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93 Articles

Release your inner strength…

Welcome to this, the November issue of Good Housekeeping, which I think you’ll find is packed to the rafters with great advice and new ideas across all areas of life – from fashion to finance, beauty, recipes, health, home and more. And, aside from getting plenty of practical hints and tips, I also hope you’ll read this issue and come away feeling like you’ve had your inner strength nurtured and your confidence boosted, too. With all that we have to deal with (and particularly with the challenges of this year and last), there are times when women can succumb to the odd wobble! But there’s plenty of good reading in these pages to provide oodles of support and inspiration. Anita Rani, our brilliant cover star, gives us an incredibly honest interview,…

Release your inner strength…

CHERISHING KINDNESS ⋆ STAR LETTER In the article ‘Kindness Is Never Wasted’ (Be Inspired, September), I found a resonance with my own situation. Being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2018, I was also subjected to chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. What struck me then was the number of people, some of whom I didn’t know well, who reached out and comforted me with words, time and gifts of kindness. Every connection was cherished and I now ensure I pass this on to others. ROBERTA CHAPMAN PURPLE PATCH As a GH reader who refuses to wear the invisibility cloak that our culture puts on older women, it is heartwarming to read about the company Granny Gets A Grip (Be Inspired, September). Speaking as someone who, to paraphrase the well-known poem, will continue to ‘wear purple’…

Celebrate Christmas with Good Housekepping

We can’t wait to meet you in person or online for a festive evening of carols, celebrity guests and live musical performances. Good Housekeeping is proud to once again be supporting NSPCC’s annual Christmas concert in aid of their vital service, Childline. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING IS DELIGHTED TO INVITE YOU TO THIS SPECIAL EVENT Thursday 9 December 2021 at 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, London Or join us online from the comfort of your own home VISIT NSPCC.ORG.UK/GOODHOUSEKEEPING FOR DETAILS AND TO BUY TICKETS. PRICES FROM £20 PHOTOGRAPHY: KEVIN LINES, CPG PHOTOGRAPHY LTD, ALAMY. ©THE NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO CHILDREN 2021. REGISTERED CHARITY ENGLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND 216401, SCOTLAND SC037717, JERSEY 384…

Celebrate Christmas with Good Housekepping

Good ideas for November

COMPILED BY: MEDINA AZALDIN, DAISY BENDALL, GEORGIE D’ARCY COLES, AMANDA MARCANTONIO, ALICE SHIELDS…

Good ideas for November

‘GETTING OLDER ROCKS… it gives you wisdom & power’

Some people enjoy relaxing on sunloungers; others are happiest when curled up on the sofa at home. As for Anita Rani? ‘It sounds crazy, but I love climbing mountains,’ she says. ‘There’s such a sweet satisfaction to working your backside off – to feel so pained, wondering if you’re ever going to make it to the top. Then you get there, the view is spectacular, and you think, “Yes, this was worth it”.’ As someone who says it’s in her nature to ‘work hard and keep striving’, the mountain is a fitting metaphor for Anita’s life and, right now, she’s reached a summit. Two decades since the Bradford-born presenter moved to London to pursue her dream of working in the media, this year has seen Anita become co-host of Radio 4’s…

‘GETTING OLDER ROCKS… it gives you wisdom & power’

The big COVER UP

ALL THE FUN OF THE (FAUX) FUR Grown-up and glamorous, this season’s trophy cover-up evokes a new kind of everyday elegance. L.K.Bennett’s mesmerising evergreen coat is just utter joy. With its detachable faux fur trim (two coats for the price of one), it’s an investment piece like no other. Worn with chunky black leather boots, it will give vintage plush textures and romantic pussy-bows a new tomboy twist and you a ladylike silhouette. WHAT A WAIST If there’s one cover-up that does it all, it’s the beloved belted coat. Not so much a trend as an essential, and in versatile inky blue, it looks polished without being too formal. As perfect for office days as it is for weekend lunches, it will even cover evening separates for a dinner date or theatre trip.…

The big COVER UP

HOW TO… BUY YOUR WINTER COAT

CHECKS Checked coats are a classic, so this style won’t date and you can wear yours for years. Mannish shapes give way to more feminine colours, pocket details and dramatic capes. Tie a belt around your waist to accentuate your curves. TIP Pregnant? Try a bump-skimming cape; great for post-baby, too. TIP If you’re petite, opt for smaller-sized checks. Want to minimise your waist? A darker check can be more flattering than brights PUFFA Comfort was a major trend on the A/W 21 catwalks and it’s easy to see why: we’ve got used to loungewear and these coats resemble the duvets we’ve been hiding under! There are styles for all and a cropped puffa will work for petite frames. TIP A light neutral colour can help to soften the look of a puffa or quilted coat. TIP…

HOW TO… BUY YOUR WINTER COAT

Treat yourself with 15% off at Celtic & Co

IT’S OFFICIALLY COSY SEASON and we can’t wait to wrap up warm in Celtic & Co’s new winter collection, which is inspired by the beautiful Cornish coastal landscape where the company is based. From sumptuous shearlings in neutral tones reminiscent of driftwood and pebbles, to irresistibly toasty knitwear in rich coastal meadow greens and sky blues, Celtic & Co is renowned for timeless designs that are always a pleasure to wear. Made from natural materials, which are renewable and kind to the environment, the brand’s collection is a masterclass in cold-weather dressing, and these pieces are ones you’ll come back to year after year. Take this classic-yet-cool shearling coat (pictured, above left); a luxurious investment piece like no other, it’ll cocoon you stylishly from the elements and is perfect for…

Treat yourself with 15% off at Celtic & Co

Time for a REBOOT

THE FASHION HIKER Practical all-terrain boots are moving away from the mountains and into the everyday TIP Available in wide fit THE LUXE RIDING BOOT If you haven’t already invested in a pair of sleek knee-high boots, this could be the year to do so, with so many beauties on offer. TIP Seven calf fittings available TIP Opt for neutral tones to ensure maximum versatility THE CHUNKY CHELSEA The classic boot has been reimagined. These tough-luxe designs are like a cool new Wellington. TIP A Bunion Bed offers extra comfort and cushioning TIP Lighter creams and crisp whites are big news THE POLISHED BLOCK HEEL Rich autumnal tones combine with a stack heel for those who crave a bit of height. TIP The new Tailor Made range has four calf widths TIP Wide-fit calf range launching 5 October…

Time for a REBOOT

‘Don’t be afraid of CHASING YOUR DREAMS’

From the moment Janette Manrara joined BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2013, she thought that Zoe Ball had the best job in the world. As the presenter of Strictly’s spin-off show It Takes Two, which draws in up to 3m viewers, Zoe would sit down with the contestants and chat about dancing – and she got to call it work. ‘If I could do this one day,’ Janette thought, ‘that would be the dream.’ So, eight years later, when Zoe stepped down after a decade at the show’s helm and Janette got the call offering her the job of co-host alongside Rylan Clark-Neal, she couldn’t quite believe it. ‘I actually screamed for joy,’ she says. ‘It feels like I’m stepping into a new world.’ She’s already bursting…

‘Don’t be afraid of CHASING YOUR DREAMS’

‘I’m still trying to live up to my hostess badge’

I like to think of myself as a good host. The kind of person against whom people would rate their own hospitality, like a benchmark for buffets. After an evening at mine, they’d say things like, ‘We must make those hot-dog hors d’oeuvres like Susan did. They were so whimsical.’ I suspect my desire to please comes from way back when I got my hostess badge in the Brownies. It seemed that having the perfect dinner party was necessary to be a useful member of society and I’ve spent the rest of my life determined not to disappoint my Brown Owl. Through the years, I’ve thrown many a soirée and developed a cast-iron strategy for them. It’s important to have enough drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) so that a glass is never…

‘I’m still trying to live up to my hostess badge’

‘There’s not much we couldn’t tell each other’

‘I don’t think Fi and I would have been friends when we were younger,’ confesses Jane Garvey, of Fi Glover, her co-host on the BBC Radio 4 podcast Fortunately… With Fi And Jane, which owes its extraordinary success in large part to the pair’s frank, witty and undeniably close relationship. ‘We are not really alike in many respects. I am the most risk-averse person in the world and Fi is much more adventurous. I think she would have been one of the cool girls that I would have looked at and pretended not to be interested in, but secretly wanted to be.’ For the many thousands of listeners to Fortunately…, it is perhaps lucky that this friendship was forged at a later stage in the radio presenters’ lives, when any differences…

‘There’s not much we couldn’t tell each other’

The BEYONCÉ of the LEGAL WORLD

As Britain’s most senior female judge, Baroness Brenda Hale often had to make difficult decisions based on complicated arguments. But when it came to deciding on the title of her memoir, there was really only one option: Spider Woman. The words reference the occasion in September 2019 when, as President of the Supreme Court, she delivered the judgment that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had been wrong to advise the Queen to suspend Parliament for five weeks at a critical time for Brexit. Her calm, measured tone seemed at odds with the dramatic silver spider brooch resting on her right shoulder. Large and glittering, it seemed to be sending out a hidden message to politicians. Immediately, pictures of Lady Hale were shared worldwide and within hours, T-shirts decorated with spider brooches were being…

The BEYONCÉ of the LEGAL WORLD

‘The WOMAN who showed me HOW TO BE STRONG’

People often comment on the picture hanging in my sitting room, a portrait of a strikingly beautiful woman with platinum blonde hair in a stylised Marcel wave. The woman is my grandmother, Vanda Vangen, whose life story is one of glamour, adventure and survival. Vanda was an actor, journalist and UNESCO envoy, who escaped from German-occupied France in 1940 to London, where she joined the resistance group Forces Français Libres. Her strength of character and sheer determination has been a huge influence and an inspiration throughout my life. I also owe my love of food and entertaining to her; many of my favourite recipes are hers. She was a talented cook and an exceptional host, but her glamorous exterior belied an inner core of steel. Vanda had been brave enough to stand…

‘The WOMAN who showed me HOW TO BE STRONG’

‘We all have the AUTHORITY if we know how to use it’

Amild-mannered, grey-haired local government official with a penchant for knitting makes for an unlikely national hero. Yet Jackie Weaver became exactly that in February this year when a recording of her no-nonsense handling of a gaggle of patronising, shouty men in an overheated parish council meeting went viral – turning her into an internet sensation overnight. Since then, Jackie, 63, has opened the BRIT Awards, recorded Celebrity Mastermind, launched her podcast Jackie Weaver Has The Authority, with guests including Jeremy Vine and Anton Du Beke, and been immortalised on fridge magnets and in sponge cake. Next on her list of achievements? Her first book, which is an essential guide to getting things done without fuss, keeping your cool in the face of adversity and pressing mute on the noise. ‘It’s a helpful…

‘We all have the AUTHORITY if we know how to use it’

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

GETTING THINGS DONE Pragmatism, focus and dogged determination help me get things done. Prioritise what’s important, and remember: • You can’t do it all – let go of some things.• Stick to your guns.• Stay focused.• Don’t waste your day on social media.• Don’t say ‘yes’ to everything. IT’S EASY TO BE DIFFICULT From those who hide behind their keyboards to the disengaged and downright rude, difficult people come in many guises, so think about the following: • Try to work out why they’re being difficult.• Talk to them – don’t rely on emails and texts.• Listen and make them feel heard.• Don’t accept unreasonable behaviour.• Develop your own inner voice to drown out the underminers. ENGAGE, DON’T RAGE Don’t shout or lose your temper. If you want to be heard, engage with people and make them…

‘In a roomful of students, there’s nowhere to hide!’

The idea came in a message from my younger son, Gus, who was a journalism student at UWE Bristol. I was a recently retired French teacher and had just finished building a house. Life, good in many ways, suddenly lacked a goal. Gus said: ‘You should be doing this degree. You’d love it.’ I don’t know if he meant to be taken literally, but soon after, I attended an open day at Nottingham Trent University. I couldn’t imagine myself in a TV studio or busy tabloid newsroom, so, on 1 January 2019, I accepted an offer to study part-time for a master’s degree in magazine journalism over two years – for once, it was a New Year’s resolution I was enthusiastic about. As the teacher in charge of careers education at…

‘In a roomful of students, there’s nowhere to hide!’

Be brave and choose something you really love

✔ DO study a subject you really love. Mature students rarely drop out, usually throw themselves fully into their studies and often achieve great results. But that doesn’t mean it’s not hard work, and when things get tough, your passion will get you through. ✔ DO be brave. You’re going to learn new skills and do things you’ve never done before. You’ll meet new people and feel out of your comfort zone. Of course, you’ll make mistakes – that’s what you’re there for. Turn every mistake into a learning experience. ✗ DON’T dismiss studying as a mature student on grounds of cost. If it’s your first higher education qualification, there’s no upper age limit to applying for student finance. ✗ DON’T assume a less-than-stellar school career will be a barrier to application. Many…

Our small changes to make the world A BETTER PLACE

‘I can’t bear seeing good food go to waste’ Laura Gaga is a civil servant from London who has transformed her diet (and her finances) with her decision to avoid throwing away usable food. Ten years ago, I noticed a colleague bringing in lunch covered in yellow stickers. He said he shopped in the reduced aisle at the supermarket. At the time, I was buying expensive packaged sandwiches for lunch and, living alone, I’d spend £50 on my weekly shop. That evening, I had a good look around my usual supermarket and found some amazing bargains. Some were at their sell-by date, others end-of-line clearances or with damaged packaging. From then on, I’d pop in after work and head straight to the reduced section. If there was a lone half-price butternut squash for sale,…

Our small changes to make the world A BETTER PLACE

‘Every time I walk by the coast, I fill a bag with rubbish’

Walking along the beach, minutes from my home in East Fife, I breathe in the salty air and appreciate how lucky I am to live so close to Scotland’s beautiful coast. I walk here every day and never tire of seeing the waves crashing in or gently lapping at the shore as birds swoop and dive overhead. Moving here in 2018 was the best decision I’ve ever made, but it was a shock, too, because of the astonishing amount of debris I see washed up on the beach day after day. I never manage a walk without picking up rubbish, whether it’s plastic bottles, balloons, fishing debris, such as rope, gloves and netting, which has been carelessly thrown overboard, and, lately, discarded face masks. I’m a fan of year-round sea swimming…

‘Every time I walk by the coast, I fill a bag with rubbish’

‘We’re not eco angels, but we’re trying to make a difference’

Two years ago, I was with my family at the cafe we go to every month for a Sunday breakfast when my usual order of avocado and tomatoes on toast arrived. My son, William, piped up, ‘Do you know how many miles that avocado has travelled to get to your plate?’ I was mid-mouthful when he added, ‘It can take 300 litres of water to grow a single avocado.’ From a young age, the boys were very knowledgeable about climate change and the planet. They learned about the environment at school and via Sir David Attenborough documentaries. I watched with them but, whereas they were taking it all in and seeking out more information, I just thought, ‘Oh, that’s awful,’ and carried on with my life. I found sorting through the recycling…

‘We’re not eco angels, but we’re trying to make a difference’

‘Bees are so important for our future’

I’m most content when I’m at the bottom of the garden tending to my bees and watching them go about their work. They’re fascinating and produce delicious honey, but, more importantly, they’re crucial for our entire ecosystem. If it wasn’t for bees, our food chain would collapse and the whole balance of nature would be in jeopardy. Nearly all crops are dependent on bee pollination to grow and a third of all the food we eat has been pollinated by bees. I was always keen to keep bees, long before it became fashionable. When I was in my 20s, I went on a week-long beekeeping course. But it wasn’t until Graham and I took on The George in Alstonefield in the Peak District four years ago that I finally had the space…

‘Bees are so important for our future’

‘I treasure every moment we shared’

I never took my son Chris’s hugs for granted. It was always hard to leave him, as it reminded me of how I’d clung to him when he was a tiny baby, knowing he was going to be taken away from me. After spending the day together in May 2019, I held him tighter than ever. Now, I’m so glad that I did. I was 17 when I became pregnant with Chris. My boyfriend was four years older than me and made it clear that he didn’t want to be a father. I knew my mum and stepfather would be furious. So at first, I wore baggy clothes to hide my growing bump and lived in a haze of terror. Finally, a friend noticed my changing shape and persuaded me to go…

‘I treasure every moment we shared’

‘Finally I have the CONFIDENCE to raise my voice’

Being a primary schoolteacher, I have no problem speaking in front of children. Teaching is my passion and I love being in the classroom. But when I’ve been asked to give a presentation in front of adults, it’s been a completely different story and I’ve had no confidence at all. I’ve ended up speaking very quickly, not pausing. I have felt that I’ve just had to get the words out because I thought I was wasting everyone’s time. I have felt like I was being judged. I’ve stumbled over my words and have been visibly nervous; a colleague even suggested I didn’t hold paper notes in my hands because it’s been so obvious that I was shaking. I’ve been teaching for 11 years and my fear of public speaking has undoubtedly held…

‘Finally I have the CONFIDENCE to raise my voice’

TREVOR PENTON, public speaking coach, says:

When I first met Farzana, I saw a confident, warm person and thought, ‘Where’s the problem?’ She was comfortable with me – the discomfort came when I asked her to address the camera. When she stood up, the confident person disappeared. She was looking at notes on her phone, using it as a crutch. Her voice was quiet, she wasn’t smiling, she wasn’t enjoying herself. She didn’t use her presence. The result is that an audience won’t listen. She would create a feeling of pity, which is the worst outcome, as everyone then feels awkward. This is very common – public speaking is in the top three things that people most dread. I think it’s a fear of looking silly. When all the eyes in a room are upon you, there is…

TREVOR PENTON, public speaking coach, says:

Gorgeous girlie treats

Gorgeous girlie treats

Home & food delights

Home & food delights

Gifts for men & children

COMPILED BY: MEDINA AZALDIN, CAROLYN BAILEY, LAURA BECKWITH, JAMES CUNNINGHAM, GILLIAN DAVIES, ALEXANDRA FRIEND, AMANDA MARCANTONIO, ALICE SHIELDS. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY…

Gifts for men & children

Good HouseKeeping

SUBSCRIBE NOW ON THE APPLE NEWSSTAND NOW ON EVEN MORE DEVICES! Subscribe to the digital edition of Good Housekeeping magazine for instant access to all the best recipes, health advice, beauty and fashion expertise, tried, tested and trusted product reviews, great inspiration for your home and real life inspirational stories. • Carry your whole library in your pocket • Easy searchable content • Bookmark your favourite features • Great savings by subscribing! SUBSCRIBE NOW ON THE APPLE NEWSSTAND…

Good HouseKeeping

Super serums Some women buy shoes, others handbags, while I have shelves of serums! In my opinion, they’re the product to spend your beauty ££s on, as they contain high levels of active ingredients to treat myriad skin concerns, from dehydration and hyperpigmentation to wrinkles and more. L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Serum, £24.99, is jam-packed with antioxidants to repair and replenish, for example, while Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate, from £32, works on skin’s overall health, leaving it looking firmer and more radiant. Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum, from £55, stars collagen-building peptides, a retinoid and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, and shows results after just 10 days, according to the brand’s research. And the best thing I’ve found for ‘mature’ necks is Beauty Pie Über Youth Neck…

The top scorer, with 78/100, was the Cellreturn Platinum LED Mask (cellreturn.co.uk). At £1,899, it’s a major investment, but our testers did notice a difference in the look of lines and wrinkles, with just over half saying theirs had reduced. There was no skimping when it came to radiance either, with 67% reporting a brighter complexion, while some also noted firmer, more plumped-looking skin. Some did struggle with the brightness of the lights, however. To see the full test results, go to goodhousekeeping.com/uk. ⋆ HOW WE TESTED Over a four-week period, 98 testers tried seven brands of LED face masks to see which ones really delivered results. They noted how comfortable each one was to wear, the brightness of the lights and whether they were happy with the length of the…

You have to hand it to face oils. In the past decade, they’ve gone from special interest to a staple in almost every brand’s range. Compatible with most other products and effective at nourishing dry and damaged skin, their straightforward appeal offers an easy way for any brand to cater to rising demand for natural skincare. Sales of premium oils in particular have increased, partly as we embraced self-care at home during the pandemic, but also thanks to the emergence of a new category: the clinically active serum oil. Advances in cosmetic science have elevated the simple face oil to something capable of doing far more than nourishing. Using the latest extraction processes, these new-generation oils are infused with high-tech ingredients, such as the botanical retinoids in collagen-boosting 320 MHz Age-Repair…

5 NEW OILS TO TRY

5 PSA Skin Gifted Acai & Sea Buckthorn Vitamin C Glow Oil, £38 A high dose of vitamin C from both natural and synthetic sources makes this a reliably glow-giving, brightening oil.…

5 NEW OILS TO TRY

THE GOOD OIL GUIDE

While there are new oils that may rival or trump the best serums, they come at a price. So how do you know you’re not paying over the odds? This checklist is a good start. An oil that ticks every box won’t be cheap – but it should be spectacular. IS IT SINGLE ESTATE? Like wine and olive oil, a single estate oil with good traceability, preferably organic, which is crucial for essential oils and grape seed to avoid pesticide contamination, means better quality. WHERE HAS IT COME FROM? Oils and plant extracts that survive in extreme environments (the Sahara, Kalahari, Andes, Amazon, sea bed) tend to be rich with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. IS IT BIOACTIVE? Bioactives, often derived from seaweeds, algae and shoreline plants, elevate your oil to ‘serum’ performance level. A term such…

THE GOOD OIL GUIDE

An exclusive Molton Brown gift for you

MOLTON BROWN HAS LONG BEEN THE GO-TO DESTINATION FOR GORGEOUS CHRISTMAS GIFTS, from luxurious bodycare in stylish packaging to unique fragrances and fabulous candles. In honour of the brand’s 50th birthday, the new limited-edition Jubilant Pine & Patchouli collection reflects the nostalgia and revelry of Molton Brown’s very first Christmas Eve in its South Molton Street salon in 1971. This joyful scent by perfumer Jacques Chabert captures the season’s loveliest things: fresh pine wreaths, shimmering lights, aromatic cinnamon and luscious red fruits with patchouli woven through to add depth and elegance. The scent is available as an eau de toilette, bath & shower gel, body lotion and festive bauble to put you in the mood for celebrations. Shop for these or other Molton Brown luxury gifts and, if you spend…

An exclusive Molton Brown gift for you

My life in beauty

My maternal grandmother was the epitome of elegance. She was of a certain generation and very conscious of physique, so she’d notice when you looked good or say, ‘Oh, you’ve lost weight,’ but it was always expressed in a loving way. My mother didn’t really talk about appearance as I was growing up. She just thought there were more important things in life, which is definitely something I strive to emulate in my relationships with young women, even though I’m a big believer in looking after yourself. My relationship with my appearance was tricky from an early age. I have an older sister who is fairer than I am, with beautiful blue eyes, whereas I have brown hair and brown eyes. She always seemed to me to be the prettier and…

My life in beauty

Ladies who LYMPH

Chances are you’ve already dabbled in some lymphatic drainage. If you think not, consider the facial massage demo you followed online during lockdown, or the jade roller you bought because everyone else had one… along, perhaps, with a gua sha stone, which became TikTok’s most searched beauty term earlier this year. Social media’s hottest new trend is, as is so often the case, not new at all but rooted in ancient practices that were developed for good reason – that reason being the revving-up of the lymphatic system. Possibly one of the most undervalued of our bodies’ many awe-inspiring functional networks, the lymph is part of our immune system. Its many definitions, among them ‘the body’s water and waste drainage system’, ‘detox plant’ and ‘centre for disease control’, give you a…

Ladies who LYMPH

Can you really STRENGTHEN YOUR HAIR?

Whether you notice a few more hairs in your brush, thinning around the temples, or a parting that suddenly seems to look wider, you’re not alone in suffering from hair loss. According to the NHS, around 8m women in the UK experience hair loss in some form. There’s no simple answer as to why it happens. Often a number of different factors are at play. Trichologist Nicola Smart says, ‘I see many cases of chronic telogen effluvium, a type of temporary hair loss that can occur due to injury, nutritional deficiencies, illness or emotional trauma, such as bereavement or high stress.’ More excessive hair loss can also be caused by hormonal changes (such as the menopause), but frequent use of heated tools and regular colouring (especially with bleach) can have…

Can you really STRENGTHEN YOUR HAIR?

BEST FOR ANTI-BREAKAGE JOINT WINNER Monpure London Strengthening Silk Protein Shampoo and Strengthening Essence Conditioner, £36 each 86/100 By the end of the trial period, 87% of testers reported less fall-out. Not only did they notice their strands felt softer, so hair was easier to style and detangle, but 80% agreed hair was left looking stronger. Panel members with naturally curly hair saw fewer flyaways, too. JOINT WINNER L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Pro Longer Shampoo, £13.40, and Conditioner, £14.95 86/100 Testers liked the squeaky-clean feeling this left on their scalps, while the conditioner hydrated parched ends. The majority found they reduced hair loss and added volume while tackling breakage, with 73% saying how impressed they were with how much stronger they left tresses. BEST FOR THICKENING WINNER Nanogen Shampoo Luxe for Women and Conditioner for Everyone, £10…

‘Menopause is just the beginning’

I liked to think of myself as a level-headed and rational woman, but from the age of 49, I felt as though I was being gradually sucked into a black hole. First, I lost the ability to sleep. Every night, I woke up at around 3am, with my heart pounding. Worries, both petty and profound – had I booked the dog groomer, was the house insurance up to date – chased themselves around a hamster wheel in my head. Daytime was no better. I was either anxious or angry and permanently exhausted. Sometimes I wondered whether I’d been body-snatched, with my real self watching the furious and weary shadow-me in horror. I suspected that I might be heading towards the menopause (my periods were irregular, but they hadn’t yet stopped), but…

‘Menopause is just the beginning’

FOUR WAYS TO HELP YOURSELF

1 THINK IT BETTER Cognitive behavioural therapy is so well-proven for certain menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes, stress, low mood and anxiety, that it’s recommended by official bodies and you can self-refer on the NHS or ask your GP. It’s a non-medical approach that helps people to develop practical ways of managing problems and offers coping solutions. There is a brilliant fact sheet available, written by Professor Myra Hunter and Dr Melanie Smith in collaboration with the medical advisory council of the British Menopause Society. Find it at womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/cognitive-behaviour-therapy-cbt-menopausal-symptoms. 2 STRETCH OUT It’s never too late to start moving a bit more, and even walking is beneficial. Ideally, do weight-bearing exercise to maintain bone density. Yoga – my personal favourite – has many proven health benefits, helping with anxiety and stress while…

FOUR WAYS TO HELP YOURSELF

IMMUNITY BOOSTERS: What really works?

Your immune system, which protects the body from toxins, bacteria, viruses and fungi, is extraordinarily sophisticated. It relies on a variety of cells, proteins and nutrients to keep its processes running smoothly. There are two main parts to your immune system – innate and acquired. Innate (or non-specific) immunity is your body’s first line of defence. It includes the protective barrier of your skin, mucus (which traps bacteria and viruses), stomach acid, enzymes (contained in skin oils and tears) and your cough reflex. It also involves proteins called interleukins and interferons (among others), which aim to defend you against anything recognised as an invader. Then there’s your acquired immune system, which develops over time by what you come into contact with. It builds tailor-made defences, including antibodies against specific enemies, known as antigens.…

IMMUNITY BOOSTERS: What really works?

PROTECT AGAINST COVID-19

It’s common for the immunity provided by vaccination to wane over time. Studies suggest antibodies from the Covid-19 vaccination drop over the course of months. And while longer-lasting T cell immunity, as well as antibodies, still help protect, the NHS is offering everyone at highest risk a Covid-19 booster this autumn. Those at high risk of serious complications – including the over-70s, anyone living in an older adult care home, and over-16s who are considered extremely vulnerable or are immunosuppressed, plus frontline health and social care workers – should have already been offered theirs, or will be very soon. Next up are all over-50s, people who live with someone immunosuppressed and anyone aged 16-49 classified ‘at risk’ in the first round of vaccinations. Early results from the University of Oxford’s Com-Cov study suggest…

PROTECT AGAINST COVID-19

Do more vaccine side-effects = BETTER PROTECTION?

Vaccines trick your body into mounting an immune response: recognising and fighting what it sees as infection, while developing long-term B and T cell protection. This response results in inflammation, which leads to side-effects. You might have heard that the more side-effects you have from a vaccine, the better your protection is, but studies suggest there’s little or no correlation between the two. The side-effects you experience depend on a range of factors, including genetics, age, sex, other medical conditions and even diet. People who are immunosuppressed may get fewer side-effects, as well as developing fewer antibodies. But the good news is that, while they are less protected after a single dose of Covid-19 vaccine (possibly as low as 4% protection), a second dose boosts protection in this group to 74%.…

Don’t forget flu!

In an average year, flu causes 40-50,000 hospital admissions and kills about 11,000 people in the UK: in a bad year, such as winter 2018, it kills around 22,000. In winter 2020-21, there were just seven hospital admissions and one ICU admission over two months at the height of ‘normal’ flu season. For most of that time (21 December to 14 February) we were in lockdown, which could explain why. But low rates were also driven by expansion of the NHS flu vaccination programme to new groups (including 50-64-year-olds and children in school year 7) and high levels of uptake, with 77% of over-65s having their vaccination for the first time ever. This year, there’s real concern that flu cases could be high, leading to more pressure on the NHS if Covid-19…

Don’t forget flu!

Gone with the wind

“Women may suffer from more gut wind than men” We know everyone does it, yet passing wind is still a taboo in our permissive, modern world. Even finding the language to talk about it can be tricky. Flatulence is the medical term, but we may call it ‘breaking wind’ or ‘passing gas’, while the common ‘fart’, can make children (and many adults) laugh. And it’s often the butt (sorry) of endless comedy sketches. Passing wind is a perfectly normal bodily function, say the experts, and only a problem if it becomes excessive. So what is considered ‘normal’? ‘On average, we fart 15 times a day,’ says specialist digestive dietitian Julie Thompson, of Guts UK, the charity for the digestive system (gutscharity.org.uk). ‘An embarrassing fart in public is usually what leads people to worry…

Gone with the wind

Pour yourself a cup of WELLBEING

Drinking herbs steeped in hot water seems an unlikely way to help support our wellbeing, but ask a naturopath, herbalist or nutritionist and they will collectively rave over the possible benefits. A great tea bursting with the therapeutic power of plants can lend a hand with anything from stress relief to seasonal ailments, an unhappy gut to a foggy brain, sleepless nights to fretful hormones and more. Here are just a few good reasons why we should be brewing, blending and drinking tea more often… 1 It’s easy wellness Hot water extracts compounds from plants and we drink the wellbeing benefits. ‘Caffeine-free and an ideal way to increase your water intake, herbal teas are great on many levels,’ says research herbalist Monica Wilde. ‘You also gain their beneficial properties, including water-soluble vitamins…

Pour yourself a cup of WELLBEING

GOOD-FOR-YOU BREWS

• FEELING STRESSED? Chamomile + lavender + pink rosebuds. To feel calm. ‘Use about half lavender to the other herbs, as its taste is strong,’ says Tipper. The blend? 25g each chamomile and rosebuds, 15g lavender. • FEELING BLOATED? Fennel + peppermint + catmint A brilliant after-dinner blend from medical herbalist Dee Atkinson. Infuse equal parts of each herb. • FEELING LOW? Pink rosebuds + lemon verbena + lemon balm. ‘It’s uplifting, clears the cobwebs and gives you a hug at the same time,’ says Tipper. Blend 25g of each ingredient. • FEELING WAKEFUL? Chamomile + lime flowers + valerian. ‘Seriously soothing and easy to blend,’ says Dee. Mix the ingredients in equal parts. • FEELING FLUSHED? Red clover + rose + sage. To help with those menopause moments. Try Monica’s mix of 30g each of rose and sage…

YOUR TOP 10 HERBS FOR TEA

CHAMOMILE ‘It can help relax the nervous system and act as a digestive,’ says Sebastian Pole, co-founder of Pukka Herbs and founder of herbalreality.com. MINT A real wake-up in your cup! ‘Adds flavour to blends, settles digestion and sharpens the mind,’ explains Monica. FENNEL A gentle diuretic and good for the gut. ‘The go-to tea after a large meal,’ says Tipper. GINGER Warms, boosts circulation and aids digestion. ‘I love a strong tea made from grated ginger,’ enthuses Monica. ELDERFLOWER An immunity-boosting herb par excellence. ‘It helps the body fight colds and eases sinus problems,’ says Dee. ROSEMARY Said to clear the mind and boost stamina. ‘When I feel myself flagging, a sprig in boiled water peps me up,’ says Tipper. LEMON BALM Known as the ‘herbal hug’, it’s a real mood raiser. ‘Perfect when moments of calm are needed,’ advises Dee. NETTLE Nourishing and…

YOUR TOP 10 HERBS FOR TEA

Q. TEA BAGS OR LOOSE HERBS? A. Ask an expert and there’s no debate. ‘Loose all the way,’ says Monica. ‘The volatile oils in herbs can evaporate in a tea-bag-filling machine and they lose some of their flavour.’ However, if you aren’t into infusing your own but still like to drink herbs through the day, then a well-crafted bag will tick all your boxes. TIP: For a greener choice, opt for plastic-free, biodegradable or compostable bags. Q. HERBS-TO-WATER RATIO? A. Don’t worry too much about this. ‘If you’re making your own blend, use 1-2tsp of dried herbs per person, depending on your taste,’ says Tipper. Q. HOW LONG TO BREW? A. The standard answer? Five or so minutes. But there’s more to it than that. ‘Delicate flowers, leaves and seeds need less infusion time; say…

MY FAVOURITE TEA

DEE ATKINSON ‘I like to blend elderflower, echinacea and lemon balm. I use equal parts of each dried herb, and drink it either hot or cold. I love its immune-boosting support and the de-stressing qualities of the lemon balm.’ TIPPER LEWIS ‘Freshly picked peppermint, lemon balm and rosemary or lemon thyme. A mid-afternoon cuppa picks me up and invigorates me, and a wander outside to pick the herbs is a perk, too!’ SEBASTIAN POLE ‘Cup of Love is the perfect tea to soothe a broken heart or when you want a sip of love. Mix 3g chamomile flowers, 2g each of lime flower and marigold petals, plus 1g each rosebuds, lavender flowers and licorice root.’ MONICA WILDE An equal-parts blend of mugwort, mullein flowers, chamomile and Virginian skullcap taken before bed. It’s so relaxing, and the mugwort…

MY FAVOURITE TEA

HERBAL INFUSIONS

STAY CALM: Wilder Botanics Calm & Support has lavender and chamomile in the mix. £15 for 500ml; wilderbotanics.com KEEP COOL: D Atkinson Cool & Collected features sage and rose to help manage the heat. £7.25 for 100g; deeatkinson.net HAPPY TUM: Napiers Mellow Mallow includes marshmallow leaf and meadowsweet for a happy gut. £8.75 for 100g; napiers.net KEEP WELL: Indigo Herbs Get Well Stay Well features echinacea, ginger and clove to help boost immunity. £3.95 for 50g; indigo-herbs.co.uk GET GOING: Try Neal’s Yard Remedies Bright Start tea with nettle and zesty lemon. £4 for 18 bags; nealsyardremedies.com SLEEP TIGHT: Clipper Snore & Peace is a soothing blend with chamomile and lemon balm in the brew. £2.25 for 20 bags; clipper-teas.com FIND YOUR HERBS… Buying beautiful loose herbs to make tea couldn’t be easier. Neal’s Yard Remedies – nealsyardremedies.com for…

HERBAL INFUSIONS

MAKE IT SPECIAL

1 It’s a classic A hand-blown toughened glass teapot with built-in infuser for loose-leaf teas and cool summer drinks. £13.79; baldwins.co.uk 2 The big brew! The spacious One Litre Tea-iere allows herbs to flow freely. Makes four cups of hot or cold tea and has a strainer built in. £35; jingtea.com 3 Take time Teas take different times to infuse – the Tea Hourglass Sand Timer has it covered! £12.95; theteamakers.co.uk 4 One is fun Just the right size if you’re making tea for one – with a little extra for a top-up! The Tea Expert Easy Glass Teapot has an integrated infuser. From £25.95; theteamakers.co.uk 5 What a scoop! Simply scoop up the herbs, slot them into the Loose Leaf Tea Scoop infuser, then brew your tea right in the cup. Brilliantly clever!…

MAKE IT SPECIAL

COSY CORNER It’s time to bring warmth into your home with autumnal tones and texture. Add cushions and throws in plush velvet and touches of glamorous gold. THIS MONTH, WE ARE INSPIRED BY… BOLD COLOURS Neptune’s new-season paint shade, Clove, makes a statement and works well with warm apricot tones.…

HOW TO CLEAN A CHOPPING BOARD

✔ DO remove food stains on plastic chopping boards by rubbing on fresh or bottled lemon juice and leaving overnight. Or use vinegar; mix four parts water with one part white vinegar and soak the board for a few minutes. Rinse and dry. ✘ DON’T dry your boards with tea towels, to avoid cross-contamination. Paper towels are preferable. ✔ DO scrub in hot, running water or pour freshly boiled water over them to sterilise. If they’re dishwasher-safe, run the cycle on at least 65°C. ✘ DON’T prepare raw meat/poultry on the same board as cooked meat/poultry or fruit/veg without washing them thoroughly in between. ✔ DO use disinfectant on boards that have had raw meat on them. ✘ DON’T put wooden boards in the dishwasher or soak them in hot water – they’ll warp and…

HOW TO CLEAN A CHOPPING BOARD

WINNER Breville VST091 Deep Fill 2 Slice Toastie Maker Amazon; £29.99 89/100 Our winning machine heats up in 2min and 19sec, and takes just 4½min to cook a crisp sarnie. It’s also compact and easy to clean. RUNNER UP Cuisinart Sandwich Maker GRSM1U Amazon; £59.99 87/100 Variable temperature control, adjustable settings and a deep-fill design means you can experiment with recipes, and it performed the basics well, too. BUDGET BUY Breville VST057 2 Slice Sandwich/Toastie Maker Argos; £14.99 84/100 This model made crisp, evenly cooked toasties. The top plates pushed the edges out, resulting in undercooked crusts, but a great student buy. HOW WE TESTED We used each machine to make several cheese, ham and tomato toasties. We looked at how quickly each machine heats up and cooks, checking for an even and consistent colour and sandwich temperature. We…

HEARST MAGAZINES

Buy directly from the publisher and get the best prices and deals on magazine subscriptions, special editions, beauty boxes and much more. We have products that suit all hobbies and interests. Treat yourself or a friend today. FOR THE HOME LOVER Home is where the heart is, and nothing beats sitting down with a cuppa and taking some time for yourself with our inspiring home and lifestyle titles. FOR THE FITNESS FANATIC Get workout ideas from top PTs, plus delicious meals and nutrition tips in our magazines and special editions, which offer the perfect motivation for those looking to achieve their health and fitness goals. FOR THE TRENDSETTER Get workout ideas from top PTs, plus delicious meals and nutrition tips in our magazines and special editions, which offer the perfect motivation for those looking to achieve…

HEARST MAGAZINES

21 INTERIOR DESIGN secrets

Paint the town Adding a new lick of paint is the simplest way to instantly transform your home and bring colour to a room. With so many different types now available, and a rainbow of shades to choose from, it’s worth buying paint from a brand with an edited offering that reflects current trends. Farrow & Ball, Fired Earth and Mylands are excellent options for concise ranges that don’t compromise on choice. It’s best to use an emulsion finish on walls and eggshell on woodwork, but consider gloss or satinwood for cabinetry and specialist chalk paint for furniture. If you’re painting a room yourself, invest in good-quality supplies before you get started – Annie Sloan’s flat brushes are great, as are the trays and rollers by Harris. Brush up This season’s paint…

21 INTERIOR DESIGN secrets

COUNTRY charmer

COSY AND BRIGHT This room was inspired by William Yeoward fabric that Hollie brought from her previous house. ‘It has a British look with a continental twist,’ she says. ‘I chose comfortable furniture and sofas that the kids can flop on to.’ By the time Hollie updated this room, she felt more confident and introduced orange velvet, which also added texture. The chairs are from Arlo & Jacob, the cushions are Colefax and Fowler and William Yeoward, and the room is painted in Tusk and Mortar from Little Greene. WHO LIVES HERE Hollie Moreland, creative director at David Hunt Lighting, her children Ottilie, eight, and Milo, six, and their Norfolk terrier, Wolfie, live in this farmhouse. Dating from 1686, the Grade II-listed building has six bedrooms, a Georgian extension and recent extension. ‘Buying…

COUNTRY charmer

The 6 CAR-BUYING SECRETS every woman should know

1 DO YOUR RESEARCH A lack of information is one of the main reasons why women are reluctant to shop for a car themselves, so take the time to thoroughly research your options and needs. If buying new, check out your local dealer’s website in advance to find out which features are standard and which are optional extras and know before you walk in what suits your budget. 2 GET THE TIMING RIGHT Visit a showroom on a weekday morning or early afternoon as sales staff are less busy. February and August are good times to get a deal on a nearly-new car as the new registration plates are just around the corner. Also, look out for cars that are about to be replaced by a new or revamped model as there are…

The 6 CAR-BUYING SECRETS every woman should know

The safest ways to pay – however and wherever you shop

SPENDING OVER £100 ONLINE Credit or store cards have instant legal protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. You can ask your card company for a refund if a supplier goes bust, goods are faulty or don’t arrive. ‘But for section 75 claims, buy direct, not through a third party (including PayPal), because if the money doesn’t go direct to the supplier, the law doesn’t apply,’ explains Martyn James, consumer expert from issue resolution service Resolver. SPENDING UNDER £100 ONLINE Pay by debit or credit card for protection under the Chargeback scheme. Unlike Section 75, it’s not enshrined in law but is an industry scheme, with Visa, Mastercard and American Express on board. To make a claim, there must be a ‘breach of contract’, such as a firm going bust or…

The safest ways to pay – however and wherever you shop

How to save a WET SMARTPHONE

1 SWITCH IT OFF IMMEDIATELY Resist the urge to check if it’s working, as this could stop it from doing so further down the line. 2 DRY THOROUGHLY Afterwards, If possible, take off the back and remove the battery (unfortunately you can’t do this with an iPhone and other high-end smartphones). Eject the SIM card and memory card if you have one. 3 GENTLY SHAKE YOUR SMARTPHONE This will help remove any water in the headphone port, charging socket and other ports. 4 POP YOUR SMARTPHONE IN A BOWL OF DRY RICE Cover it fully, and leave for a minimum of 48 hours. 5 SWITCH YOUR PHONE BACK ON Only do this after 48 hours, once you’ve checked the ports for rice and removed any grains with a small pair of tweezers. If it works, make sure you back…

How to save a WET SMARTPHONE

WINNER Mountain Warehouse Hike Women’s Waterproof Recycled Boots £79.99, sizes: 4-8; mountainwarehouse.com 88/100 These top-performing shoes are made from recycled fabrics, are waterproof and fit snugly. The sturdy soles proved comfortable after a bit of breaking in, though the boots are on the bulky side, so are probably best for heavy-duty hikes. RUNNER-UP The North Face Women’s Vectiv Exploris Futurelight Boots £155, sizes: 3-9; thenorthface.co.uk 86/100 Light in build, these proved very flexible and comfortable after a breaking-in period. They still offer plenty of support on both long and short walks which, paired with their impressive grip, enabled testers to clamber over challenging terrain with confidence. BEST ECO OPTION Merrell Women’s Moab Speed Gore-Tex Boots £125, sizes: 2½-8½; merrell.com 86/100 Vegan-friendly and made with recycled materials, these strike a balance between walking boots and trainers, with the soft…

A recipe for INVESTMENT SUCCESS

In over 20 years as a financial journalist, I’ve met thousands of intelligent women who say they would like to invest some of their money but don’t know where to start. You may well be brilliant at managing the day-to-day family finances, budgeting and saving money for a rainy day, but the thought of investing takes you beyond your comfort zone. If that sounds familiar, what’s stopping you? Typically, what holds many women back is fear. Investment is risky; taking a risk could cause us to lose money. It might feel safer to stick it all in a cash savings account, but rock-bottom interest rates and rising inflation mean we face a different kind of risk – our money not growing at all. To understand the world of investment, we assume…

A recipe for INVESTMENT SUCCESS

‘Investing is a fantastic way to earn a living’

If you hear the ‘clack clack’ of knitting needles coming from Fiona Whiston’s study, she’s probably weighing up whether to buy or sell shares on the stock market. She started investing 14 years ago, following the birth of her third child, as she found she could fit it around the demands of being a mum and her job at a professional services firm. After reading bestselling investment book The Naked Trader, Fiona was inspired to give it a go. She used an online investment platform to open a stocks and shares ISA, deposited a few thousand pounds’ worth of savings, and started researching which shares to buy. It was then that she discovered knitting helped her keep a cool head as she looked into potential investments. As a result, her combined…

‘Investing is a fantastic way to earn a living’

CHOOSING THE RIGHT POT

• STOCKS AND SHARES ISAs UK adults can invest up to £20,000 a year into an ISA, and once invested, the money can grow tax-free – there’s no tax on the investment growth (capital gains tax) or on any income your investments produce (dividend tax). ISAs are flexible, and you can take the money out when you like – and you won’t have to pay any tax when you do. Robo advisers all offer ISAs, as do online investment platforms such as Fidelity, Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor. • SIPPs You can also use online investment platforms to set up a private pension called a SIPP (self-invested personal pension). Most UK adults can pay up to £40,000 a year tax-free into a pension (lower limits could apply to very high earners,…

4 ways to MAKE SHOPPING ONLINE GREENER

Before the pandemic, we did just under a quarter of our Christmas shopping on the internet* and last year this rose to around a third**. Buying online is convenient, but have you ever stopped to think about the environmental impact of the stream of delivery vans ferrying purchases to our doorsteps? ‘Surprisingly, shopping online isn’t always worse for the environment than shopping in-store,’ says Dr Niels Agatz from the Rotterdam School of Management. ‘When it comes to grocery shopping, delivering orders to the homes of a number of customers can clock up fewer vehicle miles than if all of those customers drove to the supermarket in their own cars.’ His research also reveals that we can reduce the carbon emissions (and vehicle emissions) of online shopping deliveries by up to 12% simply…

4 ways to MAKE SHOPPING ONLINE GREENER

THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION AT DFS

Designed in collaboration with the interiors experts at House Beautiful magazine, Sophia combines sleek design with supreme comfort to create the perfect contemporary sofa. Upholstered in hardwearing fabric, Sophia comes in a choice of eight contemporary shades, ranging from delicate Pearl (shown here) and soft Stone to on-trend Steel and rich Purple. Deep foam-filled, fibre-wrapped seat cushions, big enough to curl up on, provide maximum comfort and support with minimal need for plumping – free striped and patterned accent cushions and bolsters take cosiness to the next level. The Sophia’s low, chunky feet are bang on trend, creating a homely, intimate ambience, and come in light wood, dark wood or a chrome finish to complement any scheme. See the full House Beautiful collection at dfs.co.uk/house-beautiful…

THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION AT DFS

ITALIAN MORSELS If there’s one brand that knows a good nibble, it’s Crosta & Mollica. I recently served the Fennel Seed Tarallini – a Pugliese snack made by boiling then baking rings of dough flavoured with extra virgin olive oil, fennel and local wine – and had to replenish the bowl three times. You’ve been warned! Widely available, £1.90 for 170g. COOK’S TIP Don’t bin the green outer leaves from a cauliflower – toss them with a little oil and seasoning, then roast in a hot oven until crisp. They make a lovely addition to winter salads or roasts. TINS OF CONSERVATION New craft beer brand Fauna Brewing’s tins are all inspired by, and created for, African wildlife. Each represents an endangered species, and Fauna works with small charities to protect those animals. Choose from…

BEST PEANUT BUTTER Manilife Deep Roast Crunchy Peanut Butter £3.75 for 295g; Sainsbury’s 90/100 Manilife roasts its Argentinian nuts in a similar way to coffee, resulting in a deep, intense flavour. This dark, chunky blend contains whole and half peanut pieces, and just a pinch of sea salt. BEST HAZELNUT SPREAD Mindful Bites Dark Chocolate & Hazelnut Spread £4.99 for 185g; Ocado 74/100 This decadent spread reminded our testers of a rich bar of Bournville, but the initial sweetness fades to reveal good-quality cocoa, punctuated with little pieces of hazelnut. BEST ALMOND BUTTER Pip & Nut Dark Chocolate & Cornish Sea Salt Almond Butter £3.99 for 225g; Ocado 89/100 Our testers likened this limited-edition almond butter, sweetened with natural agave syrup, to eating a decadent chocolate truffle – high praise indeed. BEST CASHEW BUTTER Biona Organic Cashew Nut Butter £4.69…

COFFEE SUBSCRIPTIONS

WINNER RISE Monthly Coffee Box £16.99 for 2 x 227-250g bags of speciality coffee a month; risecoffeebox.co.uk 87/100 This jazzy box includes fun extras, such as snacks, soft drinks and recipe cards. Our testers agreed it offers good value for money and an exciting variety of flavours and origins. RUNNER-UP Assembly Contemporary Coffee Subscription £21 for 2 x 200g bags a month; assemblycoffee.co.uk 85/100 This subscription gives you two bags of ethically sourced ground or whole coffee beans, plus tasting cards and a video with expert tips. Testers found each cup to be great quality. BEST POD SUBSCRIPTION Volcano Coffee Works from £26 for 40 pods; volcanocoffeeworks.com 84/100 Our panel described these easy-to-use pods as full of flavour, with notes of caramel and chocolate. The pods come in plastic-free recyclable packaging and are industrially compostable. BEST BUDGET Perky Blenders Flexi…

COFFEE SUBSCRIPTIONS

FREEZE now, CHILL later

GH TIP Remember to label and date meals destined for the freezer, so a few months down the line you’ve not forgotten what they are! Pork and Cheddar Cobbler The perfect winter warmer. Swap the thyme for rosemary or sage, if you like. Hands-on time 30min. Cooking time about 1hr 50min. Serves 6 • 1.5kg boneless pork shoulder• 2tbsp plain flour• 1tbsp English mustard powder• 2tbsp olive oil• 2 onions, finely sliced• 2 carrots, finely chopped• 1 celery stick, finely sliced• 2 garlic cloves, crushed• 1tbsp fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped• 400ml good-quality cider, we used Aspall• 400ml chicken stock FOR THE COBBLER • 175g self-raising flour• ½tbsp baking powder• 75g mature Cheddar, grated• 1tbsp fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped• 100ml cider• 2 medium eggs 1 Remove and discard skin and excess fat from the pork, then cut…

FREEZE now, CHILL later

At home with Monica

Mixed Mushroom Pasta with Marmite I love Marmite so much – especially the version sold in New Zealand, which is much darker and not as bitter as the UK variety. And Marmite loves butter. This quick and easy dish is rich, satisfying and will work a treat with whatever mushrooms you have to hand. Hands-on time 20min. Cooking time about 15min. Serves 4-6 • 120g oyster mushrooms• 100g baby chestnut mushrooms• 100g button mushrooms• 1tsp olive oil• 1 small onion, finely chopped• 230g tagliatelle (fresh or dried)• 120g unsalted butter• 1tbsp Marmite• tsp honey• Freshly grated Parmesan, to serve 1 Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp tea towel. Tear the oyster mushrooms into 2 or 3 pieces, depending on size. Trim and discard the stalks on the chestnut and button mushrooms,…

At home with Monica

Sugar and spice

Cherry and Almond Christmas Cake You can use whatever dried fruit you fancy, just make sure you keep the weight the same. Dried cranberries and roughly chopped dates would work well here, too. For a more intense almond flavour, add 1/2tsp almond extract to your cake batter. Hands-on time 20min, plus overnight soaking, cooling and (optional) maturing. Cooking time about 3hr. Serves 20 FOR THE SOAKED FRUIT • 300g sultanas• 200g raisins• 200g dried (sour) cherries, roughly chopped, we used Urban Fruit• 100g dried figs, roughly chopped? 100g chopped mixed peel• Finely grated zest and juice 1 orange• Finely grated zest and juice 1 lemon• 150ml Amaretto, plus optional extra to feed FOR THE CAKE • 200g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra to grease• 175g dark brown soft sugar• 3 medium eggs, beaten• 125g plain flour•…

Sugar and spice

Buttered Brazils A toasty nut surrounded by crisp, buttery caramel. Add a sprinkle of flaked salt after coating them in the caramel, if you like. Hands-on time 30min, plus cooling and setting. Cooking time about 15min. Makes about 350g • 200g whole (shelled) Brazil nuts• 200g caster sugar• 75g unsalted butter, chopped• ¼tsp cream of tartar YOU WILL ALSO NEED A sugar thermometer 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Scatter the nuts on to a small baking tray and toast in the oven for 10min, or until lightly golden. Set aside. Line a large baking sheet with baking parchment. 2 Meanwhile, make the caramel. In a small-medium, high-sided, heavy-based pan gently heat the sugar, butter, cream of tartar and 75ml water over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 3 Turn up the heat and…

November’s GOOD LIFE

TV Picks PORTRAIT ARTIST OF THE YEAR The search for the UK’s most talented portrait artist is back on. Stephen Mangan and Joan Bakewell return to host as a new cohort of amateur creatives paint celebrities from the worlds of stage, screen, sport and music. Sitters include actor Philip Glenister, Line Of Duty’s Kelly Macdonald and bestselling author Emma Dabiri. It’s comfort TV at its finest. Sky Arts ANGELA BLACK This psychological thriller with a revenge twist is sure to keep us all glued to our screens. From the outside, Angela (Joanne Froggatt) has a life to envy: a staggering house, a handsome husband and two gorgeous sons – but she’s also a victim of domestic abuse. After years of suffering in silence, can she finally free herself from her controlling husband? A mind-bending…

November’s GOOD LIFE

• DEAR EVAN HANSEN The much-loved musical is coming to cinemas! Ben Platt reprises his role as the titular teenager struggling with social anxiety, while A-listers Julianne Moore and Amy Adams star alongside. With music from the Oscar-winning songwriters of The Greatest Showman and La La Land, too, it’ll be a triumph. In cinemas from 22 October • ALICE: CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER The V&A exhibition that explored Lewis Carroll’s story is now a filmed experience for the big screen. You’ll be drawn into Wonderland! In cinemas 14 October; aliceincinemas.com • THE HANDMAID’S TALE Margaret Atwood’s seminal novel is being turned into an opera that will bring to life the Republic of Gilead, where women have been stripped of their rights. Danish composer Poul Ruders scores this powerful new production. 4-14 April 2022; eno.org • BRIDGERTON WITH…

Good times with… Monica Galetti

“Forrest Gump is full of great one-liners!” • The last great film you saw… Joker. The darkness that Joaquin Phoenix brings to the character is incredible to watch. • The film you could watch over and over… Forrest Gump. It’s full of great one-liners that I use almost every week! • The performance that made you cry… Tina – The Tina Turner Musical. I’d watched the film, but to see her life story portrayed in the theatre with all the songs was very emotional. You can’t help but be touched by it and how she survived the abuse she endured. • The last boxset you binged on… The Serpent was amazing. Everything from the wardrobe to the way they filmed it was just brilliant. • Top of your must-watch list… I’ve heard great things about…

Good times with… Monica Galetti

This month’s 10 books to read right now!

Book of the month CROSSROADS by Jonathan Franzen At over 500 pages, this is a bit of a doorstop, but don’t be put off; it’s a wonderful, immersive novel. Take a deep dive into the lives of the Hildebrandt family – pastor Russ, wife Marion and their four children – at a moment when the bonds that join them reach breaking point. Tackling faith, sibling rivalry, adultery and identity, this is an intelligent and readable family saga. Spooky read THE LIGHTHOUSE WITCHES by CJ Cooke Looking for a chilling novel to read on cold autumn nights? This ghost story is a perfect mix of propulsive plot and shivers-up-the-spine spookiness. Twenty years after her two sisters went missing on a remote Scottish island, Luna is drawn back there. Then one of them is found – but…

This month’s 10 books to read right now!

THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME LAUGH I’ve just finished Happy All The Time by Laurie Colwin, which is all about the messy business of being human. Colwin’s characters are loveable and fallible, and her observations knife-sharp and hilarious. THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME CRY The Mermaid Of Black Conch by Monique Roffey is a strange and beautiful book. A group of men catch a mermaid, who was a land-dweller cursed by a group of jealous women. It’s a moving tale of an outsider turning life upside down in a town. THE BOOK THAT CHANGED THE WAY I THINK The Five by Hallie Rubenhold is about Elizabeth, Mary Jane, Polly, Annie and Catherine, all of whom were victims of Jack The Ripper in 1888. Having been so often reduced to faceless tabloid fodder, this…

‘Writing comes right up from my toes’

Elizabeth Strout is nothing if not persistent. She had been writing for more than 25 years when her first novel, Amy & Isabelle, was published. ‘I started sending my work off to agents and publishers from the age of about 16. Often I didn’t even hear back. I didn’t get published until I was 43,’ she says. What kept her motivated? ‘I understood my stories weren’t quite good enough – but every story seemed to be a little bit better.’ Elizabeth, now 65, grew up in a small town in Maine, where her father was a university professor and her mother a teacher. After college, she went to law school, but soon decided she didn’t want to be a lawyer. Instead, she focused on writing, working part-time as a teacher. Her…

‘Writing comes right up from my toes’

‘The BOOKS that made me feel visible’

Books have inspired my imagination my whole life, but it was only when I started to read literature featuring Black women that I felt the world of stories could be mine. This was in my late teens and early 20s; up to that point, every book I had ever read, whether through the school curriculum or what was available in the local library, was about white people (other than The Jungle Book). Once I began to discover literature by and about the lives of the global majority, I felt validated, especially when those books featured Black women. No longer was I invisible, but visible, even if the stories were set in different eras, cultures and countries to my own.? Manifesto (Hamish Hamilton) by Bernardine Evaristo is out 7 October THE COLOR…

‘The BOOKS that made me feel visible’

STATELY STOP-OFFS The National Trust has put together a list of properties that lie within easy reach of motorways, making them ideal pit stops on long car journeys. Examples include: Killerton in Devon, a beautiful Georgian house set in 6,400 acres of farmland, woods and orchards, which is just seven miles from exit 28 on the M5; The Vyne in Hampshire, a former Tudor mansion with a walled garden, lake and wetlands, which is six miles from exit 6 on the M3; and Nostell in West Yorkshire, home to Robert Adam interiors and Chippendale furniture, plus 300 acres of gardens and parkland, found just seven miles from junctions 31-33 of the M62 or junction 38 on the A1(M). For more details, visit nationaltrust.org.uk. HOP-ON, HOP-OFF TOURS Vox City Walks has launched a series…

BEST FOR ISLAND HOPPING Most visitors to a tropical island paradise are happy to stay put, enjoying the facilities of a swish hotel, gorgeous beach and balmy seas. But in the Seychelles, you’d then deprive yourself of discovering the many islands in this stunning archipelago, each offering something different. I’d suggest exploring three over at least 10 days, starting on the largest island, Mahé, then Praslin or La Digue, with their granite boulders and jungle interiors, and Desroches, North or Bird private islands that are home to wonderful wildlife. Go with: Elegant Resorts (elegantresorts.co.uk); two weeks from £6,850pp, at five-star resorts on Mahé, Praslin and Desroches, including flights. BEST FOR MUSIC LOVERS For a holiday with added rhythm, head to America’s Deep South. Cosmos offers a Southern Sounds tour that includes two nights in…

Give your grey matter a workout

Sudoku Fill in the blank squares with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each row, each column and each 3x3 block contains all the numbers from 1 to 9. TRICKY PICK TOUGH STUFF Killer Sudoku Normal Sudoku rules apply, plus the digits in each inner shape (marked by a dotted line) must add up to the number in the top corner of the shape. SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 198 Codeword In this finished crossword, each letter of the alphabet appears as a code number. Replacing the decoded numbers 23, 25 and 26 with their letters in the grid will help you guess the identity of other letters. Jumbo Crossword ACROSS 9 Word used mainly by magicians (11) 10 Giving off (8) 12 Benefit (9) 13 Affiliation (11) 14 Bookish (8) 16 Female relatives (5) 19 Heroic tales (5) 20 Puzzlement (10) 22 Uncompromising demand (9) 25 Emotion (7) 28 One who…

Give your grey matter a workout

Discover the GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS with Kate Humble

This issue sees the launch of the Centenary Collection by Good Housekeeping Holidays to mark GH’s 100th year (you’ll see more about this in the coming issues!). These are the classic journeys that, given the means, everyone should take at least once in their lifetime, all with a modern twist. From the most luxurious trains to the newest ships, we invite you to celebrate the next golden age of travel. Curated specially for GH readers, the trips are packed with inclusions and extras you won’t find elsewhere. Visit goodhousekeeping.com/uk/centenarycollection to be the first to see when we add new journeys to the collection. Bon voyage! Gaby Huddart EDITOR-IN-CHIEF gaby.huddart@hearst.co.uk THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING HOLIDAYS GUARANTEE ✔ Many of our trips can now be booked with low deposits, starting from just £50pp. ✔ Your money is safe because…

Discover the GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS with Kate Humble

Sail around the CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

News that Tradewind’s Golden Horizon is relocating to the Caribbean for the winter could not have been better timed. After most of us have experienced a summer close to home due to turbulent times, the thought of island-hopping across the sun-drenched West Indies is exactly the tonic we all need. These are no ordinary voyages – and an amazing addition to our Centenary Collection! You can choose from three amazing itineraries (or combine two or all three at a discounted rate), which will take in classic Caribbean destinations that need little introduction (St Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, St Barthélemy, Grenada, St Kitts and Tobago), as well as some of the most untouched corners of the region (Guadeloupe and its magical islands, the natural wonder that is Dominica, rum-soaked French Martinique, St Vincent…

Sail around the CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

A TASTE OF NORFOLK with Delia Smith

MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST Delia has been teaching the country to cook for over 50 years and has sold more than 21m books. She was awarded the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2017, receiving the award from HM The Queen for her contribution to cooking and cookery education. On this exclusive five-day tour, you’ll be hosted by Delia for a full day at her Food and Wine Workshop, where you will also be joined by chef Alex Mackay, cocktail expert Simon Atkinson and wine expert Jason Banner. Your fun-packed food and drink experience will include a three-course lunch with wine tasting, a cooking demonstration with Alex, cocktail masterclass and a Q&A session with Delia and the team. You’ll also dine at Delia’s Restaurant and Bar, and this is just the…

A TASTE OF NORFOLK with Delia Smith

Experience the magic of THE HIGHLANDS on the ROYAL SCOTSMAN

Operated by Belmond, the purveyors of sumptuous train experiences, the Royal Scotsman will transport you, in style, into the Scottish wilderness. You’ll see Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, the Isle of Bute and Mount Stuart on what will be an unforgettable journey. The Royal Scotsman marries Edwardian elegance with country-house comforts. Ten carriages, including the Bamford spa, a dining room, observation car and en suite double cabins, form this palace on wheels. Dining on board the Royal Scotsman is a unique culinary experience. With fine wines, malt whiskies, entertainment and a first-class menu celebrating Scottish produce, you can dine, drink, discover and dream to your heart’s content as you snake through sky-high peaks and dramatic valleys. sky-high peaks and dramatic valleys. There will also be a complimentary bottle of Champagne in your cabin, which…

Experience the magic of THE HIGHLANDS on the ROYAL SCOTSMAN

Experience VANCOUVER and cruise ALASKA

You’ll sail down part of the Northwest Passage, marvel at mighty landscapes and marine life at Misty Fjords National Monument, visit the Metlakatla Indian Reserve, spot sea eagles, salmon and bears in Tongass National Forest, walk in the world’s largest temperate rainforest and enjoy Zodiac boat trips to see whales, sea lions and glaciers. You’ll do all this on a new Aurora Expeditions small ship, Sylvia Earle. Named after the marine biologist, it houses 132 passengers in 71 cabins and can access places big ships can’t. It offers a choice of shore excursions (all included) and is at the cutting edge of ship eco-credentials; a streamlined bow means smoother sailing and lower fuel consumption. It also features a gym and wellness centre, open-air pool, lecture lounge, Jacuzzis, observation areas, restaurants and…

Experience VANCOUVER and cruise ALASKA

A quick word from our experts at the GHI

BLUE 3210 AIR PURIFIER BlueAir Every tester who used the night mode found they were able to sleep easily while it was running. SALMON SKEWERS Aldi These chunky salmon kebabs are marinated in sweet chilli and lime with a soy glaze, and our testers found them deliciously juicy. SPECIALLY SELECTED EXQUISITE MINCE PIES Aldi The mincemeat is perfectly balanced (sharp and acidic) with a sweet pastry, which is thin and crisp. ICELAND 4 HOISIN PORK LOIN STEAKS 350G Iceland The classic sweet and slightly spiced hoisin flavour comes through strongly. COSMOS TOURS Cosmos 90% of GH panellists rated the customer service of Cosmos Tours as Very Good/Excellent. FRESH BRITISH PIRI PIRI CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS & THIGHS 700G Iceland Tender meat with cayenne, chilli, cumin and paprika. SPECIALLY SELECTED SMOKED SALMON 100G Aldi A strong meaty note is at the fore, followed by a well-seasoned, salty taste.…

A quick word from our experts at the GHI

Me… and my housekeeping!

How would you describe your home? It’s a traditional Victorian house full of Victorian things, which we’ve been living in for nearly 40 years. I especially love the fact that within 10 yards of our front door, there’s a letterbox that was being used before Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. How tidy is it? I think it’s very tidy, but my wife would disagree. She’s constantly wanting to clear everything out and says that when I die, before she calls the undertaker, she’ll be phoning the skip people and putting everything in, starting with my jumpers. I have a whole room full of them in the basement! What are your kitchen cupboard must-haves? When it comes to cooking, I have two signature dishes – a fish-finger sandwich and beans on toast. As long…

Me… and my housekeeping!

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