Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2025 i Woman & Home

As a model I was constantly criticising my body,’ admits Penny Lancaster. It’s hard to imagine that she could ever find anything about her body to critique, isn’t it? BUT Penny is proof perhaps that we are all often our own harshest observers. Model, presenter, special constable with the City of London Police and so much more, this month’s woman&home cover star is refreshingly open about her life, addressing issues that we all face, as well as lifting the lid on how she keeps the spark alive in her marriage to Rod Stewart. From taking antidepressants to the menopause and her view on weight-loss jabs, Penny isn’t afraid to have her say. Standing a foot taller than me (much to our amusement!), she is like the girl next door. No…

THE BOOT OF THE SEASON Burgundy cowboy styles add a rich, tough edge to any outfit, blending ruggedness with luxe sophistication. FLATTERING FEMININITY This V-neck blouse accentuates your neckline, drawing the eye upwards to elongate. The ruffles add a feminine touch. SLEEK AND WILD This animal-print skirt brings instant glamour. Perfect for day-to-night dressing, it pairs with everything from chunky knits to sharp blazers.…

Making a return for 2025, cow print is evolving from its Western roots into a more elevated, versatile pattern seen in both high fashion and the high street. It’s a fresh way to add texture and personality to your look. Not quite ready for a statement coat? Use accessories as your entry point. Tap into the trend with these chic picks. Knee boots pair well with structured fabrics from denim to corduroy. This bag elevates everyday outfits with a touch of statement style.…

MEET THE EXPERTS SARAH COLES is head of personal finance at investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown. She also co-presents the Switch Your Money On podcast, which offers insights into the market. LUCIE SPENCER is a financial planning partner at wealth management firm Evelyn Partners. She specialises in looking after vulnerable clients, including those going into care. LISA CONWAYHUGHES is a financial adviser and founder of financial planning firm LCH/Wealth. She writes, speaks, tweets and blogs on all things money related as ‘Miss Lolly’. KATIE WILLIAMS is a financial journalist who writes for MoneyWeek. She enjoys breaking complex topics down into simple terms to help people make the most of their money. If you’re super savvy about finance, congratulations, but you’re in the minority. An HSBC survey reveals 69% of women don’t…

When was the last time you checked your breasts? Breast cancer is still the most diagnosed cancer in women in the UK. It affects one in seven, with 31 people losing their lives to it every day. However, early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. That’s why, in 2019, Lorraine Kelly and the producer at ITV’s Lorraine, Helen Addis, launched their Change + Check campaign, encouraging women to be aware of the signs of breast cancer and to seek medical advice if they noticed any changes. Since the campaign was launched, more than 100 women and one man have contacted the programme to report that they have received a breast cancer diagnosis as a result of the campaign. The more people regularly check themselves, the more likely it is that…

MAKE-UP Hero products, whether you like a full face or a barely-there finish. Best make-up accessory Donna May London Lay Flat Make-up Bag, £23, donnamaylondon.com There’s no more rummaging required – this clever bag opens totally flat so you can see all your products. We really love the bold and beautiful designs too. Best eyeshadow Hildun Beauty Mythical Romance Luxe Eyeshadow Quad, £22, hildunbeauty.co.uk No fuss, no massive palette to manoeuvre – just four perfect everyday shades with shimmer and matte finishes. Best lashes: luxe Bonded Natural No Glue Lashes, £25, bonded-products.com What’s brilliant about these individual lashes is that you can gradually build up the volume. They’re impressively long-lasting, staying put for days, not hours. Best lashes: savvy shopper Eylure Half Lash No.5, £6, Boots These lashes impressed judges…

It can feel like a ‘hug in a mug’ and be as comforting as chatting to an old friend, so it’s no wonder Brits are renowned for putting on the kettle every day – let alone during a crisis. For most, it starts at around 7am for the first cup, with 40% of us insisting on using a specific mug because it makes our tea ‘taste its best’*. ‘It’s clear that tea remains a very important part of our lives,’ says etiquette consultant Jo Bryant, ‘with the average person in the UK drinking a staggering 1,460 cups a year.’ The good news? This ‘addiction’ of ours is great for body and mind. ‘There are so many teas that can boost wellbeing,’ says Dr Donald Grant from theindependentpharmacy.co.uk. ‘From herbal ones…

If the new season has got you thinking about making a fresh start or setting new goals, then this healthy-eating plan from Slimming World will help. Give it a go and you could find yourself 7lb lighter in just 14 days*. HOW IT WORKS 1 Follow the menu. Repeat any meals you enjoy. 2 Slimming World’s eating plan, Food Optimising, is based on the science of energy density (the calories per gram in food), of satiety (how filling a food is) and how easy a food is to overeat. It’s a simple way to cut calories and lose weight without going hungry. 3 Free Food is at the heart of the Slimming World plan. These are the foods you can enjoy without weighing, measuring or counting. There are more than…

MENU for 6 TO START ✢ Citrusy crab and prawn salad FOR THE MAIN COURSE ✢ ‘Marry me’ chicken ON THE SIDE ✢ Baked gnocchi and green beans FOR DESSERT ✢ Nutella and brownie chocolate mousse TO START Citrusy crab and prawn salad A citrusy seafood salad on crisp toast is a gorgeous combo. Serves 6 • Prep 10 mins • Cook 5 mins 6 slices sourdough, brushed with olive oil2 x 100g tubs fresh white crabmeat (or use tinned)150g pack fresh peeled prawnsJuice 1 lime and zest ½1tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus2tbsp from the jar of tomatoes (see ‘Marry me’ chicken)1 large ripe avocado, chopped1 ruby grapefruit, cut into segments4 spring onions, finely choppedLarge handful watercress, chopped, plus extra small leaves, to serve3tbsp crème fraicheHandful chives, to serve (optional) 1 Heat a…

1 A remote adventure TO WILDLIFE-RICH ASIA Cruising provides a smooth gateway to Raja Ampat, Indonesia’s pristine marine park, finds Chris Morley. I’m floating above a psychedelic coral garden, kicking lazily in the tepid current. Ahead, my guide Tinae points towards what looks like a cluster of seaweed-wrapped rocks. As my eyes focus, I realise it’s a huddle of broadclub cuttlefish, their entwined tentacles wafting like algae. We watch as one rises and morphs into a sleek cephalopod with neon-blue flickering skin, before powering away like a space craft. This Attenborough-like encounter is typical of my cruise around Raja Ampat. These protected waters off West Papua span roughly the size of Denmark and are studded with around 1,500 islands, with only 35 inhabited. Until recently, its undersea riches – whale…

Bestselling author PATRICIA CORNWELL has sold 120 million books worldwide, and her latest, Sharp Force (£22, HB, Little, Brown), is out on 7 October. On page 179, she shares a mini writing masterclass. What do you most like doing with your girl gang? In a perfect scenario, we’re by the water, taking a long walk on the beach, then piling into a car and going out to dinner. Or we’re riding bikes off-road, then having a cocktail as the sun goes down over the water. What matters is being together, laughing and sharing. WENDY RIGG began her career at teen bible Jackie before travelling the world as a fashion editor. On page 26, she meets all-female band The Ukadelix. What do you most like doing with your girl gang? I…

HOME SCENTS…

What are you like first thing in the morning? I like a fry-up and coffee – and to be left in peace to slowly come to, but with four children, I don’t get to do any of that. I drag myself out of bed at 6.30am, then it’s manic. I should go to bed earlier, but the only time to myself is when the kids are sleeping. I’ll scroll on my phone, read or rearrange the furniture. I like starting stuff at 11pm and working through the night. Before kids, I laid a wooden floor and was hammering in nails until 3am. Our neighbour was banging on the door saying, ‘What the hell are you doing?’ What’s your worst habit? Biting my nails. I’ve done it for 48 years but…

‘I was shaking with excitement when our products hit the shelves’ Zara Saleem, 37, is the co-founder of Delhicious Body. She lives in Wembley, London, with her husband and co-founder Zak, 36, and their two daughters, aged eight and seven. THE IDEA When 2020 began, I was a teacher on maternity leave, struggling with pregnancy-induced eczema. Doctors suggested steroids, but making your own healing remedies is ingrained in my culture: I have Indian and Pakistani heritage. My grandmother Tahira was known for her Ayurvedic, natural skin and hair remedies, so I decided to experiment with my own body scrub made from a specific grade of Indian black tea. I saw results within days and wondered if I had made something that others would benefit from. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT Zak and…

1 COUNTRY CLASSICS Rural chic is having a major moment. Think waxed jackets, equestrian boots and heritage prints. Toughen up romantic florals with weathered leather and embrace oversized outerwear for that borrowed-from-the-estate look. 2 JACKET REFRESH Originally crafted in 19th-century France as durable workwear, the barn jacket was built for function over fashion. Constructed from hard-wearing fabrics and finished with roomy pockets, this once-humble staple has shed its utilitarian roots and been reimagined by designers like Prada and Loewe, propelling it from dog-walking duty straight into the fashion spotlight. Buy a size up to layer over chunky knits 3 VINTAGE KICKS Move over chunky dad sneakers — the latest high-street hero is retro, sleek and refreshingly streamlined. These slim-profile trainers come in punchy, zesty colourways and pair effortlessly with everything…

Tempted by the latest wellbeing fads? Hypervigilant about everything that goes into your mouth? Closely monitoring your body and having your finger on the pulse of the latest health craze can tip an interest into addiction and anxiety. Plus, some of those health trends may not be as good for you as they seem, and those ‘healthy’ foods not quite as nutritious as they claim. ‘Just because something is labelled “healthy” doesn’t always mean it is,’ warns nutritionist Shona Wilkinson*. Read on to discover what you may need to watch out for – and what to do about them to tip the balance from the health danger zone to a body and mind boost. RETHINK YOUR STEPS Hung up on clocking that magic number of 10,000 steps a day? ‘Significant…

Women in the UK are invited to have the routine breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53, then invited back every three years until they turn 70. The non-invasive test can detect breast cancer at an early stage and is thought to be 85-90% accurate in detecting abnormalities. Despite it being one of the best ways to prevent cancer deaths, reports found that four in 10 women still don’t take up their mammogram invitation. Knowing a bit more about them can help them seem less daunting, so here’s what you can expect. 1 IT CAN CAUSE DISCOMFORT The scan involves compressing the breast between two plates. It’s often described as ‘uncomfortable pressure’ that lasts seconds. ‘I compare it to a tight hug from a book,’ says Dr Nisarg…

Summer is now a distant memory, so we can tuck it away in the back of our minds and focus on other things. Traditionally, now’s a time for people to pick up the reins of their fitness regime and head into autumn with new goals, challenges and plans. If you started yours back in August and went for it in a no-holds-barred kind of way, now might be a time when your body is reminding you of a few weaknesses – you may have niggles, aches and tender bits that you could really do without. They’re holding you back, sending your motivation plummeting and generally making you feel a bit ‘meh’. I’d like to help. As someone who exercises regularly (and I confess I do like to push myself), I…

We’ve teamed up with Slimming World Kitchen so that you can discover its super-convenient recipe boxes packed with fresh, filling food for delicious dinners that make healthy eating easier than ever before. The only recipe kits developed in line with Slimming World’s flexible healthy-eating plan, Food Optimising, Slimming World Kitchen’s meals are generously pre-portioned, super convenient and perfect for busy schedules. The recipe boxes are ideal for Slimming World members following its healthy-eating plan, and for anyone who wants the convenience of fresh, low-calorie, tasty and top-quality meals in generous portions – which are delivered to their door. And 10 readers will each win a free recipe box. The recipe boxes feature 18 different dishes to choose from each week – for ease, all the ingredients have been measured and…

Moroccan-style fish pie A warmly spiced filling and crispy filo top keep things light and simple in this one-pan riff on a classic. Serves 4 • Prep 10 mins • Cook 25 mins 2tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing1 fennel bulb, finely chopped1 large onion, finely chopped1 large red pepper, sliced2 garlic cloves, crushed4cm piece ginger root, grated2tsp each: ground cumin, ground coriander, Moroccan spice mix1tbsp each: sun-dried tomato puree, harissa paste400g tin cherry tomatoes450g skinless firm fish fillets (salmon, cod etc), cut into bite-sized chunks250g frozen peeled raw prawnsZest and juice 1 lemonHandful pitted olives, halvedSmall bunch coriander, chopped4-5 sheets filo pastry2tsp nigella or sesame seeds (optional) 1 Heat the oil in an ovenproof pan. Fry the fennel, onion, pepper, garlic and ginger for 5 mins, stirring until softened. 2 Stir…

NEXT Flower power Style your bathroom in warm fuchsia, orange and burgundy for this autumn take on florals. PRIMARK Hotel opulence Indulge in luxe fabrics, embroidered accessories and marble-effect pieces without breaking the bank. JOHN LEWIS Timeless classic Simple stripes and checks in navy and terracotta shades give this modern country trend a warm, earthy feel. M&S Colour pop Go bold in a bedroom with accents of electric blue, paired with soft shades of green, pink and mustard. H&M Earthy pinks Give dusky pastel hues a grown-up feel by teaming them with crafted textures and rustic pieces. B&M Affordable chic B&M’s gorgeous new-season ranges offer a stylish mix of bows, scalloped ceramics and plush rust furnishings. DUNELM Go wild Inspired by far-flung destinations, this maximalist look is all about animal…

For over 45 years, multi-award-winning interior designer Kelly Hoppen CBE has been helping people to transform their spaces, from homes to hotels, and cruise ships to outdoor areas. She believes that updating your home should be creative and fun – and it doesn’t need to cost the earth. ‘My latest M&S collection started off as a very neutral palette because I believe that neutrals are a good base,’ she says. ‘It includes bedding, cushions and accessories, such as vases, and it’s all about layering of textures. When you’re designing for millions of people, it’s good that there’s a choice for everyone. Your home should be a reflection of you. It’s not just about what it looks like, but how it makes you feel.’ Here, Kelly shares her top tips to…

Imagine the scene: you’re curled up with that book you’ve been wanting to start for weeks (or is that months?), on a sunlounger or perhaps next to an open fire. No to-do list, no distractions – except, perhaps, for a glass of wine. It sounds like a dream. But who has the time? Busy routines can leave little space for me time, and finding opportunities to read can sometimes feel impossible. But if your TBR (to be read) pile is getting higher, it’s time to consider a reading retreat, which allows you to gather with a small group of like-minded travellers to indulge in the simple pleasure of reading. Set everywhere from the rolling hills of the Peak District to European cities, or even as far away as the Caribbean,…

NOWHERE IS SAFE The Murder at World’s End by Ross Montgomery (£16.99, HB, Penguin) Broke and alone, Stephen Pike finds the best time to get a job is as the world is ending. With Halley’s comet heading for earth, and Tithe Hall in disarray, Mr Stokes hires him as an under-butler to seal up rooms against the toxic gas. In the chaos, a murder occurs – and all eyes turn to Stephen, fresh out of borstal. Luckily, formidable 80-year-old Miss Decima Stockingham is on his side. A great plot and laugh-out-loud funny, with real 1910 comet hysteria woven in. LOVE LAID BARE Heart the Lover by Lily King (£18.99, HB, Canongate) A tender, devastating exploration of first love, betrayal and the fateful choices we make at pivotal moments in our…

DARK SECRETS UNVEILED The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh (£9.99, PB, Little, Brown) Detective DC Ffion Morgan is investigating the murder of a businessman, killed hosting a New Year’s Eve party. Many locals were invited to celebrate with their new neighbours, but could someone from such a close-knit village get away with murder? Ffion works to uncover the truth, while guarding her own secrets from watchful neighbours. The story mirrors the many perspectives of The Midnight Feast, exploring how loyalty shapes a community. SNOWBOUND SUSPENSE One by One by Ruth Ware (£8.99, PB, Vintage) Another novel with a glamorous gathering at its heart – this time, a group is thrashing out a deal to make millions from their music app. At a luxury ski resort, tensions rise fast. With so…

SAGITTARIUS 22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER Remember, remember the 5th of November, when Mars rockets into Sagittarius, firing up your temper. Don’t burn out. Tread carefully after the 10th. Call 0905 789 4158* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates CAPRICORN 22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY Watch for communication slip-ups after the 10th; you risk your true feelings emerging accidentally. At November’s end, a stalled situation gets going again. Call 0905 789 4159* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates AQUARIUS 20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY Potentially a big month for your career and relationships with authority. Hidden or ongoing issues could erupt. Negotiate any changes before the 10th. Call 0905 789 4160* and choose weekly, monthly and yearly updates PISCES 19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH Double-check travel plans and…

OUT OF THE DARKNESS I found I Will Never Take Freedom for Granted [September] truly inspiring. I too had electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression and it changed my life. Depression is scary, but you can live happily. Don’t let depression and anxiety define you because they can be managed. The secret is to never give up. Marese SPANISH SURPRISE Your article about the nudist beach, Dare to Bare [August], struck a chord with me. I was in Ibiza with a friend and we donned our swimsuits to go to the beach. When a man emerged naked from the sea, I nudged my pal and, as we looked around, we realised we’d wandered on to a nudist beach… and we scuttled back to our hotel! Pamela AMAZING EXPERIENCE I just…

ALL £15 & UNDER…

My path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes.’ That was Kate’s message to us this time last year in her video announcing she had finished chemotherapy and was returning to work. But neither she, nor perhaps the public – who were delighted to see her back at royal engagements – expected what came next to be quite so tough. Behind the scenes, recovery from her abdominal surgery, cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy had taken its toll. ‘Last summer, she was very weak,’ says a friend. ‘The chemo was brutal. It meant that she’s completely re-evaluated her life and figured out her priorities: her family and her kids. Now, if she doesn’t want to do something, she doesn’t.’ So those…

As the RSPCA celebrates 200 years of transforming the lives of at-risk animals, its Animal Kindness Index reveals that we’re a caring nation whose support for animal welfare ranks as one of our top three concerns after mental and physical health. Encouragingly, 71% of those surveyed are identifying as animal lovers, while 80% of adults, and 86% of children and young people have taken action to help animals in the last 12 months – from sharing a missing pet post on social media to donating to a charity. Celebrity support is a huge boost for amplifying awareness and fundraising efforts. Take cover star Penny Lancaster, who photographed showbiz pals including Sir Elton John with his pooch for her Pet Pawtraits calendar in aid of the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals…

Grief is unpredictable. There I was in May, getting ready for a Kylie concert – my eyeliner had gone on perfectly and my mind was racing. Would my hair go flat after an hour on the Tube? Would the kids convince my husband to get a takeaway? Then it hit me – at the age of 43, I was the same age as my mum had been when she passed away. She would never go to concerts like I was. I don’t know why it struck me at that moment, rather than on my 43rd birthday. Maybe it was because Mum and I used to watch Kylie as Charlene on Neighbours together. Maybe it was because life was going too right and I felt guilty? Grief is a strange journey.…

My family lived in Churchtown, Dublin, and I was three years old when this photo was taken. It was my first day of kindergarten, and I was excited about this new chapter of my young life. I had a dress made for the occasion – all my clothes were handmade by our lovely neighbour, Mrs Lynam. My mother Bina did my hair every day, using rags to create ringlets and making sure my bows always matched my dress. I got a lot of attention for my hair – I was a golden-haired, blue-eyed little doll. My mother told me the education I would receive was a new form of teaching called ‘Montessori’. I had no idea what that meant, but I loved the exotic sound of the word. For my…

Our relationships expert Anna Richardson will help solve your problems Q My daughter hasn’t had many boyfriends and has always ended up being the one rejected. She’s been seeing a lad for a couple of years now and, although he’s not who I would have chosen for her, they seem to get along. They moved in together six months ago, and as she’s 30, I know she’s thinking about babies. I’m trying to be open-minded but his family background is quite dysfunctional, he suffers from depression now and then, and I’m afraid for their future with the strain of having children. I’m torn between knowing she’s an adult and I shouldn’t interfere, but also feeling that I should share my concern. Of course, it might all go better than my…

From classic black rectangular frames to cool pink aviators, Cate Blanchett is a superb statement specs-wearer. Mind you, the acclaimed actor and cutting-edge style queen would look good in anything. Mirror-lens sunglasses, tick. Fifties-inspired gradient frames, tick. Oversized tortoiseshell, tick. In the spy thriller film Black Bag earlier this year, Blanchett plays an intelligence agent with a chic wardrobe and cool-as-you-like, retro-inspired aviator frames from Cutler and Gross (the 1394). ‘It’s one of our bestselling designs,’ says Marie Wilkinson, style director at the London eyewear brand. ‘The silhouette is modern, bold and timeless. It has impact.’ ‘Seeking advice from the experts is important’ Recently, I have switched-up my specs. I have just the two pairs of glasses, one for reading and one for myopia. The five-year-old, slate-grey, oversized Judd frames…

Q My waistline seems to have disappeared. Is there really such a thing as ‘menopause belly’ – or am I imagining it? A No, you are definitely not imagining it. Many women find that, despite eating and exercising the same as they have always done, their waistline starts to soften and expand around the time of the perimenopause. It’s not your willpower – it’s your biology. As oestrogen levels drop, your body tends to redistribute fat to the abdomen, rather than the hips and thighs as it did before. Add in age-related muscle loss (which slows metabolism) and poor sleep (which increases hunger hormones), and it becomes the perfect storm for stubborn belly fat. The good news is that you can fight back. Strength training is brilliant – it helps…

Autumn can be a challenging time to shape up. Colder weather and darker evenings can play havoc with our keep-fit motivation. Even light-intensity activity (such as slow walking and housework) is shown to decrease at this time of year, while time spent sitting and sleeping increases. Plus, we are more likely to tuck into warming comfort food than enjoy a healthy salad. But don’t let the couch become your calorie storer. Get into shape and get a much-needed boost of energy in just two weeks with our jumping workout plan. Bonus – you can do it from the comfort of your own sitting room. JUMP INTO SHAPE Forget going into hibernation – these five moves will help you head into the new season fitter, firmer and full of energy. You’ll…

Eat real food, get real support and see real results that last. Lose weight with this exclusive Slimming World Online offer for woman&home readers**. Save £15/€25 off the Gold package when you join Slimming World Online with this exclusive discount. If you can’t make a Slimming World group, then Slimming World’s digital-only service is easy to use, with all the tools you need to feel in control, including recipes, a weight-loss planner and barcode scanner, as well as our community of online slimmers. If you’re taking weight-loss drugs, the support of Slimming World Online will help you build healthy habits around food and fitness, so the weight stays off long after medication ends. Visit slimmingworld.co.uk/womanandhome before midnight on 29 October 2025 and enter voucher code WOMAN&HOME2025 to save £15/€25 off…

Apple pie Layers of tangy cooking apples and sweet pears combine under a blanket of buttery pastry. Serves 8 • Prep 40 mins, plus chilling • Cook 50 mins For the pastry: 100g caster sugar½tsp fine sea salt400g plain flour, plus extra for dusting225g butter, cold and cut into chunks40g pecans, finely ground1 medium free-range egg For the filling: 3 medium Bramley apples (approx 600g), peeled and thinly sliced3 Conference pears, peeled and thinly sliced60g sultanas1tsp vanilla bean paste1½tsp cinnamon50g demerara sugar, plus 1-2tbsp for the topJuice ½ lemon75g fresh breadcrumbsCrème fraiche, cream or ice cream, to serve You will need: 23cm round pie dish 1 For the pastry, weigh the caster sugar, salt and 200g flour into a mixing bowl. Rub in the butter with your fingertips. Once most…

I started my Instagram, @insidenumber5, to document the renovation I was working on at the time, and over the years it’s grown into something so much bigger – a community, a career, and a real source of purpose for me. I’m now on renovation number five, my first completely solo project post-divorce, but the living room you’re seeing here is from my previous home – and it’s still one of my favourite spaces I’ve ever transformed. I’ve developed a personal style that I love bringing into every home. Natural textures, pattern and warmth are really important to me – I’m all about creating cosy, welcoming rooms that still feel elevated. STARTING FROM SCRATCH It was a total blank canvas with these large, plain, empty walls. I knew I wanted to…

Enjoy at least 20% off a memorable stay at three of The Venues Collection’s award-winning hotels across the UK – each with its own unique charm and relaxing leisure facilities. Choose from: Eastwood Hall, Nottinghamshire, Milton Hill House, Oxfordshire or Sedgebrook Hall, Northamptonshire. Pay from £185 per couple in a Standard room or from £205 per couple in a Superior Room. This includes two nights’ accommodation, full English breakfast on each morning and dinner on the first evening, plus a £30 beverage credit per room. HOW TO REDEEM To book, visit: eastwood-hall.co.uk, miltonoxfordshire.co.uk or sedgebrookhall.co.uk and quote HOME TERMS & CONDITIONS *The offer (based on two adults sharing a double/twin room) is valid until 1 March 2026, subject to availability. Bookings must be made by 31 January 2026 and are…

Between being a practising brain physician and prolific writer, it’s hard to fathom when Freida McFadden finds time for anything else. Author of multiple psychological thrillers and medical humour novels, her bestselling book, The Housemaid, has been made into a film starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, out in cinemas on Boxing Day. Her latest thriller, The Intruder, is a tale of survival and desperation. It follows Casey as she discovers a blood-soaked, knife-wielding young girl outside her woodland cabin during a storm. How far will the girl go to keep the dark secret that brought her there? ‘In art, you can dole out poetic justice’ Those who have read most of my books know that revenge is a favourite topic for me. My general feeling is that in life,…

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Julia Bradbury Presenter and author Julia, 55, lives in London with her husband Gerard Cunningham, son Zephyr, 13, and twin girls Xanthe and Zena, eight. WAKE UP I try to wake up at 7am. I head to my bathroom where I open my big sash window and I sit on my windowsill. I then do breathwork and chanting for between 15 minutes and half an hour. It’s a peaceful, gentle start to the day. MORNING I’ll have water with some electrolytes, and if I’m working at home, I’ll walk the kids to school. At around 10am I’ll have brunch, usually steamed vegetables and some protein alongside some nuts, berries, seeds and yogurt. I’ll also have my one coffee of the day. After that I’ll…

So, have you ever faked an orgasm? If you said no, are you faking that you never fake it? And if so, how can I tell? Of course, we all fake some things. A Wonderbra is so called because when you take it off, you wonder where the hell your breasts went. And can you even remember your natural hair colour? Extensions, acrylic nails, tans, teeth, CVs, units of alcohol a week, eyelashes… I tried fake lashes once. Every time I blinked, it looked like tarantulas mating. Talking of mating, every woman fakes how many men she’s slept with. ‘Of course I’m a virgin… I don’t know why you men keep asking the same silly question!’ And when it comes to keeping our HMS Relationships afloat, we gals regularly fake…