once a week I might have a fried egg on toast. Every morning I take cod liver oil and, in winter, vitamin D. MORNING I do an hour of Pilates. I’m not a marathon runner and I don’t want to be an…

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever sat in? Pigeon poop? A random sticky substance on a train? What about ‘your truth’? Have you ever sat in that? Not comfortable, is it? My truth is that I’m a mid-60s mum of two worried about pelvic floor strength, lower back pain and unmarried offspring. Well, who wants to hear about that? According to countless British celebrities en route to rehab, Love Island or divorce court, ‘sitting in your truth’ is mandatory. When did we become a nation of oversharers? Brits were once perceived to be tough, taciturn and stoic. Your leg could be hanging by one sinew and your reply to ‘How are you?’ would be ‘Tip top!’ The only way to know what was going on inside your average British person…

Shirley Ballas I like Liz Earle products and I use face masks once or twice a week if I have time. Moisturising is the key for me. I’ve done that since I was a girl. I use Dove moisturising soap on my body, as I have dry skin, and use micellar water to take off my make-up. Annabel Croft I have wrinkles on my face when I smile, but I don’t mind. I’ll never have fillers or a facelift. I don’t want to look in the mirror and think, ‘I’m trying to look 20 when I’m nearly 60.’ Christine Lampard I think I’d be too scared to have surgery or fillers. I’m also worried I’d like it too much! I have this brilliant treatment my friend Nick does, which 100%…

Best known for her weather reports on BBC Breakfast, presenter CAROL KIRKWOOD is now a successful author. On page 177, she shares some of the books that shaped her. What’s your favourite quintessential British village? The charming riverside village of Bray, in Berkshire, with its ancient church, lanes of cottages, Michelin-star restaurants and cricket ground. In summer, when it is festooned with hanging baskets, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a glass of something chilled! Novels by CECELIA AHERN have been published in more than 30 languages, and have sold over 25 million copies. On page 59, she reveals that she once auditioned for the Eurovision Song Contest. What’s your favourite quintessential British village? I recently visited Stratford-upon-Avon for the literary festival and ate lunch in a lovely 17th-century pub,…

PRAIRIE STYLE…

The term ‘podcast’ was only coined by Guardian journalist Ben Hammersley in 2004, yet podcasts have since become a global phenomenon. Once no more than scrappy internet radio blogs, podcasts surged in popularity from around 2012, thanks to easy listening apps and addictive series. Today, more than 584 million people listen worldwide, a figure projected to rise to 619 million by 2026. Nearly half of UK adults aged 35 to 54 listen regularly, with figures for female listeners rising by a quarter in just one year. It’s no wonder. Listening has never been easier or more entertaining. Between juggling work, chores, children or ageing parents, podcasts offer a moment of calm – a space to laugh, reflect or feel understood. Another reason so many of us are tuning in is…

A few months ago, I was in London with a friend, who is a wheelchair user, and we decided to take the Tube. Having looked up which lines had step-free access, we arrived at our starting station, only to discover that the lift up to the platform we needed had broken. The only way to reach our destination was to take the lift up to the opposite platform, travelling in the wrong direction and changing platforms at the next available step-free station. It added nearly an hour to what should have been a short journey. By the end of the experience, my friend was tearful, frustrated and constantly apologising to me for something over which she had no control. She hasn’t travelled by Tube since. My friend isn’t the only…

Bohemian SUMMER ✢ Introducing your new do-it-all dress – feminine frills bring the charm, while the breezy shape ensures it feels effortless. ✢ Stacks of gold jewellery give this affordable frock a high-end finish. In-between DRESSING ✢ Make your special-occasion gown work well into autumn – wear it with slouchy boots. ✢ This straight-cut silhouette will satisfy the minimalists, while the trim contours for a flattering finish. Mellow YELLOW ✢ Be heatwave-ready in trapeze silhouettes that drape elegantly over your figure. No waistband required. ✢ Look to lightweight fabrics and delicate pleating to avoid feeling swamped by the shape. Low-key LUXURY ✢ Is there a better match than a wide-leg trouser and blouse combo? Easy to dress up or down, it’s soft tailoring at its finest. ✢ A blazer will…

There’s so much that makes this time of year joyful – balmy evenings, lighter layers and the way when the sun does shine, it gives you that instant ‘ah’ feeling. This season calls for simplicity – looking and feeling amazing without a long to-do list of beautifying – and the good news is that with our guide, it can be effortless. From instant confidence boosters to mood-lifting buys, we have everything you need to thrive this summer and beyond. Skin that GLOWS Try adopting these warm-weather skincare habits to keep your complexion healthy and happy all season long. When summer hits, we all know that we should be upping our SPF usage to protect our skin, but did you know there are other skin issues that can flare up when…

Back in the 60s, it was the humble Teasmade. The following decade saw a fuss over the fondue. Then came the microwave, Nutribullet and spiralizer, among others. Today, the air fryer is the kitchen gadget of the moment. Around 58%* of UK households have one – including Nigella Lawson’s. And it’s no wonder they’ve become a hit during this cost-of-living crisis, with Brits keen to save up to 80% on energy costs**. This ‘wonder’ appliance has been lauded for its health benefits too, as it works by circulating hot air to achieve a fried finish without all the oil. Less oil equals fewer calories. But how healthy is it when it comes to nutrition or harmful chemicals? Before you rush to buy, here are some things to consider. 1 It’s…

Do you think of a massage as a modern indulgence reserved for those with surplus cash? Think again. With deep historical roots, massage is an ancient health and wellbeing practice valued across many cultures for its therapeutic benefits, from relaxation to muscle recovery. Here’s what you can expect – before, during and after – if you book in for one. 1 MEDICAL CONDITIONS COULD BE A CONCERN All therapists should ask you to complete an assessment, says massage therapist Alice Zanetti (alicezanettimassagetherapy.co.uk). You must tell them about any current conditions and medication you are taking, so they can make necessary adjustments. ‘There are a few conditions – such as deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and epilepsy – that mean you should avoid having a treatment,’ says Alice. 2 YOU MIGHT FEEL SELF-CONSCIOUS…

In an ideal world, we’d have a firm grip on our body composition all year round, and our cast-iron eating and exercise routine would be testament to that. All our clothes would fit, with our muscles taut and bones strong, our hormones stable, and our fridge full of wholegrain, non-processed, low-sugar, toxin-free food. Our intestines would be fizzing with health from the homemade fermented concoctions we’ve spent hours perfecting. But summer comes with long days and sunshine (fingers crossed), which are inevitably filled with social events. We have to dig deep for statements like ‘Just the one for me’, while phrases such as ‘Oh, twist my arm, why not?’ seem to flow with ease. And once we’re on a roll, astride the social train and fully embracing the summer indulgence,…

Espresso cheesecake A triple shot of coffee makes this a lively winner for any occasion! Serves 10-12 • Prep 20 mins, plus chilling • Cook 1 hr 30 mins, plus cooling and chilling For the base: 200g dark chocolate digestives1tbsp ground coffee1tbsp cocoa powder1tbsp caster sugar60g butter, melted For the filling: 1tbsp instant espresso powder1tbsp cornflour500g ricotta500g cream cheese250g golden caster sugar4 medium free-range eggs2tbsp vanilla bean paste For the syrup and topping: 80ml strong brewed coffee80g soft light brown sugar, plus 1tbsp300ml double cream, chilled2tbsp vanilla bean paste You will need: 22cm loose-bottom/springform cake tin, greased, the base lined with baking paper 1 For the base, whizz the digestives, coffee, cocoa powder and sugar in a food processor, to fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and whizz again to…

How to STYLE A MODERN FARMHOUSE ✢ If you’ve chosen a predominantly neutral colour palette, include various shades of any colour you do introduce to prevent the look from feeling flat. Kelly has used tones of green with black accents. ✢ Embrace the history of your home with second-hand or vintage finds that will sit comfortably with more contemporary pieces. Get the BASICS RIGHT Keep to a simple sage green colour scheme. LAYER FURNISHINGS Mix and match accessories, pairing plain fabrics with stripes and ruffles on cushions and throws. Linen square cushion cover in Olive, £40, Cox & Cox; Lyra stripe green cushion, £39, The Cotswold Company PICK YOUR PRICE POINT Copycat sofas You don’t need to spend a fortune on furniture, but it’s always best to invest if you…

Having renovated their 1930s house in Worsley, illustrator and textile designer Eleanor Bowmer and husband Ollie had the chance to redesign their en suite from scratch, and the result is simply stunning. ‘I wanted to create a luxury hotel vibe with our en suite,’ says Eleanor, ‘so kept it sleek with marble, luxe gold fixtures to give it an expensive feel and the amazing statement bath as the star of the show.’ With a clear vision of how she wanted it to look, the first step was working out the most practical layout. Given the compact space, the couple had to be savvy with the placement of key pieces to fit everything in. The free-standing bath sits snugly against the back wall, while they also opted for a wet room…

How to CREATE A LUXURY LOOK ✢ Choose a colour palette of complementary shades. Follow Becki’s scheme by keeping furniture neutral, then accessorising with coral pinks, soft blues and touches of navy. ✢ For hosting, soften surfaces with table runners, place mats and cushion pads, fill the centre of your table with a large jug of fresh flowers, then dot candleholders around the space to keep the party going after sundown. Get the BASICS RIGHT Pick out the perfect floor tiles, exterior paint and fencing for a fresh garden scheme like Becki’s. SET THE MOOD Consider outdoor pendant or wall lights. Filled with warm, orange-toned bulbs, they’ll add an ambient glow to your evening. Mission outdoor wall light in Dark Night Sky, £68, John Lewis PICK YOUR PRICE POINT Copycat…

LISBON Dive into history, culture and artisanal finds. With its plum coastal location, pastel-hued buildings and historic bakeries turning out the world’s best pastéis de nata (custard tarts), Portugal’s easy-to-love capital is the obvious place to start your explorations. While an influx of city-breakers in the past decade has turned Lisbon into a people-pleaser, it still remains delightfully unique: colourful tile-covered buildings cluster around cobblestoned streets, sprawling squares by the Tagus river and dozens of hilltop viewpoints to take it all in. History buffs will love that the city bears the marks of the three communities that lived here before Portugal even existed – Phoenicians, Romans and Moors. Most of the remnants are hidden under the city’s historic centre, one of the areas rebuilt after the catastrophic 1755 Great Earthquake,…

Not one to shy away from difficult subjects, Elodie Harper’s latest novel kicks off at the start of Boudicca’s rebellion. It’s been eagerly awaited after the success of The Wolf Den trilogy, which took readers to the brothels of Pompeii. Boudicca’s Daughter charts the life of Solina, the eldest daughter of the Iceni queen, who is taken to Rome by the ruthless General Paulinus. There, she has to navigate the complexities of identity, resistance and survival. ‘It wasn’t unusual for women to go to war and rule’ I was determined not to write a simplistic heroes and villains story. The first century AD was a difficult and violent period, and I didn’t want Paulinus, the Roman legate, to be a cardboard villain. Boudicca’s story is often talked about as a…

How many of us feel 10 years younger than we really are? Things change, of course, but mentally, we are mostly as we were a decade ago. This supplement is all about exploring how we can try to stay as young as we feel. From how to enjoy the sun without the damage to treating yourself to some new beauty buys. Or perhaps you’d consider a tweakment? We take a look at aesthetic treatments on offer. Being comfortable in our own skin is the recipe for happiness. For many of us, that comes from looking and feeling our very best.…

With a wealth of advice at our fingertips, it’s no surprise that many of us are confused by what’s best for our health. Saying that, we all know that looking after ourselves improves the chance of living longer. This usually means regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, drinking alcohol in moderation and not smoking. Following a balanced diet is also vital, so wouldn’t it be great to see, in simple terms, the foods (plus the way you eat them) that could lengthen – or shorten – your lifespan? Here’s how to switch up your eating habits for the better, so you can buy yourself more time. Count calories Guilty of piling your plate? You’ll be healthier as you age if you eat less. ‘Restricting calorie intake to around two-thirds of…

Amazing arches Brush up on your brow skills for improved fullness and definition – this can reshape your face, creating a lifted, sculpted look. SPARSE BROWS? One of the biggest beauty crimes of the 90s was the skinny brow trend, which saw many of us plucking to oblivion – and for a lot of us, the hairs never grew back. Brows also tend to get more sparse as we age, but you can encourage growth with the help of a serum. The key is consistency and patience – expect to see a difference in six to eight weeks. Glow For It Brow Serum, £29.99, glowforitshop.com, provides impressive results used daily. CREATE YOUR SHAPE ‘Brows will always look their best and balance all facial features if they follow their natural outline,’…

While a good skincare routine is vital, there’s only so much it can do, no matter how much money you spend. If you feel like your trusty beauty products are no longer hitting the spot and you’re in the market for something more results-driven than a facial, maybe it’s time to consider a tweakment. But with so much choice, it can be confusing to know where to start. ‘At my clinic, we don’t do cookie-cutter approaches,’ says leading aesthetics specialist Dr Tara Francis. ‘We assess facial patterns and recommend precise interventions, from biostimulators like Sculptra, to ultrasound skin tightening or carefully placed dermal fillers.’ Take time to investigate who you’re going to see. Go to several clinics, have a thorough consultation and if you feel under pressure, walk away. Be…

More than 13 million women in the UK* are currently peri- or menopausal, and 85% of them will experience unpleasant symptoms. ‘It comes down to loss of hormones,’ says Dr Shirin Lakhani. But some natural solutions can make a big difference – and help you look and feel decades younger. Thinning hair Falling oestrogen levels affect the growth cycle of your hair. Low iron too, if you have had heavy periods, says nutritional therapist Alison Cullen. ‘Excess tea and coffee or regular use of antacids can also affect the way your body absorbs iron.’ Plus, a lack of protein affects hair. HELP YOURSELF ✢ Up your protein and iron intake. ‘Eat lots of leafy green veg, pistachios, cashews, lentils, chickpeas and prunes,’ says Alison. ✢ Use thickening shampoo/conditioner. ✢ No…

DREAM COME TRUE I really enjoyed your feature I Never Thought I’d Become… [July]. It was so interesting to read about women’s achievements in later life, particularly as I‘ve recently achieved my long-held ambition of becoming a professional voice-over artist. This year, I’ve had three paid voice-over jobs – I’m so happy to be living my dream! Christine MOOD BOOSTER After experiencing some low days, I walked into town, treated myself to w&h and sat quietly in a cafe with a coffee. Your magazine – the quality of the pages and what filled them – gave me such happiness, peace of mind and calm. I returned home feeling so much better than when I left. Thank you! Nicola FABULOUS FERN Your interview with Fern Britton [July] and particularly her bugbears…

What are you like first thing in the morning? Usually grumpy as hell. Quite often I’ll exercise, either a strength class or a run. What’s your worst habit? I’m a terrible food picker. I’m trying to eat healthily at the moment so I’ve hired a nutritionist. She’s putting together good meal plans for me but I can’t stop snacking. What do you do if you’re home alone? If Simon’s taking the kids to football, I’ll run myself a long bath, put my expensive bubble bath in, light my fanciest candle and grab my Kindle. ‘I have a set of goals that I work towards’ Where or what makes you most happy? After I’d sold a big part of my business, we bought a house in Spain. Having my extended family…

When my husband and I learnt I was finally pregnant, we were overjoyed. I was 35 and had thought time was running out. For two years we had endured investigations, surgical interventions, fertility treatments – the hope followed by disappointment had left us reeling. Now there were the secret delights of morning sickness, subtle changes in my body – a bra that didn’t fit, a waistband that dug in – and the excitement and anticipation of an alternative future. At 12 weeks, I miscarried. I was traumatised by the loss of the baby and my dream of motherhood. A diagnosis of endometriosis meant there was a risk that I would never have another chance. A month later, we moved from London to Scotland, so that as a scientist I could…

Dim the lights, turn off your phones and get your coughing out of the way because the performance is about to begin. Performance cleaning, that is. The kind you do when people are coming to visit and you’re seized by panic at the state of the house. Because when it comes to matters domestic, I like to think I’m a bit of a bohemian, while literally everyone else thinks I’m just a lazy mare. If ‘housewife’ was still a thing (is it?), I’d be getting nil points. But visitors are arriving tomorrow and I’ve left the whole cleaning show until the 11th hour, so it’s panic stations. And don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m on about – I’ve seen the dust on your pelmets. Curtain up One of my…

WHO’S WHO? BOOMERS were born during the postwar baby surge between 1946-1964. GEN X hail from the mid-60s to 1980. MILLENNIALS, the common name for Gen Y, were born between 1981-1996.GEN Z, also known as zoomers, are loosely defined as people born around 1997 to 2012. TAKE THE QUIZ Put your knowledge of the latest slang terms to the test. 1 What is a ‘stan’? A Someone who dislikes something vehementlyB An obsessive fan C A person who takes a stand for something 2 What does FYP stand for on TikTok? A For Your Profile B For Your People C For You Page 3 You’re all dressed up for a party and someone says ‘slay’ – what does that mean? A Everything matches perfectlyB You look amazingC You’ve misjudged the…

WOVEN SHOES Woven and braided shoes are stealing the spotlight this season. With their breezy texture and handcrafted charm, they strike the perfect balance between laid-back and luxe. STATEMENT SUNNIES Bold, chic and versatile, sunglasses are the easiest accessory to elevate an outfit. The right pair will instantly refresh your look, frame your face and add a hint of playfulness, depending on which you choose. SUEDE BAGS Suede handbags are the quiet luxury staple that never goes out of fashion. Timeless and versatile, suede works just as well teamed with summer linens or winter wools, making it a year-round favourite. NECK SCARVES From a chic knot at the collarbone to a relaxed drape over a blouse or a playful tie in your hair, a neck scarf is the ultimate multitasker.…

1 PROTECTION PERFECTION Sun, salt and chlorine are the most common culprits of dry, tangled strands, and Pantene Pro-V Sunkiss Glow Leave-In Spray, £12, Boots, tackles all three. It creates a lightweight shield over your hair to prevent future harm and repair existing damage. Pop it in your beach bag and top up throughout the day. 2 FINISHING TOUCH The higher the humidity, the harder it is to keep curls frizz-free and defined. Only Curls Shine & Define Serum, £22, onlycurls.com, offers a solution. Smooth through dry lengths and ends to gloss over fluffiness and seal in moisture. It’s silicone-free and lightweight, making it suitable for even fine hair. 3 FRIZZ FIGHTER Stop your hair from expanding the minute you step out of the door by styling with Amika Frizz-Me-Not…

Q My skin has changed texture and tone completely – it’s becoming dry and dull. Is it due to ageing or something I’m missing in my diet? A It’s completely normal to notice changes in your skin as you age, especially around and after the menopause. Oestrogen plays a big role in keeping skin hydrated, plump and elastic. As levels drop, the skin produces less collagen and natural oils, which can lead to dryness, thinning and that ‘crepe paper’ texture women often describe to me in my clinic. Sometimes, there can be an underlying underactive thyroid issue causing this too, so it is always worth having this investigated. Diet and lifestyle can make a big difference. Make sure you are getting enough omega 3 fatty acids (I am a BIG fan…

MENU for 6 TO START ✢ Mixed pinchos sharing platter FOR THE MAIN ✢ Classic chicken and seafood paella ✢ Green bean salad with sherry vinegar dressing FOR PUD ✢ Orange and rosemAry flAn Mixed pinchos sharing platter Served in bars throughout Northern Spain, these tiny bites make a perfect pairing with pre-dinner drinks. Serves 6 • Ready in 30 mins For the anchovy toasts: 6 slices baguette15g parsley leaves1 garlic clove, chopped4tbsp extra virgin olive oil12 marinated anchovy halves, drained1 small piquillo pepper, drained, dried and thinly sliced For the chorizo in red wine: 150g spicy chorizo, thickly sliced2tbsp red wine1 small garlic clove, finely choppedA little chopped fresh parsley For the tomato bread: 1 small baguette1 garlic clove, peeled2 plum tomatoes, halved1tbsp extra virgin olive oilA few slices…

IF YOU MAKE ONE THING… Mini meringues with saucy berries Serves 6 1 Heat 750g blackberries and 50g caster sugar for 5 mins until the berries soften, add 50ml cassis and cook for a further 1 min. Scoop the berries from the syrup and set aside. Increase the heat and bubble the syrup until thickened, then add another 50ml cassis and tip the berries back in. Cool. 2 Beat 200g marshmallow Fluff and 250g full-fat soft cheese, and serve spooned into meringue nests, then top with the blackberries and syrup. BUY IT Spreadable marshmallow in a jar! Fluff, £2.20, Sainsbury’s and Ocado. w&h TEST KITCHEN @testkitchenUK IN MY BASKET FEELING SAUCY Splash this zingy sauce on grilled prawns or chicken, or use as a tempura dip. Lee Kum Kee Chilli Yuzu…

How to CREATE A SPACIOUS FEEL ✢ En suites can feel cramped, so craft a sense of space with light-reflective surfaces and large-format tiles. Fewer grout lines give the illusion of openness. ✢ Box in plumbing and pipework for a streamlined look. Create casing that can be clad with complementary-coloured panelling. VANITY ELEGANCE Give your space a touch of glamour with a stand-alone vanity. Try a compact single basin or ‘his and hers’ doubles. Harbour 800mm Venato white marble worktop, £699.99, Drench Get the BASICS RIGHT Mix calming neutrals with a standout pop of pattern. PICK YOUR PRICE POINT Copycat baths Indulge in a luxe free-standing bath colour-matched to your scheme.…

Home is where the heart is, but after holidaying somewhere hot and sunny, being back home can feel a little flat. If you want to bring the vacation vibes back and recreate your piece of paradise, there are easy ways you can recapture the carefree mood of your favourite destination… and we’re not talking sombreros or straw donkeys. Orlando corner dining set, £499, embroidered cushions, £10 each, stripe cushion, £10, circular cushion, £8, embroidered border cushions, £10 each, retro tufted floral throw, £20, faux orange tree, £12, and striped vase, £12, all George Home Italian IDYLL Give your home or garden a touch of la dolce vita with this vibrant, colour-happy look. Unmistakably Mediterranean, sun-drenched hues and zesty lemon motifs are everywhere, set off by pops of bold blue entwined…

POWERFUL AND TRANSPORTING My Story by Sarah, The Duchess of York with Jeff Coplon I always think of Sarah Ferguson as such a confident, gregarious personality, but reading this I realise she has her insecurities too. She talks about her relationship with Princess Diana and the fashion at the time – all high frilly collars and cardigans. It’s taking me back! I’m so glad my friend gave this to me – it’s fascinating. GRIPPING THRILLER The Engagement by Samantha Hayes I love a book that’s full of intrigue, with an ending that surprises you. This is a psychological thriller and it’s so good I couldn’t put it down. We follow a daughter who gets engaged to an older man, who we find out has a connection to her mother’s past.…

LIBRA 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER With tetchy-but-sexy Mars in Libra until the 22nd, your temper’s short, but your libido’s high. Just don’t go overboard with either around the 5th or there’s explaining to do. Call 0905 789 4156* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER On the 22nd your ruler, Mars, arrives, with a burst of energy and motivation. It’ll help you with a tricky situation around the 24th, but don’t push someone too hard. Call 0905 789 4157* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER Many significant others are acting in ways you’d never expect. Adapt, as although one person might be reviewing a development, others are piling in. Avoid a row on the 5th. Call…

7 ways to STAY SAFE IN THE SUN 1 Don’t burn to tan ‘As soon as the skin reddens, this signifies it’s in trauma. By protecting skin properly from the sun, your tan will last,’ says Ultrasun UK founder Abi Cleeve. Hate the idea of being pale but don’t want to damage your skin? Try Green People Glow & Protect SPF 30, £37, greenpeople.co.uk, which is a gradual tan with broad-spectrum sun protection built-in. So you can build a golden glow without burning your skin. 2 Check for broad-spectrum protection The SPF number on your sun lotion bottle indicates the amount of protection you’re getting from UVB rays (the kind that causes burning), but doesn’t take UVA rays (the ones that age our skin) into account. Although you might not…

In the same way that a glass of orange juice aids your immune system, using vitamin C in your beauty regime can help keep skin healthy. So, how does it work? ‘It’s a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from external aggressors, including UV and pollution,’ explains consultant dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall. ‘It also suppresses an enzyme that begins production of melanin, which leads to pigmentation.’ Essentially, it’s an incredibly hard-working ingredient that has the power to transform damaged skin while also protecting it from further deterioration. Plus it brightens, providing a youthful radiance. According to skin expert Fiona Brackenbury, there’s also another lesser-known benefit to vitamin C. ‘It’s essential for collagen production,’ she explains. ‘We lose 1.5% a year after the age of 30, and this reduction speeds up…

FRINGE WITHOUT BENEFITS We were big fans of Michelle Yeoh’s short-lived fringe moment, but we can’t help but prefer her without it. Swept-back hair adds extra oomph at the crown, making Michelle’s blow-dry look even bouncier, while subtle layers help highlight her cheekbones. BOBBING ALONG There was something ethereal about Helen Mirren with waist-skimming hair, but we do love her chin-length bob for drawing attention to her jawline. The versatile layer-free cut offers plenty of ways to style both on and off the red carpet. LONG LENGTHS Forget the outdated idea that you can’t have long hair once you hit a certain age. Penelope Cruz more than debunks the myth, growing out her brief dalliance with a cropped cut in 2024 to return to her trademark flowing lengths in 2025.…

Barely exercised lately? Struggling with stiffness? It doesn’t matter how tight your muscles are, adding a few stretches to your day will help you feel more flexible – and, as a result, trimmer. ‘You’ll wake up your muscles and challenge them to become firmer,’ says woman&home’s fitness expert Annie Deadman. The meditative side of a session may also inspire you to eat more consciously. It’s never too late to start. ‘The more you do it, the “bendier” you will get,’ says Annie. Ready to roll out your exercise mat? Try Annie’s easy stretches – they’ll only take minutes to do. GET THE BODY BENEFITS MAINTAIN MOBILITY ‘As we age, our bodies make less collagen, giving us less elasticity in tendons and ligaments,’ explains Annie. ‘Stretching helps you remain mobile and…