Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2016 i Woman & Home

That doesn’t mean not caring, it just means learning to love yourself more. It also means celebrating the body you have rather than wanting a body that you don’t. Again, that doesn’t mean not wanting to get fitter or lose a bit of weight, it just means not getting too hung up about it. We thought mindfulness would help, so Claire Irvin – an occasionally stressed out but generally happy woman – put it to the test (p46). She met Vidyamala Burch, a mindfulness expert, who taught her the value of meditating. And by concentrating on the NOW, Claire’s life has become calmer and she celebrates what she has, not what she doesn’t. I’ve just started practising it and we’re about to have a w&h team mindfulness session – more…

THE LONGEST LIFE Intuitively designed with an impressive week’s worth of battery life. Pebble Time Steel, £199.99, Android and Apple OS compatible THE ALL-ROUNDER Fitness tracker, two- day battery and GPS. Sony SmartWatch 3, £229.99, Android compatible THE ONE TO CUSTOMISE A wealth of straps, dials and faces. Motorola Moto 360, £229, Android compatible THE MOST STYLISH Crafted from refined stainless steel (used in Rolex watches). Huawei Watch, £329.99, Huawei Android compatible THE SPORTY SMART WATCH Titanium with a scratch-proof crystal face and water resistant. TAG Heuer Connected, £1,100, Android and Apple OS compatible THE FASHION EDITOR’S CHOICE Slick design and intuitive navigation. Apple Watch Sport OS2, £339, Apple OS compatible THE MAVERICK A unique rotating bezel control and stand-alone operating system, Tizen. Samsung Gear S2, £299.99 w&h For more…

GET IN LINE • Top to toe? Well what could be easier. Mix and match this season’s stripes from the ground up. • Loose can still look luxe; look for easy-on fabrics that give that effortless finish. • Go all out with clashing accessories. Wedged espadrilles will give you an instant lift. PINK LADY • What’s the one colour every woman will be wearing? Pink! • Reinvent those everyday pieces with a more feminine finish. A sleek shirt dress feels far more fashionable in soft pink suede. • Low-key look? Then go overboard on accessories. A cross-body bag will be your new season superhero. WHITE STUFF • Pure and simple. Nothing beats the easy elegance of gleaming white. • Mix up modern shapes with feminine fabrics. The bomber is back…

BEST FOR finding head space: The breathing anchor • Notice the breath in your body. Where do you feel it most? Feel your tummy expanding on the in-breath and subsiding on the out-breath; the breath in your sides and back. Inhabit your body more deeply. Saturate your breath with kindliness as it rocks and cradles your body – soothing stress, pain or discomfort. • Notice your thoughts and emotions, looking “at” them, rather than “from” them. Notice what you’re thinking and feeling without suppressing negative experiences, or getting carried away by the positive. Thoughts are not facts. Notice how they change one moment to the next. • As you follow your breath in and out, use it as an anchor for your mind. Each time your attention wanders,…

Maureen (left) and Dave Wale, both 77, live near Leatherhead in Surrey. Maureen was prescribed the anti-sickness drug Thalidomide in 1961 while pregnant with her first son Martin. Maureen says: I love Call the Midwife and had no idea it was going to cover Thalidomide. I was sitting alone watching the end of the last series and there was a pregnant woman being violently sick. The doctor told her, “We’ve got this wonderful new drug – it’s called Thalidomide.” It turned my stomach. Those words were similar to the ones I’d been told by our GP when I was 24 and pregnant for the first time. Dave and I had been going out since we were 17 and married just before my 21st birthday. When I became pregnant, we were…

It’s easy to fixate on the features we like least – challenging that way of thinking is the crucial first step to break the habit Start on the inside Body hang-ups have surprisingly little to do with what’s on the outside – which is why anyone can have them. (The leggy colleague whose body you covet may simply see her too-flat chest when she checks the mirror.) It’s easy to fixate on the features we like least – if you don’t like your thighs, they can become your only focus when you go clothes shopping or see a photo of yourself – and they also become the feature you compare. Each time you have those thoughts, that neural pathway is strengthened and the habit becomes harder to break. LETTING GO…

Writer Audrey van Petegem, 53, reveals how meeting a stranger on a plane put a renewed spark into her marriage. I was recently on a short flight where I found myself sitting next to a French man. Usually, I have casual chats with my plane neighbour, which either end as quickly as they start or we find some common ground and talk the whole flight. This was different. Before I go any further, I need to say that I have been happily married to the same man for 29 years. But this stranger ignited something that allowed me to see myself in a different way. During the 90-minute flight, there was a definite attraction between us. Here was this man who was flirting with me and making me feel wonderful.…

There’s a new buzzword in dating: selective. Dating apps like Tinder and Happn may be free and instant but sifting through unsuitable profiles is dispiriting. Instead, singles are turning to both exclusive dating apps and upmarket introduction agencies. Here’s the lowdown on where to find a more bespoke offering of potential Mr Rights. SINGLES EVENTS WHAT TO EXPECT Real-life gatherings that don’t entail being glued to your phone. TRY SpeedDater (speeddater.co.uk) organises singles events everywhere from Southampton to Sheffield – and you can choose your desired age range and the event. So if you want someone who can tell a Chardonnay from a Cabernet Sauvignon, go for a wine tasting evening for £29.95. Matchmaking service Elect Club (electclub.co.uk) also operates nationally and hosts events every month – expect a masked…

THE TREND: STRIPES Stripes suit everyone, never date and are an easy way to incorporate colour and print into your wardrobe. The rules are – there are no rules! Do the clash and mix up your stripes – horizontally and vertically, thick and thin. Pull the clash of stripes together with tone-on-tone accessories that match your choice of colours. Vertical stripes on trousers will lengthen your legs. Top, £20, 12-32, Simply Be. Trousers, £42, 8-16, Oasis. Shoes, £54.99, Tamaris. Scarf, £49, Hobbs Namju Go, 47, lives in London with her husband and 12-year-old daughter. Namju rarely wears prints and is looking forward to experimenting with clashing graphic stripes. THE TREND: LACE Forget floaty French lace, this season is all about cutwork – its more structured style lends itself to everyday…

Next time you head to the hairdresser, consider asking for a defined shape if you want your hair to look thicker. “I often see clients who have good hair, but it needs a bit more definition,” says award-winning hairdresser Robert Masciave. “If the hair is fine, create a strong baseline to make it look fuller. Then shape it around the face with layers or a fringe to bring out the best features – cheekbones and jawline.” “My hair’s got a new lease of life”  woman&home reader Abigail Skinner, 43, visited Robert at Metropolis Hairdressing in Kingston upon Thames to reshape her fine, mid-length hair. “I liked my hair, but I felt it was a bit predictable and I’m not sure the shape was doing much for my face. My last…

The link between exercise and improved energy levels is very real. Not just a line trotted out by overenthusiastic fitness instructors, moving more really will boost your jack-in-a-box factor. A University of Georgia study found regular, low-intensity exercise not only increased participants’ energy by 20%, it also decreased fatigue by 65%. The reasons for this are varied. Moderate exercise increases the number of mitochondria, tiny organs that produce energy in the body, in order to provide you with the energy for your activity. So the more you move, the more energy you have (and the more you’ll be inclined to move). Improved oxygen delivery and nutrient-rich blood flow to muscle tissue also means more energy, as does a more efficient cardiovascular system, and let’s not forget about the mood-boosting, energising…

Mr Don McFerran is ENT consultant at Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, Essex and co-author of Living with Tinnitus and Hyperacusis (Sheldon Press). Tinnitus affects one in ten at any one time, but there is a lifetime risk of 30 per cent. We know now it is to do with our brains (auditory processing) rather than our ears and we may all suffer from it a little but not really know it as our brains compensate. Tinnitus can be any sound – from hissing, rushing, buzzing and whistling to musical notes, and even distinct, though indistinguishable speech. Many people say that their tinnitus is loud first thing in the morning as the brain adjusts to being awake, then subsides. Playing neutral, often natural noises such as water,…

Our lungs are full of tiny branching airways, known as bronchi. In bronchiectasis, one (or more) of these bronchi is abnormally widened so more mucus than usual can gather there, increasing the risk of repeated infection. A recent study showed that bronchiectasis is on the rise and is more common in women and among people with higher socioeconomic status, but this could be because of better diagnosis. To relieve bronchiectasis, take care of lungs with exercise, and get vaccinated against pneumonia and flu. Don’t smoke. Physiotherapists can teach exercises to help clear airways of mucus. Handheld devices designed to clear mucus from your lungs via vibrations and air pressure include the flutter device and the Acapella, but are not always available on the NHS, and cost up to £60. You…

I began to feel bored and felt adrift, without a sense of purpose Twelve years ago, I made the difficult decision to hand in my notice as a Steiner school teacher. Although I loved working with children, the relentless workload and long hours – every evening and weekend were spent marking and going over lesson plans – took their toll. I was struggling to cope with the pressure and I knew I had no choice but to quit for the sake of my health. I couldn’t sleep, and I was constantly anxious and run down. My wife and I decided it would be best if we switched roles: she would go into teaching – she had left a previous job when she had our two sons – while I would…

YOUR CHILDREN Teens & uni students FINANCIAL FLASHPOINT You’re always handing out cash to your stroppy teen or your student child who “can’t afford to eat” but still goes out all weekend. DEFUSE IT Set clear ground rules about what you will and will not pay for. Don’t give into pester power, as they won’t learn how to manage money. GOOD MONEY MOVES Pay a fixed amount into their account each month – and no more. Or offer to pay for necessities – the weekly online food shop or their mobile phone contract. They can then earn what else they need. Their tax will be zero or much less than yours. YOU’RE NOT ALONE Three in four parents with children over 18 still have at least one living at home.…

SATURDAY NIGHT TV NIGHT The new burgers Merguez burgers Memories of the South of France and those delicious Moroccan sausages are simply transformed into a burger with a kick from harissa – North African hot chilli pepper paste. Easy/Prepare ahead/Freeze • Ready in 30 minutes plus chilling • Serves 4 500g minced lamb (20% fat) 1 garlic clove, crushed 1tsp each sea salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, paprika 3tbsp harissa paste TO SERVE burger buns, mayo mixed with harissa, rocket and sliced tomatoes 1 Mix together all the ingredients with your hands (use disposable or new rubber gloves), and form into 4 burgers. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. 2 Heat the oven to 200C, gas 6. Put the burgers on an oiled baking tray and cook for 20 minutes…

“While the extension was being built and there were no bathrooms, I relied on neighbours and the gym, so factor that in to your build” COMPLEMENTARY COLOURS Kerry’s choice of neutral tiles, white worktops and pale walls reflects the light. MULTIPURPOSE SPACE The large extension has been divided into kitchen, eating and relaxing areas so that all the family can spend time together while being able to do everything from homework to watching television. The matt grey kitchen units by Dutch maker Keller ( lwk-home.com ) are teamed with a Corian worktop by dupont.co.uk BUILT-IN STORAGE Realising they weren’t going to get exactly what they wanted in terms of storage unless they went bespoke, Kerry found local cabinet maker John Halifax, to keep the new extension…

You want a weekend break... IN THE COUNTRY 1 Wilderness Reserve, Suffolk WHY? The historic East Anglian countryside has everything from stately homes (such as the 15th-century manor house Otley Hall) to steam railways, nature reserves and gardens (such as Ickworth). The lovely town of Aldeburgh hosts an annual Festival of the Music and the Arts in June, and Southwold is a charming coastal town (dubbed London-on-Sea), with fishermen’s cottages, Georgian houses, a lighthouse you can visit and a pier dating from 1900. It was restored in 2001 and is now lined with cafés and small boutiques. Art lovers should head to Flatford Mill, once owned by the painter Constable’s father – walk around Dedham Vale to see some of the iconic places Constable painted. STAY At Wilderness Reserve, a…

PATTERN PERFECT Ideal for black and white photographs. £18, houseoffraser.co.uk AB FAB FOOTWEAR Nothing beats a show-stopping pair of heels. £275, lkbennett.com COMFORT & JOY Liven up a plain sofa with striking mono cushions. Chevron, £32, oliverbonas. com ; alphabet, £10 each, next.co.uk CHIC STYLE  Try classic musky rose Narciso Rodriguez Narciso EDT, £51, johnlewis.com HOLD ON  Start the new season with a must-have bag. Left: £235, kurtgeiger.com. Below: £395, uk.longchamp.com JUST ADD FLOWERS  An unusual finish and a great design on this on-trend vase. £30, amara.com SULTRY SCENT Go over to the dark side with gorgeous fragranced candle. Amber Aoud, £125, rojadove.com DESIGNER DINING Make a statement at your next dinner party. Set of four silhouette…

When I got married and I was wearing the white basque, garter and stockings everyone seems to put on under their wedding dress, my mother said I should have my photograph taken wearing this get-up, as she said, “You’ll never look as good as you do today.” I declined on the basis that I felt at some point I would look better. I never did, never have and never will! I could kick myself and now, as I tell my own daughter… your mother is always right! I have spent my whole life waiting to “look better”, well, more specifically look slimmer! Even when I was 21 and under eight stone, I still felt my bum looked big. And now at 46 my bum really, and I mean really does…

THE DENIM SKIRT Make it A-line and mid calf. SHOULDERS  become the new erogenous zone. Prep first with Origins Incredible Spreadable Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub, £25, and slather on Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Body Lotion, £2.65. GRAPHIC STRIPES Go top to toe – the bolder the better! THE NEW SHOE SHAPES Mules and lace-ups – so easy! STATEMENT JEWELLERY THE BOHO BLOUSE The prairie top – your new style staple works with every jean shape. Blouse, £14; shorts, £14, both 8-18, F&F LOOK-AT-ME EARRINGS AND BROOCHES If they’re not oversized we’re not interested! RETURN OF THE LOGO Flash your favourite fashion house at every opportunity. JACKETS It’s definitely the year of the jacket. Silky bombers, leather bikers, denim or suede – there’s never been more choice. POSTCARD PRINTS Nothing brings…

“Getting a puppy has made such a difference to my life – it’s been like having a child” Vera star, Brenda Blethyn, 69, is married to art director Michael Mayhew and lives in Ramsgate, Kent. I like to treat myself with a massage or some reflexology, but I don’t do it enough. I love the sensation of being pampered, so much so that I often fall asleep when I’m having my make-up done for TV! It’s that feeling that it’s just for you and nobody else. I used to get the same feeling at school when I’d take my sewing out to the nun to see if I’d done it right. She’d say, “Well then Brenda, let me see here, it would be much better if you had…

Mum is the person who has been with me through all of this. I was 20 when I got ill and at that age, you don’t have many people in your life who can really help. My friends were focused on going out and having fun. They were talking about who did what at a party, and I was worried about whether I’d ever have the energy to walk down the street again. There was such a disconnect, it was pretty isolating. Mum was there 24/7. She came to every single appointment and when specialists were suggesting it was psychological, she was the only person who was totally with me. The fact that she didn’t panic really helped too. Mum’s naturally a very chilled person and how she coped and…

I carefully align the bathroom towels and the shower bottles into a neat row I may be approaching my fifth decade on this earth but I still like to think of myself as an adventurer, a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of woman – happy to jump on a plane at a moment’s notice and live in another continent on a whim. These are things I have done… but not in the past decade. I want to believe that my swaggering attitude is matched by my laid-back aura – I am a woman who understands the meaning of cool, calm and relaxed. Yet the inconvenient truth is that, underneath this apparently carefree attitude, there are so many little things in life I just cannot let go of. Yes, I admit it, I’m a…

Frank and I met at a party when we were both 25. He was warm, fit, handsome, well read – and, it turned out, we both loved running. When he asked if I wanted to join him for a jog one evening after work, I was thrilled… until he turned up late. “I went to the wrong building,” said Frank. He looked great in black running shorts, but was already out of breath – not exactly a brilliant first impression. “Where were you?” I asked, puzzled. Frank named a street three blocks away. I grimaced. He laughed. Then we went for a run. As the sun set over the river, we stopped to look at the way the water seemed to hold the moon. I was an aspiring writer, Frank…

Want to be the one to pop the question on 29th February? w&h online editor Kelly Bowerbank, 33, tells how she did just that. Simon and I were living together and had often talked about marriage over the years. But would I have the nerve to take the plunge and propose? In February 2012, I decided to go for it, because why shouldn’t the woman do the asking? First, I created an elaborate story to get Simon to the flat we were in the process of buying – I wanted it to be somewhere that represented our future together. Once outside, hands shaking, I took a bottle of Champagne and bag of Haribo rings (in place of an engagement ring) from my bag and asked, “Will you marry me?” Then…

CHECK OUT… Marina Rinaldi’s Fun Japan Project, a new collaboration with designer Tsumori Chisato. The collection is a mix of bold colours and quirky prints. Skirt, price upon request, 14-46. FOR BIGGER BUSTS Give your best assets the prettiest support they deserve with Tutti Rouge’s new SS16 collection. Specialising in bras from 28-38 D-HH cups and briefs up to xxl, inject some fun into your lingerie. Fifi bra, £34.50; briefs, £19.50, tuttirouge.com HAVE YOU HEARD? Evans is launching a new sportswear range. In sizes 14-32 and starting from just £18, it means you can break a sweat in style and at an affordable price. Top, £18; bottoms, £20. Find more fashion for your shape at womanandhome.com/fashion…

BLUE EYES A flash of blue worn close to the lashes suits a nude lip and peachy pink cheeks. MAKE SURE YOU Think pretty, shimmering eyes. Gradually build up colour, keeping it close to lashes and smudge into skin to make it flattering. Even just a hint smudged along the lashline in a cobalt blue feels upbeat. Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Cressida, £21 (1), an easy sheer wash; MAC Satin Eye Shadow in Electric Eel, £13 (2), a vibrant blue – smudge into the lashline; Chanel Illusion D’Ombre Eyeshadow in Griffith Green, £25 (3), layers beautifully on skin; Lancôme Hypnôse Khôl Waterproof Limited Edition in 10, £19 (4), an azure liner for accents. STYLE WITH A vibrant contrasting statement pastel nail such as Dior Vernis Nail Polish in Lilac,…

Pooped, whacked out or exhausted, whatever you call it, feeling tired is something most of us live with day in, day out. It’s reckoned – according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists – that one in five of us feels unusually tired, and one in ten has prolonged fatigue. And you thought it was just you. More and more of us are pitching up at our healthcare practitioners with tiredness on the radar, but often it’s not one major cause, but a series of lifestyle glitches that come together to create that signature tired-all-the-time feeling. “I always do blood tests to rule out anaemia or thyroid problems,” says Dr Marilyn Glenville, “but it’s usual for these to come back as normal.” So what’s bringing us down and how do we…

Green tea is a good choice for a pre-workout energy boost, as not only does its caffeine help you go further for longer, it also contains catechins, which may accelerate the fat-burning effects of your workout. Hydration is a key part of staying on top of your game before and after exercise sessions. Rehydrating continuously is way better than waiting until dehydration’s set in. A good rule of thumb is to check if your urine is clear – this is a sign you’re adequately hydrated. Combining protein and carbs is the best way to use food to maximise energy levels. A poached egg on wholemeal toast or yogurt with a little cereal should provide you with sufficient exercise fuel without leaving you with a blood sugar crash. Timing is key…

Given that fibre isn’t exactly the sexiest “ingredient”, and that an increasing number of us are turning to gluten-free diets, perhaps it’s no shock that most people in the UK get about 14g a day when we should actually be aiming for at least 30g! Luckily, once you know where to find it, getting enough fibre isn’t that hard. WHY DO WE NEED IT? There is strong evidence that eating a diet rich in fibre is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes and bowel cancer. There are two different types of fibre – soluble and insoluble. Each type helps your body in different ways… Soluble fibre, as the name suggests, can be digested by your body. It may help to reduce the amount of cholesterol…

I’d be the first to admit that GP services are far from perfect. Like many parts of the NHS, there can be long waits to get an appointment, and when you finally do get into the consulting room, you leave with a sense of being short- changed, and not getting what you wanted. There is no magic solution, but there are some tips that I can give. The surgery says there are no appointments available, unless I ring back at 2pm, when I’m in a meeting. How on earth do I get to see my GP? GPs now have a set of rules they have to follow about appointments. Some are available for advance booking, but quite a lot have to be reserved for availability “on the day”, and in…

I was so ill I was told later that I was hours from death Actress Jeane Trend-Hill, 49, is divorced and lives in north London. I have never smoked, drink little alcohol and do regular exercise. And I certainly thought illnesses like pneumonia only happened to older people. So when I fell ill with flu that just didn’t get better, in November 2012, I wasn’t surprised that my GP diagnosed an upper respiratory infection and prescribed antibiotics. But a couple of days later, a friend found me having difficulty breathing. My breathing was very shallow; I felt as though no air was getting into my lungs. I could hardly walk without becoming short of breath, and so, desperately worried, she called an ambulance. At hospital in Basildon, Essex, where I…

Andrew Marshall, author of I Love You but I’m Not in Love With You: Seven Steps to Saving your Relationship (Bloomsbury), and one of the UK’s best-known marital therapists, says rows about money are not always about money itself. Money can symbolise freedom, control, power, status, respect, success or self-worth. To discover each other’s attitude to money, tell a story from your childhood. If, for example, as a young boy he found 50p and gave it to his hard-up mum for the shopping, that could explain his careful attitude today. One of you might want to save for old age; the other to spend today because you might not live until you’re 85. Both views are valid. But financial rows are like see-saws – the harder…

What’s your favourite wine? It’s a question I get asked on a very regular basis. My reply is never definitive because the best bottle depends of course on a number of variables: the mood I’m in, the company I’m keeping, the food on the table and, most importantly of all, who’s going to be footing the bill? People who don’t know me assume that I only drink expensive wines. I do buy more pricey wine than I should (I just can’t resist), but most often I’m working to the same budget as you are. The wines that end up on my dining room table rarely cost more than £10. This rules out some wine styles – Barolo, red Burgundy and Champagne for example – but it leaves the door open…

Hot colours Green is key, teamed with vibrant yellow and gold, and palm leaves are everywhere. There’s only one wood to use – teak. Add fun accessories such as parrots and monkeys. Curtain fabric in Manila, £55 per m, Sanderson. Armchairs, from £580 each, sofa.com. Cushions: tulip, £19.99, Zara Home; toucan, £7, George Home; leaf, £12, Matalan. Nest of 3 tables, £537; storage cubes, £149 each, all Raft. Parrots, £79.50 each; green vase, £28, all Rockett St George. Coffee table, £299.99 for a set of 2, Dunelm. Green woven bowl, £20; lime bowl, £20; saffron plant pot, £40, all Habitat. Cups, £34 each; saucers, £20 each, all Villeroy & Boch. Wooden monkeys, £12 for 3, George Home. Jug, £42, OKA. Rug, £278, Crucial Trading Ethnic chic You may have bought…

Diet & health Lose weight for good with the new sirtfood diet Fashion Be the first to see the SS16 trends we’ll all be wearing by Easter Recipes Cooking for two? Wow him with a recipe from our special Valentine’s Day menu Hair & beauty Fed up with your fine hair? Best volume-boosting cuts News & entertainment Who won best dressed? See the red carpet images from this year’s BAFTAs To join our online book club, go to facebook.com/groups/whreadingroom Pauline Collins posts: “Think this is going to be a great book.” @Mrs_Fox: Just read @DarceyBussell_ feature in @womanandhome mag. So inspirational, new woman crush! Like our home editor’s Valentine manicure? Share pictures of yours @womanandhome #YOURSAY Share your thoughts with us via w&h social media. Find us at……

THIS MONTH’S HOT READS CURL UP WITH The Ballroom by Anna Hope (Doubleday) 1911. A remote asylum; a troubled doctor with a musical gift; a love affair between two patients, which is as passionate as it is doomed. A terrifying, moving and uplifting story that had me glued to its pages. PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER The Woman who Ran by Sam Baker (Harper) A mysterious new tenant at Wildfell Hall provokes interest in the local village. Who is Helen Graham? What is she running from? Tension, terror and plenty of twists give this thriller unstoppable momentum. HAUNTING STORY The Stopped Heart by Julie Myerson (Cape) A red-haired stranger insinuates his way into a family, with devastating results. 150 years later, Mary and Graham move into the…

Five-star European river cruises Eight days from £1,099pp; 14 days from £1,699pp Few ships can match the luxury and elegance of our five-star vessels on the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Rhône or Seine. Selected departures April-November 2016; price includes: • Return rail* and Eurostar, or flights, taxes and transfers • Five-star cabins with hotel-standard beds, private bathrooms and river views • Exceptional cuisine with full-board throughout • Extensive and fully inclusive touring programmes Bruges by Eurostar Four days from £249 per person Selected departures March-November 2016; price includes: • Eurostar and return rail from most mainline stations*, taxes and transfers • Three nights in a three- or four-star hotel • Guided walking tour of Bruges, plus visits to a chocolatier, the historic city of Ypres and First World War battlefields…

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Star sign of the month PISCES 20 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH A solar eclipse in your sign opens up a new and welcome pathway, and in sudden and surprising ways. You may also have to accept that something has gone past its sell-by date, and probably on or near the 6th. For your weekly update, call 09058-170552* THE MONTHS AHEAD  There is no time like the present. If you want something badly enough you’ve got to go for it in these next six months. Be focused; be ruthless. To hear a detailed breakdown of the next few months, phone Penny on 09058-170101* ARIES 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL This is a month of realities and reckonings. One of your projects is taking you in the wrong direction and requires abandoning…

What can we expect from your first ever UK tour? It’s not simply me going out on stage, doing a scone recipe, then clearing off again – it involves cars, food and I’m bringing some mates along too. There’s not going to be another one, so it’s got to be special for everybody, including myself. What’s your earliest cooking memory? My passion comes from my family who were pig farmers, but my best early memories are from when I was a young kid in London working with some of the greatest chefs in the world. I had no money and I remember working in the pastry section, clearing down the benches and sleeping with a bag of flour to rest my head on. That training has made me who I…

TOTES LUXE It’s time to upgrade that shopping bag and we’re coveting former Louis Vuitton print designer Helen Bullock’s bold designs on canvas with hand-stitched leather handles. £100, helenbullock.com BEST-DRESSED GUEST Phase Eight has launched No. 8, a capsule collection of premium tailored occasionwear with coordinating dresses and jackets. It’s ideal for wedding guests and mothers of the bride. From £199-£299, selected stores and phase-eight.com TAG TEAM  Clarks has teamed up with the V&A for a Sixties-style collection with prints inspired by the museum’s archive. We love the seriously wearable heel height. Floral and Mary Jane style, both £85, selected stores and clarks.co.uk EASE INTO SPRING Want to inject some spring colour into your wardrobe? Head to Boden for stylish denim, sunshine colours and chic accessories. Coat, £199; top, £69.50;…

“Now I get what the kindly breath is all about. It’s about celebrating what I have, not what I don’t have” 3 reasons to learn • Mindfulness will help you appreciate the good things in life, as you learn to notice beauty in the world around you and to love yourself and others more. • It’s not about having an empty mind – it’s about cultivating awareness of what is happening physically, mentally and emotionally, so you can change your perspective. • It will help you feel less stressed, freeing up time and energy as you become more focused and clear-headed. Like most of you, I’ve heard the buzz about mindfulness. I know it’s meant to be the key to a happier, more Zen life, but when mindfulness guru Vidyamala…

People always say, “You wouldn’t want written on your gravestone ‘I wish I’d worked harder’.” But if I’m honest, I think I would! I’m definitely very driven. I’m not particularly ambitious though; I’m just passionate about what I do. I genuinely believe if you’re not passionate about your job, find another job or something else in your life that you’re passionate about. Now in her 15th year as BAFTA’s chief executive, Amanda Berry oversees all aspects of the charity devoted to the “art form of the moving image” including its film awards, which this year will be held on 14 February. Raised in Richmond, North Yorkshire, Amanda abandoned her course in business studies and graphic design at Newcastle Polytechnic to move to London to work for a theatrical agency, where…

“I need parenting lessons, so my son tells me” When I venture out to work; filming a programme for the BBC; maybe a meeting; hosting an awards ceremony or a charity conference, I am ultra professional, sunny and smiling; even if I say so myself. But all is not what I seem. Behind the smile lurks a very dark secret. I lug it around with me everywhere I go. I am a rubbish mum. I also need parenting lessons. And anger management. Or so my 16-year-old son tells me. It happens when a small request, such as me saying “Can you please bring your washing down” escalates into a massive disagreement: “I will bring it down; just leave me alone.” “I’ve been asking you all week; you’ll run out of…

MY FRIEND IN NEED “She was the one I called when my marriage was ending” Jacqui Macdonald and Sarah Clune are both 43 and live in Ascot, Berkshire. Jacqui, who runs a coaching company called Goddess School, is divorced with two children aged ten and 11, and has been with her partner, Paul, for three years. Sarah, an events organiser, has a ten-year-old daughter from a previous relationship and is about to get married for the first time. JACQUI SAYS: “My marriage entered a difficult patch. When, very sadly, I finally had to accept it had broken down, it was the worst time of my life. It was just horrible and it was Sarah who helped me. She was the only one who really knew what I was going through…

“Imagine my horror when the first face to pop up on the screen was my 43-year-old brother!” I recently moved back to my home town, Clitheroe in Lancashire, 41 and single. I’d had a couple of long-term relationships in London but after the last one ended, I was ready to leave the Big Smoke for the rural Ribble Valley where family and friends still live and I could afford to buy on my own. Though I was happy being single, I still hoped to meet the right man and assumed the normal dating procedure would apply – go “up town” on Saturday night and perhaps meet someone in The Dog. In other words, old-fashioned dating. So, imagine my surprise when I discovered that the single folk of Clitheroe were actually…

“Fifty. It’s daunting. It’s a big number, especially for women” ON TURNING 50… I’m happy, I love my life, but I don’t like birthdays. My husband [businessman Rande Gerber] always wants to plan things for my birthday, but we always end up cancelling and having dinner at home with the kids, and I’ll do baked potatoes and caviar. The build-up is worse than the reality. That’s what I found at 40. Now it’s finally happening and then it will be over and I will be 50. I will feel the same; I feel great. But it’s daunting. It’s a big number, especially for women. You can’t pretend you’re a girl any more. You might feel girlie inside, but you hopefully are kinda like, this is who I am with my…

“Pinch along your browline for the best natural eyelift. A deep tissue massage for your face is the best anti-ageing weapon there is”Joanna Czech, celebrity facialist THE BODY IS LOVING If I’m going to soak for 20 mins plus, it’s got to be worthwhile. A 1kg box of Epsom Salts, around £4.50 from pharmacies, makes a great detox soak; or try Ameliorate Skin Softening Bathing Powder Soak, £23.50 , with sweet almond oil, to moisturise, soften and comfort dry skin. TRY A NEW TRICK with under-eye masks, which can also be used on the nasolabial lines (they run down the face from the sides of your nose to your mouth) to help plump out fine lines. Love it! Try these “express delivery” high-tech…

“The look of the moment: relaxed and easy hair the way real women wear it” Redken Ambassador Guido Palau Put away those hair extensions and lighten up on styling products – right now, big occasion hair is as easy as it gets. OK, so you’ve a great new dress, killer heels and a fab pair of earrings. Well, style today dictates the last thing you want is mega hair to match. “It’s a big mistake to spend too much time creating ‘a look’. You lose the magic, the freshness and allure,” says Ken O’Rourke, the man every A-lister gets to do their hair when it matters, and the new ambassador for Charles Worthington. “It’s all about confidence. Work with what you’ve got, without overplaying it. Think of this kind of…

B12 and folate deficiency affect 1 in 20 people aged 65 to 74 Vits and minerals you need IRON The number-one dietary cause of unexplained tiredness is low iron stores in the blood, a condition that affects one in four women in the UK. Iron is needed for the manufacture of red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body, and without enough oxygen, cells are unable to produce energy. Women with heavy periods are at greatest risk of iron deficiency. Iron from food is not well absorbed by the body and the ability to absorb it varies from one person to another. Eat these Lean red meat, liver, fortified breakfast cereals, beans and pulses, kale. VITAMIN B12 deficiency is another cause of fatigue. It’s present in meat, fish and…

When it comes to day-to-day energy- boosting, low-to-moderate intensity wins hands down. Longer, higher intensity workouts may leave you feeling energised initially but there’s a good chance you’ll feel depleted later on. A lower intensity workout is unlikely to have that effect. WALKING can be your first port of call when it comes to energy boosting. A briskness of pace will help transport oxygen to your muscles more efficiently and get your heart pumping. Aim for at least 15 minutes to see results – a study by California State University found the more people walked each day, the more energetic they felt, along with improved mood. Vary your walking workout depending on how you feel on the day and include a few flights of stairs or hills. Sign up for…

Joy, 55, who works in occupational therapy for the NHS, lives in Chesterfield with her husband David. The onset of my tinnitus was sudden; I woke up one morning in January 2013 and all I could register was a loud hissing in my ears. It was horrible. I was desperate to turn it off, and went to see my GP. She didn’t know what the cause was, but as I had been swimming a lot in previous weeks, the suspected diagnosis was an ear infection, and I was given antibiotics. The noise was terrible; it was continuous and seemed to be escalating. The effect on both David and me was awful. I was becoming more and more anxious, and that made me snappy. I was so tense that David says…

Q I’ve read that bleeding gums can increase the risk of heart disease. Is this true and, if so, why? A Bleeding from gums indicates that they are inflamed, due to build up of bacteria at the base of your teeth. If left untreated, your gums will gradually recede away from your teeth, leaving pockets that can be very difficult to clean. Not only that, but the toxins from the bacteria can travel around the circulation, and cause inflammation in other blood vessels including the coronaries, the blood vessels supplying the heart. There is increasing evidence that people with severe gum disease are more at risk of having narrowed coronary arteries, increasing the risk of a heart attack. If your gums are bleeding, see your dentist for a really good…

IN SEASON In the dark days of February, there’s still fruit and veg to cheer the soul! Forced rhubarb, grown in the famous Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle, is perfect for a cold- day crumble. Seville oranges are coming to an end, but freeze well if you want to make marmalade. Kale, leeks, sprouts and purple-sprouting broccoli will keep vitamin levels up. Don’t forget clams, oysters and mussels, which are excellent right now and, being high in zinc, will boost your immune system. MIDWEEK SOLUTIONS Too frantic midweek to enjoy a home-cooked meal together? Or in need of some inspiration to get you out of your recipe rut? We’ve teamed up with Hello Fresh, the menu delivery service. They deliver all the ingredients you need (choose from two to four servings), plus…

SOFT TOUCH Velvet is back with a vengeance and it’s perfect for upholstery and cushions. It has a wonderful feel and this deep orange colour is stunning – the ideal partner to industrial grey. Eva large sofa in Fox, £2,175; other items; all neptune.com MINERAL MAGIC Slices of agate were hung from the ceiling at one of the interior design shows this season – they are so now! They look amazing on a coffee table, too. Gilded Agate coasters, £98 for 4, anthropologie.com/uk MOLTEN METAL Metals are still trending, with rose gold the latest to appear on accessories, including this gorgeous light. Rose gold dimpled glass pendant, £99, barkerandstone house.co.uk POP YOUR CORK Cork is enjoying a comeback – find it on everything from flooring…

“The golden rule: what comes in must get worn. If you’re never going to wear it, get rid of it!” “ALLOW LOTS OF TIME” JULIA DEE runs thewardrobecurator.co.uk , offering a service of decluttering clients’ wardrobes, advising on storage – including offering a range of products – plus altering, remodelling and repairing clothes. • Wardrobes are emotional spaces because they’re filled with memories. They are personal to you and also reflect your changing shape and age, and the fashions you grew up with. You need to be feeling quite strong to make changes. • It’s going to take time. Set aside a weekend and prepare yourself for a military operation. Send the kids to your parents or friends. Switch off your mobile phone. Don’t organise anything else,…

Female police officers can be subjected to violence daily Sarah Lancashire, 51, has a 12-year-old son with her second husband, the TV producer Peter Salmon, and two grown-up children from her first marriage. She lives in London. The success of Happy Valley’s first series took me by surprise. You can see when a script is good, but you don’t know how it’s going to be shot, how it’s going to look or what the editors will do with it. You can see the final product and say, “That’s so far removed from what I thought it would be.” But when I saw the first episode, I thought it was terrific. A lot is said about the violence towards women in the show, but you have to…

Marian was born in Limerick, the eldest of five children to an accountant father and a mother who worked in the civil service. She started writing short stories in 1993, and her first novel, Watermelon , was published in 1995. Since then she has written 11 more bestselling novels, including The Woman Who Stole My Life and The Mystery of Mercy Close , and three works of non-fiction. Her new book, Making It Up As I Go Along , is packed with her hilarious, sharp-eyed observations on life, love and everything else. She lives with her husband, Tony Baines, in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland. I was born on 10th September, so I’m burdened by being a Virgo. I…

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MAKE TIME FOR WHAT MATTERS EASTER CELEBRATIONS New spring recipes – perfect for a get-together PLUS Style ideas and fun decorations THE ULTIMATE ACCESSORY EDIT Bags and shoes buy guide THE 7 PIECES OF MAKE-UP EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN Your capsule beauty bag for day BE A MINDFUL EATER Drop a dress size without even trying! YOUR SUMMER HOME FROM HOME The 15 best Med villas to rent from £500 a week PLUS FREE L’OCCITANE BEAUTY GIFT FOR EVERY READER * NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Get woman&home delivered to your door – see page 132 or go to magazinesdirect.com W&H BONUS INDULGE YOURSELF! Our new favourite chocolate recipes *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY…