Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2025 i Woman & Home

I have been lucky enough to know (and work with) presenter Charlotte Hawkins for a number of years. Her work ethic is unquestionable, and she manages to juggle multiple jobs alongside her home life (successfully). Yet despite her star rising, she has always remained the most approachable and down-to-earth girl on the celebrity block. Our shoot happens to be on the hottest day of the year but Charlotte takes it in her stride – and doesn’t she look incredible? ‘I’m test-driving my holiday wardrobe,’ she tells us, before revealing that she’s going on a girls’ trip to Ibiza as part of her 50th birthday celebrations. ‘I am probably going to be up all night. If you go to Ibiza, you’ve got to throw yourself into it, haven’t you?’ Charlotte’s zest…

THE DO-IT-ALL DRESS The classic shirt dress gets a modern update with smart design details. The pleated, nipped-in waist adds a flattering touch. SEEING DOUBLE Elevate your winter wardrobe with a designer lookalike bag. This on-trend bowler style is similar to Alaïa, but has an incredible £1,854 saving! FOREVER IN FASHION The loafer is an understated and timeless choice. Opt for paired-back, minimal designs made from quality materials for a luxurious finishing touch.…

What are you like first thing in the morning? Not great. I sleep until I’m woken up and really don’t want to be up too early; I’ll get up when I need to for work, but early morning isn’t my favourite time. My wife [broadcaster Alice Arnold] wakes up earlier than I do, and brings me a cup of herbal tea, because I’m quite strict about my diet now – I don’t have milk in my tea and don’t have sugar in anything. What’s your worst habit? I’m not very tidy. And I’m a bit of a hoarder. We’re about to do a massive house clear-out ahead of a move, which is going to really upset me because I don’t like getting rid of things. What do you do when…

There’s a running joke in our family that my catchphrase is ‘be careful’. I used to say it to my three children, Luke, now 29, Sean, 26, and Gabriella, 23, almost every time they left the house. It became such a frequent phrase of mine that a few years ago, Luke had it tattooed on his right leg! So when Luke told me that he wanted to learn to ride a motorbike and go travelling on it, my trepidation was instant and intense. Although I was filled with apprehension, I knew there was no way I’d be able to change his mind. Zest for life Even as a little boy, Luke didn’t want to sit still. My husband David used to call him ‘the boy of a thousand questions’, because…

Halloween is a time of spooky happenings, chilling discoveries and terrifying jump scares. But if you want to experience genuine horror all year round, don’t waste time carving pumpkins and buying witches’ hats from Tesco – simply live with an adolescent male! He’ll put all those inflatable ghosts and skeletons to shame. Even the most frightening horror movies look like a tea party with Mr Tumble, compared to the regular shocks and nightmarish happenings that come free with every teenage boy. My son is 18, and every day brings forth new and appalling revelations that shatter my nerves and curdle my guts. From last-minute requests for money to casual asides like, ‘I think I’d be really good at skydiving,’ here are some of the daily traumas guaranteed to keep parents…

THE PRINTED DUO Perfect for fancy brunches and evenings out, this silky set has the statement dress effect with the versatility of a two-piece. Maximise the mileage and dress it down by swapping in denim staples and frilly knits. Weekend shopping Date night Lunch with the ladies THE TROUSER SUIT More bar than boardroom, the rich red hue and bold ruffle detail give the classic suit a cooler edge. Solo, a blazer sharpens up any outfit, and the trousers are flattering and elegant. For off-duty days, go sporty with a polo tee and casual kicks. Wedding guest Cocktail hour Sunday stroll THE DOUBLE DENIM A modern take on the skirt suit, dark-wash denim will keep this look feeling grown-up. As separates, they’re timeless classics. To nail that smart-casual dress code,…

Crease-free lids Switch your eyeshadow formula to a cream, like Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow, £24, makeupbymario.com. The hydrating formula melts into skin seamlessly and acts like a second skin on your lids. Build the colour with your fingers for a subtle look. Ready, set, go! New Laura Mercier Translucent Hydrating Setting Spray Ultra-Blur, £32, Space NK, is a high-tech formula infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ectoin. It will care for the skin, immediately blur the look of any imperfections and set your make-up for up to 16 hours. Do-it-all compact Swap summery pink hues for autumnal plums. Refy Cream Blush in Plum, £16, refybeauty.com, is worth the space in your make-up bag, giving a pretty dose of colour to your cheeks, eyes and even lips.…

Q I’m so embarrassed, but I’ve noticed a white patch on my vulva. It’s been there a couple of weeks now – should I see my GP? A I think one of the things that women don’t get taught enough about is ‘vulval awareness’. The vulva is the entire outside part of the female genital tract – basically everything you can see if you were to look in the mirror. Ladies, you need to be familiar with your vulva – get a handheld mirror if needed, sit down on the floor and take a good look. Know what is normal for you and get any changes checked. I recommend doing this because one of the lesser-known gynaecological cancers is vulval cancer. People at risk include those with lichen sclerosus…

Often find it difficult to nod off? Or maybe poor sleep has only started in midlife? A third of Brits say they struggle to get a full night’s sleep, according to a new survey by Travelodge, with bad habits, a poor sleep environment, stress levels and hormones all playing a part. The good news? It’s never too late to improve your night-time slumber with just a few small tweaks. Ready to get some deep, restorative shut-eye? Turn over to discover how. In association with ✢ Simple stretch and snooze moves ✢ How well do you sleep? Take the test ✢ Award-winning buys…

Need help unwinding at night? A few stretches can do wonders for helping a buzzing brain and tense muscles to relax, making restorative rest come more easily. ‘Yoga not only helps us become strong, flexible and more mobile, it supports stress management, good mental health and promotes quality sleep,’ says woman&home’s fitness expert Annie Deadman. Head to your bedroom 15 minutes earlier and make these moves part of your pre-sleep ritual. EASY WIND-DOWN SESSION Try these six poses each night to help release tension from your body and slow down whirring thoughts – dim the lights and play soft music to create a peaceful haven for total relaxation. 1 Standing forward bend In a standing position, exhale, then draw your belly in and fold forwards from the hip. Let your…

Harissa prawns Zingy, spicy prawns combine with gut-friendly grains in this tasty, nourishing bowlful. Serves 4 • Prep 10 mins • Cook 10-12 mins, plus cooling 200g spelt or pearled barley500g large, cooked, peeled prawns50g dried cranberries1 large avocado, sliced100g mixed salad leaves2tbsp each chopped fresh parsley, mint and coriander For the dressing: 3tbsp avocado oil1½tbsp lemon juice2tsp clear honey1½-2tsp harissa1 small garlic clove, crushedDukkah, to serve (optional) 1 Wash the spelt in a sieve and place in a pan of cold water. Bring to the boil then simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 mins until the spelt berries are tender but still nutty. Strain, refresh under cold water and drain thoroughly. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside to cool. 2 Cut down the back of each prawn and carefully…

None of us like to think about summer coming to an end, but as the season starts to shift, it can be the perfect opportunity to make a few changes at home – perhaps trying a different colour combination, working in a pretty pattern or two, or cosying up rooms with new cushions, throws or bedding. We’ve had a sneak peek at the latest trends soon to hit the shops, to give you a head start before autumn arrives. Create a calm, tranquil vibe with this soft take on Scandi style, which mixes soothing pastels and blond-toned woods with sweeping curves and rounded forms. Modern COUNTRY This look sees rustic charm meet refined luxury with country style, giving a contemporary twist and more polished finish. Furniture is stylised rather than…

When it comes to affordable design, Ikea is hard to beat. But the latest DIY trend sees its basics reworked to create brilliant, new bespoke items – or modified to give the simplest of pieces a different use altogether. These are our favourite easy upgrades that require minimal DIY skills for maximum results. 1 BUILD A DINING BANQUETTE Create a comfy seating set-up in a kitchen-diner with an easy-build banquette. Use a longline tower shelving unit and instead of standing it upright, simply lay it on its side and top with a cushioned seat pad. Cubbyholes underneath the seat can be filled with baskets, and used to store kitchen linens, place mats and extra cutlery. Kallax shelving unit, £40, Ikea 2 ADD A FAUX FINISH Give a plain piece of furniture…

1 Tanzania safari & beach A safari in Tanzania is a trip of a lifetime, but with early rises and late-night game drives to spot animals at their most active, you may want to kick back afterwards. So take in the wildlife at the Selous Game Reserve, then fly to the island of Zanzibar, lined in white sand beaches and with plenty of pampering resorts where you can relax and reflect. TRY 12-day Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar, from £4,399pp, including flights; travelbag.co.uk 2 Japan & South Korea If you’re already taking the 14-hour flight to Japan, stay longer and see more. After ticking off stops to Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, head to Fukuoka to catch a six-hour ferry (or one-hour flight) to the southern beach city of Busan in Korea.…

SURPRISE AND DESIRE The Safe Keep by Yael van der Wouden (£9.99, PB, Penguin) This year’s Women’s Prize for Fiction winner explores trauma, repressed desire and female resilience in post-war Netherlands. Isabel has lived alone for years in her late mother’s house – which was bequeathed to her brother Louis. When Louis brings his girlfriend Eva to stay with Isabel for a month, she loathes Eva and is horrified at the disruption to her routine. But over time, the relationship between the two women takes a turn. A sensuous slow burn. HEARTFELT EMOTION The Sirens by Emilia Hart (£18.99, HB, HarperCollins) The sea is a central theme to this book, and at its heart are two sets of sisters, separated by time but connected by the power of the sea.…

LUCY SWEET is a journalist and creator of the Lucyverse, Substack’s 52nd funniest newsletter. She lives in Glasgow with her husband, dog and a messy teenager, of whom you can read more about on page 46. Which reality show would you be in? Easy! Below Deck Down Under. As I’m not a pert, tanned 22-year-old, I would be a difficult guest who drinks constant margaritas, has complex preferences and demands to have dinner sitting on Captain Jason’s knee. Anyone know how I can make this happen? OTI MABUSE is a professional dancer, known for her time on Strictly Come Dancing, which she won twice (the first dancer to have won it two consecutive years) – in 2019 with Kelvin Fletcher and in 2020 with Bill Bailey. She’s also a presenter…

AUTUMN NEWNESS…

An incoming state visit (where the UK hosts a foreign head of state and their delegation) is designed to show Britain at its best – and achieve specific aims in the British interest, such as trade deals, policy change or investment. The mechanism by which we blow every other country’s diplomatic socks off is, of course, by utilising the impressive ‘soft power’ of the Royal Family. It really is a three-line whip for all members of the Firm that they have to be present and correct when the monarch hosts another head of state. And the red carpet is rolled out – none more so than when Donald Trump is here on 17-19 September for his second state visit, at Windsor Castle. The monarch is always acting on the advice…

From Married at First Sight to The Great British Bake Off, reality TV dominates prime time. Whether we’re watching ordinary folk catapulted into the media spotlight or celebs on impossible adventures, it’s keeping millions of us glued to our screens. And with Kate Garraway, Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie and Jonathan Ross all appearing in the highly anticipated series of The Celebrity Traitors this autumn, the genre shows no signs of slowing down. But what really happens off camera? ‘WE HAD TO WEAR THE SAME OUTFIT FOR SIX DAYS!’ Natalie Sims Rees, 42, from Derby, is a former professional dancer, who reached the final of C4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down this year. She lives with her wife Sarah and daughter Albie, six. I’ve always loved pottery, and I’m a big…

Most women’s to-do lists are so extensive that the term ‘relaxed woman’ sounds like an oxymoron. I spent much of my adult life as the opposite of a relaxed woman. My days were a blur of stress, anxiety and exhaustion. I wasn’t like this as a little girl. I was sensitive, curious, playful and wild. Resting came naturally. There was no shame in slowing down. But somewhere between girlhood and womanhood, I started basing my self-worth on who I pleased and how much I achieved. As I absorbed society’s message of what a ‘good girl’ and ‘successful woman’ should be – self-controlled, self-silencing and self-sacrificing – I lost touch with my inner wisdom, my intuitive voice, my authenticity. I started living as if I were a machine. I overworked, traded…

Over the last couple of years, I’ve noticed an end-of-summer sadness creeping in, which is more about reduced daylight hours than anything to do with my wardrobe. The reality is that I’m delighted when Jacket Weather comes around. I much prefer autumn dressing and layering up to flimsy fabrics and wilting in the heat. ‘Beautiful tailoring is always worth investing in’ The jacket is a wardrobe hero. It pulls an outfit together, adding shape and definition like no other item of clothing. Working from home, I dress in quite a relaxed way, so I rely on a jacket to introduce status to a ‘creative casual’ ensemble, whenever I leave the building. Tailoring is a good idea – it adds instant polish – and if a jacket has pockets, even better.…

After 16 years working as a beauty therapist and then a dental nurse, it wasn’t until Covid that Julia found fame on Instagram for her nail tutorials. Nails had always been her sideline, but after Julia set up her Insta page @paintedbyjools, her trademark ‘milky’ manicures went viral. Since then, she’s been in demand, with shoots for Vivienne Westwood, Vogue magazine and VIP clients such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. So for the best nail-care advice, look no further. ‘Poor gel removal peels off the first layer of nail and makes them weak. I use Bio Sculpture, which is a salon-prescriptive gel treatment and comes off more easily.’ STRONGER NAILS Vida Glow Collagen Liquid Advance, from £34 for 15 sachets, uk.vidaglow.com I love these sachets. They taste great and are so good…

There’s a flood of memories of when my gut instinct has seemingly been bang on. That time I went to the wrestling in Mexico City and spent the entire show worrying something was definitely going to happen to us if we walked the dark streets back to the metro. We did, and got mugged at gunpoint. Or how I was convinced that I’d miscarry when my husband and I started trying for a baby. Boom, twice. Or way back in the 90s, when I started dating a guy at uni and there was something inside me that just knew he was bad news. So, in those times, was that truly my ‘gut instinct’ hitting the nail on the head? Or was it simply confirmation bias – my brain holding on…

TAKE THE TEST Fatigued and frazzled? Discover how to improve your sleep – and your health. 1 How many hours do you sleep each night? A Less than five B More than eight C Five to six D Seven to eight 2 How would you describe your relationship with sleep? A My sleep patterns bother meB Complicated, I’ve never been a very good sleeper C I don’t think about it – sleep comes easily to me D I love sleeping, but find I rarely feel refreshed 3 How long does it take you to drop off? A Five minutes B 45 minutes C 20 minutes D Up to two hours or longer 4 Do you wake up during the night? A Occasionally, but I go straight back to sleep B…

There’s nothing worse than investing in a brand-new buy, only to discover it doesn’t live up to the hype. But with so much choice out there, it can be hard to tell what’s really worth spending your money on. That’s why our team of ultra-thorough w&h reviewers have tried out hundreds of sleep products just for you. Here’s our pick of the best bedtime buys to make drifting off easier. BETTER BEDDING From keeping cool to comfort, we’ve whittled down the ones to save – and splurge – on. Value mattress Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress, from £949, evesleep.co.uk This mattress really performs, particularly in terms of cooling and support – and the extra height can make getting out of bed easier, especially if you have a low-slung bed frame. Cooling…

Fluffy jammy sponge We’ve added ground almonds and lightened the sponge with whisked egg white, to create this nostalgic treat. Serves 12 • Prep 20 mins • Cook 25 mins, plus cooling 225g unsalted butter, softened225g golden caster sugar4 medium free-range eggs175g self-raising flour50g ground almonds2tbsp milkApprox 4tbsp jam For the buttercream: 150g unsalted butter, softened300g icing sugar, plus extra to dust You will need: 2 x 20cm sandwich tins, lined; and a piping bag fitted with a round nozzle 1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan. Cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks, reserving the whites. Once combined, add the flour and almonds in 3 stages. Add a pinch of salt, then beat in the milk. 2 Whisk…

Giselle De Hasse never intended to move to the country. ‘I’ve always liked living in town,’ says the interior designer. But having sold her third renovation during the Covid pandemic, and needing to find a new property quickly, Giselle was forced to look beyond Tunbridge Wells, Kent, to the surrounding villages – and to reconsider a cottage she had previously dismissed as unaffordable. ‘When the price was reduced, I felt I could make it pretty and cosy. The village was picturesque and the views were amazing; once I viewed the cottage, I didn’t look at anything else.’ ‘I’ve spent money carefully on this renovation, using cheaper lights and radiators throughout to save the budget for good taps and showers’ The small house had been neglected. ‘The rooms were poky and…

Boarding a train south from Naples, high-rise suburbs give way to small farms and peaceful towns, lush with lemon trees and date palms. I’m travelling with my husband, Dean, to trade the busy, touristy city for five days on the serene Cilento Coast, where oak and chestnut forests surrender to craggy coves and the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea. Our plan? To explore this lesser-known area via a mix of easy hikes, cultural wonders, good food and luxurious loafing. Divine temples An hour after we’ve left Naples, we step off the train at Paestum, a near-deserted station where the only sounds are the coo of pigeons and the rush of wind in the trees. We’ve come to this sleepy town for its superstar attraction – some of the world’s oldest and best-preserved…

MURDER, MYSTERY, MATRIMONY The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman (£22, HB, Viking) The first Thursday Murder Club novel in two years is also one of Richard Osman’s best. A friend of Joyce’s new son-in-law goes missing after a cunning criminal sets their sights on his valuable bitcoin, while Ron’s psychotic son-in-law plots revenge after his marriage falls apart. Fans will be wrong-footed by a brilliant twisting plot, but the greatest pleasures of the series are Osman’s sparkling observational comedy and the elderly gang’s deep bond. QUIZ NIGHT MURDER The Killer Question by Janice Hallett (£18.99, HB, Profile) Think you’ve got a family scandal worthy of a Netflix documentary? Dominic Eastwood does – with his aunt and uncle, Sue and Mal, hosting a fiercely competitive quiz night at their pub, The…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Sarah Parish Actor and charity founder Sarah, 57, lives near Alresford, Hampshire, with her actor husband Jim Murray, 50, and their 15-year-old daughter Nell. WAKE UP When I wake naturally at about 8am I do emails on my phone for the charity that Jim and I founded in 2014, five years after we lost our eight-month-old daughter Ella-Jayne to a congenital heart defect. BREAKFAST I start the day with hot water, lemon, cider vinegar and ginger, to flush out my system and get my metabolism going before a couple of coffees. At 11am I have two boiled eggs, then some nuts and fruit. MORNING Nell’s school is a 30-minute drive away and we lift-share with another parent. When I’m driving we listen to my…

SCORPIO 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER While Halloween is in late October, you’re feeling witchy throughout, as Mars makes you want to put others under your spell. Watch your temper around the 20th. Call 0905 789 4157* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER Like many Sagittarians, you don’t know what’s coming next from significant others. On the 29th, Mercury enters and communication is on your side. Call 0905 789 4158* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY Something has undermined your ability to move forward recently, and it’s dispiriting. From mid-month positive developments help, especially news near the 24th. Call 0905 789 4159* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY Potentially…

MONEY MINDSET Reading Do You Have Money Dysmorphia? [August] was a light-bulb moment. Twenty years ago I left my marriage, which was emotionally and financially abusive. The article helped me to realise that my need to constantly check my bank accounts, even though I’m now financially secure, must stem from that relationship. I’m now determined to reset my money mindset. Elizabeth HOME INSPIRATION Your home decoration features are so inspiring. I have struggled to imagine how colour schemes and accessories would look together, but month after month I have cut out the interiors pages, and now have a portfolio of wonderful ideas, which I share with my friends. Julie RETIREMENT TREAT I recently retired early and felt I was losing my identity, so I made a list of things to…

ALL £30 & UNDER…

This year marks 250 years since, on 16 December 1775, Jane was born to Reverend George Austen and his wife Cassandra of Steventon in Hampshire. She had a sister, also Cassandra, and six brothers. ‘Austen’s women put others’ needs before theirs’ Bright, clever and fun-loving, by the age of 11, Jane was already writing stories. But her father’s decision to retire to Bath in 1801, and his death in 1805, led to frequent moves that halted her progress. It was only in 1809 – when Jane finally settled with her mother and sister in Chawton, Hampshire, courtesy of their wealthy brother Edward – that Jane’s creativity could finally flourish. And in 1811, her first novel appeared in print – with Sense and Sensibility’s authorship anonymously credited to ‘A Lady’. It…

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved animals. This photo shows me at the age of 11, sitting in the garden of my family home with my beloved dog, Bonny. My parents got him when they moved to Oxford from London – my father was a doctor who had been living and working in West Ham, but they relocated when they were bombed out during World War Two. The Oxford flat was tiny and horrible, but we had a beautiful Victorian garden seat outside, which I still have now in my own garden in Clapham. Bonny was an English springer spaniel of great nobility and sweetness. The dog my parents had before him was also called Bonny, but he was a wire-haired terrier, with a very different personality.…

Q A few years ago, my mother died. We were estranged at the time, and although some family members told me her condition had worsened, I didn’t really believe she was going to die. As I had burnt my bridges, I didn’t even go to the funeral. Now I’m racked with guilt that I didn’t say goodbye. How can I move forward? A First of all: you are not alone. Ask around and you’ll be astonished by how many people carry the heavy, complicated grief of estrangement. And yet, when we were kids, choosing to never speak to a parent again seemed like an impossibility, didn’t it? After all, our parents are supposed to give us unconditional love, and protect us until the end. But sometimes, through trauma, misunderstandings or…

JOIN THE DOTS ✢ Totally trend-proof, polka dots are one of the easiest ways to style black and white. ✢ The ruffle detailing adds a modern update to this classic print. Introduce some colour with a vibrant red accessory. ELEVATED CLASSICS ✢ Looking for a dress with a slice of drama? Look no further than this fringe-hemmed delight. The stretchy fabric will hug your curves in all the right places. ✢ The beauty of the black dress is its ability to work for any occasion. Team with metallic heels and a jewelled clutch for the party season. WELL SPOTTED ✢ Polka dots have been reimagined in this oversized design. In a relaxed silhouette, it strikes the perfect balance of laid-back elegance. ✢ When white feels too stark, opt for a…

No matter how long it’s been since our school days, September will always feel like the start of a new term and the chance to turn over a new leaf. Like turning the pages on a fresh notebook and resetting the year with sharpened pencils, now’s the time for something different, and the change in weather is a good opportunity to reassess your beauty routine. Does the onset of autumn mean you need a richer night cream? Do you fancy a dramatic haircut or a new scent? We have 26 inspiring ideas and buys to help you look and feel your best this season. A AUSTRALIA Aussie brands manufacture incredible SPFs, as they understand the importance of taking suncare seriously. But the boom in beauty brands Down Under is also about…

Female hair loss can increase by up to 6%* per day during the summer. Hair follicles that survive all year are no longer needed as a shield against the sun, so they just fall out. Losing hair can be alarming and embarrassing – 84% of women experiencing hair loss suffer from low self-esteem, while over 34% feel depressed due to hair thinning. But there are things you can do to help prevent and minimise the amount you lose – whatever the season. Here’s what you need to know. THE DOWNSIDE TO SUMMER Heat, chlorine, salt water and sun exposure may have left your hair brittle, dry and prone to damage, which can cause excess shedding. Here’s why. ✢ THE HEAT When the weather gets warmer, our bodies look for ways…

Autumn is just around the corner, and that means falling leaves, long walks and a healthy dose of sequins. Yes, Strictly Come Dancing has become synonymous with this time of year, and once that first step is taken on the dance floor, we’re ready to watch those celebs cha-cha-cha their way to Christmas. But rather than be an armchair critic this year, why not strap on your dancing shoes and find your own rhythm – you may be surprised at what can happen. 1 BOOSTS HEART HEALTH Whether you’re bouncing around with the samba or finding your groove with hip-hop, dance is a great form of aerobic exercise that will burn calories, get your heart rate up, and improve your cardio health and overall fitness. ‘The dynamic and repetitive movements…

Oh summer, you’ve been a right cracker. The long, sun-filled days gliding seamlessly into evening get-togethers in the garden or at the pub. The popping, the glugging, the chinking, the hearty chat, the ‘one more won’t hurt’ – all of it makes us think that a good time can’t possibly be had unless there’s a glass of something punchy in our hand. I love a G&T – I also love a large glass of rosé, but, wow, my ageing body isn’t quite in tune with my brain. Alcohol is a toxin, and so that it can be removed from the body pretty sharpish, the liver produces enzymes to break it down. Trouble is, as we get older, we produce fewer of those enzymes and the alcohol hangs around (or hangs…

Fragrant beef and noodle soup This is very much inspired by my travels; the spices feel warming and make for a very fragrant and delicious soup base. Serves 4-6 • Prep 25 mins • Cook 3 hrs 4 star anise4 green cardamom pods1 cinnamon stick1tsp each cumin seeds, fennel seeds, coriander seeds10cm piece root ginger, peeled and roughly chopped2 large onions, quartered6 fat garlic cloves, bashed and peeled1.5kg bone-in beef shin steaks (see Tip, right)1tbsp rose harissa1 heaped tbsp tomato puree1tbsp caster sugar4tbsp light soy sauce, plus extra to serve75g noodles per person3-4 pak choi, leaves picked, halved lengthways3-4 spring onions, thinly slicedLime wedges, to serve 1 Heat a large saucepan over a medium-high heat, add all the whole spices and toast for 2-3 mins, shaking occasionally. Add the ginger,…

Cultural thrills SRI LANKA Often referred to as the ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka has so much to entice cultural travellers: deep-rooted traditions and magnificent ancient ruins, jaw-dropping wildlife – elephants are a common sight gracing the side of the road – and a stunning backdrop of beaches, lush greenery and mountains. With a Sri Lankan father-in-law, I’ve long wanted to experience the country on a family holiday, and my whirlwind week here with my two young daughters, husband and 74-year-old mum certainly doesn’t disappoint. Cool Colombo The capital is where our adventure begins. Described as the gateway to Sri Lanka, it is a city that deserves to be explored and offers something quite different to the rest of the country. Though we just touched the surface on…

One of the UK’s most celebrated authors, Adele Parks marks a remarkable milestone with the release of her 25th novel in as many years. Having sold over six million copies and with her work translated into 31 languages, Adele continues to captivate readers worldwide. In recognition of her significant contributions to literature, she was awarded an MBE in 2022. Her latest novel, Our Beautiful Mess, is a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of the past, exploring loyalty and the lengths people go to protect loved ones. Meeting Connie – the lead character from my first novel Playing Away – in midlife was really interesting. Twenty-five years ago, she was a spoilt young woman who made a huge mistake in the first year of her marriage. In Our…

Ballet MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS A production by Scottish Ballet explores the difficult relationship between Queen Mary and her cousin Queen Elizabeth I, who is approaching death and becomes haunted by memories of Mary, who lost her life at Elizabeth’s command. Tours to Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, 17 September to 18 October; scottishballet.co.uk Opera LA BOHÈME In Phyllida Lloyd’s touring production, Puccini’s tale is set in Paris in the early 1960s, where a group of students live life to the full, despite a chronic lack of cash. Rodolfo and girl next door Mimi fall in love, but tragedy awaits. Opening in Leeds on 18 October, the tour runs until 22 November; operanorth.co.uk Theatre INSIDE NO. 9 STAGE/FRIGHT With chilling plots and baffling twists, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s TV…

Do manners still maketh the man, I wonder? When I was young, there were so many strict rules concerning social mores. But are they still relevant? Much of that protocol has passed its use-by date. Do I really need to know the correct way to address a marquis or which fork to use for the fish? People who worry about using the wrong fork can fork off. The matters that matter most in 2025 are more to do with mobile phone usage, as in, not talking to someone on it while a red-blooded, fully vocalising human is sitting right in front of you waiting for a real-life chinwag. We clearly need an etiquette update. Top of my Lette-quette list would be to keep your food preferences to yourself. I was…