Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2026 i Woman & Home

After all the preparation, anticipation and merriment, January can often feel like a damp squib. Everything just feels a little less sparkly and a little more grey. So, as we face a new year, let’s challenge ourselves to make it the best one yet. I’m not talking about making unrealistic resolutions or life-changing plans but simply having a different approach to what lies ahead. ‘I definitely see light in the future where I didn’t before,’ says Ruth Langsford, this month’s cover star. As she looks forward to 2026, a new chapter in her life is beginning and she’s excited about what that could look like. She’s had a challenging time of late, and divorcing in her 60s is something she has previously talked about, saying, ‘I’m not delighted my marriage…

OLIVE YOU This khaki shade has been the unexpected hue of the season and is the perfect alternative to black. Team with golds and earthy tones. COCKTAIL CARDIGAN The classic cardi has had a glamorous upgrade with this feminine lace collar detail. Perfect for pairing with a sparkly skirt. METALLIC MAGIC This shimmery number will nail that ‘jeans and a nice top’ dress code. Puff sleeves, a peplum hem and a pretty bow fastening ensure little styling is needed.…

As we head into peak party season, there’s no better time to add a little embellishment. Whether you opt for delicate adornments or all-out sparkle, it’s all about the high-low mix to keep the look fresh, so team with everyday staples like knits and denim. For a more understated feel, simply elevate your accessories – a little glam goes a long way. Invest in an LBD with a twist to take you through the festive season and beyond. A matching jacket is available to create a chic, coordinated look.…

In a cosy Windsor pub, on a drizzly winter’s day, Prince William leans back and confides, ‘I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for better.’ It’s an unprecedented glimpse into the mind of the future King, a man shaped by loss, duty and a fierce desire to shield his children from the pressures of royal life. In a rare TV interview, not only does the Prince of Wales give his view on how the past couple of years have been, but he sets out his stall on how he’ll overhaul the monarchy. It’s a bold move, given the King is still undergoing cancer treatment and that it’s considered unlikely there will be any announcement he’s cancer-free. Still, William has already demonstrated that he likes…

1 A down-to-earth English rose The Royal Horticultural Society named a rose after Catherine, Princess of Wales, to highlight the healing power of nature. She was treated for cancer at The Royal Marsden last year and now, proceeds from sales of Catherine’s Rose, a coral-pink floribunda with a scent of mango and Turkish Delight, will go to the hospital’s cancer charity. Planting her namesake in a wellbeing garden in Colchester this summer, the Princess opted not to wear gloves, saying, ‘I like feeling the earth.’ 2 Don’t look back in anger Has any other band united generations as successfully as Oasis? There were no parental cries of ‘Turn that racket down!’ or ‘You can’t leave the house wearing that’ when Manchester’s brothers Noel and Liam reunited in July for their…

Q Our book club of seven women has been going for three years. I set it up with a good friend and we meet once a fortnight at each other’s houses. We love getting together, discussing books and having a natter. One of the members has brought along a friend, who’s admittedly lively and interesting, but she’s also a bit of a know-it-all and can be intimidating and dismissive of other people’s opinions. It has upset our equilibrium and I don’t know how to tackle the problem. A Reading your dilemma made me chuckle because I have exactly the same problem going on with a pub quiz that I go to every week. The thing about any club – whether it’s book, quiz or film – is that it’s not…

If you thought sex therapists spend most of their time exploring clients’ wild fantasies, you’d be wrong. They are usually consulted when things go awry, so it’s their practicality, scientific approach, logic and reassurance that are most valued. Kate, 37, one of the therapists on the BBC’s Sex on the Couch, tells us what the job really entails. What drew you to this line of work? When I was younger, I remember wondering why sex was a taboo topic that was ‘allowed’ to be talked about in some settings, but not in most. I studied psychology and became fascinated by the way people talk about it – how their behaviour and nuances change, like dropping the tone of their voice when they even say ‘sex’. I’ve also always been someone…

£10 AND UNDER £25 AND UNDER £50 AND UNDER SUBSCRIBE TO W&H this Christmas! Find our fantastic festive offer – six issues for £6 – at womanandhome.com/Hol25 or call 0330 333 1113 and quote DL92C. Lines open Mon-Fri 8.30am-7pm and Sat 10am-3pm (GMT). Offer closes 10 January 2026*.…

Years ago, comfort was a swear word but today it’s a nonnegotiable,’ says Barbara Horspool, designer and founder of Mamu clothing (mamu-dream.com). ‘I used to dread getting ready for parties, anticipating a night in uncomfortable clothes. Now, I insist on sensuous fabrics that dance with me and feel great against my skin.’ When it comes to getting dressed, finding comfort and joy is a priority, particularly on special occasions when you’re a bit more dolled up than usual. Say yes to the silk slip skirt. Bring on the embellished cardigan. Slip into a pair of soft velvet slippers. Forget faffing about with restrictive clothing – I would much rather slink around in cashmere and silk. ‘We all respond to how our clothes feel’ Plus how clothes feel on the body…

With more than 20 years’ experience, bronzing the likes of Sienna Miller and Geri Halliwell-Horner, James Read really is the golden boy of tanning. A trendsetter in the industry, his eponymous line was among the first to incorporate skincare ingredients into tanning products, and his skin-first range, Self Glow by James Read, is loved by all who try it. As our go-to expert for achieving a confidence-boosting glow, James shares his secrets with us. TIP! Fix a fake tan disaster with a long, steamy shower, then rub skin with a towel – it will come right off. For orange build-up on knees and elbows, use a warm flannel to buff away the excess. Over-tanned your face? Apply a retinol serum overnight to even out your skin. Or under-tanned? Don’t brush…

Right about now, when our homes are lit up with twinkling lights, parties are in full swing and I get to feel fabulous dressed in sparkles and sequins, I’m in my element. But I haven’t always embraced the festivities. In fact, some years, the weight of having ‘more stuff to do’ has left me wanting to crawl under the duvet and wake up when it’s done and dusted. So if you’re frazzled by all the gift-buying (and rapidly losing track of what you’re spending) or dreading the thought of hosting because you are unprepared, you’re not alone. I’ve racked up my fair share of hectic Christmases that have almost finished me off – and it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the mayhem of this month. Over 80%* of adults…

A whirlwind of socialising and endless buffets is fun, but there’s no doubt this time of year can play havoc with your health. From fatigue and festive overindulgence to sneezes and stress-induced niggles, it’s easy to stumble into January feeling run-down. But while Christmas is notoriously a time when our sense of control seems to vanish, the good news is that you can control how you get through the sometimes-fraught season. You just need to make a few changes to your routine and mindset. Take our quiz to find what’s most likely to throw your wellbeing off course, and follow our expert tips that will help you feel on form. 30% of Brits admit that late-night socialising and Christmas parties cause them seasonal sniffles, found a study at Well Pharmacy…

Turkey and noodle laksa Rich and comforting, this laksa is a great way to use up leftover turkey. Serves 4 • Prep 15 mins • Cook 5 mins 2tbsp Thai red curry paste1ltr chicken broth1 tin coconut milk400g leftover turkey, shredded300g ramen noodles300g leftover shredded vegetables1tbsp rice wine vinegar1tbsp sesame oil4 medium free-range eggs, boiled for 6 mins, shelled and halved4 spring onions, finely sliced2tbsp sesame seedsHandful coriander leaves1tbsp chilli crisp oil4 lime wedges, for squeezingBlack sesame seeds, to sprinkle (optional) 1 Stir-fry the curry paste in a large pan over a medium heat. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, bringing to a gentle simmer. 2 Add the turkey and cook until heated through. Then add the noodles and cook for 1 min. 3 In a bowl,…

Spending time at home with family and friends is what Christmas is all about. And while the festive run-up can get busy with planning, present-buying and prep, decorating the house is one of the more enjoyable jobs on the to-do list, and a chance to make your space look extra special. So whether it’s dressing the tree, making place settings for the table or swagging the stairs with foliage, find all the ideas you’ll need with our room-by-room guide. 1 Create a WELCOMING HALLWAY It’s the first area of the home that guests see, so ensuring that your hallway feels warm and welcoming is a must. A Christmas tree sets the scene perfectly, but if hallway space is tight, a tabletop tree perched on a console, or a garland of greenery…

The Cameron Hotel Collection has four delightful properties, each located in or near Bury St Edmunds. And now you can save 20% on a stay at any one of them. Each takes great pride in providing attention to detail and country house comforts. You will pay from £172.50* per couple for a two-night stay, with full English breakfast each morning and dinner on one evening (from the set menu or with a £23 dinner allowance). CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING: ✢ The Priory Hotel, Bury St Edmunds, close to the town centre. ✢ Ravenwood Hall, Rougham, set in seven acres of Suffolk countryside. ✢ The Riverside House Hotel, Mildenhall, situated on the edge of the River Lark. ✢ Ipswich Hotel, Copdock, just 15 minutes’ drive from Bury St Edmunds. HOW TO…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Penelope Wilton, DBE The film and stage actor, 79, lives in West London. WAKE UP I’m a very early riser and have a cup of tea straight after waking at 6.30am, then half an hour later I add a spoonful of Dirtea lion’s mane mushroom powder to a coffee – very good for sharpening focus. BREAKFAST I eat fruit and listen to Radio 3 or 4. Living alone, it’s nice company. When my daughter Alice, 48, was younger, we had a dog. I can’t now, as I go away a lot. Earlier this year I was filming Fing, David Walliams’ book, in Australia, then I was in Tangier for a charity performance of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. MORNING I monitor my steps using an…

Star sign of the month CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY The year begins with a significant start within a key relationship. The Full Moon on the 3rd highlights underlying issues and there could be highs or lows, depending on your bond. A breakthrough may emerge by the 19th. YOUR MONTHS AHEAD With feisty Mars on board you’re full of drive – with a short fuse. Expansive influences in your partnerships zone until July says others are busy – and maybe lucky. 2026’s second half could see children causing hurt. Call 0905 789 4159* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY January picks up after the 18th and your position gets stronger. Powerful emotions abound, but won’t stop you tackling issues. Be clear to…

Retirement is when you stop living at work… and start working at living. At least, that’s how I always imagined it. But now that I’m at retirement age, I simply can’t see myself walking in my front door and calling out, ‘Hi, darling. I’m home – forever.’ And I don’t think I’m the only one not ready to hit the employment ejector seat. Many of my friends are older than the characters in The Thursday Murder Club. Are they living in a posh retirement home like Coopers Chase? No. And not just because they couldn’t afford it, but because they’re still working. Denmark has just raised the retirement age to 70. And I can see why. Retire now and we’re looking at nearly 20 years on the state pension, up…

SUZY BASHFORD is a freelance journalist, podcaster and speaker, who lives in the Scottish Highlands. On page 50, she asks Kate Moyle what it’s like to be a sex therapist. When have you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone? All the time! Whether I’m wielding an ice axe to swim in a freezing loch, performing comedy at the Edinburgh Festival or going to a disco solo… I love the buzz of joyful fear. Writer and editor JULIE POWELL works across print and broadcast media. On page 52, she investigates Brits leaving the UK and asks if the grass really is greener abroad. When have you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone? Despite my long-held dread of public speaking, two years ago I trained as a part-time registrar and…

SUBTLE SHIMMER…

As the calendar flips to 2026, Ruth Langsford is stepping forward with a renewed sense of strength, purpose and poise. It’s a year since we last spoke – and 18 months since she found herself unexpectedly single after 14 years of marriage and 27 years with ex-GMTV host Eamonn Holmes, 66. And, wow, how time is a healer. ‘I definitely see light in the future where I didn’t before,’ confesses Ruth when we catch up on the most crisp of September days at a stunning Surrey location near her home. ‘Before, I saw darkness and was thinking, “Oh my God, what’s going to happen?” but now the fear [has] gone, because what do you do? Do you crumble? Do you lay down and die? Oh no, not I. I will…

Is this the year you take the leap you’ve never dared to do? ‘It can help you find lasting confidence,’ says psychotherapist Dipti Tait, ‘a humble inner self-belief that you carry into your daily life.’ And as these stories show, bravery in the face of fear can be hugely empowering. ‘I gave up my high-flying career to make empowering art’ Karen Turner, 47, lives in Eye, Suffolk, with her husband Phil, 48. I’d loved art at college, but for years I parked my dreams – everyone said there’s no career in painting. So last year, quitting my business analyst job to become an artist felt mad, but I’d been waiting my whole life to do it. I started painting again in lockdown, doing portraits for the NHS Heroes Awards initiative.…

Oh gym, we tried, didn’t we? I thought you were The One. But I was wrong. You were just Another One. All those crazy dreams of staying together, of a serious commitment, when I can never be that person. I’m sorry. Try to forget me. And stop phoning! I’ve made up my mind. All the best, Sharon. OK, that wasn’t the actual wording of my conversation cancelling my latest gym membership, but that was the gist. I’ve had enough of messy break-ups and I’ll tell you this, I’ll never delude myself into falling for a room full of scary running machines ever, ever again. So how did I get to this point? Working up a sweat Believing I would finally take my abs from flab to fab lasted about half…

Sunshine, a better work-life balance and cheaper living costs – it’s the dream for some, and statistics suggest more of us are going in search of it. Around five million Brits currently live abroad and that number is rising, with the rate at which UK taxpayers are moving away more than doubling in the past three years. The data is based on voluntary digital submissions to HMRC, so the number could be even higher. What’s driving this trend? There are many reasons why increasing numbers of Brits are thinking of moving abroad in the next five years, according to a 2024 report by money transfer company Currencies Direct. Some 45% want a better quality of life, 39% blame the UK cost of living, 37% want more sunshine, and 22% feel…

Looking stylish has never been so easy Day-to-night SHIMMER Style a green sequin top with a checked skirt and suede jacket for a daytime look, then switch to a matching skirt for instant evening glamour. Cohesive GLAMOUR A silk pussy-bow blouse and statement sequin skirt both have a luxe feel, so they complement rather than compete, especially when topped with an embellished coat. Coat, £549, sizes 6-16, karenmillen.com; blouse, £185, sizes 8-20, marc-cain.com; skirt, £179, sizes 6-18, baukjen.com; shoes, £205, bobbies.com; earrings, £139, eu.carolinesvedbom.com; gold ring, £120, racheljacksonlondon.com; silver ring, £38, maudella.co.uk Balance the SPARKLE ✢ Left: The sequin skirt with a floral blouse makes a bold, feminine mix – soften it with a cashmere neck scarf for a stylish finish. Blouse, £46, sizes 6-24, Laura Ashley; skirt, as before…

How to look your best every day While it’s hailed as the most wonderful time of the year, the festive season can also be the most hectic. Of course, we enjoy the socialising and extra time with our family – but, let’s be honest, all the rushing around preparing for the big day can be stressful, and leave little time for pre-party pampering. The good news is, however you’re spending December, whether you are swanning from party to party or rolling from the sofa to your bed, our easy expert beauty tricks will have you looking and feeling your most fabulous, sparkly self in no time. 1 INSTANT RADIANCE Whether a dull complexion is a result of tiredness, winter weather or too much prosecco, a glow-boosting primer like MCoBeauty Flawless…

Want to look and feel more youthful, without having to remortgage your house? What if we said the secret may be a supplement that costs pennies? Yes, a new study shows that vitamin D could add three years to your life, strengthen bones, improve immunity and help you look younger too. Here’s how to maximise your levels. >> LIVE LONGER Experts have long praised vitamin D as a way to help boost bones – build them and keep them healthy – and support our immune system. It also reduces inflammation, and keeps muscles and brain cells working, says pharmacy superintendent George Sandhu at Well Pharmacy. Now, a new study has also uncovered its anti-ageing benefits. It’s thought that daily vitamin D3 could help preserve telomeres. These are the protective caps…

Do you relish losing track of what day, time or even year it is? Or does the complete lack of structure this month mess with your body? Here are the highs and lows of letting go. 1 EVERYTHING SLOWS DOWN Ditching routine after a year of responsibilities gives your mind and body space to exhale, says holistic empowerment coach Jo Irving (joirving.com). ‘Switching off can be one of the most regulating things you can do.’ Let rest be restorative, not something you feel guilty for. You don’t need to earn it. 2 YOUR BODY CAN MOVE MORE FREELY Even if your structured day and workouts pause, you’ll be moving in ways that feel more intuitive. ‘Cooking, playing with the kids/grandkids or dancing are all unstructured movements that still support us,’…

Yes, that’s right – we might have downright indignation about it, frustration and annoyance, but it should never hold us back. So, let’s look at it face on. I’m going to say it as it is, so brace yourselves. Cellulite is apparently caused by fat cells under the skin pushing up against connective tissue, giving a bumpy, orange-peel kind of appearance. Think grapes covered in cling film. And… drum roll… we ALL have it. All of us. No matter how lean, how strong, how gorgeous a person is, or how many tweakments they may have had, there is always going to be some cellulite somewhere, so let’s take a collective deep breath and relax a little. Cellulite is more evident in women because we have a pattern of parallel connective…

Amaretto sour syllabub with ginger wine poached pears Boozy cream meets spiced pears, amaretti crunch and cocktail-inspired elegance. Serves 8 • Prep 30 mins • Cook 30 mins For the syllabub: 1 amaretto sour (80ml)40ml amaretto2tbsp icing sugar250ml double cream8 amaretti biscuits, crumbled For the poached pears: 8 large pears, peeled; leave the stalks intact, and slice off a smallsection from baseJuice and rind 1 lemon400ml ginger wine120g caster sugar1tsp ground cinnamon2 star anise 1 Pour the cocktail, amaretto and icing sugar into a large bowl. 2 Whisk the double cream into the bowl and whip this mixture until thickened but still soft and billowy, then set aside until ready to use. 3 Put all ingredients for the pears in a large pan. Top up with enough water to just…

TOBAGO Castara Retreats Seventeen treehouse-inspired cabins await at this relaxed eco resort in the underrated, naturally bountiful Tobago. Each has its own kitchen for self-catering, though the rustic Caribbean Kitchen restaurant can take care of breakfast, lunch and dinner – and staff actively encourage you to nip into Castara village’s cafes and grocery stores too. In fact, a stay here is all about an authentic Tobago experience, mingling with locals. Join Full Moon yoga classes, or head out on locally operated boat trips or a rainforest tour. And look out for hummingbirds among 70-plus bird species flitting around the luscious landscape. BOOK IT Double rooms from £205, room only; castararetreats.com BARBADOS Little Good Harbour Perched towards the north of Barbados’ ‘Platinum’ west coast, this charming little hideaway is the stuff…

1 Which novel won the 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction? AAll Fours by Miranda JulyB The Safekeep by Yael van der WoudenC Good Girl by Aria AberD Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan 2 Which renowned author celebrated her 250th anniversary in 2025? AMary ShelleyB Charlotte BrontëC Jane AustenD Emily Brontë 3 Which author faced controversy in 2025 surrounding her memoir The Salt Path? ARaynor WinnB Chloe DaltonC Julia DonaldsonD Kiran Desai 4 Which dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood, first published in 1985, inspired a popular TV series on C4? A The Handmaid’s Tale B A Clockwork Orange C The Children of Men D The Power 5 Which controversial 1988 novel by Salman Rushdie led to international protests and calls for the author’s death? A Midnight’s Children B Shame C The Satanic Verses…

POWERFUL MESSAGE I recently tragically lost my dad while we were on holiday in Turkey. I’ve struggled ever since, so I was surprised to feel some reassurance from your cover interview with Charlotte Hawkins [October], who spoke about her own issues when she lost her father. In particular, struggling with the fragility of life, how someone can be there one minute and gone the next. It felt good to know that I am not alone. Debs ALWAYS INSPIRING Every article in your November issue was relevant to my life at present, especially the ‘meh’ article, How to Banish Feeling ‘Blah’. The recipes are inspiring and the home styling cleverly presented – woman&home never disappoints! Elaine WELL TIMED I really identified with your feature, When Being ‘Healthy’ Is Bad for You…

NEVER LEAVE A LIT CANDLE UNATTENDED TRIED AND TESTED…

In September, a seismic change shook British public life when, for the first time, all three Great Offices of State were held by women. Shabana Mahmood became Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper headed up the Foreign Office and Rachel Reeves continued as our first female Chancellor of the Exchequer. Regardless of your political leaning, could there be a clearer sign that women’s influence shines at the highest levels? There was further proof when Dame Sarah Mullally became the first woman to be appointed Archbishop of Canterbury (page 34 has more on 2025’s highlights). Inspiration is all around us – like the Euros win by England’s Lionesses. Were they brave? Lucy Bronze, who scored a vital penalty, fought the entire campaign with a broken tibia. From women’s teams being barely tolerated to…

She’s a true icon of film and stage, so woman&home couldn’t have been more delighted when we were given the opportunity to sit down and chat with industry legend Dame Helen Mirren. A stalwart of British acting, Helen is a force to be reckoned with, and is charming yet outspoken in equal measure. Having turned 80 in July, the star has torn up the rule book when it comes to ageing, from walking L’Oréal’s catwalk in platform heels and grungy make-up to dyeing her hair blue for the Cannes Film Festival. Here she fills us in on her New Year’s plans and her beauty secrets. ‘I think it would be fun to dye my hair black’ Hi Helen, with Christmas and New Year coming, do you have any go-to tips…

Money – we all have to deal with it, but few of us learnt practical economic management at school, and research by AJ Bell suggests that most women – 60% – don’t have a female financial role model, which is worrying when our financial resilience still lags so far behind men’s. ‘Many girls grew up consciously or unconsciously internalising a message that money is for men to manage, even if their adult, rational selves don’t subscribe to these beliefs,’ says psychotherapist Vicky Reynal. ‘Female financial role models provide living proof that women can make sound financial choices, take measured risk, and plan for the future with confidence.’ So, step up a new generation of women proving that financial empowerment is within reach. ‘SAVE BIG BY SETTING REMINDERS’ CLAER BARRETT is…

When the divorce laws in England and Wales changed for the first time in half a century, it was generally accepted that the new no-fault legislation would make marital splits easier. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 promised to reduce conflict, helping couples to focus on finances and family, rather than dwelling on who did what to whom. Despite an initial rise in the number of divorces and civil partnership dissolutions in 2022, when the reforms came into effect, divorce rates are declining. In part, this is due to couples trying conflict resolution, but it is also because the cost-of-living crisis has made it financially unviable for some. But no matter how much easier the law makes it, parting from the person you thought would be your partner for…

THE ART OF LAYERING Choose versatile pieces for maximum style mileage. A borg fleece adds on-trend texture; a cashmere hood is a twist on the classic scarf. WATERPROOF MAC 2 WAYS GYM LUNCH 4 OF THE BEST LOUNGE PANTS DREAM IN SILK Bedtime never felt so luxe with pieces that drape like a dream. Whether you prefer playful stripes or timeless neutrals, look for delicate piping, bows and lace that add an elegant touch. SOFT TOUCH The high street has stepped up, bringing velvety-soft technical fabrics to gymwear – so touchable, you’ll want to wear them long after your workout. TRIANGLE SCARVES The season’s most modern finishing touch? The knitted bandana scarf. Knot it at the back or drape it across your shoulders to add instant interest to any knit…

SMOOTHLY DOES IT Find freedom from frizz with treatments that make hair look sleeker than ever before. If your hair’s dry, it’s probably damaged. ghd Rehab Dry Hair Nourisher Cream, £35, ghdhair.com, treats both cause and effect. The leave-in, heat-activated moisturiser targets dry, frazzled hair, delivering three times less frizz and promoting lasting smoothness. PRO POWER If you find your freshly tonged waves fall flat within hours, prep with L’Oréal Professionnel Flex Pli Spray, £19.05, lookfantastic.com, for undroppable curls. Sprayed into damp hair, it acts as a primer, setting the shape and creating long-lasting style. SHINING STAR Nothing says Christmas like a veil of gloss, so treat hair to a glass-like shine with Maria Nila Gloss Coat, £24.50, sephora.co.uk. Spray on to damp hair before blow-drying, to activate its strand-smoothing,…

Q For the last four years, I’ve had a small, red ‘bubble’-like mark above my lip. It gets itchy at times and make-up doesn’t cover it. My GP had a quick look at it about a year ago, but said that it was nothing to worry about. What do you think? A This sounds like something called a cherry angioma, which is a harmless overgrowth of tiny blood vessels just under the skin. They are very common, especially as we get older, and can appear on the trunk, arms and – commonly – the face. On the lip, they can look more noticeable, but are usually nothing to worry about. Cherry angiomas are typically smooth, round and red (sometimes purple), and don’t cause any pain. They are not linked to…

Korean prawn fritters with soy, cider vinegar and chilli A quick and easy nibble that’s perfect with pre-dinner drinks. Makes about 30 pieces • Prep 10 mins, plus chilling • Cook 4-6 mins 100g plain flour20g cornflour1tsp salt200g raw, peeled prawns, choppedGood handful flat leaf parsley, chopped2 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped5tbsp vegetable oil For the dipping sauce: 5tbsp soy sauce1tbsp apple cider vinegar1tsp chilli flakes1tbsp sesame oil 1 Whisk the plain flour, cornflour and salt with 200ml water in a bowl to make a fairly runny batter. The consistency should be somewhere between single and double pouring cream. Chill the batter for 1-2 hrs. 2 Mix all the dipping sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside. 3 Heat the oven to 160C Fan. Stir the…

CHEERS! Terra Organica Parcel Series No.3 Ribolla Gialla sparkling wine, £12, Belazu Nocellara olives, £4, Brindisa Picos de Pan breadsticks, £3.75, and Kettle Chips Lightly Salted, £2.65, all Ocado CROWD-PLEASER A tasty twist on prawn toast. These prawn and vegetable dumplings are lightly fried and coated in sesame seeds, served with a zesty soy, ginger and lime dipping sauce. Perfectly moreish. Irresistible Prawn Toast Gyozas with Soy and Lime Dipping Sauce, £5.50, Co-op SEAFOOD STAR Dive into luxury with this seafood showstopper – sweet cold-water prawns and tender Canadian lobster tossed in a tangy and rich Marie Rose sauce. Fresh, indulgent and ready to impress at any Yuletide feast. Lobster Prawn Cocktails, 2-pack, £6.50, Sainsbury’s TEAR AND SHARE A stunning centrepiece that’s almost too pretty to eat! This three-cheese and…

1 TRAVEL SOMEWHERE you’d never DREAMT OF Caroline Helder discovers the unexplored corners of Kazakhstan on an expert-led adventure Is it for a run? That’s the question I was asked every time I mentioned my upcoming trip to Kazakhstan. As someone known for entering races in all corners of the world, I could hardly blame people for asking. But no – this time I simply wanted to find myself somewhere genuinely undiscovered. ‘I found a leafy, modern city with 4.5 million trees’ Kazakhstan isn’t the first place that springs to mind for a holiday. This vast former Soviet republic – the world’s ninth largest country, but with a population not much larger than Holland – sees few tourists. Russian and Kazakh are the main languages, and English is sparse. But…

Happy traditional New Year Everything in nature at this time of year is still tucked away in hibernation, sleeping, resting and gathering energy for the lighter days ahead. For me personally, the Spring Equinox (on 20 March) is my New Year (rather than the traditional one we celebrate now), when everything around us comes back to life. So let this be a little reminder for us to go slowly and ease ourselves into January, rather than allowing all the outside noise to put pressure on us to hit the ground running. We’ll feel so much better for it. On New Year’s Day, Mercury moves into Capricorn, asking us to get organised and ready for the 12 months ahead. This transit enables us to gather our thoughts and get real about…

Discover The Merry Christmas Project, a warm and cosy romance to snuggle up with from Cathy Bramley, bestselling author of Somewhere Only We Know. Christmas has always meant something special to Merry – even without a family of her own. This year, her heart might be broken but her new candle business is booming. Could meeting a stranger bring the joy she hopes for? After all, anything can happen at Christmas. Look out for Cathy’s current novel, Somewhere Only We Know, available at all good bookshops. HOW TO DOWNLOAD For a free ebook (for the first 1,000 readers only), scan the QR code or go to geni.us/OrionWH TERMS AND CONDITIONS This ebook is available to the first 1,000 readers only, and is valid from 4 December 2025, or while stocks…