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IT’S TIME TO LOOK
IN THE RIGHT PLACE Your guide to
what’s on this year
EASY RECIPES
Weeknight classics FEBRUARY
with a twist 2024

Cardigan, £35.99,
sizes s-xl, zara.com
Personalised journal,
£29, papier.com
Card holder, £12.50,
carolinegardner.com
Marble-effect side tables,
£45, primark.com
COMPILED BY: BECKY JOINER-O’RIORDAN.
PHOTO: DAN KENNEDY
PS Have you bagged a case of wine yet? Join our woman&home Wine Club, in partnership
with Naked Wines. It’s an offer not to be missed! Turn to page 104 to find out more.
Bag, £39.50,
hello
marksandspencer.com
Earrings, £8,
claires.com
Editor’s
LUXE
FOR LESS
Dress, £39.99,
sizes xs-l,
lindex.com
Have you made any
New Year’s resolutions?
Every year I think about
what I’d like to change,
what I could do to make
a tangible difference.
Yet, every year I get
to February, when the
seemingly relentlessly
cold and wet days set
in and the next break (Easter) seems like a lifetime
away, and I lose my motivation – the duvet looking
far more appealing than that gym membership
I took out with gusto and well-meant intention… Shoes,
Not this year! No gym membership for me, no £45.99,
pressure to be something I can never be, and just zara.com
more time with family and friends. The people that
keep our lives fun and full of joy. I listened to our cover
star Susanna Reid (page 18), who spoke passionately
about how important her time is with her children,
and how in her 50s, she feels more confident and
resilient. In a world where we are exposed to so
much, how lovely to have such a positive outlook. Nail Paint in
She says, ‘I look at the opportunity in front of me Peony Blush, £8,
right now that I can take or not take. When you palettelondon.com
build day by day, that’s how you achieve things.
Rather than have a goal that is six months away…’
Wise words indeed.
HANNAH FERNANDO
Group editor, woman&home
hannah.fernando@futurenet.com
 MEET OUR
CONTRIBUTORS
JILL MANSELL has
written over 20 Sunday
Times bestsellers and
sold over 13 million
copies worldwide. On
page 175, she shares
some books that have
changed her life.
What is your
favourite, or most evocative, smell?
Ooh, that old-fashioned lipstick
scent, the one I remember from
trying on my mum’s as a child. It’s
a classic rose/violet combination
and only Dolce & Gabbana still use
it. They’re pricey lipsticks, so instead
of wearing it, I just breathe it in!
Bestselling thriller
writer HEIDI PERKS
is a Richard and Judy
book club-selected
author. Her six novels
have sold more
than 500,000 copies.
She tells us how she
writes on page 171.
What is your favourite, or most
evocative, smell?
It’s a toss-up between strong coffee
and Nivea After Sun Lotion. I’m going
with the latter, which I’ve used for
years, because as soon as the smell
hits, it brings back happy memories
of sunny holidays by the sea.
Malaysian-born debut
author VANESSA
CHAN explains how
her family’s experiences
inspired her novel
The Storm We Made,
on page 173, which has
been translated into
over 20 languages.
What is your favourite, or most
evocative, smell?
The aroma of the air after it storms in
a humid place like Malaysia – I think
the word is petrichor. It’s like cool, fresh
air mixed with damp earth, and feels
very renewing. It’s a great reminder
that everything is temporary.
4 womanandhome.com
Staff emails: firstname.surname@futurenet.com
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I’m reading w&h at the LETTER
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GREAT RECIPE
As my favourite tipple is a gin and tonic,
I could not resist having a go at making
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[September 2023]. As I made it near my
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HAIR HELP
Thank you for your best hair ever article
[October 2023]. Just to add, for thinning
hair, consider tape extensions – I tried
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A woman with alopecia next to me was
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WE ASKED
What’s your
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THANK YOU, NADIYA
I’d like to thank Nadiya Hussain for
such a positive approach to enjoying
different cultures [November 2023].
I once visited a blended family who
had a Christmas tree in their sitting
room alongside a bunch of balloons
with treats for Eid al-Fitr. If everyone
were as broad-minded as that, our
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who longs for a famous ancestor but
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womanandhome.com 7

W&H
IN THIS ISSUE
26Enjoying
the single
Great reads
7 Join the conversation! Have your say
18 ON THE COVER Susanna Reid Our cover
star on ageing with grace, her new
life look and gaining confidence
25 ON THE COVER Midlife love It’s time to
look in the right place, says Kathy Lette
26 All the single ladies These famous
women explain why they don’t need
a relationship to feel complete
30 Happily ever after As Valentine’s Day
approaches, we look back at some
of the most fairy-tale royal weddings
32 Let’s have an adventure Meet five
women who took on a challenge
36 All you need is love Overcoming the
obstacles to find that special someone
40 I refuse to stay in the past We chat
to television host Tess Daly
42 My son died helping others A couple
ON THE COVER:
SUSANNA REID pledge to continue their son’s heroic
PHOTO: DAN KENNEDY.
STYLING: NICOLA ROSE. aid work in war-torn Ukraine
HAIR: DINO PEREIRA, USING FUDGE.
MAKE-UP: HEATHER MARNIE.
45 I think my friend has an alcohol
DRESS: ROTATE BIRGER
CHRISTENSEN.
problem – how can I help her?
BRACELETS: SUSANNA’S OWN Expert advice from Anna Richardson
8 womanandhome.com
Cover star
Susanna Reid
73
Achieve
a glowing
complexion
46 ON THE COVER Are you a perfectionist?
Or a positive striver? Take our quiz
48 It might come in handy Facing a
man-sized obstacle to decluttering
50 Boost your money mindset Now is
a good time to sort out your finances
55 The Australian outback was a great
adventure Actor Jenny Agutter
56 What it’s like to be a personal trainer
One woman is changing stereotypes
and helping others hit their goals
185 Your stars February horoscopes
186 The royal report News from royal
biographer Emily Andrews
Fashion
11 Smart shopping Modern tailoring
17 It’s all about you! Street style
59 ON THE COVER Luxury loungewear
To wear everywhere! From classic
pyjamas to silk wraps and sportswear
70 The denim skirt is a style staple Your cold-weather
How to find the perfect denim maxi wardrobe awaits

116
Warming desserts
for cold days
Beauty
13 Treat yourself! Scented home
73 ON THE COVER Flawless skin 23 wonder
buys to refresh, renew and repair
80 ON THE COVER Do collagen supplements
really make you look younger? Our
beauty editor Stephanie Maylor
investigates the effects
83 Hair made easy Nicola Clarke shares
her tips, tricks and hero products
Health
85 ON THE COVER 25 ways to slim
without trying! Expert advice
88 ON THE COVER Find your spark again
Discover ways to help you thrive
92 Health news Buys, tips and advice
95 What happens when… You need the
loo in the night? Work out the cause
*TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY
96 Your health With GP Dr Pixie McKenna
98 Winter health tricks that really work
The small tweaks that make a big
difference to staying well in the cold
100 Falling off the diet wagon isn’t a
disaster Change your mindset over
new year health and fitness goals
123
Perfect colour
combinations
Food
105 Easy like Sunday Delicious roasts
to enjoy on cosy weekends
110 ON THE COVER Simple recipes
Weeknight classics with a twist
116 Three comforting puddings A
crumble, a brownie and a sponge
120 Food edit Our food director shares
what’s new in food and drink
Home
15 House to home Fresh start
123 Colour confidence Find the perfect
palette for your next home makeover
130 Country escape A spacious family
home, plus how you can get the look
136 Ten bathroom updates Big and small
changes to make a difference
Travel
141 ON THE COVER w&h travel special Get
packing! 24 fabulous trips for 2024
– from bucket-list adventures to
British boltholes, plus brilliant offers
to save you thousands
travel
W&H
Time for you
170 Book club This month’s top picks,
plus Heidi Perks’ writing secrets
173 In conversation with Vanessa Chan
Why Malaysia inspires the author
175 Take five Author Jill Mansell on some
of the books that changed her life
176 Good to know Great entertainment
178 ON THE COVER Book it now! Your
guide to what’s on this year
180 Puzzle break! Brain-teasers
Offers
54 Beauty to your door! Beauty Box deal*
58 ON THE COVER 20% off Elemis
skincare* Innovative British products
72 ON THE COVER 33% off a Molton
Brown set* Bath and body products
94 Lose weight in 2024 with Jane Plan
Healthy meals delivered to your door*
104 woman&home Wine Club Our
fantastic offer with Naked Wines*
SUBSCRIBE
TO W&H
Find our fantastic offer
just for you this month at
womanandhome.com/feb24
womanandhome.com 9
 W&H UPDATE

MODERN
TAILORING

Sleeveless
jumper, £65,
one size,
stories.com

Trench coat,
£89, sizes xs-xl,
weekday.com

Shirt, £29.99, sizes

xs-xl, zara.com
3.1 PHILLIP LIM
COMPILED BY: BECKY JOINER-O’RIORDAN. PHOTO: GETTY

Watch, £49.99,
sekonda.com

Bag, £35, Skirt, £87, sizes xs-l,

riverisland.com arket.com

Earrings, £39.99,
hsamuel.co.uk

Leather boots, £79.99, shop.mango.com Belt, £25, marksandspencer.com

womanandhome.com 11
 W&H UPDATE

H&M cork-lid
scented candles,
£3.99 each, hm.com
SCENTED
HOME

Granado Gardênia scented Ortigia Sicilia Aragona

candle, £32, granado.uk decorated candle, £38,
ortigiasicilia.com

To The Fairest Élan Vital

scented candle, £45,
tothefairest.com

Molton Brown Re-Charge Black

Pepper signature candle, £42,
moltonbrown.co.uk
Oribe Valley of Flowers candle,
Soapsmith £75, cultbeauty.co.uk
Whitechapel
scented reed
diffuser, £25,
soapsmith.com
COMPILED BY: JESS BEECH

Space NK Balearic Control & Chaos Paranoia

Sundown scented candle, + Peppercorn scented
£35, spacenk.com candle, £55, spacenk.com

womanandhome.com 13
 W&H UPDATE

Wall art, £30,

matalan.co.uk
FRESH
START
Vase with loop
handles, £8,
bmstores.co.uk

Padstow whitewash wooden Tufted cotton

candleholders, £44.95 for two, bedspread,
ivylinegb.co.uk £59.99, hm.com

Bailey ecru bouclé

Cushions, from £12 each,
knot cushion, £29,
vase, £14, bouclé stool,
rowenhomes.com
£45, storage ottoman,
£17, all george.com

Oversized ceramic table

lamp, £80, habitat.co.uk Rug, £794,
marksandspencer.com
FEATURE: ESME CLEMO

Calix ripple accent chair,

Kilby large sideboard, £399, next.co.uk £449, dfs.co.uk
Marble bowl,
£40, next.co.uk
womanandhome.com 15
 @daniellevherk_model

@styledwithsallie

@thatgirlwiththebob
@larastylecloset
W&H
STYLE
STREET
W&H UPDATE

@allthingszanne

Add your pictures by hashtagging

#womanandhomestreetstyle or email
It’s all ABOUT YOU!

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womanandhome.com 17
HAIR: MARC RAMOS; MAKE-UP: EOIN WHELAN; STYLING: STEPH KELLY
 Susanna Reid, 53, on ageing with grace, positivity and power,
her joy as a mum of three ever-growing boys, and how Piers
helped her get off the fence

efore every Strictly Come Dancing
show, Susanna Reid blasted out
Eminem to psyche herself up for the
live performance. And a decade on
from her time on the hit BBC show,
driving to her woman&home cover
shoot from her home in south London,
the Good Morning Britain host
put the US rapper back to work.
‘I was listening to Eminem on
the way over here,’ smiles Susanna,
before explaining the reason for
today’s morning boost of hip-hop
energy. ‘I didn’t sleep very well
last night. Did you hear the storm?
The rain was apocalyptic!’
From our vantage point, there’s no hint
of fatigue in fresh-faced Susanna, who is
both fantastic company and full of beans,
chatting enthusiastically to the team,
contributing opinions on the styling and
18 womanandhome.com
photography and, later, over a falafel-
salad lunch, discussing her 21 years at the
helm of breakfast television, first on BBC
Breakfast beside the late Bill Turnbull
then, via a stint on Strictly, hosting ITV’s
Good Morning Britain, which this year
celebrates its 10th anniversary.
But it’s Susanna’s role as devoted
mum to sons Sam, 21, Finn, 19, and Jack,
18, who she shares and co-parents with
Dominic Cotton, who she split from
in 2014, that is her greatest triumph.
Susanna, who has previously dated
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, is
resolutely tight-lipped about her romantic
life, but is delightfully open about all
other personal and professional topics.
Currently backing Good Morning
Britain’s 1 Million Minutes campaign
to eradicate loneliness, here Susanna
shares her heartbreak over a depleting
nest, her feelings about Holly Willoughby’s
departure from This Morning, the secret
behind her recent weight loss and
why being opinionated – a lesson she
learnt from her former colleague of
five years, Piers Morgan – is one of her
greatest assets in her 50s.
Women, especially in television,
are completely embracing ageing
gracefully, which means we’re not
fighting it. We’re accepting it, welcoming
it and enjoying it. All the women on Good
Morning Britain are looking better and
better than we did. We’ve got a brilliant
styling team, but it is also an attitude
thing. It’s like no one’s afraid of ageing,
so you inhabit it, rather than resist it. I have
literally no fear of getting older. I think
every day is fabulous and now I’m in my
50s, I feel I’ve built up a thick skin while
 cover story

‘I have literally
no fear of getting
older. I think
every day
is fabulous’
also being a very – hopefully – loving,
sensitive person. People often talk about
impostor syndrome, but when you’ve got
to your 50s, you know what you’re doing,
and that gives you more confidence.
I feel different since I had my hair cut.
I wanted to do something different and
fresh and, yes, I just feel a bit lighter.
A new cut lifts everything and that’s what
we’re after when we’re ageing. A lift!

I’m not particularly consistent

with exercise. I used to do Zumba,
running and Peloton, but now the bike
in my bedroom is used as a clothes
horse. I do the gym occasionally and
sometimes use dumbbells and
a kettlebell at home, because
we’re all told we’ve got to
maintain our muscles. But to
motivate you, exercise should
be something you enjoy.
Sometimes I go onto
YouTube and find a dance
workout to do in the
kitchen. That channels
back into Strictly,
which I loved, and which
changed my life. Strictly
led me to Good Morning
Britain. It gave me
that nudge outside
my comfort zone and
made people see me
in a different way. It was
also a really successful
way of keeping fit!

I don’t know how much

weight I’ve lost, but I feel a bit better.
Eamonn Holmes once said that when
you’re on breakfast television, it feels
like you have six breakfasts a day. You’re
awake for so much longer, you can end
up eating more, and because you’re
so tired in the afternoon – I’m not >>
womanandhome.com 19
cover story
playing the violin for myself here, it’s
just facts – mid-afternoon munchies
can involve a lot of carbs. In the summer,
when I wasn’t presenting Good Morning
Britain, I said to myself, ‘You’re not getting
up at 3.45am, so you can cut down on
how much you’re consuming.’ As a result,
I lost some of the weight that I’ve been
hanging on to. Since going back to work,
I’ve had to try not to fall back into the
same habits. Essentially, it’s about not
snacking. I’m trying, trying, trying not to!

I spend as much time

as possible with my
boys because they are
‘Piers and I had
now on their way and
every minute counts.
such an amazing
I don’t tend to do any
public appearances
dynamic and were
unless they’re for ITV,
because two of my
good friends, so
children are still at home
and the oldest one, that continues’
even though he’s at
university, spends the breaks at home.
It’s not about childcare. They don’t
need childcare. They need Mum to be
around when they’re at home. They
might not think they need it, but I do!
When you have younger children, you
often think, ‘I really need a bit of time
on my own.’ It’s very intense and you
want that breathing space. When they’re
teenagers, it’s a total reversal. You want
to spend every single minute with them
because they are semi-detached, about
to be detached. When Sam left for
university, I cried my heart out. The
anticipation of the other two following
suit tugs at my heartstrings because, first
and foremost as a mum, you want your
children to be around you all the time.
Obviously we all want our children
to lead independent lives, but if they’re
happier at home and that works for them,
then I’m very, very happy to continue!

Holly [Willoughby] has made her

decision, and who can blame her? It
was a very challenging thing to have to
handle and deal with. I used to see her
very occasionally, as even though they’re
in the studio next door, they’re on at
a different time. Over the past year, the
times I’ve seen her she’s been her typical,
normal, smiling, bright, happy, strong self.
She’s an exceptional, clever, funny, brilliant
20 womanandhome.com
presenter and I don’t get the impression
that she’s not coming back to telly.
She’s a big presence and she’ll be back.

Whoever takes over [from Holly and

Phillip Schofield] at This Morning will
have a brilliant time. It’s a total legend
of a programme and I sit alongside
Richard Madeley, who launched the
show in 1988 with Judy Finnigan. It’s
such a successful programme and
it’s important who presents [it], but
the main ingredient is the viewers.

Piers and I are in touch all the time.

He is a massive part of what Good
Morning Britain has been. He was there
for five years, we had such an amazing
dynamic and were good friends, so that
continues. One of the brilliant things
about Good Morning Britain is we’re able
to be pretty bold about the questions
we ask and the opinions we have. At the
BBC it was easier, because we didn’t have
to have an opinion, whereas now the
audience expects you to have an opinion.
Piers enabled me to get off the fence.
Originally he said, ‘You’ve got to have an
opinion on stuff.’ Then I worked out that
it was easy when I was alongside him,
because whatever he said, I would think
the opposite. Not performatively, just,
‘Oh yeah, I know exactly what I think now
because you’re wrong!’ That was really
empowering and now I carry that with
me. Although the other people that
I present with [on GMB] are perhaps
not as antagonising as he was, it’s >>

SUSANNA’S TOP BEAUTY SECRETS

What are your make-up
essentials? Trinny London
BFF Cream Skin Perfector
SPF30. It’s the best. Then
I use Vaseline for my lashes
and lips. I barely wear
anything off-screen, whereas
for GMB, I’m in hair and
make-up for half an hour.
How do you keep your
skin looking so good?
I gave up alcohol in 2018,
after a doctor told me to for
my skin. I used to suffer with
rosacea and pimples. I will
occasionally have a sip,
but since I gave up alcohol,
my skin is so much clearer.
Your biggest beauty
splurge? Massages. I have
a back massage every
couple of months if I get
the time. I love it when they
get the knots out.
Who’s your beauty icon?
Angela Rippon. She’s 79 and
looks incredible. Someone
older than that who always
looks gorgeous is my mum.
She’s 83 on 6 January. I love
going out with her. We’ve
been to events where she’s
had hair and make-up done
by professionals too, and
that’s been a lot of fun.
Top beauty tip from
sitting in a make-up chair?
Moisturise! I didn’t think it
was worth it. I thought having
oily/combination skin had
it covered, but my make-up
artist Heather always asks,
‘Have you moisturised?’ and
it has become a habit. I’m
so grateful, as it makes a real
difference. I use Simple Kind
to Skin at home, and Clarins
Multi-Active Day Cream at
work. I’m very lucky that the
make-up artists I work with
can make me look fresh and
contemporary. I don’t know
what I’ll do when I don’t have
them any more! Let’s hope
the show carries on going
from strength to strength!

womanandhome.com 21

easy now to have that strength and
opinion. I’m now much stronger and
more resilient when people disagree
with me. That’s something new in my 50s.
Losing my voice earlier this year
was a bit of a scare. Everyone gets
a bit croaky from time to time, but
I could not get any noise out of my
vocal cords and that’s never happened
before. I went very quickly to see
a specialist, who stuck a camera down
my throat, for which I needed a nurse
to hold my hand because I found it
quite intrusive. The specialist said maybe
I had a virus that I didn’t realise I had.
Unless we’re properly ill, we all carry
on working, don’t we?
I’m not doing anything to boost my
immunity, and I should be. The doctor
was quite surprised that I don’t drink
more water and that I drink quite a lot
of coffee, so I have tried to cut down
a bit. One morning we worked out that
I had eight coffees. But I don’t drink the
22 womanandhome.com
‘I am lucky to have
a strong family
network. As I get
older, I feel those
bonds strengthen’
whole cup – I have a few sips. But I now
try to intersperse with ginger tea.
I watch loads of documentaries and
TikTok, which is annoyingly addictive.
I literally sometimes have to delete
TikTok from my phone – and also, with
Twitter, I put on content restrictions.
Drugs and alcohol are not healthy when
you’re too dependent on them, and it’s
just not good for you to be mindlessly
scrolling. I try and discipline myself to do
proper reading, not on a screen. Even
though it’s easy to default to scrolling,
I think of that as snacking – and snacking
never feels satisfying, whereas when I lose
myself in a book it feels very nourishing.
At the moment, I’m reading Madeline
Miller’s The Song of Achilles, which
won the Women’s Prize for Fiction a few
years ago. I was a judge for the Orange
Prize for Fiction 13 years ago, so I love
a good book. I’m also reading John
Humphrys’ A Day Like Today, his book
about being a breakfast-time journalist
on the Today programme on Radio 4.
I don’t set goals or achievement
THE FOLD; EARRINGS, COS. SECOND SPREAD: MULTI-PRINT DRESS, REBECCA VALLANCE AT THE OUTNET; BRACELET, SUSANNA’S OWN. FLORAL DRESS, ROTATE BIRGER CHRISTENSEN; BRACELETS,
signposts for myself. My mum
always told me to take my opportunities,
WORDS: GEMMA CALVERT. PHOTOS: DAN KENNEDY. STYLING: NICOLA ROSE. HAIR: DINO PEREIRA, USING FUDGE. MAKE-UP: HEATHER MARNIE. FIRST SPREAD: SHIRT, CEFINN; TROUSERS,
so rather than plan, I look at the
SUSANNA’S OWN. THIS SPREAD: COAT, M&S; DRESS, ME+EM; EARRINGS, & OTHER STORIES. JUMPER, ALICE + OLIVIA AT THE OUTNET; TROUSERS, ALIGNE; EARRINGS, & OTHER STORIES
opportunity in front of me right now
that I can take or not take. When you
build day by day, that’s how you achieve
things. Rather than have a goal that’s
six months away, I take opportunities
every single day to do lovely things.
The main thing is just to enjoy as
much time with the kids while they’re
at home as I possibly can.
I recently did a documentary about
mental health, because the social
purpose campaign at ITV is Britain
Get Talking, so we had a look at how
you can genuinely get Britain talking.
I have no more documentaries planned
at the moment. I’m lucky, as my job
means I’m there in the evenings, and
one reason I turn down most other
things is to be at the kitchen table,
where my children tell me what they
think about things like Israel and Gaza,
and the climate. They’ve all got different
views and we have some heated
arguments. It’s so interesting and
I’m so, so proud. They’re great young
men. I think my kids really love what I do.
It’s a fun thing for them to know that
I’m involved in the news and in telly.
Piers called me an ITV survivor, but
it doesn’t feel like that. It just feels
like we’re thriving. Everyone on Good
Morning Britain who launched it is still
there, and I’ll be there until they don’t
want me any more. I’m very focused on
that work, that programme, which I love.
Our show is still firing on all cylinders.
✢ Good Morning Britain airs weekdays
from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
 cover story

SUSANNA’S
GUIDE TO TRUE
HAPPINESS
1 Spend time with wider family
I am very lucky to have such
a strong family network. I go for
walks with my siblings, have lunch
with my dad, go for weekend
breaks with my mum. As I get older,
I feel those bonds strengthen.

2 Make a worry time If I have

something on my mind – maybe
something I have said – and I can’t
stop worrying about it, I tell myself
that I can worry, but only at an
appointed time later in the day.
Then I put off worrying about it until
then, and very often by then I’ve
completely forgotten what it was.
When I was first told of this technique
I thought it was nonsense, but I use
it now and it really works.

3 Switch to reading books

I fell out of love with reading for
a long time, but there is so much
pleasure in reading physical books.
It’s more nourishing in any spare
time I have than scrolling on my
phone. I rejoined my local library,
which we are lucky to still have.
The discipline of taking books back
makes me want to read them.

4 Be a parent-taxi I used to
think that when my boys became
teenagers I wouldn’t ferry them
everywhere, but being a parent-taxi
is a brilliant way to listen to them.
Side-by-side talking is more
productive than interrogations
about their work when they are
playing video games.

5 Dinner every night I try to

always cook a meal, and we all
sit and eat together, whoever is at
home. No phones allowed at the
table. Whenever someone picks theirs
up to check something and gives
a justification, a chorus of ‘There’s
always a reason!’ goes up from the
others at the table. There’s never
a good enough reason to look at our
phones for those few, rare precious
minutes when we are all together.
We all have enough time to be on
our phones the rest of the time.

womanandhome.com 23
 columnist

KATHY LETTE
‘Love may be blind, dates should not’
A
s Valentine’s Day is
approaching, you might be
wondering what kind of man
to put on your romantic menu.
As I’m named after a diary, it’s no
surprise I’ve had many dates (not to
mention entries, but I won’t go into
that, ha ha!). So here are my top tips.
Love may be blind, dates should not
be. I’ve been on so many blind dates,
I should be given a free dog. You’d think
that being set up by good friends would
MAIN PHOTO: JAMES MASON PHOTOGRAPHY
I presumed I’d fare better with
internet dating, as I could make my own
selection. Eventually, after weeding out
the mansplainers – is there anything
worse than a bloke with chronic
correctile dysfunction? – and blokes with
secret love bunkers, I’d
meet a Romeo for coffee.
We’d rendezvous in a
‘If a fella
public place – make that
a rule so you don’t find
wants to flirt,
yourself relying on the he needs
Holland’s Tilburg University confirms
that poor grammar and bad ‘speling’ are
the ultimate female turn-offs. In the trial,
800 members of a dating site were
asked to read fictitious profiles, some
with language errors and some word-
perfect. They were then asked
to rate the attractiveness of
the candidates. The result
was a resounding female
raspberry at any man who
spelled ‘finetically’ or brung

guarantee an arrow from Cupid’s quiver,
but the worst thing is realising your friends
don’t know you at all.
They’ll ask you for dinner and by the
entrée, you’ll have discovered you’re
incompatible. Your star sign is Aquarius.
His? Utter ratbag. When a particularly
egotistical blind date started
monologuing about astrology, I replied
tetchily my sign was ‘Do Not Disturb’.
kindness of a passing serial
killer. Then, if his opening
gambit is along the lines of
perfect prose’
‘Does this look infected to you?’ or ‘I’m
not just a Druid, I also sell haemorrhoid
cream’, excuse yourself to powder your
nose – in another cafe.
A sure-fire time saver is to date a bloke
from work. But never resort to your boss
because he’ll invariably turn out to be
married. This is called sleeping your way
to the bottom. There’s only one reason
a man sleeps with his secretary – he just
loves a woman he can dictate to.
For me, it’s all about tongues – as
in wordplay. Size counts too – size
of vocabulary. And I’m not alone.
Apparently, today’s single female
is more desirous of a partner who’s
grammatically rather than anatomically
correct. Compelling research from
grammatical errors.
Basically, if a fella wants
to flirt, he needs to do so in
perfect prose. Fail and that’s a no to
‘coffee’ in ‘perverted’ commas. If a bloke
drops his ‘T’s , he won’t be dropping his
trousers. Split an infinitive – she’ll split.
Improper ellipses? Sorry buddy, but
you’ll never get to end your sentence
with a proposition.
That aside, my best tip is to look
around you. Friends, colleagues, gym
buddies, neighbours, postmen… often
the man of your dreams turns out to be
right under your nose. In short, if you
don’t experience love at first sight, walk
by again and take a second look.
✢ Kathy Lette’s novels are published by
Head of Zeus and available on Amazon;
@kathylette and kathylette.com

What I’ve been doing...

And Just Like That… I fell in love with Sarah
Jessica Parker. We met through mutual pal
Michael Patrick King – the show’s hilarious
producer. But Carrie feels like an old friend. She
held our hand through the 90s and now guides
us through midlife issues, wrinkles, ageing
parents, putting the sex into sexagenarian…
SJP is in London appearing in Plaza Suite
with hubby Matthew Broderick. I can’t wait
for our first cosmopolitan!

womanandhome.com 25
 It may be the month to celebrate
love, but these famous women
don’t need a relationship to
feel complete

Jennifer Aniston
She’s a hugely successful actor with
a career to be proud of, but Jennifer
Aniston, 54, still feels that she gets
shamed for being single. Jen’s divorce
from Brad Pitt in 2005 was one of
the biggest showbiz stories of the
time. She found love again with Justin
Theroux and the pair married in 2015,
but sadly divorced two
years later. Speaking
about her frustration ‘I have worked
with the fascination
over her personal too hard in this
life, Jen has said, ‘My
marital status has been
life and this
shamed; my divorce
status was shamed;
career to be
my lack of a mate had
been shamed. I just
whittled down
thought, “I have
worked too hard in this
to a sad,
life and this career to childless
human’
be whittled down to a
sad, childless human.”’
 celebrating women

Sofía Vergara
Actor Sofía, 51, announced her shock
split from husband of seven years,
Joe Manganiello, in July 2023, and
has been embracing single life since.
An insider close to the star said,
‘She’s out every night, or so it seems,
and enjoying the cocktails and the
attention. Sofía’s always loved going
out, and now that Joe’s not waiting at
home, she can stay out as late as she
wants without upsetting anyone. She
loves letting her hair down and having
fun.’ And in a flirty exchange with a
contestant on America’s Got Talent,
the judge shouted, ‘I’m single!’

Reese Witherspoon
Last April, actor Reese, 47, announced

that she and her husband of 11 years,
Jim Toth, had decided to divorce. In
a joint statement, they said, ‘We have
enjoyed so many wonderful years
together, and are moving forward
with deep love, kindness and mutual
respect for everything we have
created together.’ And now, Reese,
who is mum to Ava, 24, Deacon, 20,
and 11-year-old Tennessee, is said to
be focusing on her work and children,
with a source revealing, ‘Dating isn’t
really on her mind right now.’
Anita Rani
After 14 years of marriage, Anita Rani
and her husband, Bhupi Rehal, decided
to separate, as their clashing work
schedules caused them to ‘drift apart.’
While it’s been a tough year for Anita,
46, she has a great group of girlfriends
around her. She’s previously said, ’Your
female relationships are incredible the
older you get. I’m much happier sitting
around a table with a load of girlfriends
than anything else.’ Well said. >>

womanandhome.com 27

Trinny Woodall
In March last year she
announced her split from
businessman Charles Saatchi,
following a decade-long
romance, but fashion guru
Trinny, 59, is content being
single. The star, who tragically
lost her ex-husband Johnny
Elichaoff to suicide in 2014,
has said, ‘I think when you have
something that’s very powerful
and strong in your life, which
is [her daughter] Lyla and work,
then there isn’t that much room
left. I ask myself, am I feeling
fulfilled or am I feeling empty?
And, right now, I’m fulfilled by
those two things, so I don’t feel
a need to be in a relationship.’
28 womanandhome.com
Kristin Davis
Sex and the City star Kristin has
been open about her decision not
to marry. The actor, 58, said, ‘I’m not
married, I’ve never been married.
It’s not my thing, I was never focused
on it.’ She added, ‘I grew up in the
South so all everyone talked about
was marriage. But all I wanted was
to move to New York and do theatre.’
But she does have two children,
daughter Gemma Rose, who she
adopted in 2011, and son Wilson,
who she adopted in 2018. Speaking
about becoming a mother later in
life, Kristin has said, ‘For me, there
was no other way that it could have
happened. I don’t have any regrets
because I love my kids, and I don’t
think I was ready [before].’
Naomi Campbell
Model Naomi hit the headlines
in 2021 when she revealed she’d
become a mother for the first
time at 50. She welcomed her
second child this year but has
never revealed details of her
children’s conception. Naomi,
now 53, has said of her decision
to prioritise success, ‘I’d say
the sacrifice is really finding that
soulmate who will understand
you.’ She’s also said, ‘Being alone
doesn’t mean you are lonely.
I don’t have time to be bored,
and I don’t have time to be lonely.’
Fern Britton
Author Fern split from her
husband of 20 years, TV chef Phil
WORDS: ROBYN MORRIS. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK
Vickery, in 2020. And while it was
undoubtedly tough to adjust to
single life at first, with Fern, 66,
admitting, ‘I’m not lonely but I’m
in this transition period where I’m
working out what’s next for me,’
she has more recently opened
up about this new, positive
chapter in her life. ‘I never
thought this would happen,
I didn’t expect to be 65 and
single and really relaxed,’ she said,
adding, ‘I’ve got lovely friends
and I have a lovely social life,
which is quite enough for me.’
 celebrating women

Carol Vorderman
She’s been married twice – to
Christopher Mather from 1985
to 1986, and then to Patrick King
from 1990 until 2000 – but tying
the knot for a third time is not
something Carol is interested in.
The 63-year-old said, ‘People say,
“She wants to be married again.”
No, I don’t! Who says I do? That’s
what society dictates. I’ve got
loads of single, independent
girlfriends who are much happier
than many of their married
counterparts. I’m much happier
being single and I love my life.’
She added, ‘I’m very happy,
I have no complaints. I am not
dating anyone, I have special
friends. Special friends.
Plural.’ Go Carol!

womanandhome.com 29
 Happily
As we approach
Valentine’s Day,
we take a look
at some of the
loveliest royal
fairy-tale
weddings

The Prince and Princess of Wales

In a classic tale of friendship
blossoming into romance, the
Prince and Princess of Wales
first met in 2001 while studying
at the University of St Andrews
in Scotland. Fast-forward nine
years, and they announced their
engagement to the world after
William, now 41, proposed with his
late mother Princess Diana’s ring.
In April 2011, two billion people
across the world watched as the
sweethearts said ‘I do’ at London’s
Westminster Abbey before
sharing a kiss during the RAF
flyover on Buckingham Palace’s
balcony. Kate, now 41, looked
incredible in a bespoke Alexander
McQueen dress, and the couple,
their family and close friends
enjoyed a reception hosted by the
late Queen Elizabeth and a private
dinner arranged by William’s
father, the then Prince Charles.

30 womanandhome.com

Queen Elizabeth II
and Prince Philip
At just eight years old, the late Queen
met Prince Philip when they were both
guests at a wedding. Years later, they
began exchanging letters, and in July
1947 announced their engagement; that
November, the couple tied the knot in
front of 2,000 people at Westminster
Abbey. The then Princess wore a
Norman Hartnell dress featuring 10,000
seed pearls and a 15ft train, and the
newly-weds enjoyed a wedding breakfast
with 150 guests at Buckingham Palace.
WORDS: ARIANA LONGSON. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GC IMAGES, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
In November 2017, a year after they
enjoyed their first date, it was announced
that Charles and Diana’s youngest son
Prince Harry, now 39, was engaged to
American actor Meghan Markle. The
following May, they wed in St George’s
Chapel at Windsor Castle, in a ceremony
viewed by 29.2 million viewers. But in
the couple’s Netflix documentary, they
revealed that they’d secretly exchanged
royal life
King Charles and
Queen Camilla
King Charles and Queen
Camilla’s relationship was far
from linear but as they say, true
love always finds a way. After
the dissolution of both of their
marriages, they finally became
a public couple. On 9 April
2005, 34 years after they’d first
met, the then Prince Charles,
now 75, married Camilla Parker
Bowles in a civil ceremony
at the Windsor Guildhall.
They were then blessed at
Windsor Castle’s St George’s
Chapel by the Archbishop of
Canterbury. For the ceremony,
Camilla, now 76, wore a cream
silk chiffon dress with matching
coat, then changed into a blue
and gold embroidered gown
for the blessing – both created
by design team Anna Valentine
and Antonia Robinson.
The Duke and
Duchess of Edinburgh
In 1987, when Sophie Rhys-Jones was
carving out a career in PR, the now Duke
and Duchess of Edinburgh met for the
first time. It wasn’t until 1993 that they
became an item, but their relationship
went from strength to strength and in
January 1999, Edward, now 59, announced
their engagement. Five months later, they
exchanged vows at Windsor Castle’s St
George’s Chapel, the wedding attracting
200 million television viewers. Sophie,
now 58, wowed in a dress embellished
with 325,000 crystals and pearls, and
wore her mother-in-law’s Anthemion tiara.
vows three days before in a back garden
ceremony. The wedding was a star-
studded event, with the likes of Serena
Williams and the Beckhams in attendance,
while Idris Elba served as their DJ and
Sir Elton John – who was a close friend
of Princess Diana – performed at their
breakfast. Meghan, 42, was the picture of
elegance, wearing a Givenchy gown and
Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau tiara.
womanandhome.com 31
 Fancy setting yourself a new year challenge? Five women
share the thrills of breaking out of their comfort zone
‘THE CAMINO GAVE ME
THE PUSH I NEEDED’
Sarah Walker, 49, lives in
Twickenham with her daughter
Tilly, 15, and their dog Cosmo.
After a 15-year marriage and
a tumultuous three-year separation,
my divorce was final in April 2023.
Desperate for an escape, I decided
to embark on a transformative
journey: a 35-day, 800km hike
along the Camino de Santiago, from
Saint Jean Pied de Port in France
to Santiago in Spain. I needed to
she
el and Cass, who
Sarah with Rach
ith along the ay
w
became friends w
walk off all the thoughts that were
swirling around my head.
Ten days in, I succumbed to
debilitating flu-like symptoms. Through
sweat and tears, I pressed on. The day
I started to feel better was the day I met
Cass, 46, from Melbourne, and Rachel,
36, from Colorado, fellow pilgrims
who became my angels. They didn’t
know each other but had started
walking around the same day I had.
It just took us two weeks to book
into the same hostel on the same night
and get talking. As we walked together,
I learnt that Cass had four children
and was a keen ceramicist. Rachel was
married and worked as a baker. We were
all so different, but we bonded with
every step we took.
The pilgrimage was tough – but
meeting Cass and Rachel marked the
beginning of my reconstruction. The
Camino gave me the push I needed
to finally launch my landlord training
consultancy, Lessons in Lettings, an idea
that I had been mulling over for a long
time. It provided me with solitude when
I needed it, and companionship
when I was ready.
Our camaraderie led to a commitment
to walk together annually, starting
with the Porto route of the Camino in
June. I can’t wait to take on many more
challenges with my amazing new friends.
 inspirational women
Heather (right) and Suzie
discovered the South Korean ‘I WANTED TO DO
SOMETHING FOR MYSELF’
countryside by bike

Heather Miller, 50, lives in Streatley,
Berkshire with her husband James,
54, and their children, Jay, 14,
and Toby, 12.
With my 50th birthday approaching,
friends asked about a party. But
I didn’t want one. I wanted to travel and
challenge myself. I’ve always enjoyed
cycling, so when my old university
friend, Suzie, recommended a Korean
drama, that led me to suggesting we
cycle across South Korea.
My husband was enthusiastic about
the idea. Caring for elderly relatives,
our two kids and running my online
shop, The Artisan Tree, I’m one of the
sandwich generation, which made
doing something for myself all the
more important.
Suzie and I chose the most well-
known cycle path, which runs 614km
from Seoul in the north to Busan in the
south. It follows an ancient trading path
along the Han River before twisting
through mountains, sleepy villages and
rural farming communities. Cycling past
persimmon orchards and paddy fields,
and eating local cuisine, everyone
we met was so friendly and helpful.
I’m not particularly fit and I don’t have
a fancy bike, but most days we clocked
an incredible 100km. I never knew how
strong I was until now, both physically
and mentally. Coping with navigating
a new country without Google maps
or any English signposts, my confidence
soared. I’m now convinced every
adventure opens the door to the
next. I’ve got my eye on a canoe and
wild-camping expedition in Sweden.
I want to show that women are capable
of anything they set their mind to.
✢ Follow Heather on Instagram
@hethgoesbiking

‘HORSE RIDING BECAME MY THERAPY’ Stephanie riding the

Stephanie Quintrell, 32, lives in the
East Midlands with her husband Jon,
40, and their son Dylan, six.
Until July 2019, I was a busy mum,
working in healthcare and spending any
spare time I could riding my horse Bubba.
Then I was diagnosed with complex
functional neurological disorder, which
disrupts brain-body communication
and causes chronic pain, among other
debilitating symptoms. I had
to give up my career, riding
and driving, and I became
‘I think
a full-time wheelchair user.
It took time to adjust, but
inclusivity is
Bubba was my therapy. I’d possible no
testing route across
we quickly became a great two-person the French Pyrenees
team. A few months later, I proposed
the idea of a challenge I could do; horse
riding 130km across the Pyrenees along
the remote passes of the World War
Two Freedom Trail (Le Chemin de
la Liberté) in France. Without hesitation,
Heather agreed.
In June 2023, eight experienced riders,
all military wives, set off. We crossed
rivers, navigating steep ascents
and treacherous sheer drops.
On the third day, a brutal
thunderstorm closed in and
it was a race against time to
set up camp, as I can’t get

matter what’
often sit in the stables just
to be near her. By May 2021,
I felt ready to ride again. My
husband, a sergeant in the Royal Electrical
and Mechanical Engineers, lifted me into
the saddle and I had adapted reins to
help me balance.
Around the same time, I came across
Forces Wives Challenge (FWC), whose
founder, Heather, was running ambitious
adventures for the female partners of
serving military personnel and veterans.
I emailed her offering to help and
cold and wet because I can’t
move to warm up again.
Reaching the end, the
triumph was more than worth the
challenges. I believe I am the first
wheelchair user to horse ride across the
Pyrenees. I’m now operations manager
of FWC and, together with my team,
we’ve proved inclusivity is possible,
no matter what you want to achieve.
✢ Stephanie and the team raised over
£7,000 for the Armed Forces Equine
Charity; forceswiveschallenge.org >>
womanandhome.com 33
 inspirational women
Kumbi scaling new ‘I LEARNT TO SWIM AND
heights to reach
the summit for a bit MADE NEW FRIENDS’
of calm reflection Alison Chester, 47,
lives in Essex with her
partner and son.
Six years ago, when my
son was nine, I learnt to swim,
so I could keep up with him.
I searched online and found
a local teacher, Barbara,
initially booking a month of
lessons. The first time I swam
a length of front crawl, I felt
so proud.
A year later, Barbara
organised a big swim on
Southend seafront. I was
nervous of the sea, but
I got talking to Sheila, who
lived near me and was
another of Barbara’s adult
learners. We hit it off and,
as Sheila was training for
a triathlon, we started
swimming and cycling
of Southend. We never regret
a swim, even really cold ones!
Sheila is incredibly kind
and sees no boundaries or
barriers to adventure. The
sea is never too cold, the
rain is no excuse. I wouldn’t
have that mindset if it wasn’t
for her. Along with Barbara,
we’ve swum at Jesus Green
in Cambridge, the country’s
longest lido, and enjoyed
a swim-themed retreat in
Wales, coasteering and
kayaking. We’ve taken
advanced lessons with Vicky
(@swimspirational_open
watercoach) too. It’s so
fun swimming together
because there’s also chat,
laughter – and cake!
✢ Ask about lessons at
your local leisure centre

WORDS: KIM WILLIS

‘CLIMBING HELPS
ME RECHARGE’
Kumbi Kariwo, 40, lives
in Birmingham with her
partner Andy, 37.
Cliff climbing is a ballet
of precision and accuracy
– not speed. It begins with
a thrilling descent down rocks,
and I need skill and strength
to keep me from plunging
into the sea. Without this
bravery, I wouldn’t see the
stunning views.
Since joining a climbing
club with Andy, in our late 20s,
we now climb with friends
and our club, Extreme Sports
Central. We enjoy climbs in
Ogwen Valley, North Wales,
and in June 2023, took on
the challenging cliff climb
of Rhoscolyn’s Symphony
Crack in Anglesey. Next,
we’re planning to climb in
34 womanandhome.com
together. During lockdown or go to swimming.org
we swam in the River ✢ Go to outdoorswimming
Chelmer all through winter. society.com for more about
Sometimes we’d go for a sea lidos and wild swimming.
swim at dusk and look back
towards the twinkling lights
the Rockies during a visit to
my parents in Canada.
My job as a senior NHS
nurse can often feel like I’m on
a treadmill; climbing helps me
recharge. The summit offers
a serene moment of reflection
and is the most important
moment of the climb. Despite
the adrenaline, it makes me Alison enjoying wild
feel calm. Climbing grants me swimming at dusk, and
a sense of youth, freedom and (above) with Sheila
capability. I’ve always been
curious and mischievous. I think
in these traits, adventure thrives.
The lessons learnt on the
cliffs permeate daily life. Be
kind to yourself, pace yourself,
savour the beauty around you…
and try to laugh along the way.
✢ Find out more at The British
Mountaineering Council at
thebmc.co.uk
 Have a
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womanandhome.com 35
 NEED IS
Three women found their special someone despite the obstacles

‘MICHAEL ACCEPTS ME FOR WHO I AM’
Helen Cooke, 53, lives in Windsor
with her physiotherapist husband
Michael and stepdaughter Rosie, 19.
I had surgery for a spinal tumour at
just a few months old and have been
a wheelchair user all my life. My parents
encouraged me to be independent,
and I grew up confident and resilient.
But determined as I’ve been, I have
experienced insecurities around dating.
I remember watching friends meet their
first boyfriends and thinking that might
never happen for me.
More of a challenge
In my 20s I started meeting other people
with spinal cord injuries and many of
them were married or had partners,
usually able-bodied. I began to think
that maybe I had built this up into more
of a problem than it really was. I stopped
thinking it was unlikely that I’d ever meet
anyone, and started thinking that it just
might be slightly more of a challenge,
but far from impossible.
I started internet dating in 2005 when
it was still quite new. However, I didn’t
put that I was a wheelchair user on my
profile because I was worried men might
just screen me out straight away. I always
told them before we met – and I did have
The couple
recently
celebrated
10 years of
marriage. With
Rosie (right)
a few online conversations that ended
with them saying they didn’t want to
meet me any more, which was tough
to deal with. Internet dating can be quite
brutal – it’s all about the visual.
For the next few years, I shifted my
focus to work. In 2006, I set up MyPlus,
now one of the UK’s leading authorities
in disability recruitment, which led to me
being named one of the Shaw Trust’s 100
most influential disabled
people in the UK.
It was 2011 when
‘My wheelchair
wasn’t even
I decided to give dating
a topic of
another go. I wanted
someone genuine
and kind, who would
accept me for who I am. conversation’
I matched with five people
– Michael was the last. Previous dates
had gushed about how ‘inspirational’
I was, but I’d think, ‘I’m just me!’ Michael
understood that the last thing I was
looking for was some kind of carer.
The wheelchair wasn’t even a topic of
conversation – we were just two people
on a first date, and he made me laugh.
Talking was easy and we discovered
so many shared interests. We both love
live music, travel and wine, and we’re
both big skiers. About six weeks into our
in our experience
relationship, I found a message written
on a yogurt pot in the fridge: ‘I’m falling
in love with Helen Cooke’. I was on top of
the world. Everything I’d ever hoped of
finding in someone, I’d found in Michael.
But it wasn’t all easy. Michael had
had a tough time, having lost his wife
to breast cancer 20 months earlier. He
lived two hours away and had a young
daughter, Rosie. However, everyone
could see we made each
other very happy.
Michael proposed after
10 months. It was a huge
surprise, but a wonderful
one. We have just
celebrated our 10th
wedding anniversary and
our marriage is very happy.
Michael understands that I’m very
independent. When we’re out, I usually
prefer to push myself, but I’m not silly
about it. If it’s quicker and easier for
Michael to help, he will.
We’ve travelled widely and had some
great adventures. And I have a wonderful
relationship with Rosie, who I feel
privileged to be able to call my daughter.
I consider myself incredibly lucky.
✢ For more information on MyPlus, visit
myplusconsulting.com >>
womanandhome.com 37
 Tabitha went
through heartbreak
before she met Paul
‘I’VE FINALLY FOUND MY PERSON’
Tabitha Jane, 45, is a relationship
coach. She lives in Shoeburyness,
Essex, with her partner Paul, 47,
and her daughter Charlotte, 12.
My first husband and I met at university
– I was 21, he was a fresher aged 18,
and eight years after we met, we married.
Our daughter Charlotte was born four
years later. Steve was my best mate, my
soulmate. I adored him, and
as far as I was concerned,
we’d be together forever.
‘I needed
In April of 2015, I noticed
that he didn’t seem happy,
to find
but took him at his word
when he said he was
happiness in
stressed about work. Like myself first’
many couples, we avoided
difficult topics.
That October, Steve bought me a
dozen roses for our wedding anniversary,
and I reassured myself that everything
was fine. But on 22 November, my life
changed forever. We came home from
a children’s party and Steve went to bed
at 7.30pm – it was obvious something
was wrong. When I asked what was going
on, he said, ‘I don’t love you any more.’
It was as if something physically broke
in my chest. We hadn’t been arguing, he
38 womanandhome.com
wasn’t having an affair. After 17 years
together, he had simply stopped loving
me. I didn’t even have the satisfaction
of thinking ‘good riddance’. Even now,
there’s nothing bad I can say about him.
For the next few months, I couldn’t
accept the relationship was over. Steve
moved out, but I tried everything to
persuade him to come back. It was
only when he told me in
no uncertain terms it was
over that I gave up hope.
Not long after that, both
my parents died, just nine
weeks apart. I was bereft,
and the next couple of years
were hideous. Desperate to
fill the void, I set out to find
someone new, but I was
attracting all the wrong kind of men.
It was soul-destroying. I realise now
that I was still hurting and looking for a
man to fix it for me – a strategy that was
never going to work. It was only through
therapy that I realised it’s not possible
to find happiness through other people
– you need to find it within yourself first.
By May 2020, after a lot of work on
myself, I found Paul. We met online – he
was also divorced with two kids, a similar
age to Charlotte. Our first date was
on a park bench in Southend – it was
lockdown and people could meet
outdoors as long as they were two
metres apart. As we talked and talked,
we inched closer together.
Deep connection
That date lasted seven hours and we’ve
hardly been apart since. Our connection
is so much deeper than anything I’ve
experienced before. Eighteen months
ago, we officially moved in together and
our kids get on really well. We’re so lucky.
In a strange way, Steve did me a favour
by leaving. My divorce was incredibly
painful, but I’ve evolved because of it. WORDS: HELEN RENSHAW. ADDITIONAL WORDS: ELLA DOVE.
Steve and I still get on fine, and I like
his new partner, but I have a better
connection with Paul than Steve and
I ever had. I have also refocused my
MAIN PHOTO (POSED BY MODEL): GETTY
career from being a business coach
to empowering women to develop
successful, long-lasting relationships.
Paul and I are proof that it’s possible.
I’ve been through heartbreak to get
there, but I’ve finally found my person.
✢ Find Tabitha’s book Finding Love After
Heartbreak: Healing After Divorce for
Women (Kindle edition) on Amazon.
 in our experience

‘WE WERE TOLD THAT OUR

INTERRACIAL RELATIONSHIP WAS WRONG’
Alison Insley, 53, is a cycling instructor of months in, I told my mum, who was
and squash coach. She lives in surprisingly fine. ‘I just want you to be
Kenilworth, Warwickshire, with her happy,’ she said. However, I knew my
husband John. dad would be a different story. He
The youngest of a traditional Indian would see my decision to date John
family, I always assumed I’d have an as disrespectful to our community.

‘We encourage
arranged marriage. But As soon as he found out
that all changed when about John, he wanted to
John, my colleague at
the local council, invited each other to meet him. So I took John to
my parents’ shop where my
me to play squash in
May 1989. be ourselves’ dad was working, and waited
nervously in the car outside.
Not long after that, we When John came out, he
shared our first kiss – and I realised that told me Dad had been quite friendly.
I had strong feelings for John. But guilt But that evening, Dad sat me down family were wonderfully supportive,
gnawed at me because he was white and issued an ultimatum – either I get which really helped.
and an atheist. At 19, I knew my family married immediately, or we break up. On Valentine’s Day in 1991, we were on
– particularly my Hindu father – would It was too soon for marriage, but holiday in Romania when John proposed
struggle to accept him. I loved John. I remember crying and to me at Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania.
For a while, I kept our relationship crying, so torn. A few weeks later, I was thrilled. We planned a ceremony
a secret, which felt horrible. A couple unable to cope, I walked out of my family and celebration for family and friends for
home and moved into June that year, but two weeks before the
John’s flat. It was a big wedding, my dad forbade all my family
Finally risk, but we were so happy members from attending. Devastated,
getting together and I couldn’t I cancelled it.
married in
Rebuilding
give that up.
1995 and For years, my father
with family wouldn’t speak to me. In 1995, I fell pregnant with our son, Aaron,
(below) He’d leave the room if now 28. I told my mum, who advised me to
I visited my family. We get married straight away. We had a small
would get comments from ceremony in our local register office
strangers too – both white which was lovely, although my dad didn’t
and Indian – telling us come because he was in India sorting an
our interracial relationship arranged marriage for one of my sisters.
was ‘wrong’, ‘a disgrace’, It was only after Aaron was born that
or accusing me of we finally rebuilt our relationship. I took
promiscuity. While it Aaron to the family home to visit my
hurt, we slowly learnt to mum one day, and my dad answered
ignore the racism. John’s the door. ‘Is this my grandson?’ he asked.
I nodded. From then on, he
began to speak to me again.
Dad died a year ago, but he
was always a good grandfather
to Aaron.
I don’t feel angry about
what happened because
values were different in the
90s. Some of my nieces and
nephews have since married
white partners without fallout,
and I like to think John and
I paved the way for them. He’s
the most supportive husband
I could ever have asked for.
womanandhome.com 39

TV presenter Tess Daly, 54, lives in Buckinghamshire with her
husband Vernon Kay and their two daughters
What are you like in the morning?
I literally can’t wait to have that first cup
of tea. I’m not really a coffee person so
it’s all about a good old builder’s brew.
I’m a morning person, I think because
there’s always loads to do. Particularly as
a parent, the to-do list is never done, so
when I’m up, I’m ready to seize the day.
What’s your worst habit?
I think my daughters would probably tell
you that it’s biting off my split ends in the
car. I know it’s so disgusting, but I find it
quite comforting. It’s nasty for everybody
else who’s observing it, but for me, I’m
kind of like, ‘What’s the problem?’ But
I guess it is pretty gross. Apologies!
What makes you happy?
Precious family time together. As a
working mum, I’ve always tried to seek
out that balance because it’s the eternal
juggling act. But it’s what makes me
happiest, being with the family, having
Sunday lunch and playing Uno.
What scares you most in life?
At the moment, the news. It’s a tough
time, so I try not to be too overly
inundated. There’s a lot going on right
now that we can’t avoid, but the lack of
tolerance and kindness is worrying. As a
parent it preoccupies you because you
want your children to grow up in a world
that’s warm and happy. But all you can do
is instil a sense of positivity to help them
grow up loved, feel valued and to have
compassion for the rest of the world.
Do you have any regrets?
I have no great regrets that I beat myself
up over. Life is a series of stepping stones
40 womanandhome.com
THE REAL ME
to teach you about your own journey.
Everything learnt is valuable in its own
way and you will ultimately benefit from
it. I refuse to stay in the past, I’m happier
being in the present.
What’s the best and worst thing
about ageing?
I think the best is that you give less of
a damn as you get older. Your priorities
change and you realise what’s important.
And obviously, I think the most vital thing
is good health, because without that,
what do you have? That’s why I love the
multivitamin gummies I take. We haven’t
got time to be sick, we lead busy lives, so
by taking them I keep healthy, bouncy and
able to do what my day demands. The
worst thing has to be losing older family
members. However, I do think when you
lose someone you care about, it sort of
reaffirms your own mortality in a way that’s
positive. You feel gratitude for what you’ve
got and stress less about the little things.
What do you want most in life?
A house in the south of France. Sadly,
that hasn’t materialised yet, but maybe
it will when I retire. That’s the dream,
sitting somewhere with a view of the
Mediterranean, writing books, watching
the sunset and sipping rosé.
QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS
Fave cake? Victoria sponge.
Fave hobby? Yoga. Flexibility is key
as you get older.
Fave song? You Got the Love
by Candi Staton.
What was your plan B?
My plan was medicine. I was thinking
about a career as a nurse and then I got
scouted. Before I knew it, I was in Japan.
I was 17 years old, straight out of home
and, God, so naive. I’m very grateful
because I could have had a very different
life had they not come up to me outside
McDonald’s in Manchester and said,
‘Hey, do you fancy doing this?’
What’s your guilty food pleasure?
Chocolate, chips and cheese.
I honestly believe that you’ve got to
allow yourself a little bit of what you
fancy. I wouldn’t dream of depriving
myself – it’s all in moderation. Life’s
too short for deprivation.
What’s the most embarrassing
thing you’ve ever done?
I fell down the stairs once on live
TV because my shoe fell off. It was
a heart-in-mouth moment, but when
you work in live television, there are
tons of moments that you have to go
with and hope for the best. Wardrobe
malfunctions happen quite regularly,
but you know, the shows go on. WORDS: ARIANA LONGSON. PHOTO: PHILL TAYLOR/LICKERISH
✢ Tess is a Wellwoman by Vitabiotics
ambassador; vitabiotics.com
Fave colour? Red. Wearing it makes
me feel positive and it uplifts me.
Holiday destination? South of France.
Nickname? My friends call my Tessie
Bear – I have no clue why, bless them!
 ‘LIFE IS A
SERIES OF
STEPPING
STONES’

womanandhome.com 41
 ‘Chris was so driven,’
says Christine,
pictured with Rob
HELPING OTHERSBut we will continue his heroic aid work in Ukraine to keep
his memory alive, says Christine Parry
W
e had a call from Chris in
late March 2022 letting
us know he was in
Poland and not at home
in Cheltenham. He had been staying
with me and his dad, Rob, in Cornwall
in February while he recuperated
from a small eye operation. During
that time, Russia invaded Ukraine
and we noticed he was completely
immersed in the news about it.
We found out after he had gone to
Poland that he had been touring the
Army and Navy shops, buying gear to
help the Ukrainians. He took it back to
Cheltenham, where he was working as a
running coach, gave up his job and got
a flight to Warsaw. He told us not to worry
as he was just helping with logistics.
Chris was always active and sporty
– and very principled. Even from a young
42 womanandhome.com
age, he would support the underdog.
I suppose it wasn’t a surprise that he felt
compelled to go, although he had never
done aid work before.
In Poland, Chris met an American,
Brandon, who had a company in Ukraine
but wasn’t allowed over the
Poland/Ukraine border to
check on his employees in
‘The Foreign
a hire car. Chris said he’d
buy a van and they would
Office rang
go together. When we spoke
to him or messaged him in
to say Chris
the first few months, he said
he was based on the Polish
was missing’
border as he didn’t want to worry us.
But we later learnt he was staying
with Brandon and his team in Lviv, and
Brandon sponsored him to continue his
aid work. It was there that Chris met a
Ukrainian woman, Ola, who became his
girlfriend. We were pleased he’d met
someone and he seemed very happy.
We knew Chris would want to do as
much as possible to make a difference,
and he ended up at the frontline helping
people to escape. He told our daughter,
Kate, 31, what he was doing
but she was sworn to
secrecy to stop us worrying.
One day in June, Chris
called and his phone
identified the location
as Ukraine. He reassured
us that while he was
entering Ukraine to
evacuate civilians, he only did so if the
army had given the go-ahead. But I think
it was more chaotic and dangerous than
that. He was so driven, it would have
been futile to ask him to come home,
although knowing what we know now
 from the heart

about the situation he was in, of course

we would have done.
We watched the news, and Chris made
us promise we wouldn’t look at the videos
he was posting on Instagram. We didn’t,
and I had to try to carry on with everyday
life and not think about the risks. It was
so hard for Kate, who knew he’d been
in Ukraine longer than we had realised.
They had a very close relationship.
Chris kept in touch with us with
messages and calls on WhatsApp. Some
days he’d say he was tired, and I would
worry. But I had to trust he was OK, and
we could tell by his voice that he was the
happiest he had ever been – with Ola
and with helping the Ukrainian people.

Finding the truth

At the end of 2022, Chris was living in
Kramatorsk and Ola was working in Kyiv,
which wasn’t under attack at that point.
She spent Christmas with him and we
FaceTimed them, but he was poorly with
laryngitis. He still went out to evacuate
people on 4 and 5 January. Kate, Christine,
We were at home, on Saturday 7 Ola and Rob drove
January, when the phone rang. It was supplies to Ukraine in
the Foreign Office. They told us Chris ‘Chris’. Top: a young
was missing. It was horrific to hear those Chris, and in Ukraine
words – our world imploded. We tried
to stay positive in the following couple received one bullet to the head and one convoys with a group called Driving
of weeks, but as time went on, it was to the torso. It was very precise; there Ukraine, and we said we’d like to help.

hard to believe he was still out there.
On Friday 20 January, we were staying
with Kate because Rob had a hospital
appointment. I was in the foyer when
Rob appeared to say he’d had a call from
the police. There were no private rooms,
so we went into a cupboard. That’s
where he told me our son had been
killed. We just cried and held each other.
We walked 45 minutes to the hospital
in Paddington where Kate is a dietitian
– it was heartbreaking to have to tell her.
It is the worst thing to lose hope. It was
WORDS: NICOLA SMITH. PHOTO: BBC RADIO CORNWALL
was nothing random about it. We were
lucky in a way. The worst thing would
have been never knowing. If he were still
missing now, how would we ever rest?
We held Chris’ funeral at Truro Cathedral
in March. Chris wasn’t religious, and
when we were told that the canon,
Alan, wanted to take the service at the
cathedral, we thought it would be too
pretentious. But we met him and he was
so lovely, we changed our minds. He
allowed us to have just what we wanted.
The service is a blur but Chris’ party,
A special legacy
So in August, we drove from Oxford to
Lviv, as part of a convoy carrying medical
supplies. I was out of my comfort zone
– I’m 63 and Rob is 65, and I have never
driven abroad, but I drove all the way
to the Eurotunnel and out the other side,
arriving in Dortmund, Germany, that
night. I had Kate with me, while Rob
drove ‘Chris’ – a vehicle decorated with
the Cornish, British and Ukrainian flags.
I’d do it again in a heartbeat. It was

almost unbearable to see her face.
One of the first people we told was
Chris’ best friend, Lewis. We wanted to
get Chris home and Lewis suggested a
crowdfunder. Within a day, people had
donated £10,500. It was incredible.
When the authorities announced that
Chris had died, they said it was artillery
fire. But when Chris was brought back
to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford,
they did another autopsy. The coroners’
manager explained to us that Chris had
as we called it, afterwards, was a true
celebration of his life. There was laughter
and reminiscing – no crying in corners.
Our lives have changed forever, but it
gave us some comfort. Ola’s visa didn’t
come through in time to travel over for
the funeral but she was with us online,
and she has since been to stay with us.
Getting to hear stories of her and Chris’
life together has been really special.
At the party, we met Fynn, a 22-year-
old friend of Chris, who organised aid
such an experience with amazing
camaraderie. We passed a convoy of
army vehicles and they all beeped and
waved in support – it was very emotional
to follow in Chris’ footsteps. We plan to
do more aid convoys to continue Chris’
work and to keep his memory alive.
✢ The Parry family are raising money
for another aid vehicle. If you would
like to donate, go to justgiving.com/
crowdfunding/rob-parry-2
womanandhome.com 43
 Our relationships
ASK ANNA
expert Anna
Richardson will
help solve your
problems
‘I think my friend has an alcohol
problem – how can I help her?’
Q I think my good friend has a
problem with alcohol. She’s
always been a bon viveur but
recently, when I’ve popped round at
weekends, there’s a bottle of wine on
the go – daytime as well as evening.
She holds down a responsible job, has
two kids at university, a nice husband
and a lovely home, so clearly she’s
not in dire straits, but I worry it could
get worse. I’m afraid I will spoil our
friendship if I broach the subject.
A
Friendship is a precious bond,
built on trust, support and, more
often than not… alcohol. The UK
is a nation of boozers, so it’s common to
be part of a social circle where drinking is
the norm. For many of us, it’s our default
‘Remember,
setting when it comes to
relaxing, celebrating and
connecting with others.
Hard day at work? Have you’re there to
a glass of wine. It’s Friday!
Let’s go to the pub. support, not
However, because
alcohol is such an
criticise’
accepted social drug, it can be difficult
to recognise when our relationship with
drinking crosses the line from social
enjoyment to potential harm. On the face
of it, your ‘bon viveur’ pal sounds like
good fun. But when that behaviour starts
to subtly tip over into daytime drinking –
PHOTO: CAMERA PRESS/NICKY JOHNSTON. *ANNA MAY CHOOSE
and, more importantly, solitary drinking
– then you’re right to raise the red flag,
YOUR DILEMMA TO DISCUSS ON IT CAN’T JUST BE ME
as it could be hiding a deeper issue that
needs addressing.
You have two problems here: How
much is too much? And how do you
bring it up with a friend without making
her feel judged? It’s a delicate situation
and one that requires facts first.
Responsible drinking guidelines in the
UK advise consuming no more than 14
units of alcohol per week, spread out
over several days. That’s equivalent to six
pints of beer or 10 small glasses of wine.
agony aunt
But the average adult actually consumes
18 units a week – almost two bottles
of wine or eight pints every seven days.
According to Alcohol Change UK,
her by offering to join up with her to an
alcohol-tracking app like MyDrinkaware?
It’s a free, government-funded initiative
for tracking daily units, and is a surprisingly
there are four ways of measuring what popular way of monitoring and controlling
type of drinker you are. First, there’s the way you drink. It may just be the
the non-drinker; the second category shock she needs.
is ‘moderate drinkers’ (under 14 units After all, if we, as a nation, are
a week); the next group is the ‘hazardous consuming 18 units of alcohol a week
drinker’ (15 to 35 units a week); and on average, then that makes us all
finally there’s the ‘harmful drinker’. Why ‘hazardous drinkers’. That really is
is that important? Because there are something to think about.
61 conditions associated with long-term
drinking, from anxiety and depression to ✢ Anna Richardson, journalist and
cancer and liver failure. As any therapist qualified cognitive hypnotherapist,
will tell you, alcohol is not your friend. presents Naked Education for Channel 4,
So while your pal may be managing and hosts an advice podcast, It Can’t
to maintain her responsibilities and Just Be Me, to help solve love, sex and life
relationships with no dilemmas. If you’d like help with a problem,
apparent problem, write to askanna@futurenet.com* or leave
there’s a good
chance there’s
a voice note at itcantjustbeme.co.uk and
mention you’re a woman&home reader.
some psychological
dependency going
on here. Given the
complexity of alcohol
use and its impact on health, addressing
your friend’s drinking habits is an act of
care. But it must be approached with a
non-judgemental attitude – remember,
you’re there to support, not criticise.
So, start by finding a moment when
you can talk without interruption, and
express your feelings using ‘I’ statements
not ‘you’ – such as ‘I’ve noticed you’ve
got wine on the go during the day when
I see you, and I’m a bit worried. Is
everything ok?’ Be prepared for her
reaction – she may be defensive,
dismissive or in denial. If,
however, she recognises
that you’re coming
from a place of
love, she may
be grateful.
Why don’t
you support
 Are you a
PERFECTIONIS T?

Find out if you have this personality trait

and learn how to navigate the pitfalls with
career coach and therapist Tina Neve

P THE QUIZ
erfectionism – widely be focused on avoiding failure.
acknowledged to be The trait can motivate people to

a personality trait – is
something many of us
share to a lesser or greater degree.
When Adele postponed her Las
Vegas show at the last minute in
2022, it was likely to be the root
cause; she’d previously admitted
putting massive pressure on herself
that everything had to be perfect.
While a perfectionist’s main
desire will be to have a sense of
achievement, their behaviour will
achieve success. But when striving
for flawlessness and setting
excessively high standards are
vital to someone’s self-image, it can
be damaging. Perfectionists will
often obsessively focus on detail,
with the bitter irony that aiming
for ‘perfect’ can often result
in delays, missed deadlines and
self-recrimination.
Try our quiz to find out if you’re
a perfectionist or a positive striver.
1
A wall in the hallway needs
repainting, but you can’t find
the original paint to match it.
What do you do?
A You find a colour that is as close
as possible so you can get started.
B You contact a few decorators’
merchants to see if it is possible to create
the old shade.
C You start to consider a totally new
colour scheme, losing yourself in paint
brochures and magazines.

46 womanandhome.com
 life tools

2 7
You have a work deadline
this Friday and a half day off
to attend a friend’s birthday
celebration. What do you do?
A Confirm to your friend you’ll make
it – you know the team will support you.
B Remind your boss of your plans, but
reassure them you’ll make the deadline.
C Tell your friend you may not be able
to make it because of work.
It is your annual review next
week. How have you prepared?
A You have only just looked at THE RESULTS
the review form, you think you have done
OK this year and just want to get it done.
B You have a record of all your
Mostly As
You seem to have a good
achievements, and where you’d like some work-life balance and don’t
support and development to improve. take your work too seriously.
C You have been focusing on one You are not afraid of making
target that you missed this year and are mistakes, trying new things or

3
worrying what your boss will say. adapting to change, which are
Your boss assigns you a task

8
key attributes for progressing
you have never done before. Your book club has asked in your career and good for
How do you approach this? you to be in charge for personal development. You
A It’s unlikely to be spot on, but you the following year. What’s may be capable of achieving
are willing to give it a go. your reaction? more – you can progress in your
B You like to stretch yourself, so you’ll A You are really surprised that you career without compromising
work-shadow someone or ask for help. have been asked, and are happy to your personal life.
C Thoroughly research it on your support the group as much as possible.
own, but fall behind with other work. B You are really pleased to be asked
Mostly Bs
4
and looking forward to choosing the
You are going on a new books. You seem to have the traits of
fortnight’s break IS IT OCD OR C You are worried about a positive striver, both at home
and need to PERFECTIONISM? choosing the right books and at work. You seek to excel
complete a handover Those with obsessive so that they are enjoyed and stretch yourself, adapting
before you leave. compulsive disorder are driven by everyone. to change and embracing
How do you feel?

9
to avoid anxiety and to prevent challenges even when this
A You are looking something bad happening. You have takes you out of your comfort
forward to your break A perfectionist believes been working zone. Being able to collaborate
and feel sure the actions lead to improved on a project with others to achieve an
team will do well. performance, even if the for three months, end goal is necessary in the
B Confident you’ve effort is detrimental but it has now ever-changing and complex
put everything in place, so long term. been changed. What is world that we live in. Work to
you can enjoy your break. your response? maintain this mindset and seek
C Stressed – you are behind A These things happen, and you environments that will enable
with some work and want to finish hope that you can adapt to the changes you to flourish.
everything before you go away. with the rest of the team.
B
Mostly Cs
5
You try to understand the
A new person has joined your background to why this may have
team and they’re more qualified happened and what parts of the work You seem to have perfectionist
than you. What is your reaction? can be reused going forward. tendencies that could be
A They seem nice and you think their C You are extremely frustrated – you hindering your career progress
skills will be useful to have in the team. had everything planned out in detail and get in the way of enjoying
B Curious – they may be able to before the changes. life. At work, you could try to

10
provide advice and add skills to the team.
C You feel insecure and wonder what An opportunity for
impact this will have on your opportunities promotion has been brought
and how your boss rates you. to your attention. How do
you feel about applying?
clarify realistic expectations
with your boss, rather than
impose impossibly high
standards on yourself. Try

6
You’re going away with friends,
but the hotel says they’re a
room short. What do you do?
A Email everyone so you can jointly
discuss what to do next.
B Call the hotel to see if there is a
PHOTOS: GETTY
A It sounds interesting but the time
isn’t right, you are settled and happy
where you are.
B You want to apply and will seek out
advice and guidance to help you with
the process.
to focus on leveraging your
strengths rather than dwelling
on your weakness. Challenge
negative thoughts about failure
with self-compassion, talking
to yourself as you would a friend,
instead of being overly self-

workaround – you’d share if necessary. C You worry that you are not good critical. There is more to you
C Contact other hotels to see what’s enough and that you don’t fulfil the key than your perfectionist traits.
available with the same criteria. points of the job description.
womanandhome.com 47
 Fiona Gibson has just one problem with decluttering – her husband
T
he decorations are down.
Our three adult kids
have headed back to their
own homes and it’s just me
and Jimmy, in a flat that feels eerily
quiet. Some people find this time
of year a bit dismal. But to me it’s
brilliant. It represents a fresh new
48 womanandhome.com
start – and after the festive
madness, I’m keen to make our
home an oasis of calm.
This means a huge and ruthless
declutter. Finally, our home will be
smooth-running and sleek, and
everything in it will be either useful
or loved (or – ideally – both). I know
that I’ll meet with opposition as my
husband is of the ‘we might need
that one day’ mindset. My hope is
that if I tear into the task with enough
gusto, then he won’t notice what’s
going on. I simply can’t face a lengthy
debate on why that tacky picture of
the Arc de Triomphe is charity shop

bound – and why we don’t need five
thermos flasks.
I start with what I once termed,
optimistically, our linen cupboard
– a hideous cave crammed with ugly
paintings and bags of ancient paperwork
and curios picked up in French flea
markets when our twin boys were
toddlers (they are now 26). ‘I’d like to
keep that,’ Jimmy says, when I try to
dispose of a tiny cupboard made of curly
wire and matted with dust. We bought it
at the turn of the millennium thinking it
looked ‘very French’. We’ve never put
it up anywhere, yet now he grabs it off
me, whisking it away to his study with an
accusatory backwards glance.
At least, when I move on to ‘neutral’
stuff, there’s no interference. Even Jimmy
can’t argue that we need six duvets when
we haven’t hosted
a sleepover since
Labour were in ‘Our walk-in
government. We also
own enough pillows
cupboard is
to stock a hotel, some
basically a tiny
so lumpy I wouldn’t
expect a dog to sleep
on them – so off they
branch of
go to the tip.
Our camping
Mountain
equipment is more Warehouse’
contentious. We have
two tents, a collapsible table, four folding
chairs, and numerous camping beds
and roll-out mats. Our walk-in cupboard
is basically a tiny branch of Mountain
Warehouse and everything must go.
I should add that years ago, I
announced to Jimmy that I never want
to sleep under canvas again, as our final
camping ‘holiday’ had nearly broken
my back. ‘Neither do I,’ he admitted.
Yet now he’s saying, ‘I’d be up for trying
it again’ – as if, like disposing of those
too-tight jeans, getting rid of stuff is
too final. ‘We just need the right gear,’
he reasons. What – buy more tents
and camping mats? I’m wondering now
if he’s planning to exchange me for a
different wife – one who’ll happily trek
to the dank toilet block in the middle
of the night. (Also – why are two tents
needed? In case we fall out and opt
for separate sleeping arrangements?)
PHOTO: GETTY
As things become heated, I realise
how ridiculous humans can be. Because
no other species would acquire things
and not use them for decades, yet
insist on hanging on to them. Take our
cookware – another category needing
urgent attention.
Not even the Von Trapp family could
utilise as many oven dishes as we have.
Jimmy, who loves a charity shop browse,
keeps bringing more home, saying they’ll
be ‘good for Christmas’. Ovenware is
like husbands, I reason. I only need one
decent, hard-wearing model that fulfils
all purposes – and I have my beloved
Le Creuset casserole, given to me by
my mum when I left home in 1982.
Introducing new cooking pots makes
life messy and complicated. How can
I stop this happening? You can’t prevent
an adult from buying things. You can
throw things out, secretly, hiding them
under piles of old jumpers as you head
out to the charity shop.
But it triggers intense
guilt – like when I hid
my daughter’s favourite
picture book as I couldn’t
face reading it one
more time. That’s how
bad it feels – like stuffing
Room on the Broom
behind a radiator. As if
I’m stealing from Jimmy
– because who am
I to determine what’s
clutter and what’s not?
Hang on a minute! We’re not talking
his grandad’s war medals, but rubbishy
books clogging up our shelves. We think
owning a ‘library’ makes us look brainy,
but look closer and you’ll find joke books,
football annuals and car maintenance
manuals from the era when you might
actually be able to make a fan belt from
a pair of tights. Can’t I get rid of those?
And what about that horrible stool with
a padded seat that Jimmy found in the
street? Nasty ugly thing I have a personal
vendetta against – because one of our
sons tumbled off it and cracked his head.
‘Please,’ I beg, ‘can’t we take that to
the tip?’
For a moment he looks reasonable.
He’s wavering, I think – and if I can get
him to agree to the stool, we can move
on to cookware and camping stuff. And
then there’ll be no stopping me.
He looks down at the ugliest stool
ever made – that maimed our son – and
he says, ‘It might come in handy, that.’
modern life
HOARDER VS
MINIMALIST
Don’t see eye to eye with your
partner about decluttering? Lisa
Coe, professional home organiser
and founder of Happy Space
Organised, is here to help.
1
TALK TO YOUR PARTNER Let
them know the impact that living
in a cluttered home is having on
you and share with them the wider
benefits that you feel decluttering will
bring. This may be less time cleaning
and tidying, reduced stress or more
time to do the things you enjoy. Keep
things positive and avoid criticism
2
– your aim is to get them on board.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE Begin
with your own belongings.
Many of my clients’ partners
start off relatively indifferent to
the service I offer, but become big
converts once they’ve seen the results
and the huge difference it makes to
3
their partner’s wellbeing.
BE COMPASSIONATE
It can be hard to part with
belongings. Start with little
and often, and begin with items that
don’t hold any sentimental value.
4
Decluttering gets easier with practice.
OFFER HANDS-ON HELP
You may find your partner isn’t
motivated to declutter, but is
happy for you to hold things up while
they tell you what they’d like to keep
and what they don’t need. This is an
5
approach I often use with my husband.
ACCEPT THAT A DEGREE
OF COMPROMISE WILL
BE REQUIRED What appears
to be clutter to you may be valuable
to them. As tempting as it may
be, don’t declutter your partner’s
belongings without their permission,
as it’s likely to lead to more resistance.
✢ Lisa Coe is based in the
Midlands. To find out more, visit
happyspaceorganisedbylisa.co.uk
or follow her on Instagram
@happyspaceorganisedbylisa
✢ Fiona’s latest novel, The Man I Met
on Holiday (£8.99, PB, Avon), is out now.
womanandhome.com 49
 The new year is the perfect time to sort out your
bank balance, says our finance expert Faith Archer
 smart with money

M
any of us worry that
we’re not ‘good’ with
money. We may find
organising our finances
boring or stressful – something
we mean to do but end up putting
off. But your money mindset
is key to your motivation, says
Laura Ann Moore, host of the Mind
Money Soul podcast. ‘When you
identify your money beliefs, you
can start to reframe and reshape
them,’ she explains. ‘For example,
if you have always believed that
having money makes you greedy
or selfish, ask yourself, “Is this
really true?”’
Improving your money mindset may
also boost your mental health. One in
three women feel their financial situation
over the past five years has had
a negative impact on their mental
wellbeing, compared with one in
four men, according to research by
Fidelity International.
So make 2024 the year you reflect on
your deep-seated attitudes to money. ‘FINANCIAL PLANNING IS
NOT JUST ABOUT NUMBERS,
Seize the chance to take charge of
your finances, build your confidence
and transform your financial future.

IT’S ALSO ABOUT DREAMS’

1 Learn from
past mistakes
Don’t beat yourself up about past
money mistakes. Think about what you
can learn from them instead. ‘Who hasn’t
stumbled on their financial path?’ says
Laura. ‘Every financial setback is a lesson
in disguise, and each lesson brings you
closer to financial mastery.’
3 Ditch unwanted
direct debits
Review all your direct debits and
standing orders, plus any other regular
payments that are depleting your bank
balance. See what you can ditch – the
streaming service you don’t watch, the
insurance for the mobile phone you no
5 Add up
your debts
January can be a crunch time,
when the credit card bills for Christmas
spending show up.
Brace yourself to add up everything
you owe, including the interest rates
and minimum payments due each

2
longer use. Go on a cancellation spree, month. See if you can transfer any
and you’ll reap the benefits month in,
Build a budget
outstanding balances at expensive rates
month out. onto an interest-free credit card offer,

Start by drawing up a budget.
Work out how much money
you have coming in each month, then
go through your bank statements
and credit card bills to tot up all the
money going out. Money Helper and
MoneySavingExpert both provide useful
free budget planners. Differentiating
between what’s essential and what’s
nice to have, and setting targets for
different types of spending, can help
you to free up cash to spend, save or
pay off debts.
4
Switch to better deals
For any bills you can’t cut, check
if you are out of contract and use
comparison websites to see if you can
switch to a better deal. The savings can
be significant. For example, more than
half of consumers could save up to £523
a year on their car insurance, up to £177
on their home insurance and up to £154
on superfast broadband, according to
research by MoneySuperMarket.
to stop interest building up. Moving
a £2,000 balance from a credit card
charging 24% interest to a 0% interest
card could save nearly £340 a year,
even after a 3.45% balance transfer fee,
according to number crunching by
MoneySuperMarket.
Next, focus on paying down your debt
before any interest-free offer ends. Some
people prefer to chip away at the most
expensive debt first, while others find
more motivation in clearing the smallest
balance first. >>
womanandhome.com 51
smart with money
6 Increase your
annual income
If you really want to clear debts
or build savings, try searching for extra
income. Remember, you can earn up
to £1,000 each year completely tax-free
under the trading allowance – such as
selling clothes on Vinted and Depop
or flogging furniture on Facebook
Marketplace. You can also earn another
£1,000 a year tax-free under the property
allowance, perhaps by renting out your
driveway via JustPark, YourParkingSpace
or Park Let, storing people’s belongings
with Stashbee or Storemates, or letting
a spare room on Airbnb.
You only need to declare your
earnings on a tax return if you make
more than a grand per category each
tax year. If so, you can choose between
deducting the £1,000 allowances before
calculating your profits, or claiming your
actual expenses.
7
Start a savings pot
Allow for less frequent expenses.
Costs such as car insurance,
birthdays and holidays all pop up as
regular as clockwork every year. Split the
totals into a monthly
amount, and set
up a standing order ‘TREAT
PAST MONEY
into a savings
account. Some
MISTAKES
current accounts
also let you set up
different ‘savings
pots’ for different
purposes. That
way, you can work
AS LESSONS’
towards paying big bills from your
savings, and earn interest to help, rather
than running up debts.
52 womanandhome.com
8 Arrange a
money date
If you’re fired up about fixing
your finances, make sure your partner
is also on board.
Eileen Adamson, money coach at
Your Money Sorted, recommends
arranging ‘money dates’ each month,
when you sit down together to review
your financial situation, set goals and
tackle any financial issues together.
‘These dates promote open
communication, reduce financial stress
and empower both partners in financial
decision-making,’ she says. ‘Come
prepared with relevant information,
be open-minded and respectful,
and remember, it’s not just about
numbers, it’s also about your dreams
and shared future.’
9
Write a will
It’s easy to put off writing
a will, but if you die without
one, you will land your loved ones with
a whole heap of hassle. A will can help
protect your children’s future by naming
a guardian, and ensure your money
goes where you want it, rather than
being divvied up
according to the
laws of intestacy.
Already got a
will? Check it’s up
to date, especially
if you’ve recently
got divorced,
remarried or are
now living in a
new relationship.
Find a local solicitor to help by searching
for ‘wills, trusts and probate’ at
solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk
10 Set up power
of attorney
A Lasting Power of
Attorney (LPA) lets trusted other people
take decisions for you, if you can’t take
them yourself. There’s one for financial
decisions, and another for health and
care. Registering LPAs well before they
are ever needed avoids dragging your
family through the Court of Protection if
you lose the capacity to make decisions.
PERK UP
YOUR PENSION
The earlier you check your pension
provision, the more time you have
to boost your contributions:
✢ See how much you’ll get as
a state pension and when at
gov.uk/check-state-pension
✢ Check the balances and charges
on any personal or work pensions.
✢ Ask if your employer will match
any additional contributions to a
workplace pension.
✢ Track down any lost pensions using
the Pension Tracing Service on gov.uk
or a site such as Gretel, which helps
people reconnect with lost and
dormant accounts.
✢ Compare your pension forecasts
with the income you’d like to live on
in retirement.
✢ If you’re over 50, book a free
PHOTOS: NEIL GODWIN, GETTY
appointment with Pension Wise, to find
out your options.
✢ Consider paying for financial advice.
Ask around for recommendations or
try unbiased.co.uk or vouchedfor.co.uk
to find a local independent financial
adviser to help you.
 promotional feature

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‘The
Australian
outback
adventure’
Call the Midwife star
Jenny Agutter shares her experiences
of living through 1969 – twice
E
xploring the Australian
outback isn’t how most
16-year-olds would envisage
spending their summer, yet
in August 1969, that is where I was for
four months, filming the Nicolas Roeg
film Walkabout. I travelled to parts
of the country so remote that most
Australians haven’t been there,
dropped by helicopter in arid desert
landscapes where the sand stretched
for miles and the orange glow of the
sunsets held a beauty unlike anything
else. It was a formative time in my
life, a memory I’ll never forget.
I had just finished my studies at
Elmhurst Ballet School, where I boarded
from the age of eight, and had moved
to a school called Arts Educational near
Hyde Park Corner in London, where
I was a day girl. By that time, I had done
WORDS: ELLA DOVE. PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY
a great deal of film and television work,
so the school accepted that I would likely
be coming and going.
When the opportunity arose to shoot
Walkabout in Australia, I remember
thinking it would be a great adventure.
I was no stranger to travel – my father
was a British Army officer and we lived in
Cyprus for eight years, so I grew up with
a curiosity about the world. My mother
accompanied me to Sydney and stayed
for the first couple of weeks, but then she
left and we travelled on into Adelaide
and then into the rural outback.
The heat was stifling and I remember
leaving my door open at one place
because I couldn’t bear the draught
excluders beneath the
doors. When I asked
a staff member why
‘From snakes
they had them there in
such hot weather, he
to spiders, it felt
laughed. ‘That’s not a
draught excluder,’ he
like everything
said. ‘That’s to keep the wanted to
kill you!’
King Brown snakes out.
They like to get into
the bed with you.’
From snakes to spiders, it felt like
everything in Australia wanted to kill you!
Some members of the cast and crew
found it threatening, being so far away
from civilization, but I was still young
enough to feel invincible.
At 16, I no longer needed a teacher
with me while filming, but I’d join in with
the children’s lessons, or listen while a
chaperone read them The Hobbit. One
day, we got in trouble for burying my
co-actor Luc [Roeg], then aged seven, in
the sand. Another evening, I got drunk
my life in a picture
Jenny with David
Gulpilil, filming
Walkabout in 1969
for the first time and had a horrible
hangover the next day.
The only person my own age was
Indigenous Australian actor and dancer
David Gulpilil. Working with David was
fascinating. He had never made a film,
and yet he had an innate understanding
of film-making. He danced beautifully,
played the didgeridoo and told us
Aboriginal tales. I loved sitting with
him, talking about our different worlds.
I have recently found
myself reliving that landmark
year. The new series of Call
the Midwife is set between
1968 and 1969, and while
filming as Sister Julienne in
the cobbled streets of East
London is a far cry from
the Australian desert, I’m
reminded of the importance
of that year. There were
huge changes in society, from fertility
drugs being available for women to
the moon landing. I vividly remember
watching Apollo 11 on TV with my brother
– and I’ve now watched it as Sister
Julienne with the nuns and midwives
of Nonnatus House. It feels like life is
coming full circle, but that’s the lovely
thing about circles – each time they come
back around in a slightly different way.
✢ Call the Midwife returns for series 13
in January on BBC1 and BBC iPlayer.
womanandhome.com 55
 WHAT
IT’S LIKE
TO BE A...
PERSONAL
TRAINER Meet Fumi Fisher, 54, who made
a career out of fitness in midlife
W
hen you think of
personal training, you
may imagine young,
muscular types
preparing for something like an
ultramarathon. But Fumi Fisher, who
became a PT in her 40s, is determined
to change this stereotype, showing
both through her own journey and
her broad variety of clients, that it’s
never too late to build strength, get
fitter and feel fabulous.
How did you get into your career?
In 2010, I left my job with an insurance
company in London to embark
on IVF treatment. Sadly, that was
unsuccessful, but it prompted me
to quit the rat race for good to find
something more fulfilling.
I had always loved sport – everything
from football, volleyball and ice skating
when I was a child, to going to the gym
in my 20s and 30s. I knew that I needed
to swap my stressful job and miserable
commute for something that made
me feel good – and I knew that thing
was exercise. So I decided to retrain
as a personal trainer. The course took
a year, and was a combination of
theory and practical assessments.
I studied all body functions, nutrition
and maths so that I could calculate
BMIs, and I learnt the correct
techniques for using weights and gym
equipment. I am now fitter, stronger
and happier than ever.
56 womanandhome.com
Which part of your job makes you
spring out of bed in the morning?
My customers. I work at Gravesham
Community Leisure Limited, near
where I live in Kent, and it is a
pleasure to support so many
lovely people.
Why do you recommend personal
training and is it for everyone?
It enables people to learn correct
techniques, boosts confidence and
Exercise
is a great way to break the barrier
has always
to exercise. Some gyms can feel
made Fumi
quite intimidating and many people
feel good
either don’t know how to use the
equipment or feel
self-conscious
about exercising
in front of others. ‘It’s so
rewarding
Having a personal
trainer can help
them overcome
those obstacles helping
and anxieties. It’s
also much easier people
to stay motivated
when you
achieve
have someone
exercising with
their goals’
you. My customers range in age from What does a typical working day
early 20s to late 60s, with different look like?
abilities and some complex needs. My morning usually starts at 6am. But
I also have customers who need if I’ve got an early personal training
help regaining their strength or session, I’ll get up at 5am. For breakfast,
getting back into exercise following I’ll have a coffee with soya milk for
an accident or injury. energy, followed by a cereal bar or
 my 9-5

What did you want to be as a child?

I grew up in Japan and always wanted
to be an interpreter because I was
fascinated by other countries. My first
job was working for a Japanese import/
export company.

What is your job’s hardest challenge?

When a customer stops contacting me
without explanation. It hurts and makes
me question if I did something wrong.
Fortunately, this has only happened a
few times in my career.

What qualities do you admire most

in colleagues?
Cooperation, professionalism, listening
to each other, and respect for each
other’s work.

What’s the best career advice you’ve

been given or would give?
Be yourself and give 100%. When I started
out, I was really nervous, but an experienced
instructor told me, “You don’t have to
copy me, just create your own style.”

What’s your What would you say to anyone

career highlight? who’s thinking of becoming a

personal trainer?
The appreciation I get from customers. It’s not just training. It’s also about
yogurt drink. It’s so rewarding helping people achieve out with Gizmo, listening and patience, understanding
I don’t eat too their goals. It makes me so emotional my Shih Tzu. people’s lifestyles and emotions.
much before when they say things like, ‘I wish I found If I’ve had a lot Sometimes it feels more like being
work because you before.’ I’m proud to have been of back-to-back a counsellor.
I don’t want to be awarded ‘Employee of the Year’ classes that day,
jumping around on three times, from customer I might have a nap
a full stomach.
Once I arrive at work, I’ll
nominations. for 30 minutes or an
hour. I go back to do early SNAPSHOTS
get myself set up in the studio. In evening classes. Lark or owl? Both! When I was
addition to my one-to-one personal little my mum used to make me
training sessions, I also teach 15 How do you unwind? go for a jog before school. But
classes a week, including aerobics, After work I’ll get home around 8 or I also go to bed quite late.
legs, bums and tums, kettlebells, spin, 9pm, then have a shower before dinner. Heels or trainers? Trainers – I’ve
barbells and senior classes. I always I always cook meals from scratch, got about seven pairs.
arrive 30 minutes before my first class which is the way my mum raised me. Zoom or face to face? Face to
WORDS: BECKY DICKINSON. MAIN PHOTO: GETTY

starts so that I can chat to people.
I’ll welcome new customers, and find
out about their exercise experience
and any injuries.
At lunch, I’ll go home and have
something to eat, like noodles, rice,
salad and nuts. I’ll also start preparing
dinner for my husband Colin and I.
Afternoons tend to be more relaxed,
as most of my classes take place in
the morning or the evening, so I’ll chill
Eating healthily is really important
to me, especially as I get older. I avoid
eating too much fat, carbs, salt and
sugar, and I include lots of tofu,
soya beans, sesame oil, vegetables,
seaweed and ginger instead. After
dinner, I like to chill out in front of
Netflix. I rarely go to bed before
midnight, but fortunately I sleep
quite deeply, so I don’t seem to need
as many hours as some people.
face. I’ll often correct someone’s
position, or demonstrate side by
side to get the best result.
Team player or independent soul?
Team player. In class, I always offer
different level options.
Power nap or brisk walk? Power
nap. Work provides me with
enough exercise – and all those
classes can get tiring!
womanandhome.com 57
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 FASHION
H
Looking stylish has never been so easy ibernation season is
here but that doesn’t
mean our sartorial
standards need
to slip. Give those worn-out
joggers a stylish upgrade with
cashmere co-ords and silky
sets that lend themselves
to be worn in and out of the
house. It’s what underneath
that counts, so don’t forget
to treat yourself to some
luscious lingerie and, if you’re
feeling more active, we’ve
got sportswear that will take
you from running errands
to running laps! Maximum
comfort, minimal effort.
Pyjama set, £119, sizes xs-xl,
mintvelvet.com >>

From butter-soft loungewear to sleek sportswear

– your cold weather wardrobe awaits
 fashion inspiration
-O R DS
CO
FY
Perfect for those
COM
not-quite-pyjama days,
investing in a luxe trouser set
is a must. Think of these as
elevated tracksuits, ideal for
relaxing, while each piece can
be used to create versatile
weekend outfits.
Jumper, £30, trousers, £30,
both sizes xs-xl, Rosie for
marksandspencer.com
60 womanandhome.com
Jumper, £45,
trousers, £45,
both sizes xxs-xl,
hush-uk.com
Cashmere mix jumper,
£35, trousers, £32, both sizes
6-22, F&F Clothing
Top, £28, bottoms,
£30, both sizes s-l,
joebrowns.co.uk
Cardigan, £29.90,
sizes xs-xl, trousers,
£19.90, sizes xxs-xxl,
both uniqlo.com
100% cashmere
jumper, £135, trousers,
£125, both sizes s-l,
mysundayski.co.uk
 £25, damart.
co.uk
100% silk,
£90, sizes s-l,
truly.co.uk

STYLISH
SLIPPERS
Heavenly slippers will see
you through winter and beyond.
Cosy clogs are the new slipper-
shoe hybrid you never knew you
£65, sizes s-l,
thenapco.com

£89, loaf.com

Real
shearling

Camisole set, £69, £70, fitflop.com

robe, £79, both sizes £64, sizes 8-18,
xs-xl, mintvelvet.com fableandeve.com

PERFECT £55, johnlewis.com

PAIRINGS
Staying in doesn’t
mean you can’t add
glamour to your
loungewear. Silky
£59, sizes xs-xxl, camisole sets bring £129, sizes xs-xl, £29.99, zarahome.com
victoriassecret.co.uk a touch of elegance thewhitecompany.com
and sophistication,
and mix beautifully
with knits. Pair
with a long knitted
cardigan or
cashmere separates. £25, next.co.uk >>

womanandhome.com 61
 100% silk, £345, sizes
xs-xl, eberjey.com

Top, £11, trousers, £11, both

sizes xxs-xl, primark.com

£32.99, sizes xs-xl, hm.com

S SETS
£69, sizes xs-xxl,

OU victoriassecret.co.uk
TU

Indulge in a
pyjama upgrade
SUMP

with sensual, silky

fabrics. Nothing beats Available
sliding into fresh sheets in short,
in these luxury sets. Look regular and
for details such as piped
long Pyjama set,
trims and covered buttons,
£89, sizes xs-xl,
which look expensive.
mintvelvet.com

100%
organic
cotton bed
shirt, £80,
sizes xs-xl,
nudea.com

£65, sizes xs-xl, £20, sizes 6-26, £50, sizes 8-18,

thewhitecompany.com marksandspencer.com fableandeve.com

62 womanandhome.com
 fashion inspiration

EMISES CLASSIC PYJAMAS

H Traditional button-up styles in expensive-looking neutral tones. Invest
C
in high-quality, natural fabrics that soften beautifully after each wash.
A stylish nightie
COOL

offers comfort with

a dose of luxury for a restful
night’s sleep. If keeping cool
is a priority, invest in silk,
cotton or bamboo viscose,
all of which have the
natural ability to wick
away moisture.

100% silk, £90, sizes s-l,

Truly at johnlewis.com
Top, £27.99, bottoms, £22.99, £42, sizes 6-18, Morris £75, sizes xs-xl,
both sizes xs-xl, oysho.com & Co. at next.co.uk jigsaw-online.com

100% silk,
£170, sizes s-xl,
Jennifer Lopez x
intimissimi.com

100% cotton, £95, sizes xs-xl,

desmondanddempsey.com

£25, sizes 6-26,

marksandspencer.com
Top, £25, bottoms, £25,
both sizes 6-22, bra, £24,
sizes 30A-42E, all Rosie for
marksandspencer.com >>

95% bamboo viscose,

£45, sizes 8-20,
prettyyoulondon.co.uk

BED SHIRTS
Cool, roomy and comfortable, there’s
a lot to be said for the borrowed-from-
the-boys style of a nightshirt. Wear yours
oversized and slightly unbuttoned to ooze
that French nonchalant style.
 L K N ITS Cardigan, £130,

R A sizes xxs-xxxl,
When it’s time trousers, £135,
T

to embrace the cold sizes 6-18,

N EU

make a soft, neutral knit earrings, £90,

your go-to uniform. Not all sezane.com
just designed for home £95, hotdiamonds.co.uk
comforts, dress them up
with leather trousers and
heels for a look that’s
delightfully snug.

£32, orelia.
co.uk

£110, sizes xxs-xl,

hush-uk.com

£29.90, sizes xxs-xxl, £95, racheljackson

uniqlo.com london.com

G FOR GOL
N
OI Add
D
some drama to
G

a classic knit with a

statement pair of earrings.
Warm gold tones pair
beautifully with cream,
oatmeal and heather grey.
Look for drop charms, pearl £89.95, sizes 8-28,
detailing and modern seasaltcornwall.com
graphic shapes.

£49, wanderlustlife.
co.uk

£35, boden.co.uk £198,

64 womanandhome.com
 fashion inspiration

2 ways

LUNCH DATE WEEKEND SHOPPING

Coat, £205, sizes xs-l, stories.com; Jacket, £80, sizes 10-24, freemans.com;
jumper, £89, sizes xs-xl, mintvelvet.com; jumper, £35.99, sizes xxs-xxl, mango.com;
ring, £115, uk.pandora.net; shoes, £139, bag, £39.95, rokalondon.com; trainers,
ralphlauren.co.uk Trousers, £19.90, sizes xxs-xxl, uniqlo.com £100, newbalance.co.uk

4 OF THE BEST

Side stripes
add a cool,
sporty edge

£295, sizes xs-xxxl,

£100, sizes s-l, truly.co.uk £39.99, sizes xs-l, oysho.com £32.99, sizes xs-xxl, hm.com chintiandparker.com >>

womanandhome.com 65
 KY WR A
I L PS EYE MASKS
S Delve into a deep sleep
with a pretty and practical
Bring some eye mask. Silky fabrics add
sophistication into the an extra layer of opulence.
bedroom with a sensual
satin robe. The soft, flowing
fabric drapes beautifully to
accentuate feminine curves.
Tie the belt loosely to
highlight your waist. £10, hush-uk.com

£109, sizes s-l,

johnlewis.com

100% silk, £50,

slipsilkpillowcase.co.uk

£34.99, sizes xs-l, hm.com 100% silk, £55, asceno.com

100% silk robe,

£198, 100% silk
chemise, £129,
both sizes xs-xl,
£15, myza.co
thewhite
company.com

S H M ER E SO
C A

CK
100% silk, £220, sizes s-l, The ultimate gift to

S
Jennifer Lopez x intimissimi.com yourself or a loved one,
indulge in a butter-soft pair
for curling up on the sofa or
keeping your feet toasty at
bedtime. Opt for cashmere
mixes for a more
affordable price.

100% cashmere, £36,

thewhitecompany.com

100% cashmere, £38,

joshuaellis.com
100% silk, £175, sizes s-l, myza.co
 fashion inspiration

Bra, £40,
knickers, £20,
PRETTY PAIRINGS
It’s time to treat underwear as the ultimate
sleep shirt, form of self-care. From investment sets to
£45, all sizes high-street heroes, a new pair awaits you.
xs-xl, alpaca
wool socks,
£22, all
nudea.com Larger
size
specialist

Bra, £38, knickers, Bra, £44, sizes

£17, both sizes xs-xxl, 36DD-46K, knickers,
uk.sloggi.com £25, sizes m-xxxxl,
elomilingerie.com

Bra, £28, sizes 32A-38F, Bra, £54, knickers,

knickers, £14, sizes 8-20, £40, both sizes 6-14,
pourmoi.co.uk doralarsen.com

Bra, £14, sizes Bra, £15, sizes Bra, £18, sizes 8-18, Bra, £14, sizes Bra, £59, sizes 32B-44D,
32A-40D, knickers 34B-38DD, knickers, knickers, £10, sizes 6-20, 32A-40D, knickers knickers, £24, sizes
£7.50, sizes 8-18, £7, sizes 6-22, Boutique at marksand £7.50, sizes 8-18, s-xxxl, Jennifer Lopez
matalan.co.uk F&F Clothing spencer.com matalan.co.uk x intimissimi.com >>

womanandhome.com 67
 Jacket, £188, onesie,
£108, both sizes xs-xl,
freepeople.com

Top, £114, sizes xxs-xl,

varley.com

Merino wool leggings, £79,

sizes xs-xl, howies.co.uk

Fleece hoodie, £18.90,

sizes xxs-xxl, uniqlo.com

Gloves, £39.99,
smartwool.co.uk

ET
STR CH &
RE

From couch to 5k
to yogi resident,
SET

we’ve got you covered

with high-performance
sportswear that Gilet, £39.90, sizes
oozes style. xxs-xxxl, uniqlo.com

Waterproof jacket, £190,

sizes s-xl, Pro Trail at
mountainwarehouse.com Smart watch,
£39.99, Radley
at argos.co.uk

Joggers, £85, sizes xxs-xxl,

sweatybetty.com
Waterproof trainers, £125, merrell.com Bag, £48, lululemon.co.uk

68 womanandhome.com
 fashion inspiration

Flattering
wrap-style
with hood

Top, £49, sizes 8-16,

bambooclothing.co.uk Reflective hat, £23.99,
provizsports.com

Bra, £42, sizes 28E-40GG,

Wool cardigan, £140, sizes s-l, Panache at simplybe.co.uk
bambooclothing.co.uk Merino wool top,
£64.99, sizes xs-xl,
smartwool.co.uk

Jacket, £140,
leggings, £88,
Water bottle, £12, both sizes xs-xl,
johnlewis.com shoes, £44, all
Leggings, £59, sizes xs-xl,
freepeople.com
whistles.com

Made
from 100%
Bag, £75, kindbag.co recycled water-
resistant
fabric
COMPILED BY: HANNAH HUGHES. PHOTOS: GETTY

Hat, £45, patagonia.com

Trainers, £72.95, nike.com

 FASHION CONFIDENCE
The denim
skirt is a
Denim maxis are a perennial favourite.
Here’s how to find a good one
T
he older I get, the
more I appreciate the
importance of comfort.
I’m not talking about
elasticated waistbands and UGG
boots, but clothes that fit well,
feel good and work in real life.
The items you pull on first thing
in the morning and then forget
about. No one wants to spend
the day dealing with a wardrobe
malfunction. Trousers that are too
short in the rise (tight in the crotch
area) are quite literally a pain in
the backside. While ill-fitting shoes
and ancient bras are about as much
use as a wonky shopping trolley
(to pound-coin a phrase).
The denim maxi is in abundance
this season, and it does look good
with a cosy knit and a pair of
elegant ankle boots. But let’s not
skirt the issue… As a big fan of
people watching, one thing I have
noticed is the full-length denim
pencil skirt is popular online and
in the shops, but it’s not so visible
out on the street. IRL. Many women
love denim and are partial to a
maxi, but for those of us in search
of faff-free fashion, this is definitely
an item to try before you buy.
Denim is restrictive. Likewise,
70 womanandhome.com
narrow, full-length pencil skirts.
Put the two together and you
can forget running for a bus.
In the early 20th century, the
Parisian designer Paul Poiret
created the ‘hobble skirt’. There’s
a clue in the name… the full-length
skirt narrowed below the knee,
allowing the wearer to take only
very small steps. Fine for the
upper-class ladies of leisure but
the suffragettes and World War
One turned this into a relatively
short-lived fashion trend.
For improved walkability in the
21st century, swerve super-narrow
denim maxis in favour of long,
kick-flare skirts or midi styles.
Boden, Seasalt and Toast are
all good for panelled midis and
A-line designs, while Raey at
matchesfashion.com has a fishtail
denim maxi that looks great for
striding around town in. Fickle
trends are a palaver, so push them
aside. Find a denim skirt you can
walk in and then strut your stuff.
Cardigan from a selection at
genevievesweeney.com; skirt,
£100, sizes xs-l, MUD Jeans
at gatherandsee.com; leather
bag and boots, Alyson’s own
 style advice

TIPS FOR SKIRTS YOU CAN WALK IN

se midi not m y ou’ ll need the
o
o ✢ Skirts ending just axi , e
h
C below the knee or midi gth ✢ When it comes to x
maxis, the straight-up-and-

-len

tra
length allow ease of movement. down version that looks like an
The A-line style is always chic. elongated, denim pencil skirt is

legro
For full
Alternatively, look for panelled guaranteed to make you hobble. (The
denim skirts that flare out at the hem classic, on-the-knee pencil can be tricky
or button-front styles. All of these enough!) Instead, look for circle skirts and

designs provide room for manoeuvre.
Add a pair of leather boots and
PHOTO: SARAH BRICK. FASHION ASSISTANT: HELEN JOHNSON. HAIR AND MAKE-UP: CARL STANLEY
om
designs with godets or pleats – the extra
fabric is your friend. Matchesfashion.com
has a selection in organic denim.

Read more
from Alyson at
her website,
thatsnot
myage.com

Cashmere jumper, £180, sizes xs-l, cos.com;
tank top, £59, sizes 8-18, albaray.co.uk;
midi skirt, £65.95, sizes 8-28, seasaltcornwall.com;
earrings, £17.99, stories.com;
bag, £195, aspinaloflondon.com;
boots, £269, ralphlauren.co.uk
Jacket, £60, sizes 6-18, riverisland.com;
top, £35, sizes xs-l, cos.com; skirt, £165,
sizes 4-14, Raey at matchesfashion.com;
ring, £25, charleskeith.co.uk;
bag, £170, jigsaw-online.com;
trainers, £100, saucony.com
womanandhome.com 71
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This offer comes
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someone special
or a gorgeous
treat for yourself.
72 womanandhome.com
WITH THIS ORDER, Don’t miss out
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Valid from 4 January 2024 while stocks last.
For full terms and conditions please visit
toyl.co.uk/pages/terms. UK only.
 BEAUTY
How to look your best every day
he cold weather can be a
tricky time for your skin.
While you’re less likely to
succumb to sunburn and
pigmentation, the harsh
weather and moisture-
zapping central heating
can wreak havoc on your
complexion. Pair that
with the winter blues,
and it can feel like a
gloomy time of year
for your face – and your
mind. Now’s the time
to treat yourself to some
pampering and put on a
happy face. >>

Go from drab to fab with our tips to cheer up your complexion

 L SW A P-OV
A ER
ON Winter skin SOS Thirst quenchers
A lot of skin problems are due to
AS
dehydration. Crêpey skin? Dehydration.
‘During the winter, the skin goes Dullness? Dehydration. Sagging? You
THE SE

through several changes, which can guessed it. A good hyaluronic acid
lead to sensitivity,’ says consultant serum will keep skin plumped and
dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips. content. Try these new launches.
‘Cold temperatures and low air ✢ StriVectin Hydration Multiplier
humidity cause dryness. This is Hyaluronic Acid Serum, £59, boots.com
worsened by hot baths and showers, ✢ Clarins Hydra-Essential Bi-Phase
which strip away essential oils from Serum, £46, clarins.co.uk
the outer layer of the skin.’ How can
you combat this moisture-sapping
season? ‘The key is to ensure skin
is adequately hydrated,’ says
Dr Derrick. ‘Look out for products
containing humectants and emollients
like hyaluronic acid and ceramides,
which will hydrate the skin and
support the skin barrier.’

CA R E W I
T
H
CR

Pick the richest

E A MS

formulas
to nourish
dry skin.

Dehydration
vs dryness
A lot of people mistake skin for being dry when
it’s actually dehydrated. Dehydrated skin lacks
water content, whereas dry skin lacks lipids.
Dehydrated skin will look dull, whereas dry skin
will be tight and flaky. It’s important to use the
right products and treatments for your skin type,
to make sure it gets more of what it needs.
✢ DRY SKIN NEEDS Rich creams
TRY Simple Restorative Rich Cream,
£8.99, boots.com
✢ DEHYDRATED SKIN NEEDS
Hyaluronic acid, and buckets of it
TRY Antipodes Flora Probiotic Skin-Rescue
Hyaluronic Mask, £28, sephora.co.uk

74 womanandhome.com
 beauty inspiration

The great
repair
It’s easy for your skin barrier to become
compromised in the winter months – you’ll
know it’s happened if you have sore, irritated
skin. Put a pause on active ingredients
(exfoliating acids, vitamin C and retinol), and
incorporate these soothing buys.
✢ The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier
Support Serum, £17.30, cultbeauty.co.uk
✢ CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment,
£14, lookfantastic.com
✢ The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide
Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer,
£19.99, cultbeauty.co.uk >>

womanandhome.com 75
 YOUR SKIN
U P
The new
R

super serums
CHEE

✢ THE PLUMPER Dermalogica

Pro-Collagen Banking Serum, £89,
dermalogica.co.uk
✢ THE BRIGHTENER Fresh Lotus
AHA Gentle Resurfacing Serum,
£60, Space NK
✢ THE LIFTER Shiseido Vital
Perfection Night Concentrate Serum,
£145, shiseido.co.uk
✢ THE REPAIRER Murad Cellular
Hydration Repair Serum,
£72, murad.co.uk

APPLY
TO
W
HO

Use serums
after cleansing,
but before
moisturising.
 beauty inspiration

Eye contact
We express ourselves with our eyes – it’s how
we connect with others. Dark circles or sagging
skin can make us look – and feel – tired, and the
eyes show signs of ageing first. ‘The skin
around our eyes is the most delicate and
thinnest on our face,’ says aesthetics doctor
Dr Dev Patel. ‘It deserves the greatest attention
and care.’ He recommends using an eye cream
or serum daily, to provide this extra support.
✢ Nuxe Super Serum Eye, £42, uk.nuxe.com
✢ RoC Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream,
£39.99, boots.com
✢ SkinCeuticals A.G.E Advanced Eye,
£105, skinceuticals.com

G BE AU T Y
IN

Do you need

EP
SLE
Apply at night,

an oil?
‘Facial oils tend to suit dry skin types best
– they’re not a good choice if you’re oily,’ says
dermatologist Dr Sophie Shotter. ‘They can help
glow. ‘Avoid formulas with
essential oils – they can irritate
the skin. I like castor and
rosehip oils,’ Dr Sophie
recommends.
Pai Rosehip Oil, £16,
johnlewis.com
so that it has
plenty of time
to sink in.
The power
of touch
Some 8.3 million UK adults live alone,
and whether you’re in a relationship
or not, it’s common for many of us to
go without touch for long periods.
Psychologists warn this means we’re in
danger of feeling lonely or abandoned
– it’s a new phenomenon called Skin
Hunger. Being touched is known to
boost the immune system, lower blood
pressure and decrease stress hormones.
While it’s tempting to hibernate in
January, consider meeting a friend for

‘Massage into skin

a catch-up and a hug. Booking in for
a facial is also beneficial for your skin
and mind. Ayurvedic brand SAMAYA is

and take a calming offering touch-centric facials at Fenwick,

London, designed to relax while leaving

moment for yourself’ your skin looking radiant.

£150, samayaayurveda.com >>
womanandhome.com 77
 T W E AK M
ND E
A

NT
under the needle?
S
ATMENT

S
‘Aesthetic treatments are great tools for
addressing specific concerns such as wrinkles,
volume loss or hyperpigmentation, but they
are no substitute for a good skincare routine,’
explains Dr Derrick. ‘A routine is foundational,
and ensures that the skin is healthy, hydrated
and protected.’ We agree – there’s no point
diving straight into Botox if you’re skipping
SPF or aren’t acquainted with a good
E

retinoid. While we see the benefits of

upgrading to more intensive treatments to
R

get better results, we’d see them as an

T

optional extra step (and a thought-out

investment), rather than a quick fix.

The cheat sheet

✢ THE SCULPTOR Ultherapy
uses ultrasound and sonic waves to
supercharge collagen production.
Cheekbones look more defined.
✢ THE TIGHTENER EMface uses radio
frequency to strengthen facial muscles
and increase collagen levels. Skin
feels bouncier and tighter. From
£600, btlaesthetics.com
✢ THE BRIGHTENER Peels use
medical-grade skincare acids to melt
away dead skin cells. This leaves skin
looking clearer, smoother and brighter.
✢ THE ALL-ROUND IMPROVER
A Hydrafacial combines extractions and
intense hydration, leaving skin smoother,
softer, clearer and plumper. From £125,
hydrafacial.co.uk

Down in the
mouth?
Have you noticed your face looking
grumpier? You’re not alone. It’s common
for the corners of the mouth to start
to point downwards as we age, due to
the weakening of the muscles around
that area. Dr Sophie Shotter’s Happy
Face Tweakment combines Botox
and EMface to – literally – turn your
frown upside down. From £2,800,
illuminateskinclinic.co.uk
78 womanandhome.com
 beauty inspiration

‘There’s no
substitute for a
good skincare
routine’

3 Tools that are

really worth
the investment
✢ Dr Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite
Faceware Pro, £465, spacenk.com,
features a salon-grade LED that makes
an incredible difference to the firmness
and clarity of your complexion.
✢ Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal
Wand, £119.99, solawave.co, uses red
light therapy, as well as facial massage, The 4 bad habits
therapeutic warmth and galvanic
currents for toning. that affect your skin
✢ NuFACE Mini Facial Toning Device,
£175, cultbeauty.co.uk, makes a
difference to the tightness of skin,
1 Washing your face in the shower
The water is often too hot and can dry
out your skin. Either adjust the temperature
leaving it noticeably toned and lifted. or stick to cleansing sink-side.

2 Not cleansing for long enough Your

other skincare will work harder on a
cleaner canvas. We should be cleansing
for a minimum of 60 seconds, massaging
FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM. HAIR AND MAKE-UP: JAMES BUTTERFIELD

the formula into the skin.

3
WORDS: RHIANNON DERBYSHIRE. PHOTOS: OLIVIA BOSSERT, GETTY,

An overcomplicated routine Stick

to one ‘fix’ at a time. Dr Sophie advises
skin cycling – using ingredients off and
on in weekly cycles. ’Switch your routine
to reduce the active ingredients like AHAs,
BHAs and retinoids if you’re struggling with
irritation – consider skin cycling so that you
use these actives less frequently.’

4 Skipping SPF in the winter Harmful

UV rays are present all year round,
warns Dr Derrick. ‘High-factor sunscreen
should be part of your routine every
day – UVA, which is responsible for most
of the signs of skin ageing, is present
throughout the year.’
womanandhome.com 79
 BEAUTY INVESTIGATION
REALLY MAKE YOU
LOOK YOUNGER?
Beauty editor Stephanie Maylor investigates the effects of ingestible
collagen on ageing and shares six supplements that really work
B BEST FOR
etter skin doesn’t just
come from a jar. It’s now
recognised that ingestible
beauty supplements – which
claim to make skin look and behave
younger – can help too. Collagen,
a protein that makes up around
70-75% of our skin, is one of the
most popular. Collagen is responsible
for skin’s plumpness, elasticity and
structure, but levels start to deplete
from the age of 25. By 50, we will
have lost around half of our collagen,
which can result in wrinkles and
sagging. But can popping a pill
really top up our natural collagen
levels? ‘I take an inside-out approach
to skin health and love collagen
supplements,’ admits aesthetic
doctor, Dr Sophie Shotter. But how
do they work? ‘Hydrolysed collagen
is broken into fragments, making it
easy for the body to absorb,’ explains
Dr Shotter. ‘These collagen peptides
pass through the gut lining and
are absorbed into the bloodstream,
where they stimulate fibroblast
cells to produce more collagen,
so skin becomes smoother, less
lined and more radiant.’
‘Boots.com saw a
2,170% increase in
searches for beauty
vitamins in 2022*’
80 womanandhome.com
BRIGHTNESS
New Nordic Collagen Shot, £29.99
for 15 sachets, newnordic.co.uk
Each sachet contains a 5,000mg dose of
marine collagen, which has been broken
down into smaller amino acids, which
are more easily absorbed. The addition
of vitamin C supports collagen formation
and offers extra skin-brightening
benefits.
As well as
the pleasant
taste, our
tester noticed
her skin was
brighter and
more toned.
BEST FOR DRY SKIN BEST FOR VEGANS
Gold Collagen Hyaluronic Formula,
£36 for 90 tablets, Boots
These tablets serve up marine collagen,
vitamins C and D, and an optimal dose
of hyaluronic acid to improve dry skin
and lubricate joints.
Working alongside
collagen, these added
ingredients help to
stimulate collagen
formation for smoother
skin and healthier hair
and nails. Our tester
noticed both her nails
and hair were stronger.
BEST FOR ALL-
ROUND BENEFITS
Kollo Premium Liquid Marine
Collagen, £35.99 for 14 sachets,
kollohealth.com
Containing 10,000mg of type 1 marine
collagen, Kollo’s sachet is the most
generous daily dose of liquid collagen
on our list. With added vitamins and
immune-boosting L-lysine, you may see
improved skin tone
and hydration, thicker
hair and reduced
joint pain. Our tester
found skin plumper
and more hydrated,
plus aches and pains
seemed better too.
Revive Collagen Vegan, £37.99
for 14 sachets, revivecollagen.com
A clinical trial found a 14.1% reduction
in wrinkles after four weeks using Revive’s
plant-powered collagen. Our tester loved
the delicious raspberry flavour, her skin
looked brighter, joints were less creaky
and her hair grew much faster.

BEST FOR
SMOOTHER SKIN
Absolute Collagen Marine Collagen
Oral Supplement, £33.99 for 14
sachets, absolutecollagen.com
The daily 10ml servings
PHOTO: GETTY. *BOOTS.COM SEARCH DATA
contain 8,000mg of
(1 JAN-31 DEC 2022 VS 1 JAN-31 DEC 2021)
hydrolysed marine collagen
with vitamin C to stimulate
collagen formation and
provide skin with antioxidant
protection. Our tester
noticed fewer lines and
more of a glow, and lots of
people have complimented
her on how well she looks.
BEST FOR
MENOPAUSE
Prime Fifty Collagen+ Beauty, £40
for 28 sachets, futureyouhealth.com
Mature skin requires more
than just collagen, say the
scientists behind Prime Fifty,
whose formulation includes
a 5,000mg dose of collagen
peptides, supplemented
by vitamin A (retinol), biotin
and vitamin C to improve skin
health. Our tester reported
stronger nails, improvement
in joint pain and less obvious
crow’s feet.
beauty in-depth
COLLAGEN
LOW-DOWN
How to get the best results
1
Research is key
Brands that invest time and
money into quality research show
a commitment to the consumer,
openly demonstrating a
supplement’s efficacy. Look
for clinical trials on a large cross
section of people, lasting at
least three to six months.
2
Choose wisely
Not all supplements are created
equal. ‘Liquid supplements are
much more bioavailable than most
capsules or tablets, which means
they are absorbed in much higher
quantities,’ explains Dr Shotter.
Type 1 hydrolysed collagen is
generally considered the most
effective in skin supplements.
3
Complementary
skincare
‘I’d advocate the use of a retinoid,
excluding those with sensitive skin,’
advises Dr Shotter. ‘This stimulates
the fibroblast cells from the outside
in, working with the supplement.
A hyaluronic acid serum is good to
increase plumpness and hydration.’
4
Give it time
Don’t give up if you don’t see an
improvement immediately. ‘You
should expect to see results after
three months, although many people
notice them much sooner, around
four to six weeks,’ says Dr Shotter.
womanandhome.com 81
 made easy
Nicola Clarke shares her fail-safe tips,
tricks and hero products
icola started her career
in her local Essex
hair salon at the age
of 13. Since then, she
has worked as a pro colourist
in salons, as well as on photo
shoots and red carpets with
endless A-listers. She counts
hair icons such as Kate Moss,
TOP
TRICK
As a colourist, it is important
to keep hair healthy – that
goes for me and my clients!
I always try to use products
that prioritise hair health,
which leads to a better
hair day and longer-
lasting colour.
‘The less you do
to your hair, the
better condition
PHOTOS: NICOLA CLARKE AT JOHN FRIEDA, GETTY
it will be! Try not
to overdo it on
WORDS: RHIANNON DERBYSHIRE.
colouring, toning
and blow-drying.’
Gwyneth Paltrow and Sienna
Miller as regular clients.
Nicola is known for her ability to
spot a trend before it forms. When
she’s not jetting around the world,
you can find her in her London
salon, Nicola Clarke at John Frieda
Salons. Here, she shares her top
styling tips and favourite products.
EASY STYLING TRUSTY TIES BRUSH UP
Hair by Sam McKnight Silke Hair Ties, £30 Manta Brush, £30,
Cool Girl, £27, for 6, silkelondon.com mantahair.com
spacenk.com This brand does the best This is an ultra-gentle
Everyone needs this texture silk scrunchies. I love that brush that glides through
mist. It adds enough grit they prevent breakage, the hair without causing
to make hair look lived-in, and there’s a great damage. It massages
and it smells divine. selection of colours. scalps too.
IF YOU ADD ONE
THING TO YOUR
ROUTINE…
Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask,
£67, cultbeauty.co.uk
Save money on shampoo and invest in
conditioners and masks, then hide them
so no one else uses them! I love this – it
contains alpha keratin to restore damaged
hair and keeps colour from fading.
womanandhome.com 83
 HEALTH
We can help you live your best life

I
t’s that time of year again. After
months of indulgence, you’re ready
to embrace the year ahead with a
healthy new attitude. But with the
cold weather making us crave comfort
food, losing weight can feel impossible
right now. The good news? You don’t
need an extreme exercise regime or
restrictive low-cal plan to keep off the
pounds. These bite-sized tips and tricks
are so easy to take on board, you won’t
even realise you’re doing them. >>

without
even
tryıng!
Our simple diet
tweaks will help you
hit your weight-loss
goals the easy way
 LOSING
WEIGHT 7 EAT LITTLE
BUT OFTEN
MADE EASY People who ate six
mini meals a day
1 DINE IN THE LIGHT
Dim light makes you eat more had a lower BMI,
found one study*.
because you’re less self-aware and more
likely to let go of inhibitions.

2 BRUSH YOUR TEETH AFTER

YOUR EVENING MEAL
The minty flavour will make you less likely
to snack in front of the TV.

3
BURN VANILLA-
SCENTED CANDLES
The aroma reduces sweet
cravings – and your
house will smell
delicious.

4 PRIORITISE
YOUR SLEEP
Eight hours of Change your mindset
shut-eye a night helps You don’t need unbreakable willpower, just a new way of looking at things

NUTRITION AND DIETETICS. **JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH.

10
to maintain your 8 KEEP A FOOD DIARY
WEIGH IN… PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY. *JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF

metabolic rate. Jotting down what you eat could

help you stay on track. Record your
on a Friday
IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP

feelings too, so that you can identify

emotional eating. If you have cravings morning. Studies
5 GO SLOWLY
Slow the pace by putting your
late at night, it could be that you’re not
having balanced meals during the day. show that we’re
cutlery down between bites, and don’t
eat while doing other activities, such as
likely to be at our
watching TV or working.
9 SEE YOUR SUCCESS lightest just before
Take two jars, label one ‘Pounds to
lose’ and the other ‘Pounds lost’. Fill the weekend, so
6 USE RED PLATES
The brain sees red as danger, so
you’ll eat 40% fewer calories, according
the first jar with one pebble for each
1lb you want to lose. Each time you
lose weight, simply move a pebble
this will help keep
your morale high.
to German and Swiss scientists. to the second jar.
86 womanandhome.com
 wellbeing

Cut calories in the kitchen

A few changes at home can make all the difference

14 SORT YOUR CUPBOARDS

We crave what we can see, so
pull all the healthy foods to the front. 18 RESIZE YOUR
CEREAL
When you weigh out
15 BE CAUTIOUS OF SAUCES the 30-40g portion
recommendation,
Mayonnaise is a calorific
condiment, containing 101 cals per
serving – ketchup has about 15.
you’ll be saving, on
average, about 100
16 MEASURE OIL BY THE SPOON
Using just 1tsp for a stir-fry or salad
will save about 100 calories compared
calories per serving.
with pouring in oil without measuring.

19 REDUCE YOUR LOAF SIZE

If you eat two or three slices of

17 BUY BISCUITS YOU DON’T LIKE

If your partner isn’t joining you on
a weight-loss journey, buy them sweet
treats you won’t be tempted by.
bread every day, you’ll cut 100 calories
simply by swapping from an 800g loaf
(about 113 cals per slice) to a smaller
400g one (70 cals per slice).

EXERCISE RIGHT
Make your workout work harder. If you burn more calories than you consume,
you’ll soon see the inches disappear

11
DRINK WATER
BEFORE A MEAL
People who drank two glasses
of water prior to eating
consumed up to 90 fewer
calories in an American
study.
12 STAND UP
Standing for just an extra two
hours a day can have a positive effect
on lowering blood sugar, blood fats and
weight. Watching TV? Get up off the
sofa during ad breaks.
20 BUDDY UP
You can boost the time and
intensity of your workout by 200% if
23
you exercise with a friend (especially
CHANGE DIRECTION
if they’re in better shape than you),
Getting lost may not be a bad
according to a study by Kansas
thing. You can burn up to 20%
State University.
more calories by changing
the direction you walk and
switching up your pace, rather
21 TAKE THE STAIRS
Skip the lift, and climb the stairs
than just moving in a
straight line.
one at a time, rather than bounding up
in twos. The University of Roehampton
found that this way you expend more
energy, so burn more calories.
24 DOWNLOAD AN APP
Fitness app users are 75% more
active than non-users or past users**.

22 WALK AFTER LUNCH

A University of Surrey study
Try the free NHS Couch to 5K app.

13 BE CAREFUL WITH CAFFEINE

Don’t drink your latte on an empty
stomach, as it goes straight into the
bloodstream and triggers cortisol
release, says nutritionist Dr Marilyn
Glenville. ‘This stress hormone makes
the body store fat.’
found that women burn 22% more
fat if they exercise after having a meal.
‘Women’s bodies are programmed to
burn fat in order to conserve carbs in
the body,’ says Dr Adam Collins, who
led the research.
25 TRY LITTER-PICKING
Bending and reaching as you
walk will burn more calories – and you’re
doing your bit for the community too!
All you need is a bag and a pair of gloves.
womanandhome.com 87
Feel like you’re just muddling through life?
It’s time to find your spark again

D
id you welcome the new
year with a sense of
‘meh’? Or maybe for
months you’ve been
thinking, ‘Is this it?’ and ‘What’s
next for me?’ The trouble with
reaching middle age is that there’s
often a natural pause. Life’s pace has
likely slowed since those whirlwind
decades when big experiences, such
as buying a house, getting married,
climbing the career ladder and
having children – to name a few
– consumed all of your focus and
energy. And while you may now
have much more freedom with
your time, a feeling of being
directionless can easily creep in.
In fact, this inertia is so common
47
it has a name – languishing.
Simply put, it means you’re
trudging through days
that are lacking real
joy or purpose.
Sound familiar?
You may already is the peak age of
recognise this
feeling of
midlife unhappiness,
aimlessness, as it
closely mirrors the
found the National
mental state many of
us experienced during
Bureau of Economic
the pandemic – that tricky Research
time when Groundhog Day
took a toll on our wellbeing, and
there was a sense of limbo and
emptiness in the day-to-day.
If you’re languishing, it can best be
described as not firing on all cylinders,
and your drive and desire for life will be
noticeably dulled. It might be that your
feel-good morning routine has gone
kaput or you’re cooking the same
humdrum dinners because you can’t
be bothered to open a recipe book.
Spending every evening channel-
hopping or snoozing on the sofa,
instead of enjoying hobbies and social
activities, can also highlight a life that
has slid into the languishing zone.
Unfortunately, unhelpful patterns
soon turn into unhealthy habits and,
because our physical and mental
health are so interlinked, it’s all too easy
to get locked into these ‘stuck cycles’,
says Gosia Bowling, national lead
for mental health at Nuffield Health.
More than a quarter of adults say they
experienced languishing last year,
while 35% felt that they were just
‘getting by’ in life*.
Depression or
indifference?
While languishing under a grey cloud
may look and feel a lot like depression,
there are key differences. If we think
about mental health being on a
spectrum, with peak wellbeing at
one end and depression at the other,
languishing sits in between – it’s feeling
‘blah’, indifferent and stagnant, rather
than really sad.
‘Languishing is the absence of
mental wellbeing,’ says Gosia.
‘You’re not depressed,
but you’re certainly
not thriving.’ It isn’t
diagnosable
and you are
still able to
function, but
it can have a
huge impact.
Loneliness
can play a big
role too at this
stage of life.
Friendships
naturally shift
throughout the years,
and the people we used to rely on for
support and spontaneous fun might
no longer be available in the same way.
‘We often shape and reshape ourselves
by the people that we spend time
with,’ says Lisa Gunn, mental health
prevention lead at Nuffield Health. ‘As
we approach middle age, it might be
that we have fewer connections with
friendships that we used to maintain,
due to other demands of life taking
up our time, or maybe the common
ground on which the friendship started
has changed.’ This can increase feelings
of demotivation, and lead to a lack of
practice in making new connections.
Taking back control
The trouble when you’re surviving
and not thriving is that it can feel like
a vicious cycle – a life of languishing
can be incredibly boring and low on
five-minute therapy
stimulation. ‘This, together with a lack of
purpose, impacts on mood, increasing
a sense of “meh”,’ adds Gosia. The
biggest problem with feeling this way
is that it can easily go undetected.
You’ve more than likely said to yourself
‘It’s just one of those weeks’, but this can
insidiously become one of those months
or even one of those years.
On the brighter side, it is possible to
turn things around. You might already
have a go-to self-care routine for when
you feel in a ‘funk’, so use it to help
yourself see through the fog – whether
that’s going for a walk, meeting a friend
for coffee or tweaking your diet so that
you cut back on the bad stuff (such as
sugar and alcohol), and get back on
track with healthy eating. ‘Plus, when we
are exploring new skills or learning new
things, our brains are stimulated, and
this can lead to us feeling a new sense
of purpose and enthusiasm for life,’ says
Lisa. Using your cognitive processes will
aid the brain’s ability to build neurons
and pathways, enhancing your overall
satisfaction and happiness with life.
SPOT THE
SIGNS
If you recognise three or more
of these in yourself, you might
be experiencing languishing:
Daily life feels mundane, rather
than worthwhile or engaging.
You don’t have the usual drive
or energy for something you were
once ambitious about.
There’s a sense of unease, but
you’re unable to pinpoint exactly
where it’s coming from.
You’re having difficulty focusing
within all aspects of life.
There’s a feeling of detachment,
not just from people, but also
situations or moments.
You’re struggling to find the
point in the day-to-day.
TURN OVER FOR
PRACTICAL TIPS
THAT CAN HELP >>
womanandhome.com 89
 Break free from the languishing cycle and regain your purpose

1
DISCOVER YOUR FLOW
One of the ways of acknowledging
and breaking the cycles that
languishing creates is a concept
called flow, says Gosia. This is
often referred to as ‘being in the
zone’ – when you become so
engrossed in a meaningful activity
that you lose track of time and all
sense of self disappears. The best
way of finding your flow is doing an
2UNPLUG
Lose time scrolling through social media,
then beat yourself up for achieving nothing?
It’s time to switch off. ‘Fragmenting our
attention and continually switching from task to
task has a hugely detrimental impact on our ability
to fully engage in an activity,’ says Gosia. Plan
‘distraction-free zones’ and either turn off your
devices or put them in ‘do not disturb’ mode.
You may also find it helpful to reward

3
activity you enjoy, whether that’s yourself once your to-do list is
baking, gardening, painting, hiking or complete – whether that’s making
playing music. ‘In order to move from a tasty lunch or a relaxing
the stagnant state of languishing, you bubble bath.

GET MOVING
While curling up under a blanket and
binge-watching your favourite Netflix
series can be comforting – especially
5
need to take meaningful action, which
will get you “unstuck” and back into
a state of flow,’ adds Gosia.

when it’s gloomy outside – it can
exacerbate that ‘flat’ feeling. Being
active can be the kick-starter you need.
‘Movement leads to motivation – we
usually have to move first before
motivation catches up with us,’ says
Lisa. ‘This can be a key part of why
we feel we are languishing, as
breaking sedentary habits can be
difficult to do.’ Set small goals.
Start with something like a
five-minute walk around the block
and build it up. You could also
combine this with making new
4
BECOME MINDFUL, NOT MINDLESS
Mindfulness is not about reaching some
blissful or ‘zen’ state. ‘It actually makes
us more aware of the streams of
STAY CONNECTED thoughts and feelings that we
Surrounding yourself with people who make experience and, rather than just
you feel positive and energised can help you accept them, notice how we can
to thrive. If you’ve ever considered joining untangle ourselves from past
a community group around shared interests or unhelpful patterns,’ says Gosia.
even volunteering for a local charity, now is the Want to give it a go? Practise
time to do it. ‘Working together with a shared giving your full attention to the
sense of purpose can help you out of the sense things that you are doing or
of aimlessness associated with languishing,’ experiencing. ‘Notice what is
says Gosia. ‘Network, share resources and

social connections by attending
classes in your local area.
look out for each other. Knowing that
you have each other’s backs can be
a huge comfort during
difficult times.’
*STATISTICA 2023. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
happening in your thoughts,
emotions and body,’ says Gosia.
‘When your mind starts to wander,
notice what happened to your WORDS: ROSE GOODMAN. PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATIONS: GETTY.
attention and gently bring it back. Like
any skill, it needs practice to develop.
Start off with short mindful moments
and build your practice gradually.’

‘Take meaningful action

to get you unstuck and
back into a state of flow’
90 womanandhome.com
 All this month’s best buys, news and must-know health and wellbeing tips

Pick up a Painting can help

combat the winter blues

paintbrush
As the cold months stretch out, it’s
natural to want to hunker down until
spring. Darker days can meddle with
our mood, so go easy on yourself
if you’re feeling low, teary or irritable.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD),
often known as ‘the winter blues’,
affects around two million people in
the UK, but can impact many of us to
a varying degree.
Putting brush to canvas is a great
way to harness your emotions – and
ready-made art kits can make it so
easy. ‘Painting by numbers provides
a sanctuary of mindfulness, anchoring
thoughts in the present moment,
helping you process your feelings,’
says NHS GP Dr Zoe Williams.
‘Short-term benefits include stress
reduction and enhanced problem-
solving skills, while in the long term,
it can improve resilience, patience
and a sharper mind.’
Try the CreArt Jolane Edition kits
to spark your artistic side. From £13.99,
ravensburger.co.uk

Supermarket
scams EAT
Are sounds influencing your YOURSELF
spending? We spend up
to 29% more money when
YOUNGER
supermarket music is lower While it’s mainly genes that determine
than our heart rate, says when your hair turns grey, there may be
consumer branding expert truth to the theory that stress speeds it
Martin Lindstrom. Gentler up. ‘Green leafy veg, nuts, seeds and
music makes us pick up legumes help manage stress,’
more. Listen to your own says nutritionist Cassandra
playlist when doing the Barns. Tuck in!
weekly shop to help
stick to your list.
92 womanandhome.com
 what’s new

3 WAYS TO FIGHT FATIGUE

Bounce back after sickness or busy periods with these clever buys

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Manuka Honey 300+
CHEW AND GO
Lift Activ Energy
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RUCKING Ditch the sugar and supermarkets The zinc-deficient are
Originating as a military training tactic, add a dose of manuka Available in three more susceptible to
rucking involves carrying a weighted honey to your tea flavours, these chews infections, and selenium
backpack while walking or hiking. ‘The instead for a wealth contain fast-acting is vital to supporting
purpose is to add an element of strength of natural antiviral glucose for a pick-me-up immune health. This
training to your usual routine,’ says benefits. in just 15 minutes. spray contains both.
Columbia Hike Society ambassador
Sophie Davis*.

TOP TIP
If you’ve got a backpack and some
heavy things to pop in it, such as books
ON
and water bottles, you’re good to go.
‘Just make sure to try out the weight on Wet your toothbrush. TEST
‘It activates the
CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP. CHECK WITH YOUR GP OR MEDICAL EXPERT BEFORE TAKING NEW SUPPLEMENTS

your back first before your

**HEAD OF CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AT MEDICHECKS. ***CLINICAL DIRECTOR AT QUEST DENTAL. †MYFITNESSPAL. IF YOU HAVE

walk or hike,’ says Sophie.

toothpaste’s ingredients, CROSS-COUNTRY
WORDS: FAYE SMITH. PHOTOS (POSED BY MODELS): GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK. *FOUNDER OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GIRLS.

‘The weight should be

testing, but not too heavy.’
Also, remember to such as fluoride, which TRAINERS
Women’s Agility Peak 5,
wear supportive shoes
and to stay hydrated.
To join free monthly hikes,
helps to strengthen £170, merrell.com/uk
WHY WE LIKE THEM
go to columbiasportswear. tooth enamel,’ says Whether you want to try trail running or

co.uk/l/hike-society
ARE YOU SCARED OF THE DOCTOR?
For some, visiting the GP triggers stress
levels, called iatrophobia, often known
as white coat syndrome. Sufferers may
delay medical help, plus their blood
pressure may rise in a medical setting.
Sitting in a waiting room can often be
agonising. When you arrive, you could
Dr Payal Bhalla***
are just walking in wet weather, these
trainers have extra grip to stop slips and
stumbles. Plus, they have a special odour
control to stop unwanted smells.
call reception to inform them that you BONUS
will be waiting outside. ‘If you need to go Yes, they are pricey, but they’re both
in, bring something to distract yourself,’ cushioned and supportive – ideal for
advises GP Dr Natasha Fernando**. those with foot issues, such as bunions
Taking at-home blood pressure
readings can help. Try Beurer’s range;
prices from £24.99, beurer.com/uk

The number of UK adults who say good

sleep positively impacts their sex drive†
womanandhome.com 93
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN...
You need the loo
IN THE NIGHT
Those nocturnal toilet trips could be telling you more than you realise
H
opping out of bed in the
early hours? Waking up to
use the loo – twice or more
is known as nocturia – can
disrupt the all-important sleep cycle.
It’s common to need the toilet
at some point before your alarm
sounds, and it’s usually a positive
sign that your body’s ‘alert system’
is functioning, indicating that you’re
not suffering from incontinence. But
when it becomes too regular, you’re
likely to feel the effects of a broken
night’s Zs and it could be a sign
that there’s something else going
on. Here’s what you need to know.
1IT SHOWS YOUR AGE
Getting older is often the most
common and natural cause of nocturia.
WORDS: SAMANTHA WOOD. PHOTO: GETTY. *SLEEPBUBBLE.COM. **LIFEARCHITEKTURE.COM.
‘Ageing is associated with changes
in the urinary tract, which leads to
increased urinary frequency without
affecting urine volume,’ says Dr Naheed
Ali*. Menopause can take a toll on the
bladder too, leading to more night-time
bathroom trips.
IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
2 YOUR BODY MAY
FORM A PATTERN
Our minds love habits, says
psychology expert Bayu
used to waking up at a specific
time to use the bathroom, your
brain turns it into a routine,
acting like an internal clock that
signals it’s time to get up.’ Your
body and mind can get caught
in a loop, making you feel like
you need to go even when you
don’t. Try to avoid drinking
too much four to six hours
before bed, and don’t DID YOU
KNOW?
have caffeine after 2pm,
to minimise the chance
of patterns forming. The average number of
times a healthy person
3 STRESS
COULD BE
TO BLAME
urinates is between
4-10 times over
24 hours.
Anxiety or stress can lead to
lighter sleep and more frequent
awakenings. ‘You might find yourself
automatically getting up to go, when it
wasn’t actually your bladder that woke
you in the first place,’ says Bayu. Check
in with how you are feeling. If you’re
overwhelmed, look for ways to relax, such
as going for a walk or trying meditation.
4 A HEALTH CONDITION
IT MAY BE A SIGN OF
Needing the bathroom once or twice
at night is very common and usually
nothing to worry about. ‘However, some
health conditions, such as UTIs, kidney
failure, heart issues and even diabetes
healthier you
can trigger nocturia,’ warns
Dr Ali. ‘Sleep disorders,
like sleep apnoea or
restless legs syndrome,
can also cause you
to need the loo more
frequently at night.’
5 YOU MAY
FEEL GROGGY
Breaking the sleep cycle and
not getting enough restorative
rest can contribute to fatigue,
memory deficit and low mood. ‘Don’t
be afraid to take an afternoon nap
if you haven’t slept well, as this can
be a good way to restore depleted
energy,’ says Bayu. Re-evaluating your
bedtime routine and cleaning up
sleep hygiene could help to get you
back on track.
WORK OUT
THE CAUSE
If you’re peeing a lot more
frequently at night and have
concerns, see your GP. They’ll
likely do an assessment, possibly
run some tests, and pinpoint the
cause. Depending on
the reason, treatments
might range from
changing your evening
drinking habits to taking
specific medications. Some
medications list nocturia
as a side effect, so it’s worth
checking anything you’re
currently taking.
womanandhome.com 95

Got a medical problem or need health advice? Ask GP Dr Pixie McKenna
My daughter had a bad sore throat,
which settled with antibiotics. Two
days later, she developed a rash,
which I’d heard could happen, so
we took her to the doctor, who said
she had psoriasis. The GP surgery
was heaving, so apart from telling
us to use moisturisers, we didn’t
get a prescription and it left me
really confused. Can you help?
A
There is a particular type of
psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, that
can come on after a throat
infection. It can occur a few days to
a few weeks after an infection. Other
triggers include stress, trauma and
FACT OR FICTION?
IS IT POSSIBLE TO SUCCUMB TO A BROKEN HEART?
Medically speaking, there is such
a thing as ‘broken heart syndrome’,
or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, as it
is technically called. We aren’t 100%
sure what causes it, but it’s thought
that a monumentally stressful event
– such as the death of a loved one,
a divorce, fright or accident – may
cause a huge physical stress and
surge of stress hormones that
impacts the function of the heart.
As a result, the heart rhythm is
disrupted and part of the heart
96 womanandhome.com
certain drugs. The rash emerges
quickly on the torso and the tops
of the arms and legs. It looks like a
raindrop scattering of salmon-pink
scaly areas, which can be numerous
or isolated. Your doctor is right in not
initiating any specific treatment, as it
usually gets better on its own.
Medical moisturisers help trap natural
moisture in the skin, and so make the
skin less irritant. We sometimes use
topical creams, and in very severe or
resistant cases, light treatment is used.
The good news is that 60% of cases
go into complete remission, so it’s likely
to be a one-off. Generally speaking, the
rash can hang around for a couple of
weeks to a few months. My advice is to
persist with the moisturisers and wait
for it to resolve. If it’s worsening or not
shifting, see your GP again.
enlarges, making the rest of the heart
work harder. Symptoms are similar to
those of a heart attack, so if you suffer
chest pain, shortness of breath or
weakness after feeling very stressed,
this is something to consider. The
good news is that it is rare and
in 99% of patients, it is not fatal –
but you should seek medical advice.
Thankfully, the heart muscle tends
to resolve in two to four weeks so,
for most of us, it is possible to recover
from a broken heart.
THIS
MONTH
✢ Raynaud’s
✢ Weird taste
✢ Psoriasis
When I get cold, my fingers
turn white and feel like ice.
When they heat up again, they
go red and it’s very painful.
I occasionally smoke, but
otherwise I’m healthy. Is this
a problem with blood flow?
A
This sounds like Raynaud’s
phenomenon, which affects
one in 20 women. Something
as simple as getting things out
of the freezer can precipitate it.
Although the hands and feet are
most commonly affected, it may
also affect the nose, ear lobes or
even the nipples! It’s not normally
a sign of an underlying circulation
issue, but rather that the blood
vessels supplying the skin and
capillaries are oversensitive.
The key management tactic is
keeping warm – this means the
whole body when the temperature
drops, not just the fingers. Hats,
earmuffs and proper gloves are IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
PHOTOS (MAIN POSED BY MODEL): GETTY, LOUISE YOUNG.
essential – you need to go for
full-on ski gear before going
out in the cold. Hand warmers
can also be really helpful. This may
sound like overkill, but they are
a worthy investment. Plus, stop
smoking and exercise more. While
this isn’t the cause, it may be a
contributing factor. In severe cases,
medication can be prescribed
to reduce symptoms, but there can
be side effects.

When I wake up, I have a
really bad taste in my mouth.
My friend says I could have
diabetes. Should I be concerned?
A
Diabetes would not be first on
my list. One common cause is
acid reflux. Eating late at night
can trigger reflux – acid rises from your
stomach into your gullet, giving you
a bad taste in the mouth. If you have
issues with your sinus or nasal passages,
this can create offensive breath in the
morning and a rancid taste. Plus, you
can’t ignore dental issues. At night, we
create less saliva, which means more
bacterial activity, the by-product of
which can leave a nasty odour and an
unpleasant aftertaste. Brushing, flossing
and scraping the tongue is essential to
improve this problem.
Some medications can also lead to
morning breath. Check the patient
information leaflet in the box or speak
to your pharmacist. Finally, while
diabetes could be a possibility, many
people who develop type 2 diabetes
have no symptoms whatsoever.
A blood test via your GP (or even by
a home-testing kit) can give you
peace of mind.
Q&A
+
DOCTOR’S
ORDERS
NEVER BE EMBARRASSED
TO SEE YOUR GP
Fear and embarrassment prevent
patients from banging on the
doctor’s door. But having been
a GP since the dawn of the
millennium, I can honestly tell
you I have seen and heard it all
before. And, truth be told, we can
often review these embarrassing
problems and reassure you in as
little as two minutes. So why sit at
home and worry? Or, worse still,
resort to Dr Google and convince
yourself you won’t make it past
the evening news.
GPs often speak of the ‘door
handle’ conversation. This is the
problem the patient blurts out
just as they are about to exit the
doctor’s room – in essence, the
real reason they came in.
Badly behaving bowels are
among the top contenders
when it comes to making patients
blush. Ignore a change in bowel
habit, bloating or bleeding
at your peril – you could be
disregarding anything from
colorectal cancer to inflammatory
bowel disease. Avoid an interaction
to discuss problematic periods,
discharge or postmenopausal
bleeding, and you might miss out
on a diagnosis of gynaecological
malignancy, fibroids or something
that, left unchecked, could
ultimately result in infertility,
anaemia or serious ill health.
Sadly, many patients are
reluctant to reference their
mental health for fear it goes
on their medical records.
These can never be shared
without your consent, so think
of the consultation as a
confessional. Your GP is there
to help and reassure, not
judge – I can guarantee that!
womanandhome.com 97
 Small tweaks can make a big difference when it comes
to staying well in the cold weather
C 2 Stop a tickly cough
hilly and wet outside?
It’s very common to
experience all sorts of
health niggles during this
time of year, from colds and flu to
increased dandruff and trouble with
sleeping. So we’ve asked the experts
for their top health hacks that
can heal, cure and prevent winter
wellbeing ailments, without you
having to make too much effort.
Here’s what you need to know.
1
Boost your jabs
Doing arm exercises before you
have the flu jab creates a stronger
immune response so that it works
harder, according to research from the
University of Birmingham. Simply clench
and unclench your fist for 10-20 minutes
before your appointment. Plus, getting
more than six hours sleep before an
immunity-boosting vaccine can make it
more effective, found a study published
in Current Biology.
98 womanandhome.com
When you feel dryness and
4
irritation, put your finger in your ear and
wiggle it, says holistic GP Dr Sohère
Roked. ‘There’s a nerve in the throat that
Supercharge your
also goes into the ear. Stimulating this mushrooms
can stop the tickle.’ Feeling low, getting poor sleep or
3 your hat
having regular aches and pains? As
vitamin D is essential for bone
and muscle health, it could
be a sign you need to
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK. *NHS FIGURES FOR ENGLAND, 2018-19.
DID YOU
It is not quite clear
IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP
check your levels. About
why dandruff gets 90-95% of the vitamin D
KNOW?
worse in the winter, we get naturally comes
but it could be from exposing our skin
because in cold You can stop the pain from to sunlight, but from
weather the scalp a cold sore by applying ice October to April,
produces more oil, over the affected area. the UK sun is too
says trichologist weak for us to make any
Stephanie Sey. The vitamin D, says Dr Sarah
solution? Don’t wear a hat Jarvis. Increase your levels by
all the time. ‘They can cause turbocharging your mushrooms.
your head to sweat and create the Put them in direct sunlight for between
perfect environment for yeast to thrive. 15 mins and two hours to boost their
This in turn causes dandruff and flakes.’ vitamin D levels.

5 Help improve air
quality indoors
Don’t have your windows open right
now? Buy a houseplant. ‘A snake plant
or a kentia palm conveniently stores
oxygen away throughout the day and
releases it during the night – purifying
the air and improving the quality of
sleep,’ says sleep expert Hannah Shore.
6 Enhance your
hearing
Couldn’t hear well in noisy
environments over Christmas?
Now’s the ideal time to try this
fix, says ex-DJ Andy Shanks.
✢ Put on the TV and play white noise
alongside it (look on YouTube) from
another device.
✢ Turn up the volume of the white noise
until you can’t hear what’s being said in
the TV show, then reduce it down to a
level where you can just about follow
along. Make a note of this volume.
✢ Listen at this volume for at least 10
minutes and repeat daily. Gradually, you
should be able to understand what’s
being said on the TV over the white
noise at an ever-increasing volume.
7
Clear a blocked nose
Bunged up? Press firmly next to
the widest part of each nostril (where
smile lines start) with a finger on both
sides. Hold for up to two minutes and
you should breathe more easily. ‘It can
help to open the nasal passages,
alleviate congestion and reduce
sneezing,’ says holistic health expert
Richard Brook.
health advice
8 Avoid a tumble
Each year, more than 2,500* of
us are admitted to hospital following a
fall on snow or ice, but there is a trick to
staying upright – simply take small steps
so that more of your foot stays in contact
with the ground. Plus, look for boots that
have traction rubber outsoles, such as
the Women’s Moritza Shield Omni-Heat
Waterproof Snow Boot, £110,
columbiasportswear.co.uk
9
Warm up for free
Out in the cold? Instead of
jumping up and down, the Ujjayi
breathing technique can warm the
body, says holistic wellness expert
Cheryl MacDonald.
✢ Seal your lips and take a deep inhale
through the nose.
✢ Exhale through the nose, constricting
the muscles at the back of the throat
to create an ‘ocean sound’ (a bit like
Darth Vader).
✢ Create the same sound on the
following inhales.
✢ Repeat up to 20 times.
SWITCH
YOUR SPORT
Stay inside but still reap the
benefits of physical activity with
these clever swaps:
✢ Tennis for badminton
Your improved coordination and
agility may well benefit your tennis
game too.
✢ Swimming for indoor rowing
Diving into a pool can become less
enticing as the temperature drops.
Using an indoor rowing machine will
give a great workout, combining
strength and cardiovascular fitness,
similar to swimming.
✢ Walking for yoga
There’s nothing like a winter stroll
when it’s dry. If it’s pouring, try a yoga
class instead. The meditative benefits
are similar to that of a relaxing walk,
and your posture, flexibility and
breathing all stand to improve.
womanandhome.com 99
 W&H FITNESS GURU
FALLING OFF
THE DIET WAGON
Changing your mindset is key when it comes to
smashing your new year health and fitness goals, says
Annie Deadman. Already let things slip? It’s not over yet
I
t’s January – how did that
happen? And I absolutely LOVE
January. No, really. I do. As a
fitness and weight-loss coach,
it’s one of the most fulfilling and
exciting times of the year because
people are so motivated. They’ve
had enough of excess, they want
restraint and control.
Some of you reading this may have
been viewing January as your safety
net, because after weeks of treat food,
pub food, posh food, other people’s
food, you can’t wait to undo it all on
a January ‘diet’.
But instead, some ‘moderation’ might
work better. So don’t be miserable
this month eating cod and broccoli
(standard tasteless weight-loss fodder),
use January to carve out a longer-
lasting routine of good nutritious
food, feel-good strength training
and wholesome cardio, with a small
chocolate treat each day. Wait… what?!
Chocolate? In January? Yes!
Over the last couple of years, I’ve
used this column as a platform to advise
you on getting into shape. Not just
getting there, but staying there. That
means building a solid foundation of
healthy food and movement, one that
works with your lifestyle, all year round,
rather than sporadic bursts of starving
and sprinting.
100 womanandhome.com
You might have a whole list of
New Year’s resolutions stuffed away
in the notes folder on your phone, and
if it starts with ‘lose weight’, read this.
Try not to wander down a narrow
restrictive path of self-hatred and
punishment, thinking ‘the
harder this is, the better
the results’. To be frank, it’s
‘Pad out
more a case of ‘the harder
this is, the harder you fall’.
resolutions
Approach January with with
realism’
the mindset of someone
who wants to try hard to
implement good habits for
at least six months, not just for January.
I’m not dissing resolutions, far from it.
They’re a great source of motivation,
but pad them out with realism so that
come February, your new routine,
dignity and progress are still intact.
Let’s take our friend Susan – say she
has a 2024 goal to drop from a size 14
to a size 12. When she gets to that size 12,
presumably she’ll want to stay there. This
means that what she does in January
has to be something she can sustain
throughout the ensuing months.
Therefore, a puritanical diet of cod,
broccoli, chicken and kale, plus daily
hellish HIIT workouts might not fit the
bill. However, three smaller
varied meals, with wholegrain
carbohydrates (oats, quinoa,
brown rice), plenty of
protein (poultry, fish, nuts,
legumes, dairy), minimum
seven hours of sleep, loads
of veg, some daily steps,
three strength workouts a
week and a dinky little chocolate bar to
round off the day just might carry Susan
into the summer. No punishment, just
results – and it’s what all my clients get.
December handed us temptation
on a plate and I’m sure we all heartily
succumbed, but let’s not dwell on
it. What is done is done. Be kind to
yourself and look at January with a
long lens. Short-term drastic fixes are
just that, short-term.
✢ Annie is a fat-loss and fitness coach,
and creator of theblastplan.com,
which is an online programme of
exercise and nutrition guidance aimed
at midlife women. Follow her on
Instagram @anniedeadman for health
tips and lots of laughs too.
 ONE
TO DO
THIS MONTH
Experiment with soup! It’s cheap, nutritious
and great for boosting your lunch. Try two new
recipes a week using vegetables and pulses.
Chuck in some herbs and you’ll be nearing the
recommended 30 plant foods per week for
the healthiest gut microbiome. There’s
a low-fat spinach and broccoli soup
recipe on my Blast Plan website,
which scores highly on the
smug-o-meter.

ANNIE
SAYS
‘January is full
of other people’s
declarations
and promises.
You do you.’
GIVE
IT A 3 MOVES FOR STIFF FEET WHEN WALKING
The foot is a complex structure of 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, ligaments
GO and tendons, so here are some easy moves to help keep them in good shape
PHOTOS (MAIN POSED BY MODEL): GETTY. IF YOU HAVE
CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH, SEE YOUR GP

1 2 3
Stand in bare feet and pedal each Flex and point each foot 10-20 Stand on one leg. This
foot alternately, ensuring you times every day to help keep encourages the supporting foot
press through the ball of the foot. ligaments supple, preventing to grip more and also improves
Do 20 reps slowly in total. plantar fasciitis. If you need to, you can balance and core strength. Hold for
also do this sitting down. 20-30 seconds, three times on each leg.

womanandhome.com 101
 woman&home
reader offer

Beat the January blues with 12 great wines

– last few launch cases remaining!
JUST Meet
£64.99 your first
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 FOOD
Tasty recipes & amazing ideas

Deliciously simple roasts for cosy weekends

Leg of lamb with

lemony roast potatoes
and salsa verde
 Lamb with lemony Sticky soy pork
roast potatoes belly with greens
Try serving lamb with
a salsa verde instead
of gravy, as it cuts
through the richness
of the meat. It’s one
you can roll out at any
time of year.
Serves 6 • Prep 20 mins
• Cook 1 hr 20 mins
1.2kg boneless leg of lamb, at room
temperature
1.5kg Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and
cut into halves or quarters
1 unwaxed lemon, zested then cut into
6 wedges
1tbsp rapeseed oil
For the salsa verde:
25g bunch mint
50g bunch parsley
30g tin anchovies in olive oil
2tbsp capers
2 garlic cloves, peeled, halved and any
green centre removed
1tbsp Dijon mustard
5tbsp olive oil
1 Heat the oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7. Put the
ingredients for the salsa verde, including
the oil from the tin of anchovies, in a food
processor. Whizz until smooth.
2 Open the lamb out on a board, skin side
down. Slice through any chunkier parts
to make a connected flat piece of meat.
Spread over half the salsa verde. Roll up the
meat and tie at intervals with kitchen string.
Put in a roomy roasting tin, season with salt
and roast for 20 mins. Reduce the heat to
170C Fan/Gas 5; cook for a further 10 mins.
3 Put the potatoes in a pan of cold water;
boil for 15 mins. Drain then toss in the pan.
4 Arrange the potatoes around the lamb
and add the lemon zest, tossing to coat in
the cooking juices. Add the lemon wedges
to the pan. Drizzle over the rapeseed oil,
season and cook for 30 mins.
5 Remove the lamb from the tin and cover
with foil to rest. Increase the oven to 200C
Fan/Gas 7, toss the potatoes and return to
the oven for 20 mins until crispy.
6 Serve the lamb with the remaining salsa
verde and the potatoes on the side.
Per serving: 640 cals, 28g fat, 9g sat fat,
48g carbs
106 womanandhome.com
Our Chinese-inspired
pork belly guarantees
tender meat, crispy
crackling and a tasty
spiced orange sauce
for drizzling – it looks
fancy, but is simple.
Serves 6-8 • Prep 15 mins, plus
overnight marinating
• Cook 2 hrs 45 mins
1.5kg piece boneless pork belly, skin
scored at 1cm intervals
4 star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
4-6 pak choi, white part halved or
quartered, green leafy part chopped
Cooked sticky rice, sliced spring onions
and chilli, and sesame seeds, to serve
For the marinade:
100ml light soy sauce
Juice 3 large oranges (save the shells)
80ml Chinese cooking wine
3tbsp light brown sugar
2tbsp toasted sesame oil, plus extra
for roasting
5cm piece ginger, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 The day before, mix all the marinade
ingredients in a non-reactive container. Pat
the pork skin dry and add to the container,
skin side up. Chill, uncovered, overnight.
2 Heat oven to 220C Fan/Gas 9. Remove
pork from container; reserve the marinade.
3 Pat the skin dry again, rub with oil and
sprinkle liberally with salt, working it into
the score marks. Put in a roasting tin and
roast for 30 mins until the skin is crackled.
4 Turn down the oven to 150C Fan/Gas 3.5.
Pour the reserved marinade around the pork;
avoid the skin. Add the spices and orange
shells. Roast for 2 hrs until the meat is tender.
5 Set the pork to rest, uncovered. Increase
the oven to 220C Fan/Gas 9. Skim the pan
juices, discarding any fat. Add the white
part of the pak choi and roast for 10 mins
until tender, then toss in the leafy part and
roast for a further 5 mins to wilt.
6 Slice the pork and serve with the pak
choi and sticky rice, topped with spring
onions, chilli, sesame seeds and pan juices.
Per serving (for 8): 566 cals, 41g fat,
14g sat fat, 12g carbs
Bacon and squash
toad-in-the-hole
These sausages
couldn’t be toastier,
wrapped in blankets
and nestled among
a duvet of puffed-up
batter. The onion gravy
makes it extra special.
Serves 4 • Prep 30 mins
• Cook 1 hr 20 mins
2tbsp olive oil
400g butternut squash, peeled, sliced
400g Brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved
12 slices sliced pancetta
6 outdoor-reared thick pork sausages
For the batter:
200g plain flour
½tbsp picked thyme leaves
1tsp fine sea salt
350ml whole milk
4 medium free-range eggs
½tbsp English mustard
For the gravy:
25g unsalted butter
2 onions, finely sliced
Few sprigs thyme, leaves picked
1tbsp plain flour
Splash red wine (optional)
500ml chilled chicken stock
2tbsp crème fraiche
1 For the gravy, melt the butter in a pan
over a medium heat. Add the onions and
thyme; cook gently for 50 mins-1 hr until
golden. Stir in the flour, then add the wine,
if using, or a splash of stock and simmer,
stirring, for 1 min. Pour in the stock; simmer
for 15 mins. Season to taste and set aside.
2 For the batter, combine the flour, thyme
and salt in a bowl. Mix the milk, eggs and
mustard in a jug. Gradually add to the flour,
whisking until you have a smooth batter. Chill.
3 Heat oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7. Put the oil in
an ovenproof pan; warm in the oven for 5
mins. Toss squash in the oil; return to oven
for 20 mins. Add sprouts; cook for 10 mins.
4 Wrap 2 slices of pancetta around each
sausage. Add to the pan; cook for 10 mins.
Stir the batter, add to the pan, then return
to oven for 30 mins until golden and puffy.
5 Reheat the gravy. Once simmering, stir
in the crème fraiche and cook for 2 mins.
Per serving: 891 cals, 49g fat, 18g sat fat,
70g carbs >>
 menu inspiration

TIP For crackling

success, the skin
must be dry when it
goes into the oven, so
leave it uncovered in
the fridge for several
days before roasting
 -hole
-the
d-in
t oa
sh a
qu
nd s
Bacon a

108 womanandhome.com
 menu inspiration
Slow-roasted chicken with orzo
Low-and-slow cooking guarantees succulent meat and intensifies the flavours in this almost effortless one-pan roast.

Serves 4-6 • Prep 30 mins
• Cook 3 hrs 35 mins
Medium free-range chicken (weighing
about 1.8kg)
100g unsalted butter, softened
2tsp ground sumac
1tsp each of ground cinnamon, cumin,
coriander and turmeric
1 lemon, zested then halved
2 large red onions, sliced
1 large garlic bulb, papery skin
removed
230g orzo
500ml hot chicken stock
Small bunch each of mint, coriander
and parsley, roughly chopped
1 medium cucumber, finely diced
50g pomegranate seeds
For the tahini yogurt:
300g Greek yogurt
2tbsp tahini
Juice 1 lemon, plus
zest ½, to serve
(optional)
2tbsp olive oil
RECIPES AND FOOD STYLING: JESS MEYER, ROSE FOOKS. PHOTOS: HANNAH HUGHES.
PROPS: VICTORIA ELDRIDGE. KITCHEN BY MAGNET
1 Remove the chicken from the fridge
30 mins before cooking. Heat the oven
to 120C Fan/Gas 1. In a small bowl, mix
the butter, spices and lemon zest with
a big pinch of salt. Spread the butter
all over the chicken, including under the
skin. Sprinkle with more salt.
2 Put the onions in a shallow casserole
and place the chicken on top. Add the
lemon halves and the garlic bulb. Roast for
3 hrs, basting several times with the pan
juices, until the chicken is cooked though.
3 Increase the oven to 220C Fan/Gas 9
and cook for a further 10 mins, to crisp
up the chicken skin.
4 Remove the chicken from the tin and
set aside, loosely covered with foil, to
rest. Squeeze the garlic cloves from
their skins. Add half the garlic to the tin
with the onions, then stir in the orzo
and hot stock. Return to the oven for
25 mins until the stock is absorbed and
the orzo is tender.
5 Meanwhile, mix the tahini yogurt
ingredients together in a bowl with
the remaining roasted garlic, and set
aside. When the orzo is ready, stir in half
the herbs and top with the cucumber,
pomegranate seeds and more lemon
zest, if liked. Sprinkle with the remaining
herbs. Carve the chicken and serve with
the orzo and a dollop of the yogurt.
Per serving (for 6): 660 cals, 34g fat,
15g sat fat, 35g carbs
 Take a fresh look at some favourite thrifty meals

Soupy
noodles
and greens
 everyday easy
Veggie pasta bake
Using the pesto adds a silky texture and lots of oomph to make this everyday meal a real knockout. FLAVOUR
HERO
Serves 6 • Prep 10 mins 200g mascarpone then simmer for 5 mins. Sun-dried
• Cook 30 mins ½tsp nutmeg Stir through the frozen tomato pesto
50g breadcrumbs veg and basil.
300g penne pasta You will need: 3 Drain the pasta and mix
2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes 28x19cm baking dish through the vegetable sauce.
1tsp smoked paprika Pour into the baking dish.
3tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6. 4 In a bowl combine both
30g butter Bring a large pan of salted water to cheeses and the nutmeg.
1tbsp balsamic vinegar the boil and cook the pasta according Dot over the pasta, spreading
500g pack frozen chargrilled to the pack instructions. a little. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs
Mediterranean vegetable mix 2 In a medium saucepan, heat the and cook for 30 mins until golden.
Small bunch basil, roughly chopped tinned tomatoes, paprika, pesto, butter Per serving: 584 cals, 32g fat,
150g hard goat’s cheese, grated and balsamic vinegar. Bring to the boil, 18g sat fat, 54g carbs >>

womanandhome.com 111
 FLAVOUR
HERO
Miso paste

Soupy noodles
and greens
Miso paste is the star of this dish. It adds
a delicious umami flavour that makes this
tastier – and quicker – than a takeaway.

Serves 4 • Prep 10 mins

• Cook 10 mins

400ml coconut milk

1tsp miso paste
3tbsp red Thai curry paste
2tsp fish sauce
500ml vegetable stock
Small bunch coriander, stalks finely
FLAVOUR chopped and leaves to garnish
HERO 200g vermicelli noodles
Chipotle chilli 2 pak choi, quartered
paste 200g pack sweetcorn and sugar
snaps
2 spring onions, finely sliced

Loaded jackets with chipotle chilli beef Chilli oil, to serve (optional)

Adding a mild hit of chilli paste peps up minced beef to something special. 1 Put the coconut milk, miso paste, curry
paste, fish sauce, stock and coriander
Serves 4 • Prep 10 mins time, put in the microwave on full and cook stalks into a medium-sized saucepan.
• Cook 30 mins for 5 mins. Rub with a little oil and salt then Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 mins.
transfer to the oven for a further 20-30 2 Meanwhile, cook the noodles according
4 baking potatoes mins, until crispy and cooked through. to the pack instructions.
2tbsp olive oil 2 Meanwhile, add 1tbsp oil to a pan and 3 Add the pak choi, sweetcorn and sugar
1 large red onion, diced cook the onion for 2 mins over a medium snaps to the coconut broth and continue
2 large garlic cloves, crushed heat to soften. Add the garlic and cook to cook for a further 5 mins.
1tbsp red wine vinegar for 1 min more. Turn up the heat and stir 4 Divide the noodles between warmed
2tbsp chipotle chilli paste through the vinegar, simmer for 30 secs, bowls then spoon over the broth. Top
3tbsp tomato puree then add the chipotle paste, tomato puree with spring onions, coriander leaves and
Small bunch coriander, stalks and coriander stalks. Cook for 2 mins more. chilli oil, if liked.
chopped, leaves torn 3 Add the beef mince, stirring to coat in Per serving: 380 cals, 18g fat, 15g sat fat,
400g beef mince the chipotle onions. Cook for 5 mins until 44g carbs
100ml hot stock (any will do) browned all over. Pour in the stock, bring
Knob of butter
Soured cream, to serve
to a low simmer, then cook for 10 mins.
4 To serve, slice open the potatoes, add
TIP You could also
Zest and juice 1 lime
Parmesan cheese, grated, to serve
the butter, and top with chilli, a dollop of
soured cream, lime zest and juice, grated
make this with green
Parmesan and chopped coriander leaves. Thai curry paste, or
1 Heat the oven 200C Fan/Gas 7. Prick the
try a mild curry paste
Per serving: 497 cals, 23g fat, 8g sat fat,
potatoes all over with a fork then, 2 at a 43g carbs
112 womanandhome.com

Spicy stir-fried rice
Chorizo packs a punch and its paprika/chilli-spiced oil adds extra flavour to the rice.
Serves 3-4 • Prep 20 mins
• Cook 20 mins
1tbsp olive oil
280g cooking chorizo (we used
Unearthed), half sliced, half crumbled
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 green chilli, chopped
500g cooked basmati rice, cooled
(or 2 x 250g microwave basmati rice)
2 medium free-range eggs, beaten
3tbsp soy sauce
2tbsp mirin
300g frozen vegetable mix (ours
contained peas, broccoli and
sweetcorn)
Zest and juice 1 lime, plus wedges to
serve (optional)
Small bunch coriander or parsley,
roughly chopped and leaves to serve
1 Add the oil to a large frying pan and
cook the sausages for 6-7 mins over
a medium heat. Once starting to crisp,
transfer to a bowl, reserving the oil in
the pan.
2 Add the onion and cook for 2-3 mins,
then add the garlic and chilli and cook
for a further 1 min. Add the rice, stir-
frying, to coat with the oil.
3 Add the eggs, soy and mirin and mix
for 1 min, letting some egg scramble.
4 Turn up the heat put the sausages back
everyday easy
in the pan, along with the frozen veg,
and cook for 5 mins to crisp up the rice.
5 Stir in the lime zest and juice, and
coriander/parsley. Serve with extra lime
wedges for squeezing.
Per serving (for 4): 490 cals, 19g fat,
6g sat fat, 52g carbs >>
FLAVOUR
HERO
Chorizo
 FLAVOUR
HERO
Smoky harissa beans and fried eggs Harissa paste
Slightly sweet, yet smoky and citrusy, this is a fab way to perk up everyday
beans and gives a depth of flavour you’ll love.
Serves 4 • Prep 15 mins 400g tin chopped tomatoes 1 min. Stir in the peppers and cook for
• Cook 20 mins 1tsp soy sauce 5 mins until just soft and starting to char.
100g spinach 2 Add the harissa, ground coriander, beans
5tbsp olive oil 4 medium free-range eggs and tomatoes. Simmer for 5 mins then
1 onion, chopped 100g feta, to serve add the soy and spinach. Season to taste.
2 garlic cloves, chopped Avocado, chopped, to serve 3 Add the remaining oil to a frying pan
1 red pepper, sliced 1 red chilli, finely sliced, to serve and fry the eggs until crispy. Serve the
1 yellow pepper, sliced (optional) eggs on top of a pile of spicy beans
2tbsp smoked chilli harissa Small bunch dill, to serve (optional) topped with feta, avocado, and chilli
1tsp ground coriander Sourdough, toasted, to serve and dill, if using, with toast for dipping.
400g tin butter beans, rinsed and Per serving: 525 cals, 33g fat, 8g sat fat,
drained 1 Heat 1tbsp oil in a large frying or sauté 24g carbs
400g tin black beans, rinsed and pan. Add the onion and fry for 5 mins. TIP Use up any beans or pulses you have
drained Add the garlic and cook for a further in the store cupboard for this recipe.
114 womanandhome.com

Creamy tarragon chicken
We love a tray bake for an easy midweek dinner. The mustard adds a piquancy that cuts through the creamy sauce to perfection.
Serves 4 • Prep 10 mins
• Cook 50 mins
1 leek, sliced into 2cm half-moons
1tbsp olive oil
4 skin-on, bone-in, free-range chicken
thighs
1tbsp wholegrain mustard
400g tin cannellini beans (and the
liquid)
1tbsp freshly chopped tarragon, plus
extra to garnish
RECIPES: ROSE FOOKS, AMANDA JAMES, GEORGIA SPARKS. FOOD STYLING: JESS MEYER.
PHOTOS: SEAN CALITZ. PROP STYLING: VICTORIA ELDRIDGE. KITCHEN BY MAGNET
240g frozen spinach
100g crème fraiche
1 Heat the oven to 200C Fan/Gas 7.
Toss the leeks in a roasting tray with the
oil. Prick the chicken thighs a few times
with a sharp knife, season and arrange
on top of the leeks. Roast for 30 mins
until the chicken is golden and the skin
is starting to crisp.
2 Brush the chicken with the mustard,
basting with any juices from the pan.
everyday easy
3 Add the beans (and all the liquid from
the tin), tarragon and spinach to the
tray. Return to the oven for 10-15 mins
or until the chicken is tender.
4 Stir the crème fraiche into the beans,
breaking up the spinach, then taste and
adjust the seasoning. Return to the oven
for 5 mins, then serve with crusty bread
for mopping up the sauce.
Per serving: 399 cals, 22g fat,
11g sat fat, 19g carbs
FLAVOUR
HERO
Wholegrain
mustard
 Cosy and warming, a hug in food form

Fruity berry
crumble
 something sweet

Warm
caramel
brownie
womanandhome.com 117
 Fruity berry Warm caramel Steamed citrus
crumble brownie sponges
You can’t beat this Gooey chocolate Using mainly
classic, and ours has and sticky caramel, store-cupboard
a shortbread topping yes please – this is ingredients, you can
and jammy filling. completely addictive! knock these up for
a last-minute pud.
Serves 6 Serves 6-8
• Prep 15 mins • Prep 10 mins Serves 4 • Prep 10
• Cook 40 mins • Cook 25 mins mins • Cook 30 mins

4 ripe pears, peeled, cut into chunks
700g frozen berries
3tbsp damson gin (or other liqueur)
3tbsp cornflour
4tbsp sugar
½tsp cinnamon
1tsp vanilla extract
Custard, ice cream or cream, to serve
For the crumble:
300g plain flour
175g butter, grated
75g golden caster sugar
2tbsp demerara sugar
You will need:
2ltr round or oval baking dish
1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/Gas 6.
Put the pears and frozen berries into
the baking dish. Mix the gin with the
cornflour, then pour over the fruit.
Sprinkle on the sugar, cinnamon and
vanilla extract, tossing to combine.
2 For the crumble, mix together the
flour and butter with your fingertips
so that the mixture resembles
breadcrumbs, then stir in the caster
sugar with a knife. Scatter the crumble
on top of the fruit in a layer, then sprinkle
with the demerara sugar.
150g unsalted butter, plus extra
for greasing
250g soft brown sugar
300g dark chocolate, broken
3 medium free-range eggs
1tsp vanilla extract
70g plain flour
3tbsp salted caramel, plus extra to
serve (we used Tiptree)
Crème fraiche or ice cream, to serve
You will need:
20cm square baking tin, greased
1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/Gas 4. Melt
the butter, sugar and dark chocolate
in a pan over a low heat, stirring once
or twice to combine, then set aside to
cool for 10 mins.
2 Whisk in the eggs one at a time, until
fully incorporated and the mixture looks
glossy, then add the vanilla extract and
fold in the flour. Pour into the greased
tin, then add dollops of salted caramel.
Use the end of a spoon or skewer to swirl
it through the chocolate mixture.
3 Bake for 25 mins – you want the top to
be just set and cracking, and the middle
to be gooey.
4 Serve with crème fraiche or ice cream
120g butter, softened, plus extra for
greasing
120g caster sugar
2 medium free-range eggs
120g self-raising flour
4tbsp dried breadcrumbs
Zest 1 orange, plus 4 orange slices for
the bottom of the moulds
2½tbsp golden syrup
2tbsp pistachios, chopped
Cream, to serve
You will need:
4 x 150ml dariole moulds, buttered
1 Heat the oven to 160C Fan/ Gas 4. In
a medium bowl, beat the butter, sugar,
eggs and flour with an electric mixer until
just combined. Stir in the breadcrumbs
and orange zest.
2 Divide the golden syrup between each
pudding mould, then add a slice or
orange. Divide the sponge mixture
evenly between the moulds. Cover each
with a piece of buttered foil.
3 Put the moulds in a roasting tin or
baking dish and fill halfway up the sides
with just-boiled water from the kettle.
Bake for 25-30 mins until well risen.
4 Turn out onto a plate, top with the

RECIPES AND FOOD STYLING: JEN BEDLOE. PHOTOS: HANNAH HUGHES.

3 Bake for 40 mins until the crumble is
light golden brown, and the fruit is hot
and bubbling.
4 Serve with custard, ice cream or cream
and extra salted caramel, as you like. pistachios and serve with cream.
Per serving (for 8): 543 cals, 29g fat, Per serving: 620 cals, 32g fat, 17g sat fat,
17g sat fat, 63g carbs 73g carbs
PROPS STYLING: VICTORIA ELDRIDGE. KITCHEN BY MAGNET

TIP Cool in the tin TIP If you have plastic

– or all three.
Per serving: 648 cals, 25g fat, 16g sat fat,

for 5 mins, turn out moulds, microwave

90g carbs

TIP Vary the fruit to and leave to cool. the puddings for
whatever you like – try Cut into squares NEXT 5 mins, covered
MONTH
apple and blueberries for traditional 3 easy bakes by with a plastic
Donna Hay
or add chocolate chips fudgy brownies lid or cling film
118 womanandhome.com
 something sweet

Steamed citrus
sponges
 Food director Jen Bedloe shares her best food and drink buys this month

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

Spiced hot toddy
Warming and gently spiced, this Toast the spices in a dry saucepan
will keep you toasty on cold winter over medium heat for 1 min until
nights. Serves 4. fragrant. Add the apple juice, lemon
zest and ginger, then bring to a
1 cinnamon stick, plus extra to simmer. Add the whisky, lemon
garnish juice and honey to taste. Strain the
6 cloves mixture through a fine sieve into
1 star anise, plus extra to garnish warmed glasses and garnish with
400ml apple juice a dusting of nutmeg, extra whole

Healthy on Zest 1 lemon, pared into 4 strips,

plus 2tbsp juice
spices and a lemon twist,
if liked.

the high street Thumb-size piece ginger, peeled

and sliced
Holland & Barrett has launched a new 300ml whisky
grocery range, including over 300 2-3tbsp honey
own-brand products, bursting with Pinch ground nutmeg,
benefits and designed to target a host to garnish
of health concerns, including gut health,
women’s wellness, immunity, energy
and more. Whether you’re following
a special diet or simply want to eat
better, the range includes many practical
store-cupboard staples, chilled products,
snacks and drinks, all designed to help you
get healthy in the kitchen and on the go.
Highlights include a collagen-boosting
peanut and almond butter, nifty
plant-packed sauces and fermented
condiments, better-for-you baked beans,
and some great on-the-go snacks
you can really feel good about.
Head to your local Holland & Barrett
or visit hollandandbarrett.com
to check out the range.

WHAT’S GOOD NOW… Seville oranges in bittersweet

marmalade, parsnips drizzled with maple syrup, iron-rich
kale in veggie stews, kiwi stirred through yogurt and muesli…
120 womanandhome.com
 what’s new

What’s new 3 NEW BOTTLES

Two irresistible store-cupboard Three cheers for these new tipples
heroes to tart-up toast

HONEY, I’M HOME

Kew Limited Edition
Greek Orange Blossom
Honey, 390g, £12.50,
shop.kew.org
This unprocessed,
intensely sweet honey from Kew and
Odysea has a wonderful texture.

AN APPLE A DAY
Bonne Maman
Caramelised Apple
Spread, 275g, £2.90,
Co-op and other
supermarkets
Made with 80% apple, fresh butter and
no palm oil, this caramelised conserve is
like French tarte tatin in a jar – delicious!

ON
TEST 1 FEELING FRUITY
Find Aperol too strong?
2 ECO BUY
This sustainable vodka is
3 SET SAIL
To celebrate the RNLI’s
Try this floral liqueur as bottled in 100% recycled 200th anniversary, pick
Nutribullet a long spritz, topped
up with tonic and/or
glass, using sustainable
cork. It partners with
up this rich and warming
gin and 10% of the net
Blender Combo sparkling wine. Or use
it to mix up martinis,
1% for the Planet, which
donates 1% of sales to
price will be donated
to the charity.
Why we like it You can whizz up a bowl margaritas or sours. environmental causes. Four Seas Salcombe
of soup with the same smooth texture Pomello and Respirited Sustainable Gin with RNLI, 70cl,
the original bullet was famous for. Plus it Elderflower Apéritif, British Vodka, 70cl, £25, £39.50, salcombegin.
makes smoothies, nut butters, sauces and 70cl, £33, Selfridges amazon.co.uk, Ocado com, Master of Malt
RECIPE AND FOOD STYLING: JESS MEYER. PHOTO: SEAN CALITZ. PROPS: VICTORIA ELDRIDGE

dips. It includes three different-sized cups, and pomello.world and respirited.com and amazon.co.uk
five different blending options and a
1.8ltr jug for making family-sized batches.
The bonus It’s versatile – you can make
FOOD
everything from hot soups to crushed
ice. The various-sized containers make it
DIRECTOR’S TIP TREAT
practical for daily use, and it’s easy to clean.
YOURSELF
How much
£129.99
‘For lump-free We met artisanal bakers Cutter & Squidge at
Where to buy
nutribullet.co.uk
mash, bake rather woman&home Christmas Live, and were blown
away by their passion for cakes and biscuits. This

than boil potatoes, gorgeous Spiced Toffee Cake doesn’t contain dairy
or eggs, but you’d
then scoop out the never know!
From £24.99,
flesh and beat with cutterand
squidge.
warm milk and com

melted butter.’
 HOMES
Inspiration for a beautiful abode

Colour
CONFIDENCE
Find the perfect palette to go bold
with your next home makeover

W
ith a little self-
assurance and
know-how,
it’s easy to
figure out the best duos to
suit your space. Whether
you prefer subtle tonal
pairings or more dynamic
contrasting schemes, we’ve
debunked the colour theory
so you can find a look that
works for you. >>

Wall paint in Pure and

Oxford Navy, £55.95
for 2.5ltr, armoire and
chairs in chalk paint
in Oxford Navy,
Athenian Black and
Barcelona Orange,
£26.95 for 1ltr, all
anniesloan.com; other
items, stylist’s own
home advice

Analogous
scheme Mushroom

MOSS AND table lamp in

Green, £30,

OCHRE
An analogous – or harmonious
– scheme takes one primary,
secondary or tertiary colour, then
adds an accent colour (or colours)
found to the side/s of it on the colour
wheel. It’s the most widely used
colour scheme in interior design
– the name harmonious says it all.
Examples would be blue-violet,
red-orange or, as we’ve used
here, moss and ochre, making a
yellow-green analogous palette.
habitat.co.uk
BALANCE OCHRE BED
LINEN AGAINST A SOFT
GREEN BACKGROUND
Wall painted in Scenic Drive
and trim painted in Golden
Bounty, both £29 for 0.94ltr,
benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk
M&S x Fired Earth
wine glasses in Weald
Green, £16 for two,
marksandspencer.com

Mosaic green Merino wool

throw, £120, tweedmill.com
HK Living candlestick
in Olive Green, £20,
cultfurniture.com

Superfresco Easy
Passion grey and
ochre Floral Smooth
wallpaper, £26 per
roll, diy.com

Rose de Damas
embroidered cushion in Jade,
£165, designersguild.com

TRY A PAINTED STRIPE WITH GREEN

PANELLING AND A DARK MOSS TUB
Walls painted in Silent White and Yellow-
Pink Intelligent Matt emulsion, £64
for 2.5ltr, panelling in Hooper and bath
in Harley Green Intelligent Satinwood,
£88 for 2.5ltr, all littlegreene.com

Bridgerton accent armchair in

Aston Moss, £599, sofology.co.uk
Make it work
in your home BRING IN A
WARM PINK FOR

1 DON’T OVERLOAD COLOUR

It can be easy to overdo an analogous
A POP OF COLOUR
AMONG THE MOSS
scheme, so look at employing a neutral AND OCHRE
base. Try the moss and ochre scheme Bridgerton three-
with a third shade, like lime, for balance. seater chaise in

2 BE INSPIRED BY NATURE
Look at how shades of green and
yellow combine in the plant world. Take
Aston Moss, £1,499,
sofology.co.uk >>

a picture of a favourite woodland path

in spring, with the variations of foliage
providing colour harmony.

3 LAYER WITH EASE

Harmonious pairings, such as
moss and ochre, allow you to layer
accessories with confidence, as they
work so well together. Try a moss velvet
sofa, styled with a golden ochre throw,
and finished with a leaf-patterned
embroidered cushion in olive.

4 REVERSE THE BALANCE

Use moss green as the accent
colour, adding depth to an ochre
scheme. Harmonious pairings work
in any proportion, depending on the
look and mood you want to create.

womanandhome.com 125
 Tonal scheme Chelsea dome wall
light in Burgundy,
TRY PUTTY ON
A FEATURE WALL,

CRIMSON
£99, industville.co.uk RATHER THAN
MORE OBVIOUS
CRIMSON

AND PUTTY
A tonal scheme is made up of one
Chaturanga red
Feature wall painted
in Regal Select
napkins, £44 for four, Interior Flat Paint
main colour with lighter or darker mollymahon.com in Conch Shell,
variations used to add interest; put £29 for 0.94ltr,
simply, this means different amounts benjaminmoore
of black or white added to that hero paint.co.uk; other
colour to produce shades or tints. items, stylist’s own
Tonal schemes tend to be relaxing
and gentle on the eye, but they’re
far from dull. Find one main colour
that you love, then manipulate
it through fabrics, textures and HK Living 70s Ceramics
finishes in lighter or darker shades. Frost dinner plates, £30
Try this lovely rich crimson red, for two, bode-living.com
paired with a much softer putty tint
for a room that works for all seasons.

Loaf Boho Sofa £3,035, withflitch.com Caramel and

rose striped
BREAK UP AN stoneware bowl, £65,
EXPANSE OF RED WITH roseandgrey.co.uk
LIGHTER ACCESSORIES Wave cushion cover, £42,
Beetroot linen bed linen, tartanblanketco.com
£159 for a double duvet
cover, Lenny quilted throw,
£135, cushion cover, £25,
all secretlinenstore.com;
other items, stylist’s own

Spool table
lamp base
and Frida
marble
shade,
£82.80, Biella Blossom and
darlighting. Peach linen duvet set,
co.uk £230, limelace.co.uk
 home advice

Make it work
in your home
1 BALANCE THOSE TONES
Crimson is deep and luxurious, which
brings richness to calming putty. Play to
this mood further with fabrics – a rich-red
velvet upholstered bed dressed in putty-
pink linen strikes the perfect balance.

2 PLAY WITH LIGHT AND DARK

When decorating with a tonal scheme,
remember that darker colours add depth
and interest, while pale colours highlight.
Create a cosy corner with a crimson chair,
accessorised with a putty cushion or throw.

3 USE BLACK AS AN ACCENT

Need to add definition? Try a few
black pieces, such as a statement pendant
or bedside lamps. The stark monochrome
provides a contemporary edge that will
help the look stay grounded.

4 TRY A PATTERN
Go for a pattern that has both tonal
colours in, perhaps with a third accent,
which you can then use to bridge the dark/
light relationship of crimson and putty.
Accents that work well include pink, or
something with more contrast, such as
complementary blue. >>

SWATHES OF DEEP CRIMSON

BRING A COCOONING FEEL TO
A PALE BEDROOM
Lucy king bed in Claret cotton matt
velvet, £1,410, sofa.com
 Toledo floor TRY A PAINT EFFECT WITH BLUE
lamp, £186, FADING INTO SHADES OF GINGER
darlighting.co.uk From top: St John, Polka Dot, Freckle
and Flower Pot Claypaint, £57.50
for 2.5ltr, earthbornpaints.co.uk;
other items, stylist’s own
Monte Carlo
check throw, £79,
countrymouse.co.uk

London art print of St Paul’s

Cathedral by Joanne Short, £35,
johndyergallery.com

Complementary
Ella accent chair, £249,
cultfurniture.com scheme
DENIM AND
GINGER
A complementary scheme takes two Dark Sands reactive 12-piece
colours that are on opposite sides of dinner set in Navy, £44,
the colour wheel. Such a combination habitat.co.uk
provides maximum contrast and
impact, as together each colour appears
more prominent. If your room needs
a boost, then try looking at the colour
opposite it on the colour wheel to add
that hit of visual interest. You don’t
need to choose the brightest shade
of each complementary colour; for Lovebirds wallpaper,
instance, you might pair bright coral £150 per roll,
with a softer sage green as its opposite, divinesavages.com
or a lovely denim blue with an accent
of warm ginger, as we have here.

KEEP IT SIMPLE
WITH BLOCKS
OF COLOUR
Bath painted in
Ca’Pietra Proper
Good Paint Cassia’s Gresham fringed
Terracotta eggshell, hand -braided rug, £75.99,
£65 for 2.5ltr, wayfair.co.uk
wall painted in Sinta jug, £25,
Astrid’s Cornflower dexam.co.uk
emulsion, £52
for 2.5ltr, both
capietra.com

Make it work in your home
1 3
THINK IN OPPOSITES
Denim and ginger is
a great example of how
opposites attract, with the
blue shade being the calming
influence and orange the
colour hit. Adjust the amounts
to achieve the overall effect
you’re aiming to create.
2 BE INSPIRED BY YOUR
OWN WARDROBE
PHOTOS: FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM
Denim has many shades (just
FEATURE: JENNIFER MORGAN.
check out your own jeans
collection), from washed-out
to deep and crisp. Using a
variety of blues will give your
scheme depth, softening the
contrast with the spicy ginger.
home advice
A SINGLE POP OF CONTRASTING
COLOUR CAN BE ENOUGH
Bedtime bundle in Dusk Blue,
£263, linen pillowcase in Warm
Clay, £45 for two, gingham square
pillowcases in warm blue, £59 for
two, crinkle throw in oatmeal,
from £119, all pigletinbed.com;
other items, stylist’s own
COOL DOWN A
WARM SOFA WITH
BLUE ACCENTS
WARM UP A
BLUE KITCHEN
Blue kitchens remain big
Sugar Bum corner
sofa in Treacle Sponge
Clever Velvet, £4,525,
news, but a touch of warm
Little Cheese footstool
ginger – even if it’s just
in Birthday Candle
expressed through the tones
Clever Velvet, £295,
of your chosen wooden
both loaf.com; other
worktop – can make the
items, stylist’s own
space appear extra inviting.
4 NEUTRALS TO
CONTROL THE IMPACT
Solid blocks of denim and
ginger can create drama,
such as a blocky sofa and
upholstered velvet footstool.
Control the vibrancy with
elements in neutral brown,
gold and grey.
 Sam Dascombe and Jeremy Flindall
brought their property’s three distinct parts
together to create a unique family home
 home inspiration

KITCHEN-DINER
The kitchen is in what was a barn.
‘We kept the gorgeous mix of brick
and flint, as it has so much character,’
says Sam. Similar Limehouse
collection kitchen, from £790 for a
60cm base cabinet, neptune.com;
try the Battersby wall clock, £135,
newgateworld.com >>
 T
he Georgian-style exterior
of Sam Dascombe and
Jeremy Flindall’s village
home in Wiltshire gives
few clues to what lies beyond, but
once inside, it becomes clear that
the property has a unique history.
An airy reception hall narrows into
a cosy, low-beamed snug, before
opening out to a spacious kitchen-
diner. ‘The front part burned down
and was rebuilt in the 1700s, and
the snug in the middle is probably
16th-century,’ says Sam. ‘The kitchen
was in a huge 100-year-old barn,
converted by the previous owner.’
With five children between them, the
couple were looking for a characterful
six-bedroom house, with a family-friendly
layout. Although changes were needed,
they could see the property’s potential
132 womanandhome.com
and felt confident they could adapt it
to tick all of their boxes.
‘We loved the heart-of-village
location, and the big split-level room
at the back, but most of the interior
felt dated,’ says Sam. ‘There were
old-fashioned fireplaces, a dark inner
hall and cold, tiled floors. The kitchen
was pretty but very small and the living
space didn’t flow well.’
The first task was knocking the
inner hall through to create a large,
light reception. ‘It should have been
straightforward, but it involved new
ceilings and steel supports,’ says Sam.
‘We had work going on in the bedrooms
at the same time and, at one point, we
were sleeping on mattresses downstairs.
It was hard going but exciting.’
The most ambitious changes were
at the back of the house, where the >>
SNUG
Grey-green walls and warm oak flooring
link the snug and kitchen-diner. Piled with
cushions, an L-shaped sofa fits perfectly
into the space, creating a cosy, family-
friendly corner. Walls in Grey Moss
intelligent matt emulsion, £64 for 2.5ltr,
littlegreene.com; similar Georgian wall
mirror, £140, johnlewis.com; Long Island
slim corner sofa, from £5,620, sofa.com
SITTING ROOM
The furniture here was mostly brought
from Jeremy’s previous home. The
couple replaced a gas fire with a pretty,
cream-coloured wood burner. Walls in
Revere Pewter interior matte, £59 for
3.79ltr, benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk;
curtains in Margot Pink fabric, £120m,
kateforman.co.uk; Crumpet sofa in
Lemon Posset, £2,065, loaf.com, is similar

‘We wanted some
quiet spaces to
retreat to, so didn’t
make everything
open-plan’
KITCHEN
The sink and dishwasher are at the far end
of the room, leaving the central area free
for cooking and entertaining. Similar
900mm butler sink, £740, shawsofdarwen.
com; Perrin & Rowe deck-mounted taps,
£465, tapwarehouse.com, have this look;
units in Grey Moss satinwood, £88 for
2.5ltr, littlegreene.com; and Down Pipe
eggshell, £81 for 2.5ltr, farrow-ball.com
home inspiration
ENTRANCE
An old gas fire was removed and
replaced by a log store with reclaimed
brick details. Sam and Jeremy also had
bespoke bookcases fitted on either
side, giving the hall a homely
atmosphere. Walls in Revere Pewter
interior matte, £59 for 3.79ltr,
benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk; for a
similar vintage stool, try vinterior.co
 MAIN BEDROOM
A treasured antique chair inspired Sam’s
choice of a coordinating rattan-style bed.
Similar Juliet painted caned bed, £5,420,
andsotobed.co.uk; vintage wardrobes, from
a selection, loveantiques.com

oldest and newest parts meet. The tiny
kitchen was taken out to make way for
a cosy seating area in the low-ceilinged
snug, and in the roomy barn beyond,
a new kitchen-dining-living area fills the
space perfectly. The design embraces
the property’s split levels, with the sink at
one end and L-shaped sofas forming the
snug at the other. The original brick walls,
an Aga and a big, refectory-style dining
table bring a relaxed, welcoming vibe to
the centre of the open-plan space.
Although the layout came together
readily, it was a challenge to pin down a
colour scheme that worked throughout.
‘Neutrals looked too bland and deep
greys made it feel like a nightclub!’ says
Sam. ‘We found the solution eventually.’
she says, ‘I avoided strong colours and
patterned wallpapers, as I knew we
would hang a lot of artwork.’
This unique, flexible home lends itself
superbly to family life and, as the children
have grown up, it has adapted easily
to large or small gatherings. ‘There are
plenty of quiet spaces and we can be
together, or do our own things in the
kitchen-dining area,’ says Sam. ‘We’d
be hard-pushed to find another house
that suits everyone so well.’
BEDROOM
A simple white scheme ensures an airy
feeling. Walls in Dulux Walls & Ceilings
White Cotton matt emulsion, £21 for
2.5ltr, diy.com; Oliver double bed,
£499, featherandblack.com
BATHROOM
A chest of drawers was adapted to
make an elegant storage washstand.
Gustavian chest of drawers, £1,425,
susiewatsondesigns.co.uk
FEATURE: ANNABELLE GRUNDY. PHOTOS: COLIN POOLE

The couple settled on a gorgeous grey-

green palette, with warm pink and yellow
accents in the snug for a cosier feel.
The symmetrical front of the original
Georgian house prompted a soft, classic
style for the large hallway, sitting room
and bedrooms. Sam used neutral tones
throughout, creating a tranquil effect
and a cohesive look to tie all the different
parts of the house together. ‘I wanted
a homely, relaxed interior, where no one
worries about dogs or muddy boots,’
134 womanandhome.com
 Bee-eater round
framed wall art, £150,
wheresaintsgo.co.uk

Chalk paint in
Svenska Blue, Octagonal
£26.95 for 1ltr, glass, £7.99,
anniesloan.com zarahome.com
Kirana table lamp,
£195, oka.com

Malia bowl in Dusty

Blue, £18, nkuku.com

SHOP Oak wood folding bed tray,

£55, johnlewis.com

Fifty Five South Bora seagrass storage

baskets, £199.99 for two, hm.com
THE
SHOOT
✢ Swap out a neutral backdrop for a suggestion
of colour – think walls painted in soft blues,
barely-there pinks and taupe-tinted whites.
✢ Make a trio of colours work by using the Reactive glaze
60/30/10 rule: the main shade takes up 60% of stoneware urn vase
the room and the other accents 30% and 10%. in Yellow, £18,
✢ To introduce a rich yellow, experiment with johnlewis.com
soft furnishings and budget-friendly buys. If you
Andalucia Zahara like the look, you can then invest in pricier pieces.
rug, from £165, ✢ In a period property, look for items with an
weavergreen.com antique quality to suit your home – kilim rugs Decorative hare
or woven cushions, and coloured glassware. ornament, £15,
Check out local auctions or markets. dunelm.com

Fara velvet throw in

FEATURE: ESME CLEMO

Mustard Yellow, £115,

Jonesy sofa bed, from
idyllhome.co.uk
£2,295, loaf.com

womanandhome.com 135
Inject a new look into your bathroom with
our design changes, big and small

1 TRY A NEW
TILE PATTERN
Create a feature tiled wall behind a hero
bathtub in an interlocking herringbone
formation. Rectangular tiles are laid at a
45-degree angle, which can emphasise
the height of your bathroom if laid with
‘points’ directed vertically, or the width
when they are aimed horizontally. For
more interest, look for a tile that comes
in subtly different shades, randomly
distributed, and break up an expanse
of tile with a floating shelf, on which you
can display a few pieces of coloured
glass and a scented candle or two.
Artist back-to-wall bath, £1,764,
crosswater.co.uk
 home trends

2 UPGRADE
YOUR
ALL-IN-ONE
While a statement bath and
separate shower might be top
of your wish list, practicalities
of space, plumbing and
budget might mean you need
to combine the two. Look for
clean lines with elegant curves,
so there’s ample space both
to shower and to relax back
into a soak. Team with matt
black brassware to complete
the contemporary look.
Note corner bath, £1,595,

4MAKE IT BERRY-
roperrhodes.co.uk

FLAVOURED
Warm up a neutral bathroom with berry-
shade wall tiles. Damson, mulberry and
cranberry are big news for 2024, and are
great for adding depth to those blush
and plaster shades we all love.
Wiggle oval mirror, £95, Array,
Hexa and Klo towels, from £12
each, wide stripe towel, from £14,
all johnlewis.com

5 CLAD THOSE
WALLS
In low-splash zones, wood can

3ADD A make an enveloping, tactile surface

for walls. A simple roller blind will
SURPRISE minimise the light to boost the effect.
ACCENT Roller blind in Barham Milk, made to
Try a bold colour pop to measure, thomas-sanderson.co.uk >>
give your bathroom a fresh
look. Equally vibrant coral
and emerald work brilliantly
together. In a bathroom, the
white provided from your basin,
bath and loo helps stop colours
from being too overpowering.
Not sure a statement shade
is for you? Start off with a few
colourful towels and bathroom
accessories, before moving on
to paint shades and furniture
choices if it works in your space.
Eurosmart Cosmopolitan
two-hole basin mixer in
chrome, £260, basin, from a
selection, both grohe.co.uk;
other items, stylist’s own
womanandhome.com 137
 6 FAKE A
NATURAL 8 LAY A NEW
FLOOR
STONE LOOK
LVT (luxury vinyl tile) has long been a
great solution to bathroom flooring,
Mimic the luxury of being waterproof, quiet underfoot and
real marble by fitting relatively inexpensive compared to solid
these porcelain large- wood. The Wood Flooring Company’s
format tiles with intricate No Vinyl tile comes as close as possible
veining in a polished finish. to the look and feel of a real wood plank,
When shopping for and it’s made from 90% renewable
marble-effect porcelain, raw materials, 100% PVC and plasticiser-
look for rectified edges, free, making it fully recyclable. Choose
which allow a seamless a pale limed design to lighten up your
appearance when each bathroom while adding a natural-
tile is butted together. looking touch.
Bellagio gold marble- No Vinyl Tile in Imperial Limed Oak,
effect polished porcelain £42.95sq m, thewoodflooringco.com
wall and floor tiles
(1,600x1,800mm),
£49.99sq m,
tilemountain.co.uk

7 EMBRACE YOUR
DARK SIDE
Give a neutral bathroom sophistication
with an injection of dark blue. The inky
tones of these slimmer-than-traditional
metro tiles will add depth and drama to
your walls. Stack rather than stagger in
FEATURE: JENNIFER MORGAN

a brick formation for a cleaner look. Pick

repeating shapes, with a round mirror
echoing the circular basin, chosen ceramics
and even the wooden vanity handle.
Trove dark blue tiles, £48sq m,
porcelainsuperstore.co.uk
138 womanandhome.com
 home trends

9 COMBINE
PATTERN
WITH POISE
Premixed blends of tile
designs make it easy to
create a bespoke feature
wall. With 20 per box,
the tiles offer tonal and
visual relief – just arrange
in sections until you are
happy with the effect,
standing back to see if
you need to make any

swaps. There are also
coordinating plain tiles to
finish off your bathroom.
Rio porcelain tiles,
£77.51sq m, capietra.com;
Verdigris green copper
bathtub, £4,727,
10
EDGE WITH
BLACK
Give your bathroom a Manhattan loft
feel with black framing on your shower
enclosure, a black shower and accents.

ADD INSTANT WOW

Bathroom buys that are big on impact

Hali wall light, £237, Ianthe print towels,

limelace.co.uk £195 for set of four,
Large round mirror libertylondon.com
in Sage Green, £82.95,
melodymaison.co.uk

Aurora pink
patterned tiles, £48sq m,
porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Brown fern Breeze counter-top basin Rockpools

Contour dispenser and in bespoke colour, £1,020, wallpaper border
geometric tumbler set, £8, watersbaths.co.uk in Teal, £32 per roll,
smooth blue george.com fionahoward.com
metallic-
effect
wallpaper,
£20 per roll,
diy.co.uk

womanandhome.com 139
 travel
W&H

Whether you’re looking for a grand far-flung adventure or a fresh

discovery close to home, here’s inspiration for an escape somewhere.
PLUS Tempting offers you won’t want to miss!
 Michelle Hather digs into the country’s
lesser-explored north on an expert guided tour
ike its food, India is a country of
infinite flavours. Cool as raita, fiery
as vindaloo, no two regions are alike
– but together they deliver a feast.
So, how to choose from this menu?
From the spiritual heart of Amritsar to
the serenity of the Himalayas and New
Delhi – where people-crammed markets
sit alongside monuments, grand avenues
and gardens – northern India has always
appealed to me. An escorted tour with
a seasoned expert operator seemed the
perfect way to go.
The thrills of a safari
Our tour began in Punjab, a vast state
skirting Pakistan’s border. Arriving at the
rush of evening in the old city of Amritsar,
its gilded Golden Temple glowed
against the dark sky and was reflected
in the surrounding holy waters. Tens of
thousands of local Sikhs worship here
142 womanandhome.com
and, early next morning, we witnessed its
extraordinary langar – a bustling kitchen
staffed by volunteers to feed the devotees.
Mountains of veg were being prepped,
curry was simmering by the gallon and
piles of dishes were being washed.
Changing gears, our
next stop was a Jungle
Book-worthy animal
‘NORTHERN
adventure, Punjab style.
Kipling’s story is set in
INDIA IS A
central India, but at Kikar
Lodge, in the Shivalik
FEAST FOR
foothills, we had a thrilling ALL THE
SENSES’
jeep safari in search of
leopards, wild boar and
antelope. Animals proved
elusive, but we were quickly consoled
by the scenic expanse and a couple of
sunset G&Ts around the campfire.
Himachal Pradesh is another of
northern India’s essential sights, and
where we were headed next. The
magnificent 4th-century fort at Kangra
was devastated by an earthquake in
1905, and walking beneath its ancient
archways, you sense the ghosts of its
once thriving settlement. Further along
vertiginous Himalayan
roads, Dharamshala
– home of the Tibetan
government-in-exile
– awaited, as well as
McLeod Ganj, where His
Holiness the Dalai Lama
now resides.
In yet another bucket-
list moment, we breathed
in serenity amid prayer
chants before exploring the maze of
streets in search of Tibetan handicrafts.
That night, we bedded down high in the
mountains at Rakkh Resort, a gorgeous
boutique hotel. Fuelled by a dream to
 travel
W&H

support locals, its founders created a

peaceful retreat staffed by neighbouring
villagers. Guests can visit the community,
tour local tea fields and enjoy delicious
food. We feasted on dosas (thin crepes)
and vegetable sambal for breakfast,
creamy dal and roti for lunch, and butter
chicken and coconut fish curry for dinner.
The views of the Himalayas from the
hotel’s infinity pool at sunset were as
spectacular as the food – one dip and
I felt utterly recharged.
Every inch of Indian road provides
fascinating scenes and our 200km journey
to Shimla, formerly the summer capital of
the British Raj, flew by. We arrived to see
the grandeur of the venerable Viceregal
Lodge – a vestige of British rule – and
Shimla’s famed
India is as colourful Oberoi Cecil hotel, reached by a first-
as it comes, from which has a class rail journey,
breathtaking views wonderfully was thrilling in its
of the Himalayas in a elegant atrium own right. Metropolis
hot-air balloon, to Old and served up Delhi fizzes and
Delhi's Red Fort (right) the best cup of bubbles with a
and Amritsar’s Golden tea of the trip. blend of history and
Temple (below) The final modernity. In New
destination, Delhi, impressive
embassies line its
avenues, while the
India Gate shimmers
in the distance. Meanwhile, in the
colourful district of Old Delhi, people,
bazaars and street food stalls are
packed together in the shadow of the
magnificent Red Fort. A tour by cycle
rickshaw, minibus and on foot took us
to hotspots ranging from Humayun’s
Tomb and the Jama Masjid mosque,
plunging us into alleyways filled with
glittering bridalwear and the irresistible
scents of spicy meals being served up
from food stalls.
It was the perfect way to round off my
trip to northern India – a feast for all the
senses, it’s completely enticing.
BOOK IT Jules Verne has an 11-night
Sikhs and Exiles trip, from £2,195pp,
including flights, accommodation,
some meals, guides and transfers;
vjv.com >>
womanandhome.com 143
 ECO RETREAT IN TUSCANY
Think of Tuscany and it’s most likely ancient beech woods on e-bikes or
rippling green hills, soaring cypress orienteering your way through the forest,
trees and sun-baked piazzas that listening to the distant howl of wolves
spring to mind. But the thickly (if you’re lucky, you might even spot one
forested Apennine Mountains, where – though they’re very shy). Pasta cooking
wild wolves and deer roam, are just classes, cheesemaking and yoga are
as much a part of it all. A mere 40 also on offer, but it’s the allure of nature’s
miles from Florence, perched on the playground that makes this the perfect
San Marcello Piteglio mountains, an place for families to drop the devices
awe-inspiring nature reserve will and reconnect. This is a regenerative
change everything you thought you hotel that presents a unique kind of
knew about Italy’s pin-up region. luxury – of both time and space.
Set in over 1,000 hectares of parkland BOOK IT Original Travel has a
protected by the World Wide Fund for five-night B&B stay at Oasy for a
Nature – which helps restore the forests family of four in an Eco Lodge, from
Get in touch and former farms – Oasyhotel has safari- £1,670pp, including flights and
with the great style Scandi lodges, two restaurants transfers; originaltravel.co.uk
outdoors, Italian with rustic seasonal menus (catering for
style, on a nature children and adults), a wellness centre,
reserve designed and acres of forests, fields and lakes.
for adults and Striking the balance between catering
children alike for adults in need of a luxurious break
and children looking for adventure isn’t
always easy, but Oasy makes it so. Lazing
by the lake while the children kayak,
paddleboard and swim in its floating
pool is the perfect escape after the
hustle and bustle of nearby Florence. Try
exploring the winding pathways through

Embark on an extended
EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE
Love the idea of a grand European
tour, but exhausted by the sound
of long drives or multiple train
journeys? A river cruise could be
the answer. You can tick off seven
different countries on a 17-day
Danube River odyssey between
Vienna and Bucharest.
Starting with three nights in the
Austrian capital, you’ll have time to take
in the historic centre’s many charms,
including the Gothic spire of St Stephen’s
Cathedral, the Vienna State Opera and
the city hall. Stroll through the city’s many
parks and gardens, or head for one of its
Fairy-tale castles,
city chic and
sandy beaches are
part of the charm
of a relaxing
river cruise
fascinating museums – the Imperial
Treasury houses a large collection of
Habsburg crowns – before settling in
for cake in an atmospheric coffee house
such as Café Sacher.
Another city highlight is Budapest,
where you’ll stop for two full days –
allowing plenty of time to explore both
sides of the river. An immersive tour is
included, taking you down the elegant
shopping street of Andrássy Avenue,
past the grand Hungarian State Opera
and up to the hilltop Castle District.
Enjoy lesser-known discoveries on
your way to Bucharest – such as the tiny
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Serbian town Donji Milanovac, where
you’ll have an opportunity to learn
Cyrillic in a school or take an optional
tour through forested trails to the
stunning Iron Gates gorge. Then
there’s Constanta, on the Romanian
Riviera, where fine sand beaches on
the Black Sea can be coupled with
excursions to the Danube Delta, a
UNESCO biosphere reserve.
BOOK IT Viking Cruises has a
17-day Capitals of Eastern Europe
cruise, from £4,695pp, all-inclusive,
departing 21 June 2024;
vikingrivercruises.co.uk >>
 Visit a new
BRITISH
BOLTHOLE
This year’s hottest UK hotel openings give
you fresh reason to book a staycation

6 Six Senses
London

5
Legendary spa hotel brand Six Senses
Treehouse Hotel will finally take root in London this

Manchester
summer in Bayswater, in former art
deco department store Whiteleys.
From the recently refurbished There’s set to be a 20-metre indoor
Manchester Museum to the new swimming pool, a fitness space, a spa
cultural hub Factory International, with vaulted ceilings and a relaxation
Manchester is hot right now. There room. The 110 contemporary
are newcomers on the hotel scene bedrooms will all pay homage to the
too, and this year, a sleek branch original art deco surroundings.
of luxe-quirky brand Treehouse sixsenses.com
Hotel opens on central Deansgate,
complete with attractive eco
credentials. Recycled and reclaimed
materials feature in furniture, while
a kitchen garden will make use of
harvested rainwater. Honey will be
Take your pick produced in a rooftop apiary too.
treehousehotels.com
from the best of
Britain’s newest
recruits

4 The Gallivant
Littlestone, Kent
If you’ve visited The Gallivant at
7 100 Princes St,
Edinburgh
Gracing the Scottish capital’s most
iconic city street from this spring,
Camber Sands, you’ll know this 100 Princes Street is set in the former
seaside-chic hotel blends fish menus home of the Royal Over-Seas League
and English wines with wonderful and will celebrate Scottish explorers
design and indulgent Bamford spa through its eclectic old-world design.
treatments. Now the team is opening With just 30 rooms and a high
a new outpost at Littlestone Beach, staff-to-guest ratio, you can expect
about a half-hour drive north along excellent service – and prime views
the Kent coast. You’ll get more of their over Edinburgh Castle.
signature-style steps from the surf. Doubles from £330 B&B;
thegallivant.co.uk 100princes-street.com

146 womanandhome.com
 Enjoy a unique
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experience
gorilla trekking,
as you come face
to face with
your inquisitive
distant relatives
in the rainforests
of Africa

Get up close with

gorillas in RWANDA
The moment a gorilla looks you feed, nest and play. You move as they do
straight in the eye is a moment you’ll to keep a distance, but the gorillas play
never forget. It’s heart-stopping. by no such rules – they’ll barge past or
Some seem quizzical, intrigued to amble up to visitors, just as curious about
see a hairless cousin; others look you as you are about them.
fleetingly irritated, pausing chewing BOOK IT Expert Africa has a five-
to see who dares disturb their lunch. night gorilla safari, from £4,720pp,
You can only visit mountain gorillas – including one night B&B, four nights
of which there are 1,000 left on Earth – in full-board and gorilla trekking. Flights
three countries: Uganda, the Democratic extra; expertafrica.com >>
Republic of the Congo or Rwanda.
The latter’s compact size maximises
your time on the ground (it’s under
three hours’ drive from Kigali airport
to tracking base Musanze). It’s also
a lusciously green country with
rainforested national parks, chimpanzee
tracking and coffee plantations to enjoy.
Gorilla trekking is famously expensive
– Rwanda’s permit costs US $1,500 per
person (usually built into a tour or hotel
package) – but it’s also far more intimate
than a typical safari. Hiking for one to five
hours (guides take into account group
fitness) with a group of eight maximum,
you encounter the gorillas on foot,
watching from a few feet away as they
 Bask in sunshine
on ST KITTS
Frances Leate discovers the treasures of
this lesser-known Caribbean island
The Caribbean sea is twinkling in
front of me, blue as far as the eye can
see. It laps gently and calmly onto
white powdery sand, hypnotic in its
comforting repetition. I instantly feel
the sunshine soak into my skin and
sway my head to the sound of tinkling
steel drums playing nearby – a
calypso beat just like tropical rain,
bursting with life-affirming energy.
Dotted beside its neighbouring island
of Nevis, St Kitts is just 23 miles long and
five miles wide. If you’re flying from the
UK, you’ll have to stop briefly in Antigua
before you can sample a piece of this
paradise. So it takes a bit of commitment
to get to this unspoilt isle, but with
breathtaking beaches,
luscious landscapes and
laid-back locals, it’s worth
every extra mile.
I began my first day
in one of Frigate’s Bay’s
traditional Caribbean
cafes, with a breakfast
of stewed salt fish and
coconut-battered ‘Johnny’
cakes. Then it was time
for a day-long boat tour,
leaving from the port
capital of Basseterre, for a
splash around some of the
best snorkelling spots on the island and a
stop to the neighbouring island of Nevis.
A journey into the wild
After a day of sun-soaked bliss, I drove to
Arthur’s Restaurant and Bar in Dieppe Bay
in the North, where the Caribbean Sea and
Atlantic Ocean meet, and spotted the small
islands of Saba and St Eustatius rising up
like volcanoes out at sea. I ate the best
seafood linguine ever, washed down with a
St Kittitian rum punch, then watched the
sun go down over the merging bodies of
water, the fading light wrapping everything
in a blanket of purple and orange.
I liked what I tasted of St Kittitian rum,
so the next day I joined a Rum Master
Vibrant: From
the bustling port
of Basseterre
(above) to a
laid-back, luxury
hotel (right)

148 womanandhome.com

Tour – starting at the recently renovated
Wingfield Estate, on the edge of St Kitts
National Park, and ending at the Spice
Mill. The latter is located on a glorious
stretch of beach known as Cockleshell
Bay, where pirates are rumoured to
have once partied; the perfect location
for making my own delicious hibiscus-
infused spiced rum. And there was more
yet to see. I visited haunting Brimstone
Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site – the fort’s museum details its
dark history, built under British rule
by enslaved Africans, the ancestors of
many of today’s St Kittitians. From its
advantageous viewpoint, 800ft high,
views of green land and blue sea spread
out in a vibrant contrast. Nearby,
15,000-acre St Kitts rainforest covers
nearly a quarter of the island. My
hour-long jaunt into the wild was
guided by fauna and flora expert,
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O’Neil Mulraine, who can climb up
a huge winding locust tree almost
as quickly as the thousands of vervet
monkeys that live on the island.
Rainforest magic
Whether waxing lyrical about the
island’s national flower – red as its name
‘Flamboyant’ suggests – or the sandbox
tree with prickly poisonous trunks, O’Neil
was a fountain of knowledge. He told me
how once palms lose their tops, whether
by hurricanes or humans, they do not
grow back. As we stood in the forest,
he summed it up beautifully: ‘Just like us,
they’ve only got one life to live.’
BOOK IT Tropic Breeze has seven
nights at Park Hyatt St Kitts, from
£1,870pp, including breakfast, return
flights and transfers; tropicbreeze.co.uk.
Check out visitstkitts.com for more
information >>
SWEDISH ISLANDS
If you can’t decide between a city
break and a nature holiday this
year, make your way to Sweden,
where it’s easy to have both.
Only minutes outside the historic
capital, the Stockholm Archipelago
contains nearly 30,000 untouched
islands carpeted in forest, stone and
beaches that feel light years away
from the city rush.
Options are endless for a day trip
exploring, but for an overnight
adventure, take the ferry to far-flung Utö,
where a historic windmill rises above the
horizon and a cosy hotel, Utö Värdshus,
has a restaurant overlooking the water.
After you’ve dropped your bags here,
Combine city
adventures in
Stockholm
with outdoor
exploration
on Utö Island
(pictured)
you can take it slow exploring the island,
hiking forested trails lined with berries
and mushrooms, exploring villages with
red and yellow wooden houses, and
discovering a wetland regeneration
project founded by local Thomas Hjelm.
In summer, crayfish lunches are dished
up by the water in a converted
boathouse, Båtshaket, and locals dip
toes in the cool waters of the Baltic from
small sandy beaches. There’s a small
museum on the island and a sauna too
(after all, this is Scandinavia), but really
the greatest pleasure comes from
settling into the sleepy people-free
corners and soaking up the sounds of
nature. When it’s time to leave, you can
take a ferry onwards to more local islands
or return to Stockholm. Splurge on a
15-minute helicopter ride back, and
you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the spray
of green islands below – Stockholm’s
own glittering jewels.
BOOK IT Visit Stockholm has
information on travelling to Utö;
visitstockholm.com. Utö Värdshus
has a range of accommodation
options, beginning from £44 for
a hostel-style stay for two people;
utovardshus.se
 travel
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NORTH AMERICAN CITY

Already ticked off classics like NYC, LA or Vancouver? Try one of these underrated gems

12 California
Cities like San Francisco and LA
grab the headlines for a Pacific Coast
holiday, but San Diego impresses
with its laid-back outdoor lifestyle,
beaches and attractions. Visit
1,200-acre Balboa Park, home to
the world-famous San Diego Zoo,
and pop into the Belmont Park
vintage amusement grounds.
For trips, visit americansky.co.uk

13 Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
South of popular New York City,
Philadelphia is a wonderland for
history lovers. You can wander from
From city
the world-famous Liberty Bell to
culture to the Independence Hall, where the US
carefree coast, Constitution was signed – and onwards
there’s something to the treasure-packed Philadelphia
for everyone Museum of Art, one of the world’s best
galleries. Film fan? Take note of the 72

11 Toronto, steps leading up to its doors, featured

in that iconic scene from Rocky. For
Ontario trips, visit americaasyoulikeit.com >>
Canada’s largest city has plenty to
offer – world-class museums like the
Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery
of Ontario, a thriving restaurant scene
and expeditions across Lake Ontario.
Explore its neighbourhoods – from
the industrial-cool Distillery District
to trendy Trinity-Bellwoods. And book
into the Ace Hotel (double rooms
from £222; acehotel.com) to be close
to most of the action. For trips,
visit canadianaffair.com

womanandhome.com 151
 IN THE
DOLOMITES
With children in tow, Jen Bedloe samples family-friendly resort Sonnwies
azing from the comfort of our bed,
the view was remarkable – snow-
capped mountains, so close I felt
I could touch them. Throwing back
the duvet, I slid back the window to
properly take it all in. One breath of
the air, so clean and crisp, blew away
the cobwebs. I couldn’t wait to begin
our first family ski holiday.
Skiing perfection
The children were both tucked away in
separate rooms, so it was an unusually
tranquil morning. I took a quiet moment
to savour the effortlessly stylish interiors
of our suite and the woodsy smell from
our log burner. This hotel had just the
sophisticated yet wholesome feel – that
Sound of Music quality – we’d dreamt of.
Perfectly positioned on a sun-
drenched meadow above the village of
Lüsen, in the Italian Dolomites, Sonnwies
is a magical, serene place. After pulling
into the bat cave-like underground
entrance, we were greeted by Italian
sophistication – sprinkled with a dusting
of alpine charm. Communal areas were
inviting and welcoming. Colouring
stations and food and drink were
carefully positioned at child’s eye level,
where young children could access
what they needed. It was perfectly
considered for families and yet there
was seamless, stylish flow – with not a
hint of CBeebies chaos.
We hired all our ski equipment on
our first morning from the hotel’s ski
school. The ski-out blue slope was
the ideal training zone for our family.
Our 13-year-old, Jack, knew the basics
but his 10-year-old sister, Romilly, was
a complete beginner. She joined the
 ski group lesson and before we knew
it, was whizzing down the slope. They
say that children learn fast and they’re
not wrong (husband Giles and I on the
other hand…).
After challenging ourselves with a
few hours of skiing, our efforts were
rewarded with the après-ski – and we
couldn’t wait to try the local cuisine.
From the carefully
curated buffet lunch
spreads to the formal
‘THE
à la carte dinners, we
discovered a mix of local,
CHILDREN
Italian and German
influences at every turn.
MADE USE
Staff, most of whom are OF THE
KIDS’ CLUB’
trilingual, host with an air
of familiarity that makes
you feel instantly at
home. Our table was designated ours
for the entire stay, which gave things
a nice familiarity and allowed the
children to meet others from families
in close proximity.
Afternoons were largely spent in the
aqua park, but just like the rest of the
hotel, this was an oasis of calm. Bathed
in muted lighting, we could watch the
children from the comfort of a double
Mountain views,
skiing on the
doorstep, family
activities… you'll
want for nothing
at Sonnwies
resort (above)
day bed. There was also
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a spa to ease any aching
muscles, but on my hit list was the
outdoor heated pool. Meanwhile, the
children also made use of the extensive
kids’ club, which caters for all ages, from
infants up to teenagers.
One day, we ventured further afield
to Plose, which is 15 minutes away,
courtesy of the hotel
shuttle. Here the
skiing gets more ‘real’
but if, like Giles and
I, you’re not hugely
confident, you can opt
to walk instead on a
clearly marked route.
The spectacular
mountain panoramas
were well worth the
effort, and we enjoyed the restaurants
and bars serving pizza, hot eggnog-
style Bombardino cocktail and Aperol
– possibly the best bit of a ski trip to Italy!
Sonnwies is fabulous in winter, but
we also learnt that there’s plenty to
do here during all four seasons. In
warmer months, the biking and hiking
trails are apparently a highlight, as
are the scented flower meadows and
beautiful vistas – with the
backdrop of Peitlerkofel
and Kronplatz peaks
anchoring the valley. I think
I know where we’ll be
heading for our holidays
this summer…
BOOK IT Sonnwies has
family rooms sleeping four,
from £537, half-board;
sonnwies.com >>
womanandhome.com 153

Kick back and
chill on the
MSC Seaview,
whether at sea or
on a city stop
For sunshine, sea and Mediterranean
atmosphere – plus the benefit of only
unpacking your bag once – a cruise
ticks all the boxes. And for those in
search of both luxury and value for
money, a journey on MSC Seaview is
an attractive prospect.
A big ship can be overwhelming, but
the Seaview’s broad decks – all 19 of
them – are made for easy pleasures,
IN THE MED
such as lazing on a sun lounger, sipping
morning coffee at an al fresco cafe
or strolling at sunset to admire the sun
dipping below the waves. The spacious
cabins have large balconies that allow
you to take in the sea air – and enjoy
views of your next port.
Pushing off from Genoa in Italy, a
classic Med itinerary stops off at the
region’s most enticing cities – La Spezia,
Rome, La Palma, Barcelona and Cannes.
You’re free to explore the city streets
under your own steam or sign up for
organised excursions that cater for
special interests, such as food, culture,
history or adventure. In La Spezia, that
might mean a tour to Cinque Terre to
see pretty pastel-painted towns perched
on jagged cliffs. In Rome, a guided
stopover at a village in Cinque
Terre offers rugged clifftops,
coach tour ferries you around top spots
such as the Colosseum and the Vatican
in air-conditioned comfort.
But it’s not all sightseeing. Back on
board in the afternoon, there are plenty
of ways to spend your downtime. Take
a dip in one of the three main pools,
including a gorgeous top-deck Sunset
Beach pool and an indoor pool covered
by a retractable roof. Boost your fitness
at the gym, sports court and bowling
lanes or get your heart pumping by
whizzing down the longest zip wire at
sea. Or you could just kick back with
a glass of wine and enjoy that view.
BOOK IT MSC Cruises’ Mediterranean
Cruise costs from £719pp for seven
nights, departing 13 May 2024;
msccruises.co.uk
The pretty-as-a-picture
a castle and colour galore
 travel
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Get a wellness reset in Switzerland

Holidays don’t get more feel-good make sustainable, long-term healthy
Boost your
wellbeing at the
Grand Resort Bad
than a thermal bathing retreat changes to your lifestyle. Ragaz retreat for
in the epic natural surrounds of Beyond the spa, there are many more pampering at its
Switzerland. Nestled among peaks feel-good experiences. Grand Resort very best
south-east of Zurich, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is one of Switzerland’s leading
Bad Ragaz is built around mineral-rich dining destinations, with Michelin-starred
hot springs and has been a centre of restaurants on site. The grounds host
wellbeing for centuries. a sculpture park, with hikes along the
Check into one of multiple nearby Rhine and into the spectacular
accommodation options on site – for Tamina Gorge, the source of those
example, Grand Hotel Quellenhof is fabulous thermal waters.
regal with herringbone parquet and BOOK IT Grand Resort Bad Ragaz has
luxurious fabrics, while Spa Suites is double rooms from £296. NEWYOU
contemporary with floor-to-ceiling Method packages cost from
windows overlooking mountain peaks. £1,033pp for three days, excluding
Then fill your days soaking in the accommodation; resortragaz.ch >>
extensive thermal baths, beneficial
for skin, joints and muscles.
Relaxing treatments include skin-
brightening Niance Deluxe facials
and Haki Flow, a floating experience
where a therapist manipulates your
movements while you bob in a serene
pool. If you have health concerns,
those can be addressed too by a team
of in-house doctors, specialising in
everything from vascular medicine to
orthopaedics. The resort’s signature
NEWYOU Method involves creating
a personalised holistic plan to help you
 HIKE
THROUGH
PEAK DISTRICT
Lydia Swinscoe pulls on her walking boots and explores the rolling landscapes
winter chill whips through the trees, Youlgrave. Having visited as a child, I only
plucking the last of the browned began to fully appreciate the appeal of
leaves from their branches. In the this charming village as an adult. I spent
distance, grey-black crows caw three months living a slow, wholesome
continuously from life in a small stone cottage
barren fields ringed
‘IT’S THE
with an open log fire, and
by drystone walls. it’s from here that my love
In a few months,
come spring, meadow WORLD’S of Peak District hiking
was born. Every day
flowers will begin to
bloom and thousands SMALLEST marked a new opportunity
to explore valleys and
of toads will sing in
unison, creating a
DETACHED gorges, hike across
meadowland and forest.
bewitching, meditative
lullaby. The sounds of
HOUSE’ I’d seek out new pathways,
swimming spots and
the Peak District – the curious ancient stone
place I called home until I was 19 – are circles, from Haddon Hall to Dale End.
always what I notice first when hiking Then I would return to the village of
through its mystic peaks. Youlgrave, equally curious, with its Grade
Nowhere is this more evident than II-listed Thimble Hall (the world’s smallest
in the idyllic and mysterious village of detached house) and its very own
156 womanandhome.com

swimming spot. I’d often
end my solo winter hikes by
plunging into the icy water
that runs down from Gratton
Moor to the River Bradford.
From Youlgrave, hikes span
out in every direction, offering
the best Peak District scenery.
One of my favourite walks is
a two-hour loop to a rock
formation known as Robin Hood’s Stride,
because legend has it that Robin Hood
leapt from one boulder to the other.
The first time I did this walk, I didn’t pass
a single person, just bobtailed rabbits
and the occasional deer. At the end, I was
rewarded with the chance to see a 14th-
century hermit’s cave, complete with
a crucifixion scene hand-carved inside.
Nearby, I made another discovery –
one of the Peak District’s ancient stone
circles, known as Nine Stones Close, or
the Grey Ladies. Intriguingly, its original
purpose and meaning is now a mystery.
On another day, a three-hour hike
in the opposite direction took me to
6,000-year-old Arbor Low – another,
even grander, stone circle protected
under the Ancient Monuments
Protection Act. Here, alongside 43
stones, a colossal bank and ditch mark
the grounds of what was once an
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The best views.
Below: Make
time to stop
for a Bakewell
pudding
important ritual site during the
Neolithic and Early Bronze Age
periods. On this particularly cold
day, I took a detour to Bakewell
on my walk home, crossing
gentle-flowing brooks and fallen
gnarled tree branches carpeted
in velvety acid-green moss. It was
a smart move – The Old Original
Bakewell Pudding Shop’s puff
pastry puddings were well worth the
lengthy detour. In fact, I’d say that
they’re certainly a great reason to
take an energetic hike through the
majestic Peak District.
BOOK IT Want to discover the Peak
District with a guide? DH Tour has
a seven-night Peak District Guided
Walking trip, from £1,913pp, including
meals, accommodation and activities;
dhgrouptours.com >>
womanandhome.com 157
 ISLAND OF TAHITI
A once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Tahiti
– in the French Polynesian Islands – is
calling. This summer, it will feature
as part of the Paris Olympics,
hosting the world’s finest surfers at
Teahupo’o on the south coast. But you
don’t have to be skilled with a board
to enjoy this island paradise. For
the rest of us, beautiful sandy
beaches, soaring green mountainous
landscapes and a thriving local culture
are enticing enough.
Start your journey in capital Papeete,
where you can explore a colourful
local market selling vanilla and pearls
(Tahiti is famous for its black ones),
wander through lush historic gardens,
and eat fresh tuna and rice bowls
overlooking the sea. The Hilton Hotel
Tahiti has an expansive pool area
overlooking the water, a short drive from
the buzz of the capital.
When it’s time to explore further
afield, join an island tour taking in the
quieter corners of the south, including
the soaring surf of Teahupo’o. Then
hop on the ferry to nearby Mo’orea – a
neighbouring island with a slower pace
158 womanandhome.com
of life – to spend a few days snorkelling
with rays or taking a 4x4 tour to a
pineapple plantation. Finally, discover
the ultimate paradise in the island of
Bora Bora, a flight away. It’s an expensive
place but this really is heaven, with a
shallow turquoise lagoon brimming with
fish and honeymoon-perfect romantic
hotels, such as the InterContinental Bora
Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. Here, every
room is an over-water thatched-roof villa
perched above the waters of the lagoon
– proper bucket-list holiday stuff.
BOOK IT Turquoise
Holidays (turquoise Another day in paradise:
holidays.co.uk) has from the best in surfing to
tailor-made trips to the most idyllic romantic
Tahiti, including a stay retreat, Tahiti’s slower
at the Hilton Papeete, pace makes for the
double rooms from dreamiest destination
£212, hilton.com; and
the InterContinental,
double rooms from
£1,091, thalasso.
intercontinental.com.
Visit tahiti
tourisme.uk for
more information.
 travel
W&H

SPANISH CITIES
Take in atmospheric cities – with La Mezquita mosque,
plenty of scenery in-between – on a featuring beautiful
self-drive Spanish road trip that will Byzantine mosaics,
satisfy lovers of food, architecture Spain’s buzzy capital
and rugged beaches in equal measure. Madrid awaits. Home
Start in Valencia, home of the paella. of the best tortilla, locals
Pre-book a table at one of Ernest recommend Pez Tortilla,
Hemingway’s favourite haunts, La Casa Dani and Bodega
Pepica, where the 1898 interior features de la Ardosa. Once fully
exquisitely patterned floor tiles (the satisfied, take in some
seafood paella impresses too). The culture at Museo Reina
Cathedral of Valencia is best visited Sofia, which houses
after dusk, when it becomes even more Pablo Picasso’s Guernica,
beautiful, while the city’s central market is a large black-and-white
the place to pick up a paella pan of your oil painting, before
own. Valencia’s most beautiful beaches visiting one of Madrid’s
are outside the city, so drive south into most intimate artistic
Parc Natural de L’Albufera to seek out spaces, the Joaquín
hidden bays surrounded by pine forest. Sorolla Museo. A master
Next stop, Seville, where there’s much at capturing blissful, long
to see, from epic paintings by Spanish summer days, Sorolla’s
masters at Museo Bellas Artes de Sevilla, studio house features many of his most Culture vultures will love
to seriously photogenic Moorish beautiful paintings. Savour your last a tour to some of Spain’s
architecture at the Alcázar – and Jürgen moments here before taking the four- finest hotspots, taking
Meyer’s intriguing wooden sculpture, hour drive back to Valencia. in Valencia (above),
Metropol Parasol. Seville is home to BOOK IT Fly to Valencia from London home of the paella, and
flamenco, so don’t leave without a show Stansted with Ryanair from £50 Moorish Córdoba
at Museo del Baile Flamenco. return; ryanair.com. Valencia-based
Finally, take the road north. After Alquicoche Rent A Car’s prices start
a quick stop at Córdoba’s impressive from £18 per day; alquicoche.com/es >>
 WINE REGION
Toast to an exciting year of travel with
a vino-themed break, guaranteed to get
your taste buds tingling

20 Douro Valley,
Portugal
The landscape is undeniably dramatic
– sharp schist terraces, lined in ageing
vines, staircasing down to a river of
blue. Portugal’s UNESCO-listed Douro

Valley is the world’s oldest demarcated
wine region – declared in 1756 – and
a visit here takes in historic quintas
pouring luscious port wine. Ride on
the railway from Porto to Pinhão, then
cruise along the river, glass in hand.
For trips, visit kenwoodtravel.co.uk
21
Napa Valley,
USA
America’s best-known wine region
is like a Disneyland for adults, with
elaborate tasting rooms and tours.
Base yourself in beautiful Yountville
or laid-back St Helena and you will be

PHOTOS: GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK, ALAMY, NICOLA NERI, MATTIA MARASCO, TADEU BRUNELLI, MYLES MCGUINNESS/TAHITI TOURISME, TOR HARRISON,
near many different wineries pouring
rich Cabernet Sauvignon and buttery
Chardonnays – Chateau Montelena,

IVAN SARFATTI, HENRIK TRYGG, HELMUTH RIER, GEORG ROSKE, KIM LAWSON/TAHITI TOURISME. DETAILS CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING
WORDS: JEN BEDLOE, HELENA CARTWRIGHT, MICHELLE HATHER, ALICIA MILLER, LYDIA SWINSCOE, LUCY THACKRAY, ZOE WEST, QIN XIE.
Inglenook and Stag’s Leap Wine
Cellars are among the best.
For trips, visit trailfinders.com

Treat
yourself to a
world-of-wine
experience in
Europe or further
afield

23 Barossa

22 Champagne, Valley,
France Australia
Though technically a ‘new world’
Just a short onwards train ride from
wine region, the Barossa Valley holds
Paris, the Champagne region is easy
plenty of historic charm, with its thick
to get to – and it’s full of affordable
ancient vines, veranda-lined houses
grower-winemaker fizz that often
and cutesy towns. Strike out on a
costs less than at home. Make your
day trip from nearby Adelaide to its
base Reims, built over a network of
beautiful landscapes to visit famous
chalk cellars used to age the bottles,
names like Yalumba, Jacob’s Creek
and you can wander between
and Seppeltsfield, or stay the night
tasting rooms run by big names like
and wake for an early-morning
Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot and Ruinart.
hot-air balloon ride over the vines.
For trips, visit grapeescapes.net
For trips, visit hayesandjarvis.co.uk

160 womanandhome.com

Visit the CORNISH
COAST in off-season
The luminous bays and sandy beaches
of Cornwall are a well-known escape
in summertime – but there’s a certain
magic to visiting when the weather
is grey and blustery. Crowds have
thinned, leaving the walking paths
blissfully quiet, soundtracked only
by the wind-rustle of hedges and wet
ferns. Silver waves crash along slick
empty beaches. And picture-perfect
towns, such as Fowey in the north,
buzz with a more local air.
Only a 10-minute taxi from the nearest
rail station at Par, and with year-round
activities, Fowey makes for an excellent
weekend break that doesn’t even require
Far from the
madding crowd,
Readymoney
Cove (pictured)
and nearby
Fowey are great
winter escapes
travel
W&H
a car. Drop your bags at Marners Rock, a
clutch of holiday apartments decked out
to high-spec in the heart of the old town’s
maze of sloped streets. Apartment No. 2
has sweeping views over the higgledy-
piggledy rooftops, cathedral and to the
sparkling Fowey Estuary from its well-
equipped kitchen – ideal for whipping
up a feast from local food favourite
Kittow’s butcher and deli. Or make
the most of the town’s thriving dining
scene, munching cakes at Brown Sugar,
Italian-inspired plates at Appleton’s
and fish at the Old Quay House.
Besides its pretty architecture and
rows of lovely boutiques, Fowey fills days
with plenty of walking opportunities.
From the town centre, make off towards
the old St Catherine’s Castle, circling
around the headland past sandy
Readymoney Cove to Polkerris. Or take
a short ferry ride to Polruan, across the
water, wandering past fishing cottages,
to its own petit castle.
BOOK IT Great Western Railway
runs trains to Par; gwr.com.
Stays at Marners Rock apartments
cost from £310, self-catering, for
two nights; marnersrock.co.uk
 TRAVEL OFFERS

OF A LIFETIME?
Make 2024 the year you tick these
adventures off your bucket list

From
£2,735pp
GO WILD
Dreaming of Departs February
getting away 2024 – December
from the dark
evenings and
On Safari in South Africa 2025

chilly weather? at Mabula Lodge

You’re not alone!
In this month’s
woman&home,
we’ve worked with our trusted travel
partners to bring you the very best
trips and holidays, with something for
everyone. From unforgettable trips
of a lifetime to stunning European
river cruises – plus fantastic breaks
closer to home – we have got it
covered, giving you peace of mind
and something special to look forward
to. Go on, treat yourself!
162 womanandhome.com
On this immersive, family-friendly
tour, you’ll get the chance to really
settle into your breathtaking
surroundings as you spend a blissful
week at the Mabula Game Lodge.
Set against the picturesque backdrop
of the UNESCO-listed Waterberg
Mountains, the Mabula Private Game INCLUDED
Reserve boasts diverse landscapes and ✢ Return flights to Johannesburg
habitats, perfect for the free-roaming ✢ Five safaris into the Mabula Private
Big Five and other wonderful creatures, Game Reserve
making this a perfect family-friendly ✢ A stargazing session beneath the
safari holiday that you’ll never forget! starry South African night sky

FOR MUSIC
LOVERS
Elvis Presley’s Memphis,
New Orleans & Nashville
From
£699pp
Departs
FESTIVE MAGIC
December
2024
Lapland Santa Experience Day Trip
Are you ready for the festive day trip
of a lifetime? Our privately chartered
planes, flying from a wide range of
regional UK airports, will touch down
just beyond the Arctic Circle at Pajala,
Newmarket Holidays’ exclusive and
remote location in Swedish Lapland.
From here, you’ll set off to Santa’s village,
where you’ll have the place completely to
yourself. Enjoy husky rides, a snowmobile
experience and reindeer-drawn sleighs
through the forest or surrounding fields.
From
£2,283pp
Departs February
2024 – December
2025
Journey through America’s musical
heartland, from the birthplace of jazz
and the cradle of rock ‘n’ roll to the
undisputed capital of country music.
This wonderful holiday is crammed full
of highlights, and infused with the magic
and mystique, sights and sounds of the
Then pause for a hearty lunch and
sip on steaming berry juice following the
secret path to Santa’s cabin for a private
meeting with the big man himself.
INCLUDED
✢ Exclusive direct return flights to Pajala in
Swedish Lapland, including hand luggage
✢ All activities including a husky-sled ride,
snowmobile experience and reindeer
sleigh trip
✢ A special Christmas gift from Santa
for every child
travel
W&H
South. Beginning in Georgia you’ll travel
through the world of WC Handy, Robert
Johnson, Fats Domino, Hank Williams,
Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton and, of course,
Elvis Presley. Stay in New Orleans and
see Tupelo, the King’s birthplace, and
Memphis, where he made his home.
Finally, head to the guitar-pickin’, banjo-
playing city of Nashville, Tennessee.
INCLUDED
✢ Return flights to Atlanta
✢ Two nights in Memphis, staying at
The Guest House at Graceland, right
next to Elvis’ famous mansion
✢ The atmosphere of New Orleans’
famous French Quarter
Looking for more
inspiration?
Why not consider…
✢ Scottish Highland Railways
✢ New England in the Fall
✢ Canadian Rockies
✢ Japan Unveiled
✢ Peru, Ecuador &
The Galapagos Islands
BOOK WITH NEWMARKET
iwh.newmarketholidays.co.uk
0333 344 1461 (Quote IWH)
TERMS & CONDITIONS Please note:
These holidays are organised and operated by
Newmarket Holidays Ltd. ABTA V7812.
ATOL 2325. ABTOT 5509. Offers are subject to
availability and may be withdrawn at any time.
Single supplements apply. Standard phone
charges. Prices do not include travel insurance.
Prices correct at time of going to press. Based
on two people sharing a twin room.
womanandhome.com 163
 TRAVEL OFFERS

2024 river cruises are

ready to depart
Enjoy Europe’s most beautiful waterways in style

8 days from
£1,999pp
Departs
April – October
2024
WINE AND DINE
Douro, Porto and Salamanca
Explore what is possibly Europe’s
most undiscovered river through
the stunning Douro Valley. The
once-wild Douro river has been
tamed by a system of dams and locks,
producing an enchanting topography
reminiscent of Scotland’s lochs.
Cruise through port wine territory,
where lush hillsides have given way
to a patterned landscape of terraced
164 womanandhome.com
5 days from
NATURE £1,449pp
AT ITS Departs
April 2024
BEST
Amsterdam,
Kinderdijk and the
Dutch Bulbfields
vineyards. Portuguese wine is simply The stunning bulbfields really are
outstanding, and our on-board wine an amazing sight. In Keukenhof Park
list includes some excellent regional there are a staggering seven million
wines. Further inland, away from the blooms covering 80 acres in a riot of
lush Atlantic coast, the warmer climate colour, while imaginative landscaping
creates a Mediterranean landscape of shows off mother nature at her
olive groves and ochre hillsides. Discover outstanding best, with shimmering
some of the Douro Valley and Iberia’s lakes, water gardens and flowering
most charming villages, age-old shrubs of every hue.
traditions and wonderful cuisine.

11 days
from £2,999
Departs May –
October 2024
HIDDEN GEM
Cologne, the
Rhine Gorge and
Medieval Germany
Experience the majesty of the mighty
Rhine Gorge and delve into the
hidden gems of the Middle Rhine.
Wander through the ancient towns
of medieval Germany and discover
the beautiful Romantic Road.
‘Full of wonderful colour, the
stunning Dutch bulbfields are
an amazing sight to behold’
travel
W&H
15 days
from £3,854pp
Departs April –
September 2024
GRAND TOUR
Cruise the Heart
of Europe
This 15-day tour takes you from Cologne
in the heart of the Rhine Valley to Vienna
and finally Budapest. Absorb some of
Europe’s most stunning scenery, such as
the Rhine Gorge, as well as picturesque
medieval towns and cities along the way.
Want something shorter? Consider our Key inclusions
‘The Blue Danube’ – 8 days from £1,599. ✢ Return flights (or Eurostar*)
and transfers
✢ Visits and guided tours
✢ Full board
✢ Expert cruise director
and concierge
BOOK WITH RIVIERA TRAVEL
Free superior drinks package on 2024
river cruises!** rivieratravel.co.uk/WAH
01283 742 348 (Quote WAH)
TERMS & CONDITIONS Additional entrance
costs may apply. Prices are per person, based
on two sharing and subject to finite availability.
Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel.
Offer operated by and subject to the booking
conditions of Riviera Travel Ltd, ABTA V4744,
ATOL 3430, a company wholly independent of
woman&home, published by Future plc. Prices
correct at time of going to print. *On selected
cruises. **Superior drinks package is for 2024 river
cruises only, and includes unlimited quantity of
drinks at lunch and from 6pm to midnight while
on board (selected drinks available).
womanandhome.com 165
 TRAVEL OFFERS
Fantastic breaks
CLOSER TO HOME
Explore the UK and all it has to offer – from historic palaces and scenic
countryside to heritage railways and beautiful gardens, the list is endless!
ENGLISH CLASSICS
RHS Tatton Flower Show, Chester,
Wedgwood Tea & Cruise
This wonderful holiday INCLUDED 4 nights
includes escorted visits to: ✢ Welcome
RHS Flower Show at Tatton reception half board plus
Park; a cruise on the Edwin with glass of from £939pp
Clark including a transfer prosecco Departs
from the Trent & Mersey ✢ Escorted 15 July 2024
Canal to the River Weaver excursions by
on the Anderton Boat Lift; coach with entries
the World of Wedgwood ✢ 4 nights standard
with cream tea; Trentham
4 nights Estate Gardens and the
accommodation – singles

A HISTORIC
half board plus
from £869pp
ADVENTURE
Departs 15 April,
10 June, 16 Sept
2024
Oxfordshire Gems, Bath,
Winchester, Steam & Cruise
Join us for this delightful
holiday with escorted
visits to historic Oxford,
Blenheim Palace, Bath
with a walking tour and
‘sparkling’ cruise on the
River Avon, Winchester
for afternoon tea and
a ride on the Watercress
Line steam train.
Stay at Littlecote House
in Wiltshire, the Tudor manor
where Henry VIII courted
Jane Seymour, former home
of entrepreneur Peter de
Savary and now a 4-star
Warner Leisure Hotel with
live entertainment every night
and upgrades available
historic city of Chester. ✢ Entertainment every night
Stay at the Grade II listed ✢ 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
Warner Alvaston Hall, Cheshire, with half a bottle of house
with live entertainment every
night and, exclusively for
wine per person
✢ Deposit £50pp – self-drive
guests, a sparkling reception to Alvaston Hall with car
and, exclusively for guests, and free wine with dinner. parking included
a sparkling reception and
free wine with dinner.
INCLUDED
✢ Welcome reception
with glass of prosecco
✢ Escorted excursions by
coach with entries
✢ 4 nights standard
accommodation – singles
and upgrades available
✢ Entertainment every night
✢ 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners
with half a bottle of house
wine per person
✢ Deposit £50pp – self-drive
to Littlecote House with car
parking included

Book with GN Holidays

gnholidays.com Call 01895 83 33 33 9am to 5.30pm weekdays Quote ‘Woman & Home’
TERMS & CONDITIONS Holidays operated by GN Holidays & Voyages (ABTA Y0291), a company wholly independent of
Future Publishing. These exclusive breaks cannot be booked direct with Warner. Prices shown are per person and based on
two people sharing a standard twin or double bedded room – singles and upgrades available. £50pp deposit or full amount
if booking less than 12 weeks to departure.

166 womanandhome.com
A STUNNING RAIL JOURNEY
Great Scottish Highland Railways
travel
W&H

The beautiful Scottish you travel on the Kyle enthusiast or a first-timer, Kyle Railway Line,
Highlands offer some of Railway Line, take a trip these breathtaking journeys Strathspey Steam
the most picturesque and on the Strathspey Steam promise to both enchant Railway and the West
celebrated railways in the Railway through the and captivate. Highland Line aboard
world, where sparkling glorious Cairngorms INCLUDED The Jacobite steam train
lochs, dramatic moorlands National Park and enjoy ✢ Return coach travel ✢ Photo stop at
and striking mountain a steam-hauled voyage ✢ 4 nights at the Loch Ness viewpoint
scenery combine to create aboard iconic The Jacobite Caledonian Hotel, Fort
spectacular backdrops to steam train on the West William, with dinner
captivating journeys. Highland Line between and breakfast
Experience the very best Fort William and Mallaig. ✢ Heritage train 5 days from
on this fabulous break as Whether you are a railway journeys on the £499pp
Departs 22 April,
20 May, 19 August,
21 October
2024

Isle of Wight – Royals & Rails 5 days from

With elegant resort
towns, spotless beaches,
Isle of Wight
Steam Railway
£329pp
Departs April –
old-fashioned charm and and a visit to
October 2024
miles of unspoilt coastline, the fascinating
the Isle of Wight is the Osborne House.
perfect place to enjoy a INCLUDED
relaxing few days away. ✢ Return coach travel and
A firm favourite of Queen ferry crossings
Victoria in the 19th century, ✢ 4 nights at a selected hotel
the island is one of the UK’s on the Isle of Wight with
most popular destinations dinner and breakfast
and it’s easy to see why. On ✢ Excursions to Osborne
this fantastic break, you’ll House, Cowes and Ryde
enjoy the island’s peace, ✢ Heritage train journey
tranquillity and natural beauty, on the Isle of Wight
as well as a journey on the Steam Railway

Book with Just Go! Holidays

justgoholidays.com/womanandhome Call 03332 342 521
TERMS & CONDITIONS Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach-package holidays are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions.
Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this
is a government-approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and
omissions excepted. Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Single supplements apply. Calls to
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply. Please see website or call for further details.
womanandhome.com 167
 TRAVEL OFFERS

La Dolce Vita!
SAVE
UP TO AN

ANY HOLIDAY OF 6 NIGHTS OR LESS USING CODE FUT30. OFFERS ARE NON-TRANSFERABLE, SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY, CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER AND HAVE NO CASH VALUE. ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. E&OE
*OFFER TERMS & CONDITIONS: OFFER VALID FOR ALL NEW BOOKINGS MADE BY 31 JANUARY 2024. OFFER IS £100PP OFF ANY HOLIDAY OF 8 NIGHTS OR MORE USING CODE FUT100, £60PP OFF ANY HOLIDAY OF 7 NIGHTS USING CODE FUT60, AND £30PP OFF
EXTRA
£100pp
Looking for a holiday full of culture, stunning scenery and with our exclusive
discount codes*
world-renowned cuisine? Italy is always a good idea

8 days from HISTORY & CULTURE

GLORIOUS SCENERY
Lake Garda, Venice and Verona
Visit Lake Garda and
immerse yourself in an
Italian holiday full of
relaxation, beauty and
culture amid a stunning
natural backdrop.
While Lake Garda is
renowned for its magnificent
landscape, it also has a rich
culture and intriguing past.
History enthusiasts will enjoy
exploring the quaint medieval
villages that dot the lake, and
there are many attractions
of both historical and cultural
significance to visit in the area.
On this fantastic Italy tour,
you’ll have plenty of time to
soak up the relaxing, tranquil
atmosphere of Lake Garda,
experiencing the quaint towns
of Riva del Garda, Limone and
Malcesine. You will also enjoy
£889pp
Departs March –
November 2024
full-day excursions to explore
the enchanting warren of
canals and squares that make
up the city of Venice, and the
charming UNESCO World
Heritage Site of Verona.
Half-board holidays
available from London,
Scotland and Northern
Ireland, and include flights,
transfers, hotels and a range
of expertly led guided tours.
INCLUDED
✢ Uncover ancient canals
and beautiful architecture on
a guided day trip to Venice
✢ Visit the real-life setting
of Shakespeare’s Romeo
& Juliet on an excursion to
the medieval city of Verona
✢ Enjoy time to relax, swim,
shop or explore the charming
towns around Lake Garda
Classic Tuscany including Florence and Pisa
Enjoy the very best of
Tuscany on this half-board
guided group holiday to
Montecatini, a beautiful
hillside town known for its
geothermal spas, cable car
and charming outdoor cafés.
On this Italy tour, you’ll
visit several UNESCO World
Heritage Sites as part of
the included day trips and
excursions. You’ll explore the
Renaissance masterpieces
and monuments of Florence,
the medieval tower houses
of San Gimignano, and
Siena’s remarkable sloping
square, Piazza del Campo.
A highlight for many is the
trip to Pisa, home not only to
the leaning tower, but also to
magnificent cathedrals and
baroque buildings. You’ll
8 days from
£1,039pp
Departs April –
October 2024
also have plenty of leisure
time to explore on your own
and take in the stunning
surroundings of Montecatini.
Half-board holidays
available from London,
Scotland and Northern
Ireland, and include flights,
transfers, hotels and a range
of expertly led guided tours.
INCLUDED
✢ Stay in Montecatini, a
scenic town surrounded
by natural thermal springs
✢ Visit the capital of the
Renaissance on a day trip to
Florence, including stops at
the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio
✢ Learn about the architecture
and history of Lucca and Pisa
✢ Explore the traditional
Italian towns of Siena and
San Gimignano

Book with Travel Department

traveldepartment.co.uk/future 01174 058 5531 Quote ‘Woman & Home’
TERMS & CONDITIONS Operated by Travel Department. ATOL Protected 9373. Prices are per person and
based on 2 people sharing. Single-room supplements apply. Check-in baggage may be booked at an additional cost.
Prices, flight times and availability subject to change. Booking conditions apply, please visit traveldepartment.co.uk.

168 womanandhome.com
 Our books editor Zoe West gives us her favourite picks
for the month, plus Heidi Perks shares her writing secrets

UNFLINCHING AND HONEST

Breakdown by BOOK SPARKY
Cathy Sweeney OF THE ADVENTURE
(£18.99, HB, MONTH The Excitements by
Orion) CJ Wray (£18.99, HB, Orion)
How often have Archie adores his great aunts,
you thought about Josephine and Penny, but while he may think
getting in a car, he knows the nonagenarians well, the pair
driving off, and not have secrets. From missing jewels, secret
returning home? To liaisons, lost loves and gossiping in Morse,
forget the demands the sisters are fun and sprightly – perhaps
placed on you and because of their love of ‘excitements’. When
make some unconventional choices. An the trio head to Paris for the aunts to collect
ordinary, middle-class woman does just an award for wartime bravery, long-forgotten
that, finding herself in a cottage in Wales memories resurface. Is it time for Archie
facing up to what she has ignored for so to find out what really went on back then?
long. Observant, humorous and truthful, This novel is the perfect mix of poignant,
it’s not always an easy read, but it is a shocking and laugh-out-loud funny.
masterful one that will stay with you.

FORGOTTEN HISTORY SHADOWS OF THE PAST A SPIRITED SLEUTH

The Storm We The Woman on Miss Austen
Made by Vanessa the Ledge by Investigates
Chan (£16.99, Ruth Mancini by Jessica Bull
HB, Hodder & (£14.99, HB, (£16.99, HB,
Stoughton) Cornerstone) Penguin)
A new voice in When her boss’ Intelligence, wit
historical fiction, wife falls to her and a fierce loyalty
Chan has crafted a death from the to her family recast
moving, unflinching 26th floor of a Jane Austen as
portrayal of a family secure office an indefatigable
ravaged by war. Set building, Tate detective in this
in Malaya in the run-up to the Japanese Kinsella is charged with murder. She sparkling new novel – the first of a series.
invasion, events unfold through the eyes protests her innocence, but her account A hideous murder is discovered during
of Cecily Alcantara and her children. doesn’t add up. In fact, nothing is as it a glamorous country-house ball, but the
Cecily’s husband works for the British seems. Out on bail, Tate begins to unveil local gentry seem oddly reluctant to find
administration but she is secretly spying the truth to her lawyer; each timeline the culprit. Jane’s having none of it,
for the Japanese. When they invade, layer slowly revealing a deadly cocktail especially when her beloved brother is
the consequences are devastating. of secrets, obsessions and revenge. implicated in the crime. This is a brilliant
✢ Read our chat with Vanessa on page 173. A dark and compelling legal thriller. debut that does Jane justice.
170 womanandhome.com
CAT-AND-MOUSE THRILLER
First Lie Wins
by Ashley
HOW I WRITE
Elston (£20,
HB, Headline) Heidi Perks
Evie Porter works Known for her suspenseful thrillers,
for a boss she’s author Heidi Perks crafts intricate
never met – the and twisty plots with psychological
enigmatic Mr depth. Her breakout novel, Now
Smith. All Evie You See Her, was not only a Sunday
knows is the Times bestseller but a Richard &
name, location Judy Book Club pick. Her
and town of her next job – and with each latest novel, The Last
job comes a new identity. But this job Resort, follows Erin
is different – and when her real identity and Will having couples
walks into her life, the games begin. You’ll therapy. There’s two sides
be hooked trying to work out what’s going to every story, but which I add various twists,
on in this clever novel. A riveting read. one can the therapist red herrings or
trust? When Erin is even remove things
FAMILY SECRETS hospitalised, everyone if the plot is being
Hidden Fires by wants to know the truth. given away too soon.
Sairish Hussain I am not a planner, so
(£16.99, HB, I think dual- or multiple- this is crucial.
HarperCollins) character voices give a
Yusuf has buried story interesting angles; The most challenging
a secret from different perspectives that keep you thing about writing a novel is
the dark days of guessing and keeps the story moving getting the story out of my head
Partition, while his when tensions are ramping up. I don’t and onto paper for the first time.
son, busy social plan out who is going to speak when Once I have written it out in full I find
worker Hassan, though; each chapter will be given to the process becomes a lot easier, as
is unaware how the voice that feels appropriate to that there’s something to work with and not
lonely his daughter Rubi feels. When moment in the story. just a blank page.
Rubi moves in with Yusuf, he recognises
the impact bullying has had on her, while My ideas often derive from I am disciplined with my writing – to
she realises he needs help coming to conversations with friends, news a degree! When I am in the middle of
terms with his past. A modern-day tale stories, even situations I’ve found a draft, I target writing 2,000 words a
myself in personally
‘Aspiring
of how bridges can be built. day and will often stick to
– though never the this. But my writing week
GAINING CLARITY
The Life Brief
ones with murder! The
kernel of an idea always writers – just is never the same from
one to another, and it
by Bonnie Wan
(£16.99, HB,
starts small and then the
hard work comes figuring get that first depends on what part of
the process I am in. I work
Transworld)
What do you
out how to make it into
a full-length novel. The
draft written!’ much better when I have
an upcoming deadline.
really want from concept for my newest thriller comes
life? Not just what from reading about the people who To any aspiring writers – just get
job title to pursue work as marriage therapists. It got me that first draft written. Don’t put it
or the relationship thinking about the relationship that a off through fear or lack of confidence,
status you’d therapist has with the couple, both as because you won’t ever know whether
prefer, but does individuals and as a unit, and ultimately or not you can turn your idea into
your life align with your values? How do how much power that person could a book until you have written a draft.
you want to feel each day? We all reach hold over someone else’s marriage. And while you are doing it, ignore
a stage in life where we doubt the path any voices in your head that tell you
we’re on. This inspiring book by world- The twists and turns in my books it isn’t working. Every writer has this!
leading strategist Bonnie Wan sets out come from building up the story
to cut through the limiting beliefs that gradually in layers. I wrote this last ✢ The Last Resort by Heidi Perks
are holding you back, encouraging you one at least nine times, and each time (£8.99, PB, Penguin) is out on 18 January.
to get messy, get clear and get active.
womanandhome.com 171

In conversation with
VANESSA
CHAN
Author Vanessa Chan talks to Zoe West about her
family’s history and her lucky word-count number
I
n an attempt to understand what
her grandparents went through
in World War Two, Malaysian
author Vanessa Chan put pen to
paper to give a voice to their stories.
The result is The Storm We Made – a
powerful historical debut about a
Malayan mother who becomes an
unlikely spy for the invading Japanese
during the war – and the ripple effect
it has on her children and community.
Vanessa lives in New York.
When I was growing up, I asked my
grandparents about the Japanese
occupation during World War Two.
My grandma would tell me to mind my
own business. She loved to tell
stories, though, so every now ‘Malaysia
and again, these tales would
come out of her unprompted. gives me
I just had to stay quiet and
listen. She once told me how
a lot of
she was cycling home, aged
12, and heard a loud crash – an
inspiration’
explosion. Her siblings thought they’d lost
their sister and started to cry. She tells this
story as a joke, as if it was the best prank
ever. She also told me how during air raids
you couldn’t stand up until the plane was
gone, because when they are diagonally
ahead of you, the bomb can still hit you.
When I came to writing the novel, I was
surprised at how much I remembered.
The history of occupation and war
in the Pacific Theatre during the war
is not really covered by novelists, or
PHOTO: MARY KANG
by historians. Part of that has to do with
our grandparents and ancestors not
wanting to talk about the terrible times,
and part of it is that the Pacific Theatre
is not seen as the centre of the world,
even though, perhaps, it should be.
I wrote this book to tell the stories I’d
heard growing up, but also as a kind
of salvation. It was a difficult time going
through the pandemic. My mother and
uncle passed in quite quick succession and
we couldn’t go anywhere. I was trapped
in my apartment, and I needed a place to
put my grief and also give myself agency,
so I gave myself a character who could
walk around doing good or bad things.
The book does have tragic moments.
It was a more sombre tale when I first
started writing it, as it was just about
the three children living
through war. The mother,
Cecily, who has many secrets,
came much later. I needed
to give myself a little joy,
then she became the central
foundation of the book.
I did lots of other things except write
until I got my green card to move from
Malaysia to the US. I worked in corporate
communications for a while, as there was
no other way for me to stay in the US. Then,
when I could, I began writing more actively.
The Storm We Made was the result of
a short story I did as part of a graduate
course. The tutor asked me to write about
someone who was doing something
repetitively, so I wrote about a woman
going through checkpoints during a war.
This became the start of the novel.
I go back to Malaysia a lot. I was there
when news of the UK seven-way auction
and US book deals were coming
author interview
W&H
BOOK
CLUB
through, so in the middle of the night I’d
be having meetings. I was jet-lagged, but
it was all very strange and wonderful.
I don’t think I’ll write another
historical novel. Writing them is tough.
My next book will be set in Malaysia, as it
gives me a lot of inspiration, and I know
it so well. It’s such an idiosyncratic, ironic,
fun and – at times – ridiculous country.
If anyone can learn from my experience,
know that there’s no rush to write
a book. There’s a lot of focus on youth
in our society and people think if they
haven’t written their great novel by
a certain age, that’s it! Sometimes it’s
best to wait as the years that wizen you,
wisen you. They definitely gave me more
judgement, urgency and more care.
I aim for 888 words a day. It’s a lucky
number. The word count can be more, but
that’s my goal. I’m part Chinese and eight is
lucky for Chinese people.
I like it as it’s symmetrical,
and that amuses me.
✢ The Storm We Made
by Vanessa Chan (£16.99,
HB, Hodder & Stoughton)
is out now.
womanandhome.com 173
 Author Jill Mansell on the books that changed her life
CLASSIC ROMANCE
Love Story by Erich Segal
As a teenager I was obsessed with
this iconic novel by Erich Segal.
I loved the film too, but I had only
been able to see it in the cinema
once, whereas my paperback
could be read and reread as often
as I wanted. The writing style was
incredibly pared back. The story
contained humour, drama and
tragedy. I could read it in two hours
flat and the ending made me
weep every time. It was perfect.
WARTIME COURAGE
Odette by Jerrard Tickell
Another book I used to reread
regularly in my teens and 20s
was Odette by Jerrard Tickell, the
story of Odette Churchill’s time in
the Special Operations Executive,
and her capture and torture by
the Gestapo during World War
Two. She was unimaginably
brave and my ultimate role
model. She made me want to be
a better person and incredibly
brave too. Sadly I’m not.
EMOTIONAL MEMOIR
A Pocketful of Happiness
by Richard E. Grant
A wonderful, heartfelt, ultimately
uplifting book about the pain of
losing the great love of your life.
The actor writes beautifully about
his late wife Joan, but is honest
enough not to gloss over the
difficulties they faced during her
WORDS: ZOE WEST
illness, interspersed with plenty of
entertaining stories about the films
they worked on and the happy
times they shared together.
COMIC EXPLOITS
The Excitements
by CJ Wray
I love this book so SO much!
It’s gorgeously written,
about two ex-war heroines,
now in their 90s but still
bright and sparky, living their
best lives as they set out to
solve a mystery connected
to their past. Funny, moving
and Osman-esque, their
characters leap off the
page. Shifting between MOVING
their wartime lives and READ
the adventure now
awaiting them in the
present day, rather brilliantly, the main characters were
inspired by two real-life heroines, Patricia and Jean
Owtram. The author got to know when she helped them
to write their joint autobiography, Codebreaking Sisters.
FEEL-GOOD ROMP
Rivals by Jilly Cooper
Rivals changed my life. Reading it,
I knew I wanted to write books as
entertaining as that, with the kind
of humour and shenanigans that
made you wish you could jump
inside them and live alongside the
characters in their world. It’s what
I’ve always tried to do, ever since.
Feel-good fiction that takes you
away from a sometimes less-than-
happy reality is what I love to
read and always aim to create.
READ JILL MANSELL’S NEW BOOK
The Wedding of the Year (£16.99, HB,
Headline Review), is out on 18 January
On a beautiful summer day in Cornwall, lives are
about to change forever. Isla and Cameron’s wedding
should be perfect, except that Isla can’t bring herself
to go in… A fun, witty romcom with a lot of heart.
womanandhome.com 175
 Y O U R M O N T H LY E N T E R T A I N M E N T R O U N D - U P

A DAY IN
THE LIFE OF
Sharon Osbourne
WAKE UP It’s difficult to say when I’m
going to wake up because I stay up most
of the night. I’m a night owl and I have
been my entire life. I’ve tried but I can’t
change my body clock because my head
goes over and over and over things, so
I give in and take a sleeping pill. Even
though I go to bed late, quite often I’m
awake again at around 8.30am.

BREAKFAST I’ll have a coffee to wake

me up and then I’ll have organic granola
with avocado. While I’m doing that I’ll go
through messages and I’ll talk to people
in England before they all disappear for
the night, because of the time difference.

MORNING I like to have a shower as

soon as I can, but I don’t follow a specific
routine because TalkTV or someone
may want to have a meeting at around
11.30am. Then all of a sudden, it’s the
afternoon and the day is running away
with me, so I can never really plan.

LUNCH I’ll have lunch in between

meetings. Someone will usually make
me something because I’m terrible at
things like that. I’m not one of those
ladies that lunches, either. If I do have
to go to one of those fancy lunches, I’m
always looking to escape early. I would
be very bored if that was my life.
AFTERNOON I’ve usually got a lot of
paperwork to do, so I’ll go through all
of that with one of my assistants. Then I’ll
catch up with my kids and my grandkids.
Grandkids are the only good thing about
getting old! It also depends on what my
husband Ozzy’s got on as well. No two
days are ever the same.
176 womanandhome.com
DINNER I can’t cook and I wish I could.
No one cooks dinner for us, we’ll get it
sent in. Ozzy and I go back and forth with
choosing what we want that evening.
EVENING I usually stop working at
around 6pm when my assistants go
home. Sometimes I’ll go out to see
girlfriends in the evening. Ozzy doesn’t
like going out and he would much rather
stay in so I tend to go out on my own.
If I stay in, I’ll be reading or watching TV
on the sofa cuddled up with my dogs,
with Ozzy looking at me as if I’m crazy.
BEDTIME I’ll do my pre-bed beauty
routine with my face creams and I’ll brush
my teeth. Then Ozzy and I will chat for
a good hour and he’ll fall asleep. I’ll have
the TV on and look through social media,
wishing I could sleep too. It’s amazing
how quickly time goes – I’ll start scrolling,
look at the clock and hours have passed!
✢ Sharon Osbourne appears on
The Talk, Monday-Friday at 6pm on
TalkTV. Watch on Freeview 237, Sky 522
and Virgin Media 606, online and listen
on your smart speaker.

EVERYONE’S
TALKING ABOUT
TV COMING IN 2024
As the new year kicks in,
there’s a lot of great TV to
look forward to. Here’s our
pick of what’s coming up.
Lindsay Duncan, Sue
Johnston and Clarke Peters
star in C4 drama Truelove,
which follows a gang of
old friends reunited at
a funeral who make a pact
WORDS: ARIANA LONGSON, JORDAN PARAMOR, MICHAEL DARLING. PHOTOS: BBC, GETTY, JOHN PLATT, MARK BOURDILLON/CHANNEL 4, SHUTTERSTOCK
to help each other die
with dignity when the time
comes. But that time comes
sooner than they think.
ITV1’s Ruth tells the story
of the last woman in Britain
to be hanged. Lucy Boynton
(The Ipcress File) stars in the
title role of Ruth Ellis in the
drama, which recounts the
months before she killed her
lover, David Blakely.
don’t miss
On Apple TV+, the In The Artful
London-set crime drama Dodger on Disney+,
Criminal Record stars Peter Thomas Brodie-
Capaldi and Cush Jumbo Sangster stars as
as DCI Daniel Hegarty and the pickpocket from
DS June Lenker, two very Charles Dickens’
different cops at the opposite Oliver Twist, who’s
ends of their careers, both now grown-up
desperate to solve a high- and working as a
profile cold case murder. surgeon in 1850s
Nicole Kidman stars Australia. But he’s
in Prime Video’s Expats, unable to shake
which explores how the his criminal roots.
lives of three American
women living in Hong ALSO COMING
Kong intertwine following SOON Claudia Winkleman
a terrible tragedy. Olympic athlete returns with a new
Greg Rutherford series of Traitors
and Coronation
Street star Claire
Sweeney are among the Deborah Meaden, Sara
plucky celebrities taking part Davies, Touker Suleyman and
in the new series of ITV1’s Steven Bartlett in a new series
Dancing on Ice. of Dragons’ Den on BBC1.
Claudia Winkleman hosts Siobhán McSweeney hosts
a new series of Traitors on another series of The Great
BBC1, which will see a new Pottery Throw Down on C4
crop of contestants taking (above left), which will see more
part in the ultimate game of amateur potters trying to
Thomas Brodie-Sangster
trust and treachery. impress judges Keith Brymer
stars as Jack Dawkins,
More entrepreneurs pitch Jones and Richard Miller
aka ‘Dodger’
their ideas to Peter Jones, with their clay-crafting skills.
WOMAN OF THE MOMENT
Kate Moss
Nineties fashion icon Kate Moss is
gearing up to celebrate a milestone
birthday. The model, who has arguably
one of the most recognisable faces
in the fashion industry, turns 50 on
16 January. She rose to fame after
being scouted at an airport aged just
14, and since then, Kate has gone on
to become one of Britain’s biggest
models, gracing the cover of British
Vogue multiple times, and working
alongside legendary fashion alumni. party girl prefers the quiet life these
Most recently the mum-of-one was days, but when it comes to marking
appointed as an ambassador for the a half century of Kate, there’s no
British Beauty Council. Now living in doubt there will be a whole host of
the Cotswolds, the once-renowned celebrity pals ready for a knees-up.
womanandhome.com 177
 Music Literature
JUST MY IMAGINATION OXFORD LITERARY
Celebrate the magic of Motown FESTIVAL
with this exhilarating tribute to The For more than 25 years, the city of
Temptations, whose hits include My dreaming spires has celebrated the joy
Girl and Get Ready. Inspired by the of books and played host to top authors
Tony award-nominated Broadway at its annual literary festival. This year’s
show Ain’t Too Proud, this is line-up includes crime writer Val
brought to life by West End McDermid, novelist Joanne Harris and
performers and top musicians. journalist Bryony Gordon.
Touring from 2 March to autumn; From 16-24 March;
justmyimagination.co.uk oxfordliterary
festival.org

Opera
CARMEN
Opera International’s award-winning
Ellen Kent production of this popular
classic features a full orchestra
and the Ukrainian Opera & Ballet
Theatre Kyiv. International soloists
and a talented chorus bring Bizet’s
score to life as they tell the tale of
Don José and fiery gypsy Carmen.
Touring from 11 January until

Your heads-up on spring’s

must-see shows and events
around the UK

AN OFFICER AND A
GENTLEMAN
If you loved the original 80s film starring
Richard Gere, you’ll be swept away by
this captivating musical. Follow the love
story of young officer trainee Zack Mayo
and factory worker Paula Pokrifki, who The award-winning stage adaptation of musical returns to the West End. Starring
meet at a navy dance. The soundtrack Yann Martel’s Booker prize-winning novel Call the Midwife’s Helen George and
features the hits of Madonna, Bon Jovi, is off on a UK tour. Join young Pi on a a world-class company of more than
Cyndi Lauper, Blondie and many more. lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean, where he 50 performers, you’re sure to ‘whistle
Touring from 23 February is stranded with four other survivors of a happy tune’ as you leave the theatre.
until 16 November; a storm – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan 20 January-2 March, Dominion Theatre,
officerandagentlemanthemusical.com and a Royal Bengal tiger. With stunning London; kingandimusical.co.uk
178 womanandhome.com
 going out

Art
THE PRINTMAKER’S ART:
REMBRANDT TO REGO
This exhibition celebrates the power of
printing – one of the most accessible art
forms. With work spanning 500 years,
you’ll be taken on a journey from Albrecht
Dürer to Tracey Emin, exploring how artists
have pushed boundaries through screen
printing, etching and engraving.
Until 25 February at the Royal
Scottish Academy, Edinburgh;
nationalgalleries.org

BOOK AHEAD
LES MISÉRABLES:
Ballet THE ARENA
SPECTACULAR TOUR
MATTHEW BOURNE’S The iconic musical embarks on a
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS worldwide tour, starting in the UK and
Ballet may seem an unlikely medium for Tim Burton’s visiting 15 countries.
1990 gothic romance film – but trust us, this is Matthew From September 2024-January
Bourne and his New Adventures company at their best. 2025; concert.lesmis.com
The renowned choreographer’s gift for characterisation
creates a colourful, moving production that will captivate GLADYS KNIGHT:
both seasoned dance lovers and those new to ballet. THE FAREWELL TOUR
Touring until 25 May; new-adventures.net The seven-time Grammy winner,
WORDS: ELLA DOVE. PHOTOS: DREW TOMMONS, INES STUART-DAVIDSON,

whose hits include Midnight Train to

Georgia, has recorded more than 38
albums over 50 years. Now, she’s back
JOHAN PERSSON, VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM LONDON

on tour for one last time.

Seasonal From 24 June-8 July;

KEW ORCHID FESTIVAL
Flower power hits the capital this spring
with the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew’s
annual orchid festival, inspired by the
beauty of Madagascar. Admire some of
the world’s most beautiful orchids and
explore Kew’s extensive offerings, with
more than 50,000 plants to be found
across the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From 3 February-3 March; kew.org
ticketmaster.co.uk
NAOMI
This first-of-its-kind exhibition charts
the impressive career and passions of
fashion supermodel Naomi Campbell,
through the work of leading global
designers and photographers.
From 22 June at London’s V&A;
vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/naomi
womanandhome.com 179
 Give your brain a workout with these teasers

JUMBO CROSSWORD
Read down the letters in
the shaded squares to spell
out an English county (15).

ACROSS
1 Brought in from
abroad (8)
5 Shapes (5)
8 Small, juicy fruits (7)
15 External (5)
16 Not even (9)
17 Item (7)
18 Contaminate (7)
19 Finishing (6)
20 Common word for
otalgia (7)
23 Polite word of
request (6)
25 Countdown letter (9)
26 Brave people (6)
29 Contests (12)
30 Undress (5)
31 __ Starmer, Labour
leader (4)
34 Express regret (9)
36 Artist’s workroom (6)
37 Talent (5)
40 Pinafore (5)
41 Units of length (6)
43 Lay the
foundations (9)
47 At any time (4)
48 Under (5)
49 Degrees of heat (12) DOWN 13 Stemmed from (10) 44 Evening meal (6)
53 Tolerate (6) 1 Metallic element (4) 14 Vitally (11) 45 All of the people born
54 Law enforcers (9) 2 Crude oil (9) 21 Room (5) and living at about the
55 Respect highly (6) 3 Rustic (5) 22 Imitations (6) same time (10)
58 Comprise (7) 4 Is alive (6) 24 Robbing (8) 46 Burnt remains (5)
59 Creature (6) 6 Arranging (10) 27 Camouflages (9) 50 Spots of drizzle (9)
60 Insists (7) 7 US comedy film, 28 Prehistoric reptiles (9) 51 Jeans, for example (8)
64 Dales (7) Brewster’s __, starring 32 Had food (3) 52 Of the armed forces (8)
65 Scrutinising (9) Richard Pryor (8) 33 Segregated (8) 56 School session (6)
66 Oak-tree fruit (5) 9 Rubber (6) 35 At right angles (13) 57 Distance (6)
67 Gift (7) 10 Came back (8) 38 Imaginary (4-7) 61 Sudden fright (5)
68 Expiring (5) 11 Reference tomes (13) 39 Lair (3) 62 Pelvic bone (3)
69 Pharmacists (8) 12 Married title (3) 42 Boxed sweets (10) 63 Burden, responsibility (4)
180 womanandhome.com
womanandhome.com 181
ANSWERS
SUDOKU
you the answer.
squares will give
letters in the shaded
JUMBO PUZZLE The crossed-out
ACROSS 1 IMPORTED with words.
5 FORMS 8 BERRIES
15 OUTER 16 IRREGULAR get a grid filled
17 ARTICLE 18 POLLUTE in each square to
19 ENDING 20 EARACHE Cross out a letter
23 PLEASE 25 CONSONANT
26 HEROES what position?
29 COMPETITIONS 30 STRIP to have held
31 KEIR 34 APOLOGISE
36 STUDIO 37 SKILL
English person
40 APRON 41 INCHES is the only
43 ESTABLISH 47 EVER Breakspear
48 BELOW
49 TEMPERATURES
Nicholas
53 ENDURE 54 POLICEMEN
55 ADMIRE 58 INCLUDE
59 ANIMAL 60 DEMANDS
64 VALLEYS 65 EXAMINING
66 ACORN 67 PRESENT
HALF & HALF
68 DYING 69 CHEMISTS
DOWN 1 IRON
2 PETROLEUM 3 RURAL
4 EXISTS 6 ORGANISING More than 25 = well done.
7 MILLIONS 9 ERASER
10 RETURNED
15 = average.
11 ENCYCLOPEDIAS the clue is: feasted.
12 MRS 13 ORIGINATED in the grid, for which
14 NECESSARILY 21 SPACE
22 COPIES 24 STEALING
is one nine-letter word
27 DISGUISES 28 DINOSAURS words are allowed. There
32 ATE 33 ISOLATED nouns, plurals or foreign
35 PERPENDICULAR
38 MAKE-BELIEVE 39 DEN
central square. No proper
42 CHOCOLATES 44 SUPPER of which must be the
45 GENERATION 46 ASHES four or more letters, one
50 RAINDROPS 51 TROUSERS
52 MILITARY 56 LESSON
Each word must contain
57 LENGTH 61 ALARM using the letters in the grid.
62 HIP 63 ONUS as many words as possible
ANSWER
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
You have 15 minutes to find
WORDWISE
ABUT, AUNT, BANQUET,
BAUD, BEAU, BEAUT, BUNT,
WORDWISE
BUNTED, BUTANE, BUTENE,
DAUB, DAUNT, DEBUT,
DUET, DUNE, ENDUE,
EQUATE, EQUATED, ETUDE,
NUDE, QUAD, QUANT,
QUAT, QUEAN, QUEEN,
TUBA, TUBE, TUBED,

N D Q
TUNA, TUNE, TUNED one row, column or 3x3 box.
ANSWER BANQUETED No single digit can appear twice in any
HALF AND HALF
3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
ACROSS TOPIC, OPERA,

A U E
To solve the puzzle, each row, column and
STEAM
DOWN TOOLS, PIECE,
CLAIM
ANSWER POPE

T B E SUDOKU
puzzles
 horoscopes

Your STARS
Astrologer Wendy Bristow’s
LEO
23 JULY – 22 AUGUST
Best look for a new relationship after the
9th. Ditto taking action to improve the one
you’re in. Your true Valentine’s Day is the
predictions for the month of February 22nd, when romance couldn’t be hotter.
Call 0905 789 4154* and choose
weekly, monthly and yearly updates
PISCES
19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH VIRGO
Your birthday month begins on the 23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER
19th and things heat up on the 24th. An Your big day’s the 24th. The Virgo Full
ongoing issue comes to a head with big Moon brings your patience to boiling
news. Stand up for yourself; don’t cave. point. You may feel someone else has
Call 0905 789 4161* and choose all the power. Speak up to get it back.
weekly, monthly and yearly updates Call 0905 789 4155* and choose
Famous weekly, monthly and yearly updates.
ARIES Aquarians:
21 MARCH – 19 APRIL Amanda Holden,
Holly Willoughby,
LIBRA
Valentine’s Day brings profound feelings. 23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER
Isla Fisher,
If you’re single, a friend may get romantic. Oprah Winfrey Balanced relationships is your thing, and
Whatever your status, deep impulses this theme is peaking. Flashpoints come
flood to the surface. Anger may erupt. on the 5th and Valentine’s Day, but the
Call 0905 789 4150* and choose 22nd holds huge potential for harmony.
weekly, monthly and yearly updates Call 0905 789 4156* and choose
weekly, monthly and yearly updates
TAURUS
20 APRIL – 20 MAY SCORPIO
Whatever’s happening around the 7th 23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER
has a surprising significance. The 16th Whatever else happens on Valentine’s
is brilliant for taking action. On the 22nd, Day, you’re preoccupied with a
there’s a meeting of minds. development that requires action. Take
Call 0905 789 4151* and choose Star sign a step back and study the big picture.

of the month
weekly, monthly and yearly updates Call 0905 789 4157* and choose
weekly, monthly and yearly updates
GEMINI
21 MAY – 20 JUNE AQUARIUS SAGITTARIUS
February starts with a big development 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER
to consider. Don’t fear the change; it Your most loved-up day is the On the 4th to 6th, the Sagittarius Moon
will be good in the long run. Although it 22nd. From the 17th, the planets helps you navigate tricky waters. Beware
may not be until the 28th you realise why. of love and sex meet in Aquarius. of a risk of conflict around the 27th.
Call 0905 789 4152* and choose The outlook’s also good for Call 0905 789 4158* and choose
weekly, monthly and yearly updates finances. Assert yourself. weekly, monthly and yearly updates

CANCER YOUR MONTHS AHEAD CAPRICORN

21 JUNE – 22 JULY The influence of Pluto in Aquarius 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY
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 The
ROYAL
REPORT
By royal biographer Emily Andrews

H
istory has shown
us that a British
Queen is never
without a canine
companion, and Camilla is
certainly no exception.
On these dark winter mornings,
our new Queen likes nothing
better than a hearty walk with
Jack Russell terriers Bluebell
and Beth, now aged 11 and 12.
Animal lover Camilla was The late Queen Elizabeth II was also
announced as the new patron known for her love of dogs. During her reign
of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home she had more than 30 canine companions,
in London in February 2017, having a plaque at new kennels (thanks to a corgis being her particular favourite.
adopted her beloved rescue dogs from sausage attached to the curtain!). This was as a result of her very first pet,
the charity in 2011 and 2012. Both dogs have starred in Country a Pembroke corgi called Susan, who was
They have been much-loved members Life as canine ‘Girls in Pearls’ (wearing a gift from her father King George VI on
of their household ever Camilla’s pearl necklaces) her 18th birthday.
since – very much by ‘Camilla’s dogs when she was guest editor. The then Princess Elizabeth was so

are much-loved
royal appointment! And, of course, they devoted to Susan that following her
They go everywhere had a starring role on wedding to Prince Philip in 1947, she was
with Camilla, and have
been keeping the King members of her coronation gown
(which she wore again
hidden under rugs in their open carriage
as they travelled through London on the
and Queen company on
their break in the Scottish the household’ at last autumn’s State
Opening of Parliament),
way to their honeymoon.
In a past interview with BBC Radio 5
Highlands at Birkhall. where they were embroidered in gold Live, Queen Camilla said of her love of
Beth famously stole the show a few thread at the bottom of the skirt to dogs, ‘The nice thing about dogs is you
years ago, ‘helping’ Camilla unveil keep her company. can sit them down, you could have a nice
long conversation, you
could be cross, you

WHAT THE FOOTMAN SAW

could be sad and they
just sit looking at you,
It’s a visitors’ book fit for a King, so it was fascinating to see the wagging their tail.’
‘who’s who’ guest list of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor sell Camilla also added
PHOTOS: ALAMY, GETTY

for £43,500 at Bonhams. Covering his time as Prince of Wales, that her dogs adore
King Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor, from January 1935 to children and are allowed
March 1970, guests included Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Anthony ‘nearly everywhere’, but
Eden, Lord Tennyson and Earl Louis ‘Dickie’ Mountbatten. are not allowed to sleep
on the bed.
186 womanandhome.com
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