Editor’s letter

10

125

Cover star Jenny adores being a grandmother

20 delicious new ways with pasta

72

Editor-in-chief Gaby hopes this issue brings you pleasure and positivity

116

Top tips on getting the most out of your money

Get out and get moving with our guide

202 TV’s Michaela Strachan reveals her simple pleasures

Wishing you a happy new year… our bright new start’ is what we promise on the cover of this month’s magazine and it’s my great hope that, as we emerge into 2023, we serve as a dose of positivity in the current era of uncertainty. The cheerful colours of the cover and the gorgeous smile of our cover star, national treasure Jenny Agutter, will, I trust, give you a moment’s pause for pleasure and there is more to follow in these pages. As Jenny herself reflects in her interview with us (page 10), happiness is often to be found in the smallest things and simplest pastimes. ‘My greatest simple pleasure is walking along the coast in Cornwall. It’s never not beautiful,’ she says. And she and her husband, Johan, also love to mooch around at home and in their local community, she reveals. ‘There’s Cornish singing in the pub on a Friday night, and Johan and I have a Saturday routine of going to the fishmonger and finding treats to lay out at lunchtime. We’ll spend the winter evenings reading by the fire or playing Bananagrams. It’s wonderful.’ Now that she has a two-year-old grandson, Oliver, Jenny also talks about how important her family is to her. ‘Being a grandmother is just the best. It’s all the joy of parenthood with all the concerns and challenges taken away. I get so much joy from being with him, whether we’re walking in the park, spending time in the playground – or playing with a cardboard box for hours on end!’ I think there’s a great deal of truth in the notion of grounding yourself in the small things that make you happy; for this reason, we’re introducing a new back-page interview, Simple Pleasures. In this, we’re asking friends of Good Housekeeping what are the little items or moments that spark joy for them. First up, it’s Winterwatch presenter Michaela Strachan, whose

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID VENNI, JOSEPH MONTEZINOS, MIKE ENGLISH, NICKY JOHNSTON, GETTY, SHUTTERSTOCK

‘Y

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

loves include pancakes, composting and listening to Louis Armstrong (page 202). In my case, it’s jogging around my local park that serves to unfailingly lift my spirits and give me perspective – it’s often on these runs that I come up with ideas for the magazine! Not that I’m a natural athlete at all and I’m certainly not fast, so I’m looking forward to using the advice in our Let’s Get Moving! feature (page 72) to up my game – and I plan on entering the Where’s Wally Fun Run in aid of our new charity partner, the National Literacy Trust (page 76). This issue also contains plenty of practical tips and support to help you through the challenges of the coming months. I’m particularly proud of the efforts of our consumer affairs team, led by directors Joanne Finney and Emilie Martin, who bring you expert advice on how to grow your savings in the current economic climate (page 116). And, importantly, in their energy special they also reveal how to make your home more energy-efficient (page 114) and the new ways to keep warm without reaching for the thermostat (page 112). Knowing how all of us are currently conscious about our spending, our cookery team has also excelled themselves in coming up with new ways with affordable midweek star ingredient pasta – their 20 new recipes are all absolutely delicious (page 125) and very easy, too. Enjoy!


Gaby Huddart E DI TOR -IN -CH IE F [email protected] @gabyhuddart

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

3

Good style

FEBRUARY 2023 36 DOGS ARE A WOMAN’S BEST

8 GOOD IDEAS FOR FEBRUARY 16 COVER THE PERFECT FINISH 10 accessories to update your look 27 THE NEW PIN-UPS Beautiful brooches inspired by nature

FRIEND Three readers reveal

how their four-legged friends have changed their lives

42

28 HARDWORKING WORKOUT WEAR

44 THE POSITIVE PAYOFFS OF LIVING

Good reads COVER

‘WHY I SAY YES TO THINGS THAT SCARE ME!’ Broadcaster COVER

Louise Minchin shares the joy of embracing new challenges

Turn gym gear into everyday staples

10

58 ‘BABIES BRING HOPE & JOY’ After

WELL FOR LESS Former Bake Off

I HAVE A HUGE APPETITE FOR LIFE’

48

32

56 ‘THE RIVER IS THE BEATING HEART

Claire Foy looks back some of her most memorable roles

COVER

COVER

MEET THE CHANGEMAKERS

Four women making a difference to

Good advice 108

attitudes in today’s society

COVER

GH CONSUMER AFFAIRS Am

I being overcharged for energy?

OF MY COMMUNITY’ Nature lover

Karen was determined to clean up her river in Yorkshire

COOL CONVERSION A family home in Wales PAGE

‘I WANT TO SHOW POETRY IS

Joseph Coelho is passionate about books and getting kids reading

LEAP INTO A NEW FUTURE

How to navigate a career shift

50

COVER

FOR EVERYONE’ Children’s Laureate

Jenny Agutter on 10 years of playing a nun on Call The Midwife and how she celebrated turning 70 31 SUSAN CALMAN Our columnist spices things up in the kitchen ‘YOU HAVE TO BE OPEN, CURIOUS & INTERESTED’ Actor

154

winner Nancy Birtwhistle has adopted ‘the good life’

‘AGE IS JUST A NUMBER &

COVER

suffering personal loss, single mother Lorna retrained as a doula 60 THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL How one woman travelled the world for free 150 COVER GOOD LIFE What to see and do, plus a chat with Jayne Torvill 152 BOOKSHELF February’s best reads and Cathy Rentzenbrink’s top picks

102

112

HOW TO KEEP WARM (WITHOUT TURNING THE HEATING ON) New ways to keep cosy this COVER

winter and heating myths busted

DRESS IT UP Chic accessories PAGE

16

PRETTY PINS Add some sparkle PAGE

27

ANIMAL MAGIC How pets can change your life PAGE

36

CREATURE COMFORTS Keep cosy PAGE

4

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

8 goodhousekeeping.com/uk

114

COVER

GH GETTING GREENER Give

your home a sustainability makeover

116

COVER

10 WAYS TO GROW YOUR

Good food 122 GH FOOD February’s foodie news 125 COVER YOUR ULTIMATE PASTA

SAVINGS IN UNCERTAIN TIMES Get

COOKBOOK 20 deliciously different

the most from your money

ways with pasta

Good looks

140

COVER

FULL OF ZING! Citrus fruits

bring a zesty twist to baking

63 GH BEAUTY The latest trends 64 COVER GOOD VIBES ONLY Products

Good to go

that bring the beauty team joy 70 COVER MY LIFE IN BEAUTY Andi Oliver

159 GH TRAVEL News and advice 160 YOUR 2023 TRAVEL INSPIRATION

Good health 72

COVER

LET’S GET MOVING! Get

on your feet with GH’s guide to walking, jogging and running 78 COVER TIRED ALL THE TIME? Dr Sarah Jarvis looks at the potential causes

80 THE SMALL PROMISES THAT IMPROVED OUR HEALTH Wellbeing

tweaks that really help

84 WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT BLOOD SUGAR? Everything you need to

know about glucose levels

Good homes 90 GH HOMES February’s best buys 92 PRINTS CHARMING Transform your home with pretty patterns 100 LET THERE BE LIGHT Clever lighting 102 TO THE MANOR BARN A Grade II-listed barn has been converted into a stylish four-bedroom home

New year, new travel opportunities

Just for you 62

20% OFF AT BRAMLEY AND 20% OFF AT PEACOCKS COVER

TRIED, TESTED, TRUSTED Your trust is important to us, which is why: every recipe is tested three times in the GHI kitchens. Every product test bearing the GHI logo is carried out to the strict standards laid down by the Good Housekeeping Institute, our leading research centre. Recommendations on our editorial pages are based on the impartial advice of our editors and expert contributors. All health articles are checked for accuracy by the Good Housekeeping Health Watch team of health professionals. All prices are correct at time of going to press.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US!

Tried & Tested 91 COVER HANDHELD VACUUMS 110 COVER MULTI-COOKERS 113 HEATED BLANKETS & THROWS 123 COVER LOW- & NO-ALCOHOL DRINKS 123 VALENTINE’S CHOCOLATE GIFTS

We aim to correct significant inaccuracies in the next available issue. Email us at [email protected]

ON THE COVER Photography David Venni Hair and makeup Liz Kitchiner Fashion styling Gayle Rinkoff Blazer and trousers Aspiga Shirt Serena Bute Earrings Susannah Lovis

In every issue 3 EDITOR’S LETTER 6 MEET THE TEAM 7 WORTH SHARING Your letters 156 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAGAZINES 166 GIVE YOUR GREY MATTER A WORKOUT Brilliant brainteasers 202 COVER MY SIMPLE PLEASURES With

presenter Michaela Strachan

ZESTY TREATS Baking with citrus fruits PAGE

HOME UPDATES Transform your space PAGE

TIME TO TALK

92

140

GET PACKING 2023 travel inspiration PAGE

160

Making a difference PAGE

50 LIFT YOUR MOOD Best buys PAGE

64

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

5

GROUP EDITORIAL PRODUCTION Group Managing Editor Ingrid Eames Group Chief Sub-Editor Sue Smith Chief Sub-Editor Gwen Mostyn Deputy Chief Sub-Editors Amy Atkinson, Vicky Deacon, Charlotte Page, Elaine Robb Senior Sub-Editor Clare O’Dwyer Sub-Editor Abby Allen

DIGITAL Deputy Digital Editor Susanne Norris Assistant Digital Editor Bethan Rose Jenkins Senior Food & Drink Writer Mel Giandzi Digital Cookery Writer Grace Evans Videographer Oscar Hather Social Media Editor Bobbie Edsor Social Media Intern Christina Geggus

ART Creative Director Jacqueline Hampsey Group Art Editor Lisa Collins Art Editor Abby Laing (maternity leave) Acting Art Editor Dan Smith Senior Designer Jenna Selby Designers Sophie Burgham, Natalie Dourado, Jade Stephens

FEATURES Features Director & Special Projects Editor Jackie Brown Group Deputy Features Editor Ella Dove Health & Wellbeing Editor Arielle Tchiprout Features Writers Bella Evennett-Watts, Georgia Green Features Intern Bryony Gooch Contributing Cruise Editor David Wickers

PICTURES Group Picture Director Laura Beckwith Picture Researcher Jodie Anderson

CONSUMER AFFAIRS Consumer Affairs Directors Joanne Finney, Emilie Martin Consumer Writer Molly Greeves COOKERY Cookery Director Meike Beck Cookery Editor Emma Franklin Cookery Writer Alice Shields Cookery Assistant Georgie D’Arcy Coles FASHION Group Fashion Director Oonagh Brennan Fashion Director Amanda Marcantonio Fashion & Beauty Bookings Directors Karina Dial, Fiona Andrews Fashion Editor Jo Atkinson Shopping Editor Jodie Dunworth Fashion Assistant Corin Ripley

ENTERTAINMENT Group Celebrity Director Nathalie Whittle Senior Celebrity Writer Charlotte Oliver

BEAUTY Group Beauty Director Eve Cameron Senior Beauty Editor Alexandra Friend Beauty Editors Gillian Davies (maternity leave), Fleur Fruzza Acting Beauty Editors Anna Lao-Kaim (maternity leave), Rosie Fitzmaurice Beauty Writer Phoebe Lee Beauty Intern Becky Topping HOMES & GARDENS Group Homes & Gardens Director Carolyn Bailey Group Style & Interiors Director Sarah Keady Style & Interiors Editor James Cunningham Senior Homes & Style Assistant Becca Cullum-Green Homes & Style Assistant Cara Laskaris Homes Intern Maddy Ando

General, PR and work placement enquiries: [email protected] FOOD & DRINK Group Testing Manager Angela Trofymova Senior Tester Callum Black Tester Joanna Anastasiou Senior Content Editor Stacey Smith [email protected]

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE HOMES Testers Blossom Boothroyd, Ravinder Singh Senior Homes Writer Hannah Mendelsohn Household advice queries: [email protected]

HEALTH & FITNESS Group Testing Manager Yanar Alkayat Tester Jodie Morrish Health & Fitness Writer Priyankaa Joshi hihealthfi[email protected]

BEAUTY & GROOMING Testing Manager Maria Kumar Tester Orla Badger [email protected] GHI Head of Content and Workflow Zoe Galloway GHI SEO and Affiliate Editor Rebecca Johnson GHI Content Editor Jess Denham

CHIEF BRAND OFFICER, LIFESTYLE, HOMES & WEEKLIES SHARON DOUGLAS ADVERTISING DIVISION Chief Commercial Officer Jane Wolfson Executive Assistant To Chief Commercial Officer Tanya Stewart ([email protected]) Enquiries: Chief Luxury Officer Jacqueline Euwe ([email protected]) Head of Agency Sales, UK & Global Ben Chesters ([email protected]) Executive Creative Director Mark McCafferty ([email protected]) Head of Digital Ryan Buckley ([email protected]) Head of Clients Jamie Doubleday ([email protected]) Director of Travel Denise Degroot ([email protected]) Client Head of Fashion, Beauty and Luxury Sarah Tsirkas ([email protected]) Head of Homes Joanne O’Hara ([email protected])

Head of Food & Drink Tim Rosenberg ([email protected]) Head of Ents & Tech Kelly Warnell ([email protected]) Head of Automotive & Finance Michelle Pagliarulo ([email protected]) Head of Regional, Agency Sales UK & Global Lisa Bhatti ([email protected]) Sales Director, Classified Advertising Lee Rimmer ([email protected]) Sales Manager, Classified Advertising Rachel Stevens ([email protected]) Head of Media Planning Lucy Porter ([email protected]) Senior Media Planning Manager Kelly Abbott ([email protected]) HEARST PLAY Director of Commercial Production Will Ville Branded Content Lead Alison Lynch Art Director – Branded Content Mairead Gleeson Chief Sub-Editor Lyndsey Heffernan

LICENSING Head of Licensing Lou McArthur ([email protected]) Licensing Partnership Managers, Lifestyle Alexandra Bovey ([email protected]), Ellie Monro-Smith ([email protected]) GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE Head of Accreditation Laura Cohen ([email protected]) Accreditation Lead Kate Wightman ([email protected]) Accreditation Sales Director Emma Bashagha Sustainability Lead Tara Blackburn Accreditation Managers Lena Aiello, Frances Waterbury Senior Sales Executive Sophie Stroud Sales Executives Mia Barker, Leah Crossman HI Commercial Testers Reshma Akhter, Deanne Sequeira

PRODUCTION Production Manager Greta Croaker COMMUNICATIONS Head of PR & Communications Ben Bolton PR Manager Grace Walker Journalist enquiries: [email protected] SHOWS & EVENTS Shows Director Lauren Hubbard 07436 260947 ([email protected]) Sales Manager Louise Duckett 07435 751517 ([email protected]) CONSUMER SALES & MARKETING Chief Consumer Revenue Officer Reid Holland Circulation & Subscription Director James Hill Head of Subscriptions, Marketing & Circulation Justine Boucher Digital Marketing & CRM Director Seema Kumari Good Housekeeping Holidays Alistair Wood ([email protected])

HEARST UK CEO, HEARST UK KATIE VANNECK-SMITH CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, HEARST UK Julien Litzelmann CHIEF DATA OFFICER, HEARST UK Steph Fabb DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, HEARST UK Matt Hill CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER Surinder Simmons BUSINESS STRATEGY DIRECTOR Romain Metras DIRECTOR OF PR & COMMUNICATIONS Alison Forth

Hearst UK, the trading name of The National Magazine Company Limited, House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ

HEARST INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT, HEARST MAGAZINES INTERNATIONAL JONATHAN WRIGHT SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL & BRAND DIRECTOR Kim St Clair Bodden GLOBAL EDITORIAL & BRAND DIRECTOR, YOUNG WOMEN’S GROUP, WELLNESS GROUP, ENTHUSIAST GROUP, LIFESTYLE GROUP Chloe O’Brien EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, INTERNATIONAL EDITION United States Jane Francisco ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? Visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/managemyaccount to update your contact details and for subscription enquiries, back issues, special editions and beauty boxes. Contact our customer services team at hearstmagazines.co.uk/contact-us or call us on 01858 438410* Lines open weekdays, 8am-9.30pm; Saturdays, 8am-4pm

Facebook at facebook.com/goodhousekeepinguk

Twitter @ghmagazine

Pinterest at uk.pinterest.com/ghkuk

Competition Terms & Conditions: Entrants must be 18+ years old and reside in the UK. Employees of Hearst UK (Hearst), the promoter, their immediate families, commercial partners, or anyone else connected with the giveaway may not enter. One entry per person. Winner(s) will be drawn at random after the closing date, contacted personally by email provided within one month and have five working days to respond fully or another winner will be selected. Hearst’s decision is final in all cases, including any not covered in these Terms. No correspondence will be entered into. Prizes must be taken as stated and may not be deferred; there is no cash alternative and Hearst reserves the right to change a prize. Where the promoter is responsible for selection/provision of prizes, Hearst shall not be responsible or have any liability for prizes. Hearst reserves the right to cancel/withdraw a competition or amend these Terms, without notice. PRIVACY See hearst.co.uk/privacy-notice for our full data policy. O We do our best to ensure firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, but can give no guarantee they will fulfil their obligations. Prices may change. Results of GHI independent testing are opinions of the GHI only and should be treated as such. As far as permitted by law, Hearst excludes any liability for loss, damage or other liability arising from advice given in consumer and cookery features. Products with the GHI Approved logo are not manufactured, sold or serviced by the GHI. O

Issue: February 2023. Good Housekeeping is printed at Walstead Group, Walstead Roche, Victoria Business Park, Roche, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 8LX. Good Housekeeping is distributed by Frontline Ltd, Peterborough (01733 555161). For a new UK subscription or to renew a UK subscription (please quote your subscription number), and for enquiries about existing UK subscriptions, change of address notifications or to order back issues, call 01858 438410*, visit hearstmagazines.co.uk or write to Good Housekeeping, Hearst UK, Tower House, Sovereign Park, Lathkill Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9EF. Phone lines open weekdays, 8am-9.30pm; Saturdays, 8am-4pm. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, ISSN 0141-0547 is published monthly (12 times a year) by Hearst UK c/o Express Mag, 12 Nepco Way, Plattsburgh, NY, 12903. Periodicals Postage paid at Plattsburgh, NY. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Good Housekeeping c/o Express Mag, P.O. box 2769, Plattsburgh, NY 12901-0239.

This magazine can be recycled through your kerbside collection or at a local recycling point. Visit recyclenow.com to find your nearest one *Calls from UK landlines are charged at the standard national rate; please check with your network provider for more details.

Published 29 December 2022. Good Housekeeping, Hearst, House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ. ‘Good Housekeeping’, ‘Tried and/& Tested’, ‘GHI’, ‘Triple Tested’ and the ‘Good Housekeeping Institute Tried, Tested, Trusted’, ‘Reader Recommended’ and ‘Good Housekeeping Institute Approved’ logos are registered trademarks of Hearst UK. Good Housekeeping is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, please contact [email protected] or visit hearst.co.uk/hearst-magazines-uk-complaints-procedure. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit ipso.co.uk

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF GABY HUDDART DEPUTY EDITOR EMMA JUSTICE LIFESTYLE DIGITAL DIRECTOR SIMON SWIFT EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES [email protected]

Worth sharing We love to know what has inspired you in the magazine – this is the page where you tell us what you are thinking, making and reading TI M E WITH FR I E N DS Susan Calman was so right when she wrote about spending time STAR with friends (Point Of View, LETTER November). I turn 70 in August and have decided to walk as much of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path as I can with friends and family. They can come to stay with me in a beautiful national park, and I have companions with whom to chat along the way. What’s not to like? GILLIAN PRAGER

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID VENNI, CAROLYN BARBER, © HUGO BURNAND/TELEGRAPH MEDIA GROUP LIMITED 2022

7



'
Our Star Letter wins a £50 bouquet. See below for how to share your views.

WARMTH AND WISDOM Your interview with Archbishop Stephen Cottrell was truly inspiring (Human Beings Are Made For Community, December). Many magazines focus on the consumerism of Christmas, but this was a pleasing contrast, filled with warmth and wisdom. ALICE WOOD

OUR DEVOTED QUEEN Thank you for such a touching, heartfelt tribute to and beautiful reflection on our amazing Queen (Editor’s Letter, November). Your genuine sadness and gratitude was woven into every line. It evoked memories of all her selfless qualities, emotional strength and resilience. We were very, very lucky and blessed indeed to have a Queen who stood by her vow to give her heart and devotion to us all. MAGS QUILLIAM

THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE

Ruth’s positivity has proved to be an inspiration

Ruth Jones really opened my eyes to the good things in my life (The Big Interview, November). So much that Ruth said about spending time with your loved ones resonated with me, reminding me I have the most wonderful husband and of the utmost joy of my two grandsons. And yes, I too have lower back pain from lifting them, but it’s worth it. So let’s open our eyes to the good things in life more often. SHEILA ARMSTRONG

A GREAT DAY WITH GH My daughter and I had a fabulous day at the GH Live reader event in London. There was plenty to see with all the exhibitions, and we attended Fern Britton’s talk – she was so easy to listen to and gave time to anyone who wanted a word. I have all her books and her latest, The Good Servant, didn’t disappoint. TERESA O’SULLIVAN

BAK E S A N D MA K E S What fun I’ve had decorating my Christmas cake with ideas from the December issue (Ready, Steady, Decorate). I’m very pleased with the outcome! JANET HOARD Thank you for a time-saving, seasonal, delicious but very inexpensive recipe for Pumpkin Stew (Time To Slow Down, November). I used butternut squash, which easily provided eight adult-sized portions. A great recipe for the months ahead. JACKIE WALSH

WO R T H R E A D I N G Dangerous Crossing by Rachel Rhys is a historical mystery set on a ship crossing from the UK to Australia in 1939, where class and racial tensions run high. An absorbing read. EMMA ALLAN The Perfect Golden Circle by Benjamin Myers is beautiful and atmospheric, with lovely depictions of British nature. The language and characterisation are fantastic. CHELE HOWARD The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern is a beautiful yet complex story with interwoven narratives. It celebrates our love of stories and highlights the power they hold. LAURA BIRCH

PLEASE SHARE YOUR VIEWS OR WHAT YOU’VE BEEN CREATING. You can contact Good Housekeeping by emailing [email protected] or write to Worth Sharing, Good Housekeeping, House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ. If there’s a book you’ve loved, then please do leave a short review on facebook.com/groups/GoodHousekeepingBookRoom „ goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

7

Good ideas for

February COSY TEXTURES AND CALMING NEUTRALS

GO FAUX Foliage plant in pot, £17.99, Wayfair

SOAK IT UP Bath oils, £25 for a set of 6, Oliver Bonas

COFFEE BREAK Mug, £14, Ella James

COME CLEAN Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm, £21

BAGS OF STYLE Bag, £85, Dune London

STAY WARM Hot water bottle, £40, Loaf

SUBTLE SHIMMER Jumper, £79, 6-18, Crew Clothing

8

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

Bed socks, £24, Hush

HEAVEN SCENT

TAKE A SIP Crème Brûlée Flavour White Hot Chocolate, £10, Whittard

SLEEP WELL

FEET FIRST Shearling slippers, £170, 3-9, Birkenstock at Anthropologie

North Bondi candle, £32, Ouai goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good ideas HAIR HERO Satin scrunchie, £8, Claire’s

LEISURE TIME

NOD TO THE 90S

Dressing gown, £98, xs-l, Jigsaw

Borg bucket hat, £79, Whistles

LOUNGING AROUND Wool throw, £104, JJ Textile

SKIN SAVIOUR Beauty Pie Happy Face Extreme Relief Cica Moisture Cream, £60 (£14 for members)

GREEN FINGERS Nailberry L’Oxygéné Nail Lacquer in Minty Fresh, £16

CARRIED AWAY

COMPILED BY: BECKY TOPPING, MADDY ANDO, GEORGIE D’ARCY COLES, AMANDA MARCANTONIO, ALICE SHIELDS

Wood scalloped tray, £32, Accessorize

NEAT & TIDY BODY WARMTH Jacket, £65, 6-20, Next

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Marie storage pouffe, £89, Cult Furniture

KITCHEN CLASSIC Enamel jug, £37; tumbler, £8, both Falcon „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

9

10

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

The big interview

& I have a huge appetite for life!’ Call The Midwife star Jenny Agutter opens up to Nathalie Whittle about dealing with stage fright, telling off Tom Cruise and celebrating her 70th birthday with fish and chips Photography DAVID VENNI

s far as fan encounters go, Jenny Agutter has had some fairly unusual ones. ‘One time, I was walking in the jungle in Tobago,’ she recalls at the GH cover shoot. ‘I was wearing a face mask, and this American woman suddenly stopped me and said, “Oh my gosh, you’re Sister Julienne!”’ Since making her screen debut more than 50 years ago, Jenny has certainly amassed her fair share of fans. She’s the stalwart star of BBC One’s Call The Midwife, having played Sister Julienne since the show’s inception in 2012. Now she’s back for the 12th series, and excitedly reveals that she’s already signed up for series 13. Having recently turned 70, Jenny says she has a lot to be thankful for, including her long marriage to Johan Tham, with whom she lives in Cornwall, and being a grandmother to two-year-old Oliver, the child of her GP son, Jonathan. ‘Turning 70 has made me determined to do the things I enjoy with the people I love,’ she says. Here, she shares how she’s doing it…

JENNY WEARS: DRESS, DASKA. EARRINGS, THE DIAMOND STORE

A goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

11

You’ve been playing Sister Julienne for more than a decade – did you ever expect that at the start? No way. I didn’t ever see this happening. I thought we’d do six episodes and that would be it. I was sat on a bus once when the woman next to me said, ‘I didn’t want to disturb you, but I have to say, I watch Call The Midwife and I have a particular interest in it because I was a nun for seven years.’ I thought, ‘Oh, my goodness, I’ve been a nun longer than her!’ There was uproar from fans when Sister Julienne almost died in a train crash in the last series. How did you feel about it? I was worried along with them! I said to the producer, ‘Um, where is this storyline going?’ and she said, ‘Don’t worry, it’s going to work out; you and Dr Turner will survive’ – and so we did. It was very heartening to get that kind of reaction. I heard Tom Cruise’s helicopter made filming the latest series tricky… Oh, yes. He was filming the latest Mission: Impossible film and his helicopter would land in the field nearby and interrupt us. It wasn’t always him, of course, but every time we’d hear it, we’d go, ‘Oh, come on, Tom!’ I did quite like the idea of rushing along in my habit and saying, ‘Look, can you just stop this, Tom? This is ridiculous!’ Did you get to meet him? Unfortunately not. I was picking chestnuts one day when the helicopter was getting ready to take off, and I had this idea that I was going to offer him some chestnuts in exchange for stopping the noise. But I never got my chance! You also recently reprised your role as Bobbie in The Railway Children sequel. How does it feel to still be in such demand? It’s been a big surprise to me. When people used to say, ‘Are you always going to act?’ I’d say, ‘Yes, but I don’t see myself being an elderly actor.’ But then you stop thinking about how old you are, and if the work is there, you just do it. The truth is, I love being busy; I can’t just put my feet up. So you don’t see yourself retiring? I don’t think so. Even if the work isn’t there, I will always be doing something. There are so many things I want to do, from photography to painting and studying. I have an appetite to do it all. You’ve said that you’ve always been terrified of being in front of an audience – how do you explain your long career? I’ve learned to give myself a lecture before I do anything! One of the most frightening moments was when I agreed

12

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

to do a reading at the Last Night of the Proms. I was so nervous when I got there that I almost stopped breathing. Then I said to myself, ‘This is what you do. This is a beautiful poem. Just enjoy it.’ The first few moments felt like plunging into cold water, but once I got my breath back, it was incredible. You learn that the nerves are there for good reason because they drive you forward. Is it important to you to step outside your comfort zone every so often? Yes. When I was asked to do the Marvel film Captain America: The Winter Soldier, I couldn’t think of anything better than stepping out of Call The Midwife to work with a stunt team and beat up Robert Redford. Although admittedly, they wouldn’t let me stunt-punch him. They were worried I’d actually hit him, instead of missing him! You recently turned 70. How do you feel about reaching that milestone? I’m not quite sure how I got here! When I turned 60, it seemed like this milestone that suddenly made a person much older and I thought, ‘Is it enough of a reward to have a Freedom Pass?’ Well, actually, yes, it was! Now I’ve got to a point where I think, ‘Do you know what? Age really doesn’t count – it’s just a number.’ Sometimes there’s a bit of creaking and stiffness, but physically, I don’t feel much different. As long as I’m given the opportunity to keep working and discovering new things, it means very little to me. Did you have a big celebration? I had a wonderful gathering with family and close friends. We got a bus to see Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, and the following day, we had a pub lunch with fish and chips and Champagne. The thing about getting older is that you become a lot more aware that your journey is going to come to an end and that you have to enjoy it for as long as it continues – so that’s what I’m doing. What is your relationship with your appearance like now? It changes daily! Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and go, ‘Oh, my God, no!’ Then other times, I think, ‘I actually look much the same as I always did.’ If it’s the latter, it usually means the light is good! You’re an advocate of ageing naturally. What has shaped your attitude? Honestly? Squeamishness. There are too many clauses on the

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

JENNY WEARS (THIS PAGE): TOP; BLAZER; TROUSERS, ALL SASSI HOLFORD. EARRINGS, RETRO CHIC. BRACELET, SUSANNAH LOVIS. (OPPOSITE): SHIRT; TROUSERS; SHOES, ALL KATE SPADE. EARRINGS, SUSANNAH LOVIS

The big interview

Being a grandmother is just the best

MY FAVOURITE THINGS THE LAST GREAT BOOK I READ… Complete Short Stories by Graham Greene. He’s brilliant at taking you on a journey in a very succinct way. THE LAST BOXSET I BINGED ON… The Outlaws starring Stephen Merchant – it’s very funny and beautifully done. MY CAN’T-MISS PODCAST… Grounded With Louis Theroux. The way he communicates with people is just extraordinary. THE SONG THAT GETS ME ON THE DANCEFLOOR… What’s Love Got To Do With It? by Tina Turner. I love the drama of it. MY DESERT-ISLAND ESSENTIAL… A good pillow to lay my head on. THE BEAUTY PRODUCT I SWEAR BY… Organic Face Oil by Inlight Beauty; I buy it religiously from their shop in Cornwall. MY FOODIE WEAKNESS… Chips. You can’t beat a Lancashire-style chip butty! MY GREATEST SIMPLE PLEASURE… Walking along the coast in Cornwall. It’s never not beautiful. MY ULTIMATE POWER WOMAN… Judi Dench. She’s a brilliant actress and there’s no side to her. She just is what she is.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

13

forms about the damage you can do. Sometimes I look at my chin and think, ‘I could take a tiny little tuck there’ – then I put my collar up or a scarf round me. A friend said to me recently, ‘You’ve got a great job at your age playing a nun and wearing that habit.’ It’s true – I can just tuck my face into it! Did you ever feel any pressure to have something done, particularly when you lived in Hollywood? Oh, yes – people go on about it all the time in LA. It’s a normal discussion in the makeup trailer: who’s had what work done. I was in my 20s when someone first suggested it. My eyes would get puffy due to water retention and they said, ‘You need to get rid of that.’ Fortunately, I didn’t

14

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

do it. As an actor, you want to be able to use your face, not have it immobile! You’ve been married for more than three decades – what have you learned about sustaining a long relationship? That your partner is never going to change, but you should enjoy them freshly all the time – and not get into the habit of thinking, ‘Oh, that’s them doing that again.’ When I was younger, I remember being worried that if you spent a long time with someone, you’d get bored, but I realise now that I’ll never know everything about Johan. You were 36 when you met Johan and you’ve said you had dismissed the idea of marriage – what changed? It came as a huge surprise. When we met, Johan had recently

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

HAIR AND MAKEUP: LIZ KITCHINER. FASHION STYLING: GAYLE RINKOFF. JENNY WEARS: JUMPSUIT, ASPIGA. EARRINGS, LOEL & CO

I love being busy; I can’t just put my feet up

The big interview been divorced and he had children, but he was very clear about where he was going and who he was. He was the first person I felt I could be completely myself with, as opposed to only ever presenting the best side of myself to someone. Sometimes you wake up angry or something sets you off, and for someone to accept that and move on, it’s quite wonderful. Johan is great because he doesn’t just forgive things; he completely forgets them! Was it an adjustment, having spent many years on your own? Yes, it was a sea change, particularly when we had our son, Jonathan. I’d been numero uno, and suddenly I was at the bottom of the chain of family life. I no longer made all the decisions on my own; everything had to be part of a conversation. It was exciting, but it was also a huge learning curve. How did you navigate making a blended family work? The key was to make it absolutely clear that I wasn’t there to disrupt anything. You’ve invaded their life, so it was important to say, ‘I’ve come into it, but I’m not going to take anything away from it, because that’s got to remain.’ It all came with the person I married, so it had to be enjoyed, not changed. Did juggling your career with motherhood come with challenges? I always knew I was going to go back to work because it was a huge part of my life and I didn’t want to give it up. But I had to compromise a lot and make the decisions that fitted in with family life. Of course, there was guilt, too. There’s always that niggle that you’re spending too much time away. But the rewards are that you get home and you really enjoy being there – and everybody enjoys you more. I’m much nicer when I’m working than when I’m not! You’re now a grandmother to two-year-old Oliver. What difference has he made to your life? Being a grandmother is just the best. It’s all the joy of parenthood with all the concerns and challenges taken away. You’re able to enjoy this child without being totally neurotic! I get so much joy from being with him, whether we’re walking in the park, spending time in the playground or playing with a cardboard box for hours on end! What sort of a grandmother are you? I’m not as hands-on as I might be because of work, but when I’m not working, I’m there to help in any way I can. It’s funny because now that he’s two, you can see how he negotiates with his parents, but with me, he just helps me because he knows I don’t understand what I’m meant to be doing with him! You spend most of your time in Cornwall – is it easy to switch off there? Very much so. I just disappear into the community in

Cornwall and I really enjoy that. There’s Cornish singing in the pub on a Friday night (nobody wants to hear me sing, so I tend to listen!) and Johan and I have a Saturday routine of going to the fishmonger and finding lots of treats to lay out at lunchtime. We’ll spend the winter evenings reading by the fire or playing Bananagrams. It’s wonderful. You’ve talked in the past about wanting to be more present. Have you got better at it? I think so. When my father was dying, it was very different to when I lost my mother many years earlier. I was much less concerned with making plans and more focused on just being with him – and that was a very good thing. Now, it’s about turning off the switch every so often. I’ll go, ‘Okay, you can’t plan this out completely. Just do what you have to do.’ I’m less worried about being in control all the time – and life is better for it. What are your hopes for the year ahead? There are so many things. I’d like things to settle down in Ukraine and for us to find resolutions to the economic crisis. But ultimately, I’d like spend to more time with my family. Being myself with the people I love is what keeps me sane – so I want to do more of that. y
The 12th series of Call The Midwife starts on BBC One in January „

JENNY WEARS: BLAZER; TROUSERS, BOTH ASPIGA. SHIRT, SERENA BUTE. EARRINGS, SUSANNAH LOVIS. TRAINERS, AIR & GRACE

Being myself with the people I love is what keeps me sane

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

15

Good style

Chosen well, these 10 accessories have the power to transform your everyday wardrobe into one full of new and exciting possibilities. From the ultimate red handbag to a pair of luxe cream knee-high boots, and from joyful jewellery to belts with benefits, these are the small buys that will make a BIG difference to the way you look...

Photography ELIZABETH RICHARDS Styling JO ATKINSON

A BRIGHT BAG If you already have a timeless black and tan bag, then think about investing in a mood-boosting bright one. Adding a colour-pop handbag is the easiest way to pep up dark, wintery tones and will give your classic coat a contemporary update. Fashion editors are going crazy for crimson this season – the most covetable being a statement red shoulder or top-handle bag, or a timeless tote. Coat, £220, 8-18, Albaray. Dress, £99, 8-19, Phase Eight. Blouse, £49, 6-16, Great Plains. Bag, £25, Accessorize. Socks, £12, Falke. Shoes, £95, 3-8, Dune London [CONTINUED OVER PAGE]

Good style

SHOWSTOPPER EARRINGS Jaw-dropping jewellery never fails to make us feel fabulous, and a pair of OTT earrings instantly adds huge personality to any outfit. Right now, we’re loving Cheerings, a new earring brand founded by Helena Fischer, set up with the idea of sending earrings to bring cheer to those having a hard time. From playful designs to clip-on vintage styles, they’re outrageously glamorous and just what your outfits need. Tank, £119, xs-xl, Knitwear Queen. Shirt, £95, 6-18, With Nothing Underneath. Earrings, £22.95, Cheerings

18

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

TROPHY TIGHTS Winter’s hottest accessory? The runway and high street have a newfound love for patterned tights, and we can see why. Part sexy, part practical, haute hosiery (sheer black polka dots in particular) is the unexpected wardrobe hero that fashion editors are reaching for from dawn ’til dusk. They’re perfect for parties as well as jazzing up everyday outfits such as a mid-calf skirt and Breton top. Fabulously flattering and oh-so-elegant (not to mention a guaranteed leg lengthener), they’re impossible to resist. Top, £59, 8-16, Lavender Hill Clothing. Skirt, £180, 6-18, Wyse London. Earrings, £68, Mejuri. Tights, £22, s-xl, Falke. Shoes, £249, 2-9, L.K.Bennett [CONTINUED OVER PAGE]

A COLOUR-POP ROLLNECK Need a lesson in layering? There’s something delightfully dramatic about the humble rollneck. One of the hardest-working basics in a stylish woman’s wardrobe, this unsung hero has become a recent obsession. We all know basic black has everlasting appeal, but have you tried a colour-block style? These wardrobe warmers are designed for bulk-free layering and feel like a second skin when slipped neatly under dresses, shirts, chunky knitwear or even a classic suit. What’s not to love? Blazer, £295; trousers, £195, both 6-16, Me+Em. Rollneck, £42, xs-xl, Kettlewell. Earrings, £68, Mejuri. Shoes, £179, 3-10, Rogue Matilda

Good style

CHIC BOOTS There’s nothing more modern than a pair of dreamy cream boots. Whether you go for a stacked heel (our personal favourite), a micro stiletto or flat, stompy soles, there’s something timeless about the knee-high – not least because they work with those pretty dresses and skirts you’d normally pack away after party season. Not the most practical boot for muddy puddles, we admit, but then they’re so chic they’re worth it. Jumper, £79, 8-20, John Lewis & Partners. Shirt, £89, 4-18, The White Company. Skirt, £605, 8-33, Marina Rinaldi. Earrings, £68, Mejuri. Boots, £225, 3-7, Ted Baker [CONTINUED OVER PAGE]

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

21

Good style

A BELT WITH BENEFITS If you thought belts only existed to hold up your slouchy weekend jeans, think again. It may not always be the star of the show, but a good belt is the best supporting act (literally). Wide or skinny, patent or embossed, it will magically pull together any outfit. Not only do belts refine voluminous shapes, a contrasting one will add a little je ne sais quoi to a tonal ensemble. Knot over dresses and knitwear or use one to breathe new life into your blazer. Welcome back the waist! Blazer, £265, xs-l, By Iris. Shirt, £250, 4-16, Me+Em. Skirt, £139, 8-18, Plümo. Earrings, £6.50, Matalan. Belt, £25.99, 30-34 waist, Zara

22

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

A GLAMOROUS SCARF How to look like you made an effort without actually making an effort? Grab yourself a silky scarf, pronto! There’s something refreshing about its ability to elevate any neckline as well as instantly polish a more casual silhouette. This multitasking marvel can be styled in myriad ways, giving your existing wardrobe that wow factor. Get creative: tuck into shirt collars, tie in a jaunty knot, leave the ends to dangle freely, wrap round a loose ponytail or simply tie to the handle of a tote… We could go on (and on). Jacket, £275, xs-xxl, Gant. Scarf, £50, Studio Margot [CONTINUED OVER PAGE]

A HERO HAT When it comes to the British weather, the one certainty is its unpredictability, which is why L’hood’s trusty rain hat is a wet-weather game-changer. Unlike its bulky umbrella counterpart, this rather brilliant design can be worn as a wristband, then unfolded and worn as a waterproof hat at a moment’s notice when you’re running around town or on your daily dog walk (genius!). Flirt with function and choose an unexpected burst of eye-catching colour to re-energise your timeless trench and give your outfit a cool, sporty twist. It’s the accessory you never knew you needed. Trench, £259, 6-20, Hobbs. Rollneck, £42, xs-xl, Kettlewell. Trousers, £109, 6-14, Karen Millen. Hat, £49.99, s-l, L’hood. Shoes, £215, 3-8, Marc Cain

Good style

PLAYFUL NECKLACES Rediscover your fashion va-va-voom with a bold necklace that’s more artwork than accessory. There’s no denying the impact of a statement necklace; it has the ability to elevate everyday basics and take understated evening wear into the realms of the spectacular. We adore the upscaled proportions of this red wooden beaded beauty, which can be worn long like a garland or doubled up on itself for a shorter style. You’re going to need a bigger jewellery box! Shirt, £179, 6-18, L.K.Bennett. Necklace, £85, Plümo [CONTINUED OVER PAGE]

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

25

Good style

COCKTAIL PUMPS Glisten up! A glittery pump is for life, not just for Christmas. Often reserved for after-dark occasions, fancy flats are far more versatile than you think. Soften the drama of sparkles by styling with relaxed track pants, tailored joggers and, of course, a dash of denim. The key to looking effortlessly modern in smart-casual hybrid wear is to contrast the glamour by keeping textures relaxed and your silhouette simple. Jumper, £165, xs-l, & Other Stories. Trousers, £39.50, 6-24, Marks & Spencer. Earrings, £68, Mejuri. Pumps, £150, 3-9, Boden „

FASHION ASSISTANT: CORIN RIPLEY HAIR: LEWIS PALLETT AT EIGHTEEN MANAGEMENT MAKEUP: LISA VALENCIA MODEL: NICOLE PETTY AT MODELS 1 PRODUCTION: FIONA ANDREWS BACKGROUND COLOURS: EARTH NOTES EN.06 MATT EMULSION, £35 FOR 2.5L, HOUSE BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION; CUTTING GARDEN ROSE MATT EMULSION, £38 FOR 2.5L, COUNTRY LIVING COLLECTION, BOTH AVAILABLE AT HOMEBASE

26

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good style £26, Susan Caplan at John Lewis & Partners

TIP Try wearing a cluster of brooches together: three is the magic number!

£38, Butler & Wilson

£25, Jon Richard

£165, Kenneth Jay Lane at Liberty, with 22ct gold-plating and a crystal head

TIP A quirky piece of jewellery injects individuality into a classic look

The new PIN-UPS

The accessory to wear now? Heirloom-worthy brooches inspired by nature are the fashionable gem of the moment

£65, Essentiel Antwerp

£12.50, Next

£44, Butler & Wilson

TIP A unique brooch is a piece of wearable art

£28, La Redoute

TIP Get creative! A brooch can look sensational strung on a chain and worn as a necklace

£65, Brora

£120, Be-Jewelled, with amber and turquoise stones

COMPILED BY: AMANDA MARCANTONIO

£35, e&e Jewellery

£40, Kenneth Jay Lane at The Outnet

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

£75, Eclectica Vintage Attwood at John Lewis & Partners

£20, Pia Jewellery

£54, Kenneth Jay Lane at The Outnet

TIP Glistening brooches glamorise anything they’re pinned to £65, Susan Caplan at John Lewis & Partners „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

27

With the boundaries between home, work and leisure blurring, the athleisure trend

SPORTS BRA

EXERCISE LEGGINGS

Meeting a friend for lunch after the gym? A sports bra and cycling shorts are a quick-fix alternative to control underwear.

Now workout wear has become a daily go-to, leggings are the easiest thing to wear all day, every day.

TIP Slip on a simple, chic sweater – it’s the perfect gym-to-coffee piece

TIP Black tummycontrol leggings guarantee confidence and versatility

TIP Conscious of your bum? A long-line knit is the perfect partner for leggings

TIP High- or low-impact activity? Choose a sports bra that meets your workout needs

TIP Chunky boots will offset the skintight silhouette of leggings CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Necklace, £55, Whistles. Sports bra, £110, xs-xl, Falke. Sweater, £30, xs-xxl, Next. Shorts, £60, xs-xl, John Lewis & Partners. Loafers, £75, 3-8, Dune London. Water bottle, £10.99, John Lewis & Partners. Skirt, £59, 4-18, Hush

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Gilet, £95, 8-14, Great Plains. Sports leggings, £26, regular 6-28, petite 6-18, Next. Jumper, £19.99, xxs-xl, H&M. Bag, £159, Arket. Boots, £195, 3-7, Dune London. Wellness tracker, £109, Fitbit at Selfridges

TIP A highimpact bra works well for bigger busts

TIP A sports bra is key to preventing long-term damage, even if you are small-chested

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Sports bra, £37, 28D-40G, Marks & Spencer. Sports bra, £42, 32B-38HH, Shock Absorber. Sports bra, £34 Splits59 at The Outnet. Sports bra, £44, 32B-42D, Triumph

28

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

TIP A busy all-over pattern will cleverly disguise lumps and bumps

FROM LEFT Sports leggings, £70, xs-xxl, Asquith. Sports leggings, £60, xs-xl, Sweaty Betty at John Lewis & Partners. Sports leggings, £45, 8-16, Great Plains goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Shop for your shape

is here to stay. Here’s how to turn your gym kit heroes into everyday staples...

BOLD TRAINERS

CHIC HOODIE

From sports staple to fashion statement, this season’s high-tech trainers will give your wardrobe a contemporary update.

No longer limited to your Pilates class or park run, the humble hoodie is a layering must-have, perfect for errand-running.

TIP Throw on a belted, tailored trench to elevate loose-fitting yoga trousers in an instant

TIP Wear hoodies with a glint of gold jewellery to take you from park to pub

TIP A white shirt will magically transform any sporty outfit into a chic, polished ensemble

TIP A structured blazer layered over a comfy hoodie will deliver a polished spin on sportswear TIP Keep casual silhouettes looking luxe with a sophisticated tonal palette

TIP When choosing colourful trainers, pick a shade you already wear a lot so they work with the rest of your wardrobe CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Trench, £169, 6-18, Aligne. Shirt, £95, s-xxl, Kate Barton. Cap, £35, Lululemon. Trousers, £75, xs-xxl, Asquith London. Trainers, £32.99, 2-9, Zara. Bag (mat not included), £30, Wild Red London at Notonthehighstreet

COMPILED BY: AMANDA MARCANTONIO

TIP Look for colourful iterations of classic trainer styles that will prove both versatile and timeless

TIP Choose trainers in different tones of one colour in order to add brights to your neutrals

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Trainers, £135, 2.5-8.5, Ecco. Trainers, £45, 3-8, Adidas. Trainers, £80, 3-12, Puma. Trainers, £75, 3.5-8, New Balance goodhousekeeping.com/uk

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Blazer, £249, 6-18, Baukjen. Earrings, £28, Hush. Trousers, £70, xs-xxl, Asquith. Cashmere socks, £59, 4-7, Brora. Hoodie, £180, xs-xl, Cos. Boots, £145, 3-8, Jones Bootmaker

TIP Sumptuous cashmere adds indulgence to daily dressing

TIP If you have a fuller bust, create a V-shape with a hooded cardigan you can keep unzipped CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Cashmere hoodie, £189, xs-xl, The White Company. Hoodie, £29.50, 8-22, M&Co. Hoodie, £118, xs-xl, Varley. Hoodie, £59, xs-l, Arket „ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

29

Point of view SUSAN CALMAN

‘I needed to abandon the bland – and sizzle!’ Eating more adventurously doesn’t need to cost a lot, says our columnist. Just be prepared to throw caution to the wind – and add some chilli f I’d known as a teenager that the question I’d ask the most as an adult would be: ‘What are we having for dinner?’, I would have laughed. Surely there would be more to think about than that? Surely I’d be too busy being an international film star to worry about anything that mundane? Of course, other things have occupied my mind (mainly when is the recycling being collected), but there’s no question that I’ve spent more time than I would like staring at a piece of paper trying to plan a week of meals. Often the solution is to fall back on old favourites again and again in an endless loop of familiarity. One day, I was having my dinner while the cat was having hers (we like to eat together as a family), and I was staring at my plate of fish and mash wondering if the cat would like to swap dinners with me (hers smelled delicious). It’s my own fault in many ways; I’m not very open to change when it comes to food. As a child of the 1970s, I struggle to acknowledge any meal that doesn’t come with a heavy cream sauce. The problem is that, as well as being rather unhealthy, it’s also quite bland – although, confession time, I quite enjoy that. The breaking point came a few months ago when, on a trip to the supermarket, I was struggling to think of anything to cook for dinner that would make me happy. I realised I needed a food makeover to get me excited about mealtimes again. I don’t mean by eating more expensive produce – lobster and caviar aren’t the answer – but something needed to change. I found myself wandering the herb/spice/sauce aisle and had an epiphany. I needed to try, quite literally, to spice things up – to abandon the bland and sizzle a bit. My plan was simple: invest in a few new ingredients that will keep for a long time and help make things a bit more interesting.

I

Like adding a splash of red lipstick just before you leave the house; slightly dangerous but still manageable. Planning mealtimes became fun again. A roast chicken on Sunday made a great leftover burrito with some chipotle paste on Monday. Dull frozen prawns could be a brilliant biryani, and I bought a big tub of Cajun rub that added a bit of glamour to the veg (glamorous veg is something that must be eaten to be believed). Leftover mashed potato could be rolled in breadcrumbs with paprika to make a fancy breakfast (it must be served with a flourish though; that’s what paprika does to a dish). My new initiative even helped reduce waste, as I started to keep the remnants of wine bottles in ice cube bags so I could add them to stews for that extra little lift. And I’ve started to get even more adventurous over recent weeks. I’ve frozen fresh herbs to make what I call my ‘salsa sort of verde’, which is anything that’s green stuffed into the food processor and popped on top of a protein. It’s different every time but still oddly delicious. Using ideas from cookbooks and social media, I’ve thrown caution to the wind. It always astonishes me how the same ingredients I’ve been using for years can become magical with some chilli or cumin. There have been some disasters, of course. The curried Brussels sprouts were delicious, but I can only have them on days when I’m going to be alone afterwards. Meanwhile, a simple mistake between soy and Worcestershire sauce made me realise that sometimes adding things to a stir-fry can be utterly disgusting. Now, I stand in front of my spice shelf, hands on hips, and wonder what I can create. The little bottles of joy in my kitchen cupboard have made me realise that I don’t need to change or spend a lot to make things more delicious. The question: ‘What are we having for dinner?’ has become an exciting one again. And the cat can eat in peace – she’s delighted.
„

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID VENNI. ILLUSTRATION: STEPHEN COLLINS

I had an epiphany in the supermarket – I had to spice things up

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

31

‘You have to be open, curious and interested’ As she returns to the big screen in the Oscar-tipped film Women Talking, Claire Foy reflects on her most memorable roles ince landing her first major screen role in the BBC One adaptation of Little Dorrit in 2008, Claire Foy has dazzled audiences with a succession of powerful performances. Her star turn came in 2016, when she became the first actor to take on the role of Queen Elizabeth II in the Netflix series The Crown. The role secured her two Emmys and a Golden Globe award. She will next appear in the film Women Talking, alongside Jessie Buckley, Rooney Mara and Frances McDormand. Claire plays the vengeful Salome, a character living in an oppressed Mennonite community of women, who discuss whether to leave their lives of horrific abuse at the hands of men. While she’s achieved global recognition, Claire is pragmatic about her success. ‘Luck is hard work,’ she says. ‘You can have really good karma and a lot of luck in your life, but it’s not going to turn out well unless you invest in it. You have to question yourself and push yourself; be open, curious, and interested.’ Now 38, Claire lives in London and has a seven-yearold daughter, Ivy Rose, with her ex-husband, the actor Stephen Campbell Moore.

S

WOMEN TALKING (2023) ‘I don’t think there’s ever been a film made like this before; it exists in its own world. It’s a fable that invites real conversation with an audience. I have never been part of a film that has such conversation around it – and the conversation is really interesting.’

THE ELECTRICAL LIFE OF LOUIS WAIN (2021) ‘I wanted a nice, long rest, but then [Benedict Cumberbatch] said I could still go on holiday when doing this. I thought Louis’s story was amazing and could benefit a lot of people.’

A VERY BRITISH SCANDAL (2021) ‘Margaret [Campbell, Duchess of Argyll] was very privileged and deeply flawed. She had a pathological problem with lying. She thought she could manipulate men and then she met the Duke and she couldn’t manipulate him. That kept her interested for a while.’

MY SON (2021) ‘This was a difficult film to make because of how the director shot it. He deliberately chose not to give James [McAvoy] a script or almost any information about what was going to happen. I tried to stay away from James because I knew he would want more details. It was terrifying!’

FIRST MAN (2018) ‘This film wanted to give a voice to the women living with astronauts. Ryan [Gosling, who plays Neil Armstrong] and I felt a real pressure to give justice to Jan and Neil. They were loved by so many people, and it was our responsibility to bring two really special people to life.’

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

My life on screen

My parents told me I was brave, but I see it as selfish - so few people get to do the job they want to do’

THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER’S WEB (2018) ‘It was very liberating playing Lisbeth because I didn’t have to worry about being attractive or being liked. Women often wake up thinking: “How does the world see me?” It was really nice to wake up and just be like her.’

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

33

My life on screen BREATHE (2017)

THE CROWN (2016-2020) ‘I feel so lucky to have been part of the show. I especially enjoyed all the scenes with Philip; he was a prince charming. Matt [Smith, who played Prince Philip] had that glare and confident masculinity, which I think for an actor of our generation is just rare.’

WOLF HALL (2015) ‘I’d read Hilary Mantel’s novel and I just thought: “I’m not [Anne Boleyn]. Not in any way, shape or form.” She was so intelligent, so able to be mysterious and have people be fascinated with her. She knew she was special.’

WHITE HEAT (2012) ‘My character, Charlotte, is just a middle-class girl going through life. She has a similar background to me and is even from the same area of Buckinghamshire I grew up in. It’s terrifying playing someone who is very close to you; you can’t really do anything to prepare. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I’m really proud of it.’

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS (2010) ‘My role [as Lady Persephone] was very frivolous and so much fun. The weird thing is that when I went to drama school, my parents told me they thought I was “so brave” to choose such a difficult profession. But I don’t see it as brave, I see it as selfish – so few people get to do the job they want to do.’

34

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

LITTLE DORRIT (2008) ‘I was so flustered at my final audition; I couldn’t believe it when they said I’d got Amy Dorrit. I haven’t known panic like it – it’s the abject fear of getting your dream job.’

FOR THE RECORD z Claire was born in Stockport, Greater Manchester, and is the youngest of three children. Her father, David, was a salesman and her mother, Caroline, worked for a pharmaceutical company. z She began honing her performing skills at primary school, when she took up Irish dancing. Claire has said that she now uses it as her party trick. z Claire worked several jobs before she got her first paid acting role. She was a cashier at Tesco, a security guard at Wimbledon, a barista at a coffee shop – and even a piano teacher. z She has a great friendship with her former The Crown co-star Matt Smith. Her daughter named one of their trees after him. ‘He’s a fig tree, which I’m sure he doesn’t really appreciate. But he’s very abundant,’ Claire has said. z Claire has been open about her mental health struggles, having suffered with anxiety since she was a child. ‘I used to think this was my lot in life, to be anxious. But now I’m able to disassociate myself from it,’ she has said. z Women Talking is released in cinemas on 10 February 2023 „

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

WORDS: JAN JANSSEN, VIVA PRESS. PHOTOGRAPHY: RYAN PFLUGER/AUGUST, ALAMY, BBC ARCHIVE, TCD/VP/LMKMEDIA

‘There was so little time before starting the second series of The Crown that I wasn’t reading many scripts. But I’d worked with Andy Serkis [the director] before and we happened to bump into each other in a park in London. I thought: “I love Andy, so I’ll read it.” I cried from beginning to end, then thought: “Oh God, I should never have read it!”’

Three readers tell how their worlds have been completely changed for the better by their four-legged friends Words GEORGIA GREEN

‘Chilli and Bean lift the spirits of the community’ Julia Sanders, 52, from Barton-under-Needwood in Staffordshire, fosters dogs until they go to new owners. But Chilli and Bean were so special that they have stayed with her and her family. feel so much pride as Chilli, my rescue shih-tzu and Pomeranian cross, sits on the lap of Father Timothy, her favourite resident at the care home we visit weekly. Chilli is a registered Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog, and she’s come such a long way since she was found in July 2021 with her brother, Bean, being sold at a car-boot sale at barely eight weeks old and in terrible condition. Thankfully, a member of the public reported what was happening to the RSPCA. In cases like this, the puppies are fostered until suitable homes are found. As a long-term fosterer for the RSPCA, I know not to get too attached to the dogs I take in. But when Chilli and Bean turned up, I knew early on that I wouldn’t want to give them up. My husband, Phil, eldest son, Ollie, 20, daughter Milly, 19, and youngest, Oscar, 17, all fell in love with them, and I knew their gentle nature would make them perfect therapy dogs – something I’d been interested in getting involved with for a while. We weren’t looking to take on any more dogs – we already had two older cockapoos, Buddy and Coco – but after one week with Chilli and Bean, it was clear we were their forever family. Despite a few scares at the beginning – Bean ate a rock and needed life-saving surgery and Chilli had a bad reaction after being

I

36

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

spayed – they’ve been delightful from the start. Bean’s very laid-back and Chilli is bright and intuitive. Both are so gentle with people and look quite goofy, which adds to their charm. They can be menaces when they want, though – they shred soft toys and will even destroy their own bed, so they now sleep on a hammock. Once we had officially adopted Chilli and Bean, I looked into getting them registered with PAT. They passed their assessments with flying colours and Bean started visiting children at the local infants school. We do weekly sessions with the school’s nurture group, which is made up of Year 1 and 2 children who need help with their confidence. They adore Bean, stroking and brushing him, playing with him and even reading books to him. It’s so rewarding to see the children’s confidence build – and, of course, Bean loves the attention. At the end of last year,

Bean and Chilli connect with young and old

I started taking Chilli for weekly sessions at Charlotte James Care Home in Burton-onTrent. The residents’ eyes light up as she hops up on their laps for cuddles. Some of them have dementia, and interacting with Chilli brings back memories of dogs they knew in their younger years. It's incredible the connection a dog can make with a person – even the nurses are brought to tears as they see the residents’ reactions. We took on another rescue earlier this year in the shape of Ronnie, a shih-tzu and Yorkshire terrier cross. He’s also passed his PAT assessment and will be starting visits to a local hospice soon. Life with five dogs is chaotic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I got my first rescue dog, Gizzi, when I was a student nurse, and haven’t looked back. There’s a daily dose of daftness with dogs around and they make me laugh every day. They also help wipe away the stresses of life – no human will greet you as enthusiastically as a dog will. But what I’m most proud of is the way Chilli and Bean help others just by being their gentle, loving selves.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Be inspired

There’s a daily dose of daftness with dogs around

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

37

Be inspired

‘I don’t think I would be here if it weren’t for Herbert’ Herbert the Pembroke Welsh corgi helped Judith Miller, 60, from Cambridge, return to good health after she almost died of Covid. hen I do my morning yoga at home, Herbert loves nothing more than jumping on my back, or lying on my chest so we’re nose to nose, depending on what pose I’m doing. And it sounds like I’m making this up, but whenever I play Bach on my cello, he immediately lies on his back with his paws in the air! I’ve had dogs ever since I was little; my family always had Jack Russell terriers. But I was looking for a new dog in 2020, and, as a psychotherapist, I wanted one that could accompany me to my clinic. I was advised to get a Pembroke Welsh corgi – they’re the best therapy dogs after Labradors, apparently. I found Lynn, who is a breeder of corgis with championship bloodlines, and visited when the next

W

litter was born. They were all adorable, but one took to me almost instantly and I knew he was the one for me. Unfortunately, soon after reserving Herbert I contracted Covid and became severely ill. My heart stopped while I was in hospital and I officially died for a moment. When I came out of hospital, I was so weak, I didn’t know if I could take on a dog after all; in fact, we didn’t even know if I’d make it. But I couldn’t stop thinking about Herbert, so I collected him anyway, with Lynn promising he could go back to her if the worst happened. But Herbert turned out to the best thing for me. Having him forced me to go out for walks, and just as he could manage progressively longer walks, so could I. Suddenly I had someone who needed me; that I had to take care of and invest time in. He was key in my recovery and I honestly don’t think I’d be here if it weren’t for him. I found a trainer called Andrew Weaver to help me prepare Herbert to be a therapy dog. He taught me games-based training methods I still use to keep Herbert’s mind active. We

Corgis have become very popular recently

Herbert was crucial to Judith’s recovery from Covid goodhousekeeping.com/uk

commute into my clinic in London on the 7am train, and he gets a lot of attention. Corgis were an endangered breed until recently, but since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, they’ve become quite popular, as they are so associated with her. Once, I counted 35 times we were stopped by people in the street on the two-mile walk from King’s Cross to my office. In my clinic I see people with complex psychological needs, and Herbert’s presence really helps them relax. He can sense if someone is anxious, and pads over and lifts his head up so they can stroke him. He’s so intuitive. He’s a PAT-registered dog, so we also visit the winter shelter in Cambridge, run by Churches Together. People who are experiencing homelessness often have little opportunity for touch, so cuddling Herbert gives them vital comfort. Herbert and I are devoted to each other. First thing in the morning we go out in the garden, rain or shine, and play with a ball, which he loves – although not as much as he loves trying to get the food out of the chicken coop! He’s very good at being quiet while I work, then at lunchtime we go for a muddy walk in the woods or along the River Cam – he loves swimming. In the evenings, he’ll lie on my feet; or he’ll retreat to his ‘den’ (my name for his crate) for a snooze. We’re never not together. I no longer have the urge to jump on a plane to a sunny spot – I want to take Herbert with me on holiday, so we stay in the UK. In Somerset last summer, he went in the sea for the first time. I’ve had dogs before, but have never invested as much in the relationship as I have with Herbert. I think the strength of our bond is down to the amount of training I did with him at the start. He does have his vices – he lets out a blood-curdling growl every time the vacuum cleaner comes out – but I truly believe Herbert saved my life. The only question now is, do I get another dog? I’m certainly tempted…

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

39

‘I was brought up really scared of dogs; now I have two of my own!’ met Chris when I was in my late and take breaks, she knew to wait until 20s. He had grown up in Lancashire I was ready to go again. When I was with poodles as family pets, and too tired to go out at all, I would take was always trying to persuade me to the sofa and read my Kindle and that we should get a dog. However, she would come and lie patiently by I’m Persian and when I was growing my feet, knowing it was quiet time. up in the Middle East, dogs were wild Pumpkin came along in January animals that went around in packs and 2020. I had a text from Honey’s breeder, carried rabies. I was brought up really Anita, to say she had a puppy for sale scared of them and when I came to the (someone had already bought her, but UK, aged 11, I couldn’t understand why before they came to pick her up Anita my friends’ families kept them as pets realised they were already selling her and treated them like babies! online for double the price). When Chris and the kids eventually gave up I realised this was Honey’s half-sister, begging me to get a dog. Then, in 2017, I texted the family to sound them out my sister-in-law’s family visited at about getting another dog. Of course Christmas with their cockapoo, Poppy. I they all said yes. I only had an hour to remember thinking she was the sweetest decide and, in a flurry, I agreed. thing, and seeing her in my own home We had to introduce Pumpkin to made me start to think differently about Honey very slowly but, after 10 days, dogs. Chris was due to turn 50 shortly after that and the kids Playmates Honey and Pumpkin are very suggested we get him a dog different characters for his birthday. I said I wouldn’t mind it so much if we could find a dog like Poppy, so we started researching cockapoo breeders. We were due to pick up Honey in February 2018, but I was diagnosed with bladder cancer earlier in the month. Chris immediately said it wasn’t the right time to get a dog, but I said, ‘No, we’ve made a commitment; we’re getting her’ – and so we did. My treatment involved weekly chemotherapy and daily radiotherapy. Thankfully, a year later there were no more traces of cancer, but it was ghastly at the time and meant I was very sick for much of Honey’s first year with us. However, she was the greatest gift I could have had. While Chris and the kids were able to do all the highenergy running around with her, Honey and I would go out on short walks on Hampstead Heath. When I needed to sit

I

40

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

Honey stopped growling at her. Now, she’s incredibly protective of Pumpkin and gets jealous if she plays with other dogs in the park. Pumpkin is a lot more ‘dog’ – she barks, she chases squirrels, she’ll hide stuff in the garden. Honey never did any of that. I even got in a behaviourist at one point because I didn’t understand Pumpkin’s behaviours and characteristics – until he told me that she’s just being a dog! These days I love nothing more than being on the heath with the two of them running around – in some ways it’s easier having two as they keep themselves entertained, chasing each other, wrestling and playing tug-of-war. I don’t think I ever understood the pure, unconditional love I would get from a dog until Honey and Pumpkin came into our lives. I’ve learned a lot of life lessons from them, too. I’m convinced they’ve made me a more tolerant, patient and empathic person. To understand a dog you have to see things from their perspective, and I think this helps you understand people better, too. Honey and Pumpkin can’t tell me how they feel, so I’ve learned to read their body language. This has helped me be a better parent to Darius and Sophia because it means I can look at things from their point of view more easily – for example, if they’re tired, I know to leave them alone, whereas that may well not have crossed my mind before. I might be the one who takes care of Honey and Pumpkin, but they’ve done so much more for me. For a long time, it didn’t occur to me that dogs would ever be a part of my world, but now I simply can’t imagine life without them. „

PHOTOGRAPHY: LIZ MCAULAY, ALUN CALLENDER. HAIR AND MAKEUP: LIZ KITCHINER

Afsaneh Parvizi-Wayne, 58, from north London, grew up in Iran, where dogs were never kept as pets. But thanks to the persuasion of her husband, Chris, and grown-up children, Darius and Sophia, she now has two cockapoos.

Be inspired Afsaneh gets so much out of her daily dog walks

I never understood the unconditional love I’d get from a dog – until now

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

41

‘Why I say YES to THINGS THAT SCARE ME!’ From triathlons to swimming in shark-infested waters and transforming her basic cooking skills on Celebrity MasterChef, broadcaster Louise Minchin shares her inspiring insight into the joy of embracing new challenges f you had told me at the start of 2013 that, 10 years later, I would have competed for the GB triathlon team in my age group in World and European Championships, and have finished four marathons, as well as two of the world’s toughest extreme triathlons, I would not have believed you for a second. Back then, I didn’t even know exactly what a triathlon was. I had a vague idea

I 42

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

what sports were involved but couldn’t tell you with any certainty what order you did them in or how far you swam, cycled or ran. Exercise was something I dabbled in, but not at all seriously. I ran a bit, swam sometimes and Louise at had stopped cycling as my 15, about bike had been stolen. to give up It all changed very quickly swimming after a night spent in the intense atmosphere of the Manchester Velodrome. I was there as part of a Christmas Challenge in 2012

with my then BBC Breakfast colleagues. Bill Turnbull, Susanna Reid, Charlie Stayt and I were taking part in a cycling race, two teams against each other, in front of 4,000 people. Before our training day, I had never been in a velodrome, never sat on a racing bike and hadn’t been in a race of any kind for 30 years. To my shame now, I had given up competitive swimming aged 15 when I had looked in the mirror and decided I didn’t like the way my muscly back and shoulders had changed my appearance. In my naïve teenage eyes, I thought they goodhousekeeping.com/uk

In my experience made me look too masculine. From one day to the next, I gave up training and competing. I never raced in a swimming gala again. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and I wish I could have a word with my younger self and stress how important it was to continue swimming. I had no idea then how many mental and physical benefits it brought me. So, from the moment I walked into the Velodrome, I was far out of my comfort zone. It was utterly overwhelming. The bike had dropped handlebars and no brakes; it was so skinny I felt like an elephant trying to cycle on top of a pin. I screamed for the first lap of the track, laughed hysterically for the second and by the third I started enjoying it. The exhilaration I felt as I flew over the finishing line on race day blew my mind. I had forgotten how much I loved that explosion of adrenaline, and I knew then that I needed competitive sport in my life again – I knew I needed to race. It escalated quickly. A week later, I bought myself a road bike, special pedals, padded cycling pants, go-faster helmet – you name it, I bought it and started road cycling. Six months after that, I staggered over the finish line after my first triathlon in tears with a stitch. The distress didn’t last long; I looked down for a second, looked up and told my husband and two children, who had cheered me on all day, that I wanted to do another. They thought I was bonkers, but I was hooked. I went all in and, two years later, found myself in Chicago, representing my country in triathlon.

WORDS: LOUISE MINCHIN. PHOTOGRAPHY: HEATHCLIFF O’MALLEY/CAMERA PRESS

EXHILARATING MOMENTS That wasn’t the end of it. I had hopped on board a rollercoaster of endeavour and the ambitious adventures got bigger. The scarier the better! Etched forever on my brain is one of the most terrifying but exhilarating moments of my life, jumping off the back of a ferry into a dark glacial fjord inhabited by orcas, at the start of a two-mile swim. Sport had changed the trajectory of my life and it started changing me. Not only was I physically fitter and stronger, I learned to love those muscles, be proud of them and proud of my body, not for the way it looked but because it could do incredible things and transport me across deserts, seas and mountains. Every tough race, every epic failure, every hard run, bike or swim added to goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Louise in Namibia cycling for Sport Relief

Taking part in Celebrity MasterChef

my arsenal of experience. My successes and failures taught me that I am determined, resilient and brave. It proved to me that when I set my mind to something and work hard, what I think is impossible can be possible. The lessons I learned on my physical challenges started changing my approach to decisions in other parts of my life. I felt more confident and courageous. I started saying yes to things I was frightened of, and I started taking risks I wouldn’t have otherwise taken.

BRAVE ENOUGH TO SPEAK OUT My friends and family were incredulous when I told them that I had decided to sign up for Celebrity MasterChef in 2016. They know that I would rather eat carrots and hummus than spend time in front of a hob. But, knowing what I had learned

Leaving your comfort zone Louise shares three tips for fulfilling a new challenge, big or small:

z What is it you would really like to do but are frightened of? Is it a 5k Parkrun, is it learning to swim a length or is it climbing Kilimanjaro? Then set that as your goal – get it into your diary. z Tell your friends and family and colleagues what you are doing and why; say it out loud so they can help support and cajole you when you need it. z Find a friend to do it with. If they turn up, you will, too; together you are stronger. Arrange to meet them, train with them and support them – both of you will be much more likely to succeed.

through sport, I asked myself, what was the worst that could happen? Did it matter if I was out first round? No. What might I learn along the way? The answer was more than I could have ever imagined. MasterChef changed my relationship with food for ever. I learned to love cooking, and it is now, and will always be, an important part of my life. I am sure if I hadn’t faced up to all those physical challenges – if I hadn’t stood on that ferry, feeling terrified about being eaten by a killer whale but jumping in anyway – that I would never have been brave enough to talk about menopause on national television. I would never have dared to speak openly about my personal experience of what was still very much a taboo, but I was empowered by the knowledge that the most frightening choices can sometimes be the most rewarding. With risk, there can come benefits not just to myself but others, too. I am so glad I had the courage to speak out, especially for all those women who have told me their lives have changed because I started what seemed a scary conversation. Ten years on since that race in the Velodrome, the confidence I developed along the way continues to help me make different and life-enhancing choices. I recently said yes to being Chair of the judges of the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023. I was hesitant because I felt daunted by the onerous responsibility and by the sheer number of books I would need to read. But knowing that being challenged is a good thing, I have said yes – and guess what? I am loving it. The books are exquisite, and my life feels enriched by reading them. Saying yes to things that scare me has changed my life – and I wouldn’t go back on a bit of it. „ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

43

Nancy Birtwhistle embraced ‘the good life’ in a bid to help the planet for her grandchildren. Now, The Great British Bake Off winner is adopting a make-do-and-mend approach across her home. She reveals how, in addition to being cost-effective, it can bring satisfaction and a sense of wellbeing Illustrations SARA MULVANNY

ometimes I look at my grandchildren and think: what sort of world am I leaving them? For the last few years, their future has been my focus; I ask myself, ‘How can I live in a way that’s more conscious of the planet? How can I reduce my footprint on this Earth – not for myself, but for them?’ And here’s the truth: concentrating on their future has changed my own present – radically, and for the better. Today I’m pretty much self-sufficient; since the summer of 2020, during the pandemic, I have developed my garden, constructed a greenhouse and extended the planting beds. I’d always grown a lot of fruit and vegetables, but during lockdown I decided to try growing everything we

S 44

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

needed – we being my husband and I, plus the children and grandchildren, when they’re here. We’re a blended family, so there are lots of us: five children between us, and 10 grandkids. We need plenty of food. Right now, I have parsnips, kale, leeks, celeriac and sprouts in the garden; in the freezer, there are broad beans, French beans, peppers and tomato sauces for pasta. And in storage I have fresh beetroot, apples and potatoes in sacks. And then there are the rescue chickens I keep, which ensure we have a constant supply of eggs. For me, being self-sufficient is mainly

about the environment: it’s about eating what’s in season, rather than flying crops around the world and expecting to eat strawberries in the middle of February. And, of course, fruit and veg you’ve grown yourself taste a whole lot better than shop-bought. Added to that, we’re in a cost-of-living crisis and it makes economic sense to grow your own, to keep chickens and to make your own cleaning products. I spend a fraction of what I would if I was buying everything at the supermarket. I live in Lincolnshire, in a rural area with plenty of wide, open spaces. I’m

In a cost-of-living crisis, it makes sense to grow your own

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Talking point

Hull born and bred. My 1950s childhood was played out against the backdrop of postwar austerity. Hull was very heavily bombed during the Second World War. Households had it hard, and when they were up against it they came up with all sort of fantastic innovations. As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention, and there were so many labour-saving, cost-saving, spinning-out-food ideas that I absorbed along the way. I never forgot about them, but it’s only in the last few years that I’ve become more conscious of how important they still are, and how crucial it is to pass them on. My grandparents, with whom I spent a great deal of time, taught me how to

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

live a sustainable life without even realising it, because that wasn’t what they called it back then; it was just what everyone did. My grandmother, in particular, was a huge influence: she taught me to ‘keep house’, as she called it, and that meant knowing how to cook, bake, sew and knit. Now family members regularly ask me, ‘Can you repair this?’ I would never have asked anyone else to do it for me, because I knew how to do it myself. I even have childhood memories of seeing jumpers pulled apart and the wool steamed over a kettle to

straighten it, so it could be reknitted into something else. A few years later, though, there was a new attitude: we were told that making and growing skills were old-fashioned and unnecessary because it was cheaper to buy everything. If something was stained or old, we just threw it out and bought new. For many years I was as guilty as anyone else; I was a big consumer, throwing out stuff that was perfectly serviceable just so I could replace it with something ‘up-to-date’. At that time, I didn’t question the impact on the environment.

I spend a fraction of what I would if I was buying everything at the supermarket

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

45

HOW DO I STOP THIS? Two things happened that forced me to rethink. One was about seven years ago, when we were sitting down for a family meal, and someone was talking about how cheap it was to fly: they’d been to Italy for the weekend for just £14.99 each way. I remember thinking, ‘It costs more than that to get into town! That’s just not sustainable – we can’t keep on doing this.’ The other thing was my washing machine: I opened it one day and the white sheets were streaked with brown lines. I opened the detergent drawer and it was mouldy and gunky. And then I looked out of the window at the outside drain, and I noticed

46

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

a grey-blue film around it. I thought, ‘It can’t be right for my house to be churning out this level of gunk.’ I started to ponder what I could do to stop this and, after a bit of research, realised I could do a lot. For one thing, I was using a huge range of cleaning fluids and wipes back then: different products for the toilet, the bathroom, the cupboards and the floor. Most of them contained harmful chemicals, some of them involved fumes, some of them could hurt us, and all of them hurt the environment. And then there was the packaging, which involved

waste that would do even more damage to the environment. That led me to look at the more eco-friendly products in the supermarket, but they were about four times the price of the other products. I thought, ‘If we’re going to do better, it has to be affordable, because it has to be for everyone.’ So I started to experiment with ingredients such as bicarbonate of soda, citric acid and vinegar – all cheap as chips. Realising you don’t have to spend lots of money on cleaning products, and that you can mix products yourself that won’t harm the environment is enormously

I’m pretty much self-sufficient

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Talking point liberating and a massive motivator for me – I’m really fired up about spreading the word. Nothing focuses the mind like a cost-of-living crisis, and I’m gathering around 1,000 new followers a day on Instagram. When people examine how they do things and investigate how to use less energy, how to cut down on food costs and how to make money go further, the positive impact on the planet is going to be massive.

AS TOLD TO: JOANNA MOORHEAD. PHOTOGRAPHY: ELIZABETH CLARKE/PINK FEET PHOTOGRAPHY

FULL CIRCLE I never imagined I’d have a media profile like this, or that I’d be appearing on TV and radio and writing books. Winning The Great British Bake Off in 2014 was totally life-changing. Like many people, I used to sit in my chair, watching the programme and thinking, ‘I could do that.’ But, of course, it’s very different baking in a tent, with time constraints, under the glare of TV cameras. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it has given me so many opportunities – including, now, the chance to spread the word on greener ways to live and, especially, greener ways to clean. I think attitudes are definitely changing. For me, and many of my friends, it’s not so much about helping ourselves as wanting to help the next generation. It’s our grandchildren who are the important ones here. My children are in their 30s and 40s and life is very busy at that stage, but my grandchildren soak it all up – they’re really interested and engaged with what we can do to change the way we live. So we’ve come full circle: my grandmother taught me the skills my grandchildren now need, so I’m passing them on in turn. What I really hope is that they, like me, will recall the time they spent with their grandmother, and the things they did with her, and take them forward into their lives. The skills I’m passing on were honed more than 80 years ago during tough times, but it turns out they’re also exactly what we need now, and I believe they’re helping us pave the way for a better future for everyone. y The Green Gardening Handbook (One Boat) by Nancy Birtwhistle is out 2 March 2023. Find out more about Nancy’s green tips on Instagram @nancy.birtwhistle

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Making a difference, Nancy’s way Reap the benefits of Nancy’s experience by adopting habits that are good for the planet as well as your pocket.

1

4

2

5

Cook with a full oven. When I have my oven on, I ensure it’s packed full, which makes a huge difference to my energy bills. What many people don’t realise is how much you can cook in the oven: mashed potato, rice, pasta, hardboiled eggs. Cook lots of dishes together, store them in the fridge or freezer, then heat them up in the microwave when you need them. You can put the oven on twice a week but cook enough for seven days. Ditch the chlorine bleach. My home-made Pure Magic does a much better job and is much healthier. Switching to Pure Magic requires a bit of effort initially, but if you label the bottle with the ingredients it’s very easy to make up more when you need it. Mix together 200g citric acid, 150ml boiling water, 10ml eco-friendly washing-up liquid and a few drops of essential oil for scent. Pure Magic works for so many things: you can use it for whitening whites and for dissolving stains or even rust. Squirt it on to soiled fabric, rub it in and pop into the washer at 20°C. This is a beast of a cleaner, although it should be noted that it’s not suitable for all surfaces and does have to be rinsed off or it goes sticky.

3

Use beeswax wraps and cereal-packet liners to store food. You can buy ready-made beeswax wraps but they tend to be made with thick fabric; if you make them yourself instead, you can use the thinnest cotton material. The best I ever used was a muslin cloth, which was so pliable – great for wrapping sandwiches and cheese. Cereal-packet liners are free, and made of food-grade plastic. Also, use plastic boxes to store food in the fridge. Cutting out clingfilm is all about thinking differently.

Switch to cold washing to reduce your laundry energy costs by more than 60%. It’s called a cold wash, but really it’s a cool wash and cleans just as well, especially if you pre-soak and use a long cycle. Ninety per cent of the energy used to power a machine wash is in heating up the water, so don’t worry if the clothes are going round and round; you’re still saving a lot – and helping to save the planet.

Keep your lemons for longer by storing them in water in the fridge. Believe it or not, this will give a shelf life of up to 10 weeks.

Blend your own brown sugar – it’s much more cost-effective. Put 200g granulated sugar into a bowl and drizzle over 15g black treacle. Microwave for 15 seconds, then rub the softened treacle into the sugar with your hands to transform it into a soft, light brown sugar.

6

7

Blitz your stale bread to breadcrumbs that can be used as a thickener for gravy, stews and soups – especially if you use a slow cooker, which often leaves you with a watery sauce. I add a couple of Oxo cubes when I’m blitzing the bread, giving me nicely seasoned breadcrumbs to throw into a stew.

8

Make smelly trainers pristine again. Every household has a pair of these, and I have the answer. You’ll need an old pair of tights; some newspaper; 100g bicarbonate of soda; scissors and essential oil (I use eucalyptus). Scrunch up the paper, then open flat: place 2tsp of the soda and a couple of drops of oil into the centre, then make into a small parcel. Push this into one of the cut-off legs of the tights. Repeat, then push into the trainers, having loosened the laces. „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

47

’d describe it as a queasy combination of excitement and worry. I felt it the day I finally changed my LinkedIn details to say ‘former BBC journalist’, typed ‘career coach’ as my current job and pressed save. Whoosh! That contradictory surge of possibility and panic. It wasn’t a new feeling. Gosh, no. I’d felt it regularly for at least two years. Maybe longer. I call it the career reinventor’s tug of war. On one side is your imaginative, adventurous self, pulling hard towards change and nurturing thoughts of a more fulfilling work life. Yanking back is your risk-averse, status-quo-loving alter ego, fearful of the unknown and desperate to keep you safe and secure. For every exciting idea you tug at, your brain pulls back control with a big list of why it JUST. WON’T. WORK. You want change and you don’t want change. The prospect thrills you and it scares you. In my own transition from BBC news presenter to career coach, I had my fair share of shaky moments. Two decades with an internationally recognised broadcaster had given me a professional credibility I was nervous to part with. A career shift can feel daunting. It’s tethered to some pretty hefty topics: our identity and our status, our finances, our family life and even our friendships. The current economic situation may add to your inner narrative that staying put feels more sensible than taking a risk. But if you’re wondering whether 2023 could be the year you finally redesign your career, let me suggest something wonderfully liberating to you. You’re just

I

asking yourself the wrong questions. Take a look at these classics: ‘Would this move be good or bad?’ ‘Is this shift risky or sensible?’ ‘Is this idea possible or impossible?’ As a former journo, I should love such binary questions – but as a coach, I can tell you that career redesigns often stall because people start with monster conundrums like that! You need better questions. Not blackand-white horrors, but questions that open up varied options, fresh perspectives and release new information. For now, forget about making some massive decision. Invest instead in building your own awareness of who you are, what you want and the many options you have. Don’t fret too early about the end result. Should you stay or should you go? Never mind that yet! What could you do? What might that look like? How will you find out more? The best career changers are actively curious, and you need to be, too. Throw off the pressure to decide ‘Is this right?’ and embrace the adventure of finding out ‘Is this interesting and what does it have to tell me?’ What you discover during a careerchange investigation may surprise you, but crucially it will empower you to make a confident decision about what’s right for you this year. Then, whether you make a shift or not, you will have amassed a mountain of valuable information about yourself and your professional options that will equip you for 2023 and beyond – whatever twists and turns the future may have in store. Here are my top five curious approaches to career shifting…

Mine your past and your present to better shape your future

48

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

GET OFF YOUR ‘BUT’ Weighing down every would-be career shifter is usually a hefty ‘but’: ‘I’d love to return to the charity sector, but I’d have to take a pay cut.’ ‘I wonder about starting my own business, but I’m too old.’ ‘HR really appeals to me, but I don’t have the right skills.’ ‘My dream job is in the arts, but I’m not creative enough.’ Write down all the negative ‘buts’ attached to your career-change ideas and take a good look at them. You’ll often find that what you’ve accepted as facts are more accurately described as beliefs or assumptions. ASK YOURSELF: ‘What real evidence do I have for this belief? What other evidence is there? How can I test whether this assumption is really true?’ Poked and prodded in this way, your career ‘but’ should soon be feeling nice and wobbly! And if you find a stubborn ‘but’, then rather than accept it as a deal-breaker, your next question is ‘What could I do about this?’ For example, if you conclude your interview technique is genuinely lousy, who could help you practise and improve? If it becomes clear you lack certain experience, how could you set out to fill that gap? If local childcare is expensive, how else could you arrange things to blend work and family?

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Inner you A career shift can feel daunting, especially in uncertain times. BBC journalistturned-career-coach Rachel Schofield shares her insight on making the jump and finding a more satisfying future

WORDS: RACHEL SCHOFIELD. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY

DIG FOR GOLD People mistakenly think the golden nuggets of information they need to identify their ideal work are hidden in some magical cave they haven’t yet found. In reality, you already have a rich seam of precious data about yourself, if only you’ll make time to grab a spade and dig for it. Mine your past and your present to better shape your future. Your ideal career is one that blends what you’re interested in, what you’re good at, what motivates you and how and where you love to work. And that’s information you have! As a starting point, try delving into your strengths to find those transferable skills that can take you from one career to another. ASK YOURSELF: In all my roles to date, where do I really shine? What do people seek my help with? What problems am I great at solving? What achievements am I most proud of and what skills helped me accomplish them? Where else could I use these skills?

EXPLORE YOUR CORE I had a client who came to me as a miserable lawyer and is now a fulfilled lawyer after a ‘complete career transformation’. How can that be? We are often unhappy when our work is at odds with our deeper values; when what we are required to do lacks meaning or impact for us. That client was working

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

TURN DETECTIVE

We are often unhappy when our work is at odds with our deeper values as a lawyer for a media company servicing oil, alcohol and tobacco companies. Shifting to working as a lawyer for a philanthropic organisation concerned with climate change meant the job became enjoyable. ASK YOURSELF: What do I want my work to give me? When am I at my most fulfilled? What do I need from a job to feel I am valued and valuable? Where could I get those values met?

Contrary to what the fridge magnets tell you (‘If you can dream it, you can do it!’), a career shift is rarely just the work of a positive outlook. You’ll need to commit time and energy, and get into action. So, become a career detective. Investigate your career ideas to see how the case stacks up. Build a body of evidence of the varied routes you could take to reach your dream, develop any necessary skills or experience and find small ways to test your favourite ideas. Check out how long your desired change might take and, if necessary, how your finances stack up. ASK YOURSELF: Who could I ask for help and advice? Seek out the people who do what you want to do, are familiar with the industry you’d love to work in or who have the skills you want.

THINK TWEAKS RATHER THAN REINVENTIONS Career changes that grab our attention are invariably the accountant-to-zookeeper variety. But for every radical reinvention there are less dramatic, more gradual shifts that prove equally satisfying. Completely retraining or setting up your own business from scratch is always an option. But reshaping your existing work (by going for a promotion, getting on to a new project or changing your working hours) can also make a big difference. ASK YOURSELF: What things could I start to change right now in my current work to improve my happiness? Is my natural inclination to undertake a bold shift or a more gentle pivot? How might I spread my career change over a series of transitional steps rather than trying one giant leap? y The Career Change Guide: Five Steps To Finding Your Dream Job (Penguin) by Rachel Schofield is published on 19 January „ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

49

Meet the CHANGEMAKERS To make a difference in society and alter attitudes for the better, we need to be bold, shift the conversation and challenge the status quo. GH meets four women doing just that

‘Conversations around menopause need to get louder’ TV presenter Lisa Snowdon’s confidence was crushed when she was going through perimenopause. Now, she’s campaigning for greater awareness to make sure other women are better prepared than she was.

tanding in Parliament Square on World Menopause Day testosterone – which have been working for me. I eat well and last October, the atmosphere was buzzing. I was there move my body, whether that’s walking or doing an exercise in my role as patron of Menopause Mandate, alongside class. Now, aged 50, I’ve finally found a balance that works. hundreds of women, including celebrities such as Carol Many women at the top of their games have similar experiences. Vorderman, Mariella Frostrup and Penny Lancaster. The Many give up their jobs. Some feel they can’t cope. That’s why aim was to raise the noise when it comes to perimenopause and I campaign for better education and treatment. I’ve documented menopause, campaigning for increased awareness and support. my journey on my social media channels, and since January I was in my early 40s when I started suffering low moods, panic 2021, I’ve hosted a Midweek Menopause Madness session attacks, anxiety and depression. My menstrual cycle became on Instagram, where I tackle all aspects of the menopause. unpredictable. I had mood swings, which were unpleasant for Research has found 92% of UK women feel unprepared for the my fiancé, George. It felt like I had an angel and a devil on my menopause. I partnered with This Morning to launch its Menopause shoulders – the devil encouraging me to let Bus, which drives around the country offering rip, the angel desperately imploring me to advice; I’m working with Wellbeing of Women stop. It was scary because I couldn’t control it. and made a short film for it with George; and When I went to the doctor, I was prescribed I support TENA’s #LastLonelyMenopause antidepressants. Perimenopause wasn’t campaign to spark intergenerational Risk taker or careful planner? mentioned; at the time, I wasn’t aware of it. conversations around the menopause. Sometimes I jump in feet first; other times I like to plan. Over the next couple of years, the symptoms Meanwhile, my work as patron of Menopause I’m most productive when… got worse and I experienced sleep deprivation, Mandate continues. We’re campaigning for free I make lists. thinning hair, skin changes, weight gain and HRT that is accessible to all and pushing for My biggest inspiration is… hot flushes. I’d wake in the night drenched in better education on the menopause in schools. My fiancé, George. sweat. Shivering, I’d cuddle close to George, Our hope is for there to be a menopause I’m changing the conversation only to jolt away from him a few minutes later, policy in every workplace and a specialist by… Being honest about the suddenly burning hot like a furnace. in every doctor’s surgery so women aren’t changes happening to me. For seven years, I juggled trying to hold misdiagnosed or prescribed the wrong thing. For me, inclusivity means… down a career and a relationship. There were More than anything, we want the conversations Providing equal access, days when I didn’t want to say yes to jobs, around menopause to get louder so everyone opportunities and resources times when I’d lose sleep because work knows about it and there’s more advice. for everyone. Creating community is seemed terrifying. I’ve been working in media Thanks to the support of MPs such important because… A sense for more than 20 years yet I’d wake with as Carolyn Harris, chair of the All-Party of connection and belonging palpitations, panicking about not being good Parliamentary Group on Menopause, things can be a lifeline. enough, having hot flushes and forgetting are shifting. For many years, women have To make change happen, we what I was saying mid-sentence. It was like suffered in silence, but that should not and all need to… Keep the I no longer trusted my brain. I felt like a shell will not be the case any more. I’m a believer conversation going. of myself, my confidence at an all-time low. that knowledge is power. By sharing our My proudest achievement is… I saw four doctors before I found a treatment stories and uniting, we don’t have to feel alone. Winning MasterChef! plan that worked for me. In the end, I went y
Lisa is supporting the #LastLonelyMenopause I relax by… Cooking with a big campaign by TENA. To find out more, visit down the HRT route and I’m on body identical glass of wine. tena.co.uk/lastlonelymenopause hormones – oestrogen, progesterone and

S

Making a change

50

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Women who lead

I campaign for better education and treatment of menopause

Women who lead

‘I’m shifting attitudes towards disability’ Kate Nash has experienced arthritis since she was a teenager. Now, as founder and CEO of PurpleSpace, she is helping make the world of work accessible for everyone. ery often, society focuses on the challenges disabled people face, rather than also highlighting the life-affirming elements of our stories. As founder and CEO of PurpleSpace, an organisation that supports and champions disabled employees and works with companies to become more accessible, I’ve made it my mission to call out negativity and change perceptions. I want us all to feel able to display our vulnerabilities, as well as our talents, without judgement or repercussions. I was 15 when I was diagnosed with juvenile chronic arthritis, or Still’s disease. Before that, I’d experienced months of mobility issues and pain. I wanted to do the things everyone else did. Yet suddenly life was altogether different. I couldn’t dress myself. I couldn’t cut up food. I looked different and couldn’t walk far. I noticed people lower their expectations about what was possible for me. My mum said, ‘It would be nice if you could get a little job.’ I just heard ‘little’. She was signalling to me that

V

the world was designed awkwardly so it could be a struggle for me to secure a job. The pity people showed me was tough to deal with, but it set me on a path that would dictate my life. I studied Sociology and Social Administration at Roehampton University, where I became interested in the politics of disability. Then, I got a job in a hospital, supporting people with learning difficulties move from institutional to community-based care. It opened my eyes to ways they could be belittled. I went on to work in an adult training centre for those with learning difficulties, before a bad arthritis flare-up showed me I needed a less active job. I spotted a job advert for a campaigns director at what is now Scope, a charity that was pushing for anti-discrimination legislation. I wasn’t qualified, but was given a volunteer role, which led to a job as an assistant to a director. One of my proudest achievements was supporting parliamentarians to write the bill that eventually became the Disability Discrimination Act (now the Equality Act), which made it unlawful to discriminate against disabled people in connection with employment and access to goods and services. I was a director for Young Arthritis Care, then chief executive of Radar (Disability Rights UK). In 2010, I went freelance. I was fascinated by employee resource groups (ERGs) – networks that support a particular group of people in a company, such as disabled people, ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ employees – and worked with companies to set up networks for them. In 2015, I created PurpleSpace, a global online membership subscription companies can join to help them set up resource Risk taker or careful planner? groups internally as well as Both. providing training. We have more I’m most productive when… than 2,000 clients across 200 I work with purpose. organisations, including Barclays, My biggest inspiration is… Google and the Home Office. Fellow travellers. Disabled people are still 50% I’m changing the conversation less likely to be in work than by… Making it easier to be non-disabled people. For most who we are. companies, at least 12% of For me, inclusivity means… Being able to assimilate all people will have a disability, parts of our identity. whether visible or invisible, Creating community yet one in five do not feel is important because… comfortable sharing they have It excites and motivates a disability with colleagues. us to keep going. By empowering organisations To make change happen, we from within, I’m hopeful the tide all need to… Examine our is turning. I’m extremely proud souls in the dark – to know to have set up an organisation exactly who we are. that plays a strong role in My proudest achievement is… hastening the pace of change. Creating PurpleSpace and a community of game-changers. y
Positively Purple (Kogan Page) I relax with… Music, food, by Kate Nash is out now; family and friends. purplespace.org

For most companies, at least 12% of people will have a disability, whether visible or invisible

Making a change

52

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

health services. I was hoping my job would allow me to improve service provision, but I often felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall. I remember my manager saying that for a lot of my colleagues, it was a nine-to-five role, yet he could tell that for me, it was a life’s mission. He was spot-on. This realisation led me to take voluntary redundancy in 2009 and do a Masters in social work while I figured out my next step. That same year, my sister had a mental health crisis. I got through my dissertation, but spent two years unemployed and on benefits. My own mental health hit a very low point. It was 2012 when the fire inside me was reignited. The Ministerial Advisory Group for mental health was hiring advisers who had lived experience of mental illness. It was the first time I’d been involved in mental health Risk taker or careful planner? policy at a national level and Risk taker. was hugely daunting; before I’m most productive when… meetings I’d have panic It’s silent or when playing attacks. I was one of very few hip-hop music. women there, and the only My biggest inspiration is… Black person. Thinking about The universe. what my family had been I’m changing the conversation through kept me going. by… Speaking out. Now, I juggle many roles. For me, inclusivity means… Infinite possibilities. I co-led the mental health Creating community is task force for England and important because… Positive I work with NHSE and Health connections help us to thrive. Education England to create To make change happen, we equality impact analyses, all need to… Work together working towards an anti-racist, respectfully with shared anti-discriminatory workforce purpose. and services that encourage My proudest achievement is… people from diverse Black Thrive and the PCREF. backgrounds to access I relax by… Swimming. support. I helped create the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF), part of the Mental Health Act Review, which will be rolled out as mandatory for all mental health services in 2023. I’m also President of the Mental Health Foundation and co-founder and chair of Black Thrive, a global initiative that aims to address inequities that negatively impact the mental health and wellbeing of the Black community. I am proud of everything I’ve achieved, but it hasn’t been easy. Both my brothers had mental health challenges. The youngest passed away aged 41 in 2013, and the eldest in 2020, aged 54. Mental health provision couldn’t cater for either of their needs. If it had, I believe they could still be alive today. I’ve struggled with my mental health, too. After the death of my second brother, I experienced deep anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts and attempts. I wanted to escape the pain of my family being in such crisis. Therapy, acupuncture and physical exercise are helpful, but this level of trauma is hard to emerge from. My grief will stay with me for ever, but I’m determined to use it to motivate me in my activist work and improve services to help heal people when they are their most vulnerable and powerless. y
mentalhealth.org.uk

Making a change

‘I want to help heal the most vulnerable’ Dr Jacqui Dyer shares how she’s bringing about positive change in mental services through her leadership roles, including as President of The Mental Health Foundation. n my balcony sit two plants side by side. I’ve found joy and comfort in watching them bloom. These plants are much more than a hobby. They represent my brothers, both of whom our family lost. The love I have for my brothers, I pour into nurturing my plants. They’ve become a key part of my ongoing healing journey. My path was shaped by the circumstances in which I grew up. I’m one of five, and three of my siblings have experienced severe mental health challenges. When I was 18, one of my brothers was held at a police station as he was experiencing psychosis. After a few days with no improvement, he was detained at an asylum – it looked like a prison. There was huge stigma around what had happened to our family; it felt shameful. However, it gave me the drive to make a difference, to support those struggling with mental health and find answers to the questions that were emerging in my mind. I went on to take an access course in social policy, which led to me studying social policy and public administration at university. After graduating, I worked in the substance misuse field. I then trained as a psychotherapist and worked in women’s and children’s rehab, eventually moving into a commissioning role in mental

O

I’m determined to help heal people when they are their most vulnerable

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

53

Women who lead

‘Attitudes to grief are finally shifting’ he logo for WAY Widowed and Young is a swan, because they look calm on the surface, despite paddling furiously below to stay afloat. For many, this is how grief feels. But meeting someone else who has had a similar experience can make a huge difference. This is why I set up the national charity WAY Widowed and Young 25 years ago – so no one needs to cope alone. In 1969, my father died in a car accident when I was eight and my sister, Amanda, was 11. Attitudes to grief were very different then and it seldom got talked about, with a prevailing ‘stiff upper lip’ mindset. I hated seeing my mum struggle without any support. None of us were the same again. After graduating from university with an English and German degree, I joined BBC Wales as a radio producer before becoming a freelance journalist. I loved my career, although the loss of my father continued to impact me. In my early 30s, I made a documentary for Radio 4 about children who had lost a parent, which was harrowing but cathartic. A year after that documentary, in 1994, tragedy hit our family again. I opened the door to my mum, who told me my sister’s husband, Charlie, had died. He was just 37. Amanda was 12 weeks pregnant with their first child. As Amanda and I sat with Charlie, waiting for the undertakers, we felt like history was repeating itself. I was absolutely determined that my sister would not battle her grief alone. I made more than 100 calls to find out if there was support available that could help Amanda. There was nothing. This increased my anger and my drive to make a change. When Amanda gave birth to her son, I was her birthing partner. Two years later, my husband and I welcomed the first of our two daughters. Life was incredibly busy, yet the feeling that there needed to be more support for people widowed young didn’t go away. Starting a charity from scratch isn’t easy. I was awarded a small grant from a magazine competition, but otherwise was self-funded.

T

No one needs to cope alone

54

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

Making a change Risk taker or careful planner? Both. I don’t think they’re mutually exclusive. I’m most productive when… I’m really busy. The more on my plate, the faster I work. My biggest inspiration is… My wonderful late mum. Her love made me who I am. I’m changing the conversation by… Increasing awareness of young widowhood. For me, inclusivity means… Accepting differences. Creating community is important because… Knowing you’re not alone can be a lifesaver. To make change happen, we all need to… Stick our heads above the parapet and challenge the status quo. My proudest achievement is… Raising our beautiful daughters to be feisty, loving young women. I relax by… Sorry, what does relax mean?

I used my journalism contacts to send endless faxes to local and national media, as well as distributing leaflets in shops, post offices and doctors’ surgeries. I set up a phone line based initially from my home and a PO Box in Porthcawl. As interest grew, I realised it was time to set up our first official in-person meeting. On 26 February 1997, I drove to a hotel in Cardiff. From the moment I walked into the room, I could feel the raw emotion. Around 35 people turned up – some recently bereaved, others further down the line. It was a sea of lost, desperate faces. I was glad Amanda had come with me, as someone who really understood what they were going through. Hearing their heartbreaking stories, my work already felt justified. Since that meeting, WAY Widowed and Young has developed hugely, helping more than 14,000 to date. The charity has 4,500 members across the UK and over 150 volunteers. There are in-person and virtual events; peer-to-peer support groups for specific needs, such as those widowed with children; and members have access to a 24-hour helpline that runs 365 days a year. It’s uplifting to see photos of members smiling – a reminder that shared sorrow can bring hope into otherwise shattered lives. As a society, we are becoming more open, tolerant and accepting of the complex emotions that grief can bring. Looking to the future, we will continue our outreach and campaigning work, offering support and raising awareness as much as we can. It will always be bittersweet knowing that something lasting, offering a lifeline to so many, has been created out of our double family tragedy. WAY Widowed and Young is the organisation to which no one wants to belong. But, my most fervent hope is that we will be there for anyone who needs us, for many years to come. y
widowedandyoung.org.uk „ goodhousekeeping.com/uk

INTERVIEWS: ELLA DOVE. PHOTOGRAPHY: MOLLIE ROSE/KINTZING, LIZ McAULAY, ROBERT TAYLOR

Caroline Sarll is the founder and patron of WAY Widowed and Young, which supports those widowed aged 50 and under. The charity marks its 25th anniversary this year.

INTRODUCING THE

BEAUTY STARS BOX TE

ONLY

D

N

M

LIM

ITED

EDIT IO

ITE

M LI

IT

SAVING £427

IM N M L ITED E D

£86 IO

M

ITION M LIM I

IO

D E DI T I O N M

ED

IT

LI

I

D TE

ED

IN RARE CIRCUMSTANCES, BOX CONTENTS MAY VARY. FOR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS, SEE HEARSTMAGAZINES.CO.UK/TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS. £3.95 P&P NOT INCLUDED. PHOTOGRAPHY: BELL & BLOOD STUDIO. WORDS: LUCIE RUTTER

We are delighted to present Red’s latest edit of the beauty products worth their weight in gold; a box bursting at the seams with luxury elixirs, nourishing lotions, glow-boosting balms and comforting fragrance. Featuring 15 beauty stars (including seven full-sized favourites), worth £513, this limited-edition collection is yours for just £86

N

M

Contains two cult products worth more than £200 alone, plus our favourite must-haves…

M

Kate Somerville KateCeuticals™ Total Repair Cream, £110 M Avant Skincare Deluxe Hyaluronic Acid Vivifying Face & Eye Night Cream, £98 M REN Clean Skincare Evercalm™ Barrier Support Elixir, £44 M Vitabiotics Perfectil Platinum Collagen Skin Drink (10 bottles), £39.85 M EviDenS de Beauté The Night Recovery Solution, £30 M Shiseido ImperialLash MascaraInk, £27 M PIXI +Rose Essence Oil, £24 M Avène Tolérance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm®, £19.50 M Perricone MD High Potency Classics Face Finishing & Firming Moisturizer, £17 M Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment, £11.40 M HUDA Beauty Silk Balm Hydrating & Nourishing Lip Balm, £10.80 M Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, £10 M Commodity Milk, £10 M Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Rosegold, £7.93 M Shiseido Eudermine Revitalising Essence, £5.12 M Includes a 12-month digital subscription to Red magazine worth £47.88

BUY YOUR EXCLUSIVE RED BEAUTY STARS BOX NOW AT

hearstmagazines.co.uk/red-bb

EASILY SPLIT YOUR PURCHASE INTO THREE MONTHLY PAYMENTS WITH PAYPAL PAY IN 3

‘The river is the beating heart of my community’ he River Wharfe has been important to me all my life. I was born in the spa town of Ilkley and I played in the river with my friends. We’d spend hours there in the summer, trying to capsize each other off rubber rings, fishing for bullheads or just watching the wildlife – there were kingfishers and herons. It was idyllic. Growing up in Ilkley instilled a love of nature in me. When I was eight, my teacher wrote on my school report: ‘Karen just loves wildlife – she’s going to do something with that.’ Karen loved She was right. I began nature from working as a dog walker a young age and became active in Wharfedale Naturalists Society, which records wildlife across the Wharfe Valley. We worked alongside local

T As protecting our world becomes more important, we are launching a new series to champion those finding ways to help mother nature. First, we meet Karen Shackleton, 51, from Yorkshire, who is turning the tide on pollution in her local river Interview BELLA EVENNETT-WATTS

56

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

anglers to clear the area of the river from invasive plants such as Himalayan balsam, so wildflowers could thrive. I made lots of friends through the group, including one angler in particular, Steve Fairbourn. In 2018, Steve told me that he was catching more toilet paper and wet wipes than fish. The Environment Agency (EA) permits the release of untreated sewage into rivers after exceptional rainfall to stop sewage treatment plants being overloaded. But Steve said he had seen sewage discharged after 20 minutes of rainfall – hardly exceptional in Yorkshire! Steve and his wife, Kathleen, had been lobbying Yorkshire Water and the EA, but they were getting nowhere. The next time it rained, I went to see the problem for myself. The river was high and in full

I couldn’t sit back and do nothing

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Down to earth flow. A plume of sewage was gushing out with such force that it went straight across to the opposite bank and far downstream. It was, effectively, an open sewer. I was horrified. It was harming the wildlife, as when sewage breaks down it takes oxygen out of the water. It was very bad for the community as well. Families visit the river with children. There are open-water swimmers. There’s a fishing club. There are playing fields either side and a children’s park. There’s a riverside pub, where people drink and socialise. The river runs through the town. I could not sit back and watch this happen, knowing that wildlife could be wiped out and children wouldn’t be able to enjoy the river like I had. I’d never run a campaign or lobbied before, so I turned to other people for help. Professor Rebecca Maltby had saved Ilkley Lido from closure. I walked her dog, and when I told her what was happening, she was on board. She suggested a public meeting with Yorkshire Water and the EA.

PHOTOGRAPHY: YORKSHIRE POST/SWNS, GETTY

TAKING ACTION I established the Ilkley Clean River Group to spearhead change. Nobody knew what was happening to the river, but once we spread the word via Facebook and local radio and television channels, people were up in arms. Within weeks, it had become quite the scandal. No one wanted this on our doorstep. At the meeting, the EA said the water company was allowed to discharge sewage up to 40 times a year. Any more than that for three years consecutively and it would look at improving the sewage works. After that, five years of planning would take place, then another five years to do the necessary work. Probably 20 years before any change. We weren’t prepared to accept that. The key seemed to be to gather evidence to prove the sewage plant was discharging more than 40 times a year. Kathleen had requested the water company’s spill data through a Freedom of Information request. We discovered that in the past year, sewage had gone into our river for 112 days in a year – far more than allowed. I contacted an old friend, Professor Rick Battarbee, head of environmental change at University College London, and showed him pictures of what

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

sunny day. The river was full of people swimming and playing, still unaware of How you can help what was happening. make rivers cleaner I posted messages on Facebook, asking z
Visit ilkleycleanriver.uk for more if anyone had been ill after being in the resources, such as information on river. I heard that people had ended up in water testing and how to get bathing hospital on drips and kids missed exams, site status for a river near you. all because they’d been in the river. z
To find out how sewage pollutes In January 2021, our lobbying finally rivers in England and Wales, read paid off. The river was granted bathing the World Wildlife Foundation’s water site status – the first river in the Flushed Away report at wwf.org.uk. UK. Now, it is being tested weekly and z
For information on how to a sign is put up if it’s unsafe to swim. The take action to protect waterways, sewage infrastructure will be upgraded head to sas.org.uk. to clean up the river, too. We’re hoping it z
To report pollution (such as a spill sets a precedent. or something causing fish or wildlife Ilkley Clean River group is still going distress) in a canal or river near you, strong. The movement for clean rivers is visit canalrivertrust.org.uk. gathering momentum and more people are asking for help to protect them. was being discharged into the river. Freshwater life is as important as marine Appalled, he helped set up a citizen life. If we can protect our river, anyone can. science project to measure levels of y
A Yorkshire Water spokesperson says: ‘Bathing water status on the River Wharfe harmful E. coli bacteria, and compare it puts the focus on public health aspects of to the EA’s own readings. We managed river quality. We understand the interest to raise £10,000 to pay for testing at in the health of the River Wharfe and it an industry-standard laboratory. remains an issue that must be addressed The test showed that, at times, by a range of agencies working together. the water’s E. coli levels were more ‘Water companies have a key role to than 200 times the amount deemed play and we continue to invest over safe. We wanted action. So we applied and above existing investment plans in for bathing status for our part of the Ilkley and the surrounding area to make river. If we could show that people were improvements on our network to reduce going into the water, the EA would have its impact on water quality. Our work in to test it weekly to check it was safe. Ilkley is just a small part of our investment So, in the summer of 2020, volunteers in improving our region’s rivers. Between counted people paddling, playing and 2020 and 2025 we’re investing swimming. There were hundreds. almost £1bn, indicating our People were still unaware of the continued commitment to hazards. Early one morning, GET IN TOUCH improving water quality there was a tremendous Have you found a new thunderstorm. Rain was way to be more sustainable? in Yorkshire’s rivers.’ „ hammering down. I knew Or are you becoming more that sewage would have green? Share your stories at worthsharing@ entered the river. But by goodhousekeeping.co.uk mid-morning, it was a hot,

Residents were determined to clean up the river. Right: it used to be home to kingfishers

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

57

Personal journey

‘Babies bring

HOPE AND JOY’ have a Polaroid picture of my mother cuddling my daughter when she was just a few hours old. Jolande is wrapped up in a warm, soft bundle and my mum, Phyllis, is gazing lovingly at her. I was 21 and had just become a single mother. It was a difficult time and Mum offered me strength and support. It’s one of the last photos I have of Mum. She died when Jolande was just a few months old, so it’s all the more precious. Back then, I could have never imagined my future as it is now. I had so little and faced many setbacks, but I worked hard to turn my life around. Now, I have two wonderful adult children and I’ve found great happiness with my husband, Michael. I also get to do something I love every day: helping women through birth and early parenthood. My drive comes from my mum. When I was growing up in Birmingham, she worked incredibly hard as a nurse, looking after staff at a local factory. My dad, Ira, was a bus driver. They worked all hours to give me and my older brother, David, a happy childhood. But their shift patterns put pressure on their relationship. Small squabbles over mundane things such as chores often tumbled into stormy arguments.

I

Lorna’s treasured photo of her mum with her daughter

58

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

They divorced in 1984, when I was 16. Life was suddenly very different. David had already left home, and Mum and I moved into a rented flat. Money was tight and I’d watch Mum worry over how she’d make ends meet. I struggled to focus on studying for my O levels. I kept in touch with my brother, but my relationship with my dad was frayed.

LOVE AND LOSS I left school with decent grades and studied childcare at college, and then moved to London to work in a children’s home. Mum joined me and became a nurse at St Thomas’ hospital. In January 1989, when I was 20, I discovered I was pregnant. The father made it clear I was on my own. When I told Mum, she offered lots of emotional support. She was so excited for the baby to arrive. She knitted tiny clothes and even bought a huge pram. I suffered badly with morning sickness and Mum was throwing up a lot, too. We laughed about it at the time, imagining it was her body acting in sympathy with mine. But the sickness never stopped for her. When I was three months pregnant, she was diagnosed with carcinoma of the kidney, a type of cancer, which had spread everywhere. It was devastating. I was coming to terms with becoming a mother while worrying about losing my own mum. In August 1989, I went into labour nine weeks early. I was rushed to Lorna (right) and her children, Jolande St Thomas’ hospital. and Jadon, in 2014 Mum was still

working despite her illness. She was working when I went into labour, so I was on my own with no birthing partner to support me. Despite being premature, Jolande was thankfully healthy and weighed 3lb 12oz. Mum rushed over to the special care unit when she heard the news. Mum was a doting grandma, but time was running out. She became more frail by the day and died when Jolande was only four months old. I was lost without her. After taking maternity leave, I returned to the children’s home and took on extra agency shifts, stretching my pay cheques to support us both. When Jolande was three, I reconnected with a man I knew from my school days. We began dating and I became pregnant. I hoped things would be different, but by the time my son, Jadon, was born, the relationship was over. I decided to make a fresh start and moved back to Birmingham in 1994, when Jadon was one and Jolande five. I enrolled on an English and Education degree at university, with the aim of becoming a teacher. After Mum’s death, I’d rebuilt my relationship with my father. He looked after the children when I was studying and working two jobs to get by. I had very little money. Each week, I’d shop with the same grocery list, because I knew exactly how much it cost. We had no lavish things, but found ways to have fun, using parks and playgroups.

FINDING MY CALLING Those years were tough, but over time things became easier. Decades later, with my children grown up, my life looked very different. Rather than teaching, I was a deputy manager of a Sure Start Children’s Centre. I was part of a

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

WORDS: BELLA EVENNETT-WATTS. PHOTOGRAPHY: TIANNA J WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY, GETTY

After losing her mum and then raising her children alone, Lorna Phillip, 55, has been inspired to use her experiences to help new mums needing extra support

I worked hard to turn my life around Lorna winning her business award (above) and working with a pregnant mother (left)

meet-up group for Black professionals. I made lots of friends in the group, including Michael. I wasn’t looking for love, but I remember glancing at him across the table one night and thinking, ‘Actually, he’s very nice.’ That was in 2010, and we married three years later. Through my job, I met many single mums who were in the same position I’d been in all those years ago, struggling to get by. I held baby massage classes to help with bonding. There was always lots of chatter between the mothers, comparing their birth experiences. I was really shocked that most of their stories were tinged with sadness and disappointment. Often, they felt alone or unsupported by medical professionals. In 2012, I referred a young, single pregnant woman to a doula and saw the work that they do and the difference they make. Doulas are not healthcare professionals but are trained companions

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

who can help mums through childbirth and the first few weeks of parenthood. People often think doulas are only for privileged families, but they can be a good resource for any parent and support NHS hospital births and homebirths. I was looking for a change and so enrolled on a five-day intensive course to train as a doula, which covered areas such as birth physiology, active listening skills and breastfeeding. I had a mentor who guided me at the start. One of my first clients was a 15-year-old who was living in residential care. During her labour, she asked me to rub her feet. After her child was born safely, she told me that her mother used to rub her feet as a small child. She said that it was this comforting gesture that helped her through the labour. Weeks later, she surprised me with a plate full of home-cooked food. A new mum with no family, yet she’d still found

time to make me lunch to thank me. I was so taken aback by the gesture that I cried. There’s a lot of happiness in my work, but there are moments of sadness, too. Black mothers are up to five times more likely to die around the time of birth for various reasons. So for a lot of Black families, part of that joy is replaced with worry. I’ve set up a Facebook community called Black Mamas Birth Village. It’s a space for Black mothers to talk openly, without fear of judgement or intrusive questions. It opens up conversations that you can learn from, which you might not get from midwives or antenatal classes. I’ve witnessed more than 100 babies being born, including all four of my grandchildren. Babies bring hope and joy. Every birth is as much of an honour to attend as the last. I now mentor trainee doulas. I’ve been recognised as one of the Midlands’ most popular and well-respected doulas, and I was recently named Rising Star at the Black Owned Birmingham Business Awards. As doulas, our role is to work quietly in the background, so that recognition felt very special. I’ve come far since becoming a mother myself. Often, it helps to reflect on my journey when I tell a single mother, ‘I remember going through that, but I’m at peace now. Things can and do change.’ • blackmamasbirthvillage.co.uk „ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

59

Rosie Brooks has travelled the world for free as a competition winner and enjoyed some unexpected adventures. She shares the thrill of getting something for nothing eady, set, go!’ Standing on the deck of the brand new cruise ship, I pressed the large red button as instructed. A bottle of Champagne attached to a pulley swung into the side of the boat, smashing triumphantly. Claps and cheers followed, as well as sighs of relief – it’s unlucky if the bottle doesn’t break. As I watched the spray fade over the glistening surface of the Danube, I was struck by how bizarre and wonderful this moment was; it only

‘R 60

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

happened because I entered a competition to launch travel company TUI’s new river cruise ships. The two winners would not only launch the ships, they’d also be taken on cruises in order to ‘test’ all of the excursions. As a professional illustrator, I set about completing the application form by drawing illustrations of all the adventures I would have if I won. It must have stood out, as I am now officially a very proud nautical godmother – not something everyone can say! Ever since I can remember, I have

loved entering competitions. I can clearly remember the very first one I won as a child: a Blue Peter poster competition at school. The theme was the Tower of London, and the posters were displayed all over the underground network, which was such a thrill. From then on, I was hooked – and now, aged 42, I still have my Blue Peter badge! Competition entering – or ‘comping’ as it’s often called online – is a positive pastime for me. It’s relaxing, great for winding down from work and is a good antidote to the draining effect of

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good times

Rosie is a world traveller thanks to her comping hobby

endlessly scrolling social media. I never enter anything that costs money, so the only energy being used is time. For me, comping is a hobby – like sudokus, Wordle or crosswords are for other people, but with that tiny possibility of a phone call or email to say I’ve won something great.

HONEYMOON WITH A DIFFERENCE There are countless weekly and monthly competitions for restaurant and theatre vouchers. A few years ago, I even won an electric bike. However, the holiday competitions are undoubtedly my favourite. In the past 15 years, I have won trips to Cuba, Toronto, Berlin, New York and Abu Dhabi. The benefit of being freelance means I am able to take up holidays and prizes at short notice. As long as I have my laptop, I can stay on top of my illustration business. One of the most amazing holidays I’ve won was a two-week luxury trip to Brazil, including a stay in a five-star hotel on Copacabana Beach and a helicopter ride around the Christ the Redeemer statue. I had always wanted to visit South America, but being freelance and doing all I could to make ends meet meant there was no way I could have saved up for a trip like that. The whole adventure was even more magical because it came out of the blue during a particularly bleak January. Twelve years ago, I won a honeymoon to Mauritius through the Evening Standard. It was literally just a question

of emailing in my details – and I’m very glad I did! As I didn’t have a groom, I decided to take my mum. The hotel thought it was really funny, and their enthusiasm when greeting us every morning made us feel like royalty – plus we had the pool and beach pretty much to ourselves all day, as everyone else was off canoodling in their luxury huts! Some of my friends think I was born under a lucky star, but I think it is just a question of patience. Sometimes I will go for a few months with no luck, while another time I won three holidays in the space of a fortnight. Many online competitions just need your name, email and contact details – it couldn’t be easier. With the cost-of-living crisis affecting us all, comping feels all the more positive. To win a prize for free is a thrilling feeling, and it has the element of surprise thrown in. Competitions run all year round – some are open for months and others as little as an hour, so it is definitely worth looking out for the ones that are about to close. Once you really get into it, it genuinely gets to the stage where you can think: ‘It’s been a while since I won something – I wonder what I shall win next!’ I’ve had friends who have given up after a month of not winning anything, but it is worth persevering. The more you enter, the higher your chances of success are. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone with patience. And who knows, maybe one day you, too, could become a cruise ship godmother? • Follow Rosie on Instagram @rosiebrooksillustration

WORDS: ROSIE BROOKS. PHOTOGRAPHY: STOCKSY/LUMINA

Friends say I was born under a lucky star

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

‘Think positive and have fun’ Rosie shares the secrets of her competition success. Do your research. The new weekly competitions run by magazines, newspapers and countless brands are updated on several online websites and communities dedicated to comping. The main websites that seem to be the most up to date, which are all free to join are: loquax.co.uk forums.moneysavingexpert.com/ categories/competitions-time rosemaryandporkbelly.co.uk/ holiday-competitions. Keep your eyes peeled. Many competitions are only open for a few days, so checking in regularly to catch these is definitely worthwhile. A lot of them also close at the end of the month, so doing a sweep on the final day of the month is always fun. The more complicated the entry process, the greater the chance of winning. Many people will get bored with the ones with too many questions, so aim for competitions that involve quizzes, voting and writing. Anything that takes a bit of extra time is worth the effort. Think positive and have fun! As long as you aren’t doing any of the competitions that cost to enter, the only thing you have to lose is time. If you see it as a hobby, the wins are an amazing potential perk. „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

61

Reader offers

FANTASTIC DEALS FOR YOU! 20% off at Bramley

FEW BRANDS CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF THE GREAT BRITISH COUNTRYSIDE AS WELL AS BRAMLEY. To start with, there’s the floral illustrations on its packaging, but all Bramley products are also manufactured sustainably in the UK and the company is committed to supporting British charities such as Plantlife. The bath and body collection is perfect for hunkering down with through winter – one capful of its Bath Salts, £18, under a hot, running tap will ease aching muscles and fill the tub with a soul-soothing scent, and Bramley Body Wash, £16, creates skin-softening bubbles. The brand also offers a covetable range of home scents, including a fresh-smelling Home Candle, £28, and the Uplifting Room Diffuser, £30 – use our exclusive discount and place the diffuser in your hallway to welcome you home.

Bramley bath and body collection, from £4

HOW TO CLAIM Visit goodhousekeeping.com/uk/offersfeb23 for your exclusive 20% discount code to use on full-price items at bramleyproducts.co.uk. TERMS & CONDITIONS This offer runs from the 15 December 2022 to 15 March 2023. This offer can only be used at bramleyproducts.co.uk and cannot be exchanged for a cash alternative or used in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes compostable refill pouches and Wave of Light Charity Candle. Open to UK residents only.

20% off at Peacocks FASHION STAPLES ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF ANY CONTEMPORARY WARDROBE, and this is the perfect time of year to invest in timeless, wear-on-repeat pieces. If you want to update your basics, look no further than Peacocks for smartly priced staples, including elevated knitwear, wear-everywhere

Trench, £42; jeans, £25, both 8-24; T-shirt, £14, 8-22

62

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

tailored trousers, luxe-looking loungewear and versatile, polished blazers. We adore Louise Redknapp’s Spring Edit collection (modelled by her, left), which is full of beautiful basics such as the perfect white shirt, day-to-night denim and a hero trench, which, like all lifelong friends, will never let you down.

HOW TO CLAIM To receive your exclusive 20% discount code, visit goodhousekeeping.com/uk/offersfeb23 and follow the instructions. You can redeem your discount online at peacocks.co.uk or in store from 15 December 2022 until 2 February 2023. TERMS & CONDITIONS Offer valid from 15 December 2022 until 2 February 2023. To redeem your discount, visit goodhousekeeping.com/uk/offersfeb23 and enter your name and email address. You will be emailed a valid discount code to use in store or at peacocks.co.uk. Offer applies to full-price products only. Excludes gift cards, concessions and electricals. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No substitutions or cash equivalents. Limited to one use per customer. Valid online and in store „

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

GH BEAUTY BEAUTY THAT WORKS FROM THOSE WHO KNOW

TREAT YOURSELF

This month’s good advice from beauty director Eve Cameron

Because a new fragrance can do more than simply smell gorgeous…

z A neurosensorial study showed the carefully chosen notes in Estée Lauder Oasis Dawn EDP, £138, could evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation. z Designed with perimenopause in mind, Abel Pause EDP, £100, features natural extracts to help alleviate anxiety, boost memory and encourage better sleep. z Seaweed and salt are among the olfactory notes used by The Nue Co in Water Therapy, £85, to trigger the sense of calm experienced near blue spaces such as the ocean and waterfalls.

Let’s touch base For a real-skin finish that’s glowy but never greasy, this foundation includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and texture-refining mandelic acid. Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Care & Glow, £35

Lighter than the brand’s original CC+ Cream, with a skin-flattering medium coverage, here the emphasis is on brightening, thanks to the inclusion of niacinamide.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GALLERY STOCK

IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow, £36 (from 15 February)

A brilliant buy for the breakout-prone, this soothes as it clears with pore-unblocking salicylic acid. Coverage is comfortable and buildable. Oxygenetix Blemish Control Foundation, £55

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

THE A-LIST I’m a fan of retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) for their pore-refining, hyperpigmentationtackling, collagen-stimulating abilities, so I’m sharing my pick of retinoid-containing newcomers. First up, Caroline Hirons Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 and 2, £65 and £75: both contain hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), which, unlike most other retinoids (retinol for instance), doesn’t need to be converted into retinoic acid in the skin to be useful. It’s also less irritating. The number 2 serum has been made stronger with the addition of retinal. Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum, £89, contains HPR alongside retinol, plus an ingredient that boosts their powers, and results may be seen in as little as two weeks. And lastly, although retinoids are also acne fighters, often the base formulations they come in cause breakouts. That’s why dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams has created Delo Rx – The Youth Matrix Activator, £165, with low levels of oils and without silicones,

both of which can be problematic for breakout-prone skin. It’s expensive but, if budget allows, a sound investment. „ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

63

When times are tough, it’s the simple pleasures that can help you feel and look lovelier. These are our favourite rescue remedies…

Good looks

Wear a happy colour Applying a vibrant, cheerful lipstick is one of the swiftest mood lifters, and our shopping habits are reflecting this. Towards the end of 2022, sales of red lipstick were up 41% year-on-year* – a phenomenon known as the ‘lipstick index’, whereby sales of lipstick soar inversely to a shrinking economy. Why? Well, a new lipstick is a relatively inexpensive way to deliver a little dopamine hit. But there’s a simple logic to it, too: ‘A bright lipstick can literally light up a person’s complexion, which can also lift their mood,’ explains makeup artist turned psychotherapist Lee Pycroft. ‘It can have a knock-on effect on everything from your wellbeing to how you behave in social situations.’ And 2023’s new shades and finishes offer more versatility than ever. Glide-on, gorgeous, glossy, grown-up candy pink. Ruby Hammer Lip Serum Balm in Pink, £18

A balm-blended brick red. Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick in French Touch, £28.50

A silky texture in muted pink. Givenchy Le Rouge Interdit Intense Silk Luminous Colour lipstick in 227, £31.50

For those who want their pop of colour with a sheer finish. Jones Road The Lip Tint in Just Peachy, £26

Soak it up In recent years, many of us have reconnected with rituals, be that daily walks, cooking or looking after our skin more mindfully. And few rituals can be more instantly happy-making than the humble bath. There are, however, ways to make it not-so humble and more of a significant source of bliss and wellbeing, with bonus beautifying benefits. Try the following… SAY YES TO SALTS ‘Bathing with mineral salts can help move along the body’s own cleansing processes,’ explains Penny Hamilton, co-founder of Westlab. ‘Epsom salts, for instance, ease aches and detox the body thanks to magnesium, which is involved in the relaxation of muscles, and sulphate, which flushes out the muscles’ toxins.’ By bathing for 20 minutes in an Epsom salt bath two to three times a week, the body absorbs and boosts its levels of these minerals, in which many of us are deficient, according to Verdant Alchemy founder Vivien Leung. And the benefits are clear. ‘I find people start to feel more relaxed, their sleep is improved and they generally feel better in themselves,’ says Vivien. MASTER A MINI MASSAGE Applying body oil to warm, damp skin will help it seep in, and doing so with massage movements will not only leave your skin glowing but your body feeling more supple, too. Try Ishga Muscle Recovery Oil, £39,

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

a mix of pure essential oils that increases circulation and aids muscle recovery, or Soak Sunday’s uplifting Midnight Storm Botanical Bath & Body Oil, £14. Then, says founder of the Massage4Mental Health campaign Hayley Snishko, consider pressure. ‘Start lightly and slowly increase until it’s firmer but comfortable,’ she explains. ‘To massage your legs, make long, firm, stroking motions alongside gentle “wringing” ones with both hands from the ankle up, and past the knee. Then come up to the abdomen and make clockwise circular motions. Follow this with some gentle sliding movements from side to side and finish with upward strokes, then downward ones.’ For your head and neck, Hayley suggests making circular movements with your fingertips over the temples and then into the scalp. And if this is a pre-bedtime bath, finish by dabbing Sanctuary Spa Wellness Solutions Sleep Balm, £15, on pulse points and temples. Its fragrance has been shown to help you fall asleep faster and for longer. Sweet-smelling essential oils mixed with magnesium-rich Himalayan salts. Verdant Alchemy Ascent Himalayan Bath Salts, £26

To soothe muscles. Westlab Reviving Epsom Bath Salt, £5.50

Infused with upcycled rose petals for floral fragrance. UpCircle Bath Salts with Epsom, Sea And Himalayan Pink Salt, £19.99

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

65

Good looks

Cosseting creams If the concept of hygge were translated into skincare, these are the formulas that would nail it. A comforting, cocooning hug for the skin, these tactile, barrier-bolstering balms not only offer on-the-spot relief to dry, winter-irritated skin, but also bring something extra – be that a texture so soothing it makes you emit a little sigh of delight, or a carefully thought-out, smile-inducing scent. Here are the cosy creams we love.

FOR FACE

FOR BODY

All the benefits of the original cult cream, but with added rose extract for its intensely soothing, skin-calming properties. Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Marine Cream, £94

Packed with complexionquenching polyglutamic acid, alongside ceramides for plump, lusciouslooking skin. Coats Triple Moisture Water Cream, £25 This silk-infused dream cream gives an extra oomph to your routine and is worth the investment if budget allows. Sensai Comforting Barrier Mask, £139

A featherlight, dewy pleasure to apply, yet powerfully healing, too. Makes skin look juicy and hydrated. Scientia Ceramide Skin Rescue Moisture Barrier Balm, £28 You’ll love the results of this indulgent cream, which leaves skin firm and glowing. Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream, £63

66

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

A spa-like smell and muscle-easing magnesium meet in this new lotion, a little of which goes a long way. Alexandra Kay Time To Restore Magnesium, Red Algae & CB2-Skin Lotion, £38 Thick yet swift to absorb, this helps boost filaggrin, the skin’s own barrierprotecting protein. Nursem Ultra Caring Body Balm, £29.99

The smart tech in this lovely lightweight lotion helps the skin produce its own ceramides from within to support barrier function. Dove Derma Series Replenishing Body Lotion, £15

FOR HANDS

The most luxurious, creamy vanilla scent combined with rich shea butter, vitamin E and lanolin for a full-on moisture hit. Lanolips Lano Vanilla Hand Cream Intense, £8.99

For extra skin softening, use the fingerless gloves to lock in all the mask’s collagen-boosting goodness. Margaret Dabbs Pure Overnight Hand Mask, £30, and Luxury Treatment Gloves, £10

FOR ANYWHERE AND EVERYWHERE Many big things in one tiny tin: crammed with nourishing oils and waxes that soothe everything from chafed hands to chapped lips. Weleda Calendula All Purpose Balm, £7.95

Full of complexionloving lipids, this quick-absorbing balm works all over and really is a skin-rescuing mini miracle. Drunk Elephant Wonderwild Miracle Butter, £33

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

These balms are a comforting, cocooning hug

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

67

Heaven scent It’s called aromatherapy for a reason: countless studies have proven the positive effects smells can have on the mind and, as a result, mood. ‘Research is increasingly supporting the link between essential oils and mental health,’ explains Jo Kellett, aromatherapist and essential oils expert at Tisserand. ‘This is because when we smell something, it interacts with the part of our brain responsible for our emotions, meaning the right scent can improve our sense of wellbeing.’ A recent study showed, for instance, that inhaling lavender and citrus oils reduced symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder, while other studies have shown essential oils to help with everything from aiding sleep to reducing cortisol levels and even restoring

Browsing with benefits A trip to a beauty counter is always one of life’s little (or, we think, rather big) pleasures, but that needn’t be because you’ve gone hard on the retail therapy. Many top beauty brands have their skilled teams poised to offer complimentary makeup tutorials, mini makeovers and massages, express facials and skin and scent decoding, all of which are geared towards, very simply, making you walk out feeling better than you walked in. Feel good for free with… CHARLOTTE TILBURY for the Glow + Go Facial – a 15-minute facial at selected counters during which you’ll be shown expert tips for plumper-looking, glowy skin via the ‘Tilbury Tap’ technique. BOOTS for the No7 Pro Derm Scan – a dermatologistgrade diagnostic tool that closely examines your skin, followed by an explanation of the results and advice. ORIGINS for the Feel Good Facial at selected stores – a whole 45 glorious minutes of customised skin pampering, designed to uplift all the senses. BOBBI BROWN for various mini makeup masterclasses at selected counters – the 20-minute Fill In Your Brows or Easy Smokey Eyes and the 30-minute Look Less Tired tutorials are particularly good. ESTÉE LAUDER for the 40-minute Ultimate Night-time Beauty service – a custom-skincare mini facial for a night in, and/or makeup techniques for a night out. CLARINS for the Hand & Arm Massage – a 10-minute treat for hardworking hands – or the 15-minute Feel Good Moment, a personalised express facial. JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS for its beauty consultations, which can be booked to take place in-store or virtually. Take your time to quiz its expert beauty partners (who are not affiliated with any brand) on anything and everything skincare, makeup and fragrance.

68

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

memory function. ‘When we start to align a scent with a positive habit, positive change can follow,’ says Christina Salcedas, global director of education at Aromatherapy Associates. ‘For example, if you use a specific essential oil at bedtime on a regular basis, then your brain will begin to associate that smell with relaxation, self-care and sleep.’ One of the most effective and consistent ways to reap the joyous benefits of essential oils is by scenting your environment, otherwise known as scentscaping, via a diffuser. If you like the idea of steam diffusion – whereby heated water is used to disperse a fine, scented mist around a room, which tends to require only a few drops of oil – Tisserand’s Aroma Spa Diffuser, £42, will keep a steady stream going for up to five hours. The diffuser simultaneously glows with a carefully

WORDS: FLEUR FRUZZA. PHOTOGRAPHY: CAMERA PRESS/FUR SIE/JALAG. *THE NPD GROUP

Good looks chosen spectrum of soft lights, selected for their chronotherapeutic (colour therapy) benefits. For a waterless option (and often stronger emission of scent), nebuliser diffusers convert the essential oil directly into vapour. Neom’s nebulising Wellbeing Pod Mini, £50, used with the brand’s tranquil Real Luxury Essential Oil Blend, £20, is great, not least because once charged, it’s so compact you can even pop it in your car. For this same technology in larger spaces, Aromatherapy Associates The Atomiser, £120, is a beautiful vase-like vessel that disperses oils such as the limited-edition Winter Wellbeing Pure Essential Oil, £25, or the new Essential Oil Blends Collection, £60, a trio of scents formulated for varied moments of wellbeing – from reviving to relaxing – throughout the day.

Scentscaping on the go Aromatherapeutic benefits needn’t be limited to within four walls… Use this discreet steam diffuser for 60 seconds (with the Time To Smile Essential Oil, £20) whenever you need a reset. Alexandra Kay Time To Inhale Handheld Diffuser, £20

This cute, compact diffuser absorbs oils (such as MĀ’s sunnysmelling citrus medley Vitality, £32) in a sustainably portable way. MĀ Natural Wood Diffuser, £19

PICK OF THE PICK-ME-UPS From transformative makeup to a familiar fragrance, GH’s beauty team share their joy-sparkers…

Eve Cameron, BEAUTY DIRECTOR Anything that makes my skin look more even-toned makes me happy; cue Bare Minerals’ classic Original Liquid Mineral Concealer, £24. It covers redness, pigmentation spots and blemishes beautifully, without sinking into lines and pores or looking cakey.

Alexandra Friend, SENIOR BEAUTY EDITOR I give away a lot of L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil, £19.50, for people to test, but now and again I have to keep a bottle for myself. It’s the silkiest body wash with the most delicious smell; I’ve been using it for over 10 years and it still feels like a huge treat.

Fleur Fruzza, BEAUTY EDITOR Shiseido’s Ultimune Power Infusing Hand Cream, £25, always puts a smile on my face. It’s marvellous at relieving dry hands and its green floral scent has, according to the brand, been formulated to ‘inspire calmness and feelings of optimism for the future’.

Rosie Fitzmaurice,

An instant, relaxing boost in a lavender and chamomile spray mist. Skin & Tonic Calm Mood Mist, £21

While hyaluronic hydrates the lips, anxiety-relieving marjoram and juniper oils sit right under your nose to induce calm. Athletia Lip Oil Essence, £18

ACTING BEAUTY EDITOR Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, from £65, is my ‘comfort scent’. I always return to its ultra-feminine, happy-making notes of jasmine and rose, enveloped in musk and peppered with zingy citrus. A few spritzes can lift any mood for me, leaving me feeling instantly more energised.

Phoebe Lee, BEAUTY WRITER Some well-placed Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pot blusher, £27, is the best way I know to lift spirits and perk up tired skin. It can be blended using fingers to create a finish that’s satisfyingly luminous on eyes and lips as well as cheeks.

Becky Topping, BEAUTY INTERN The extra warmth and vitality that the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, £29, gives my face makes me feel amazing – it almost tricks my brain into thinking that I’ve been away on holiday, which puts a spring in my step and is much needed at this time of year. „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

69

Chef and presenter of Great British Menu Andi Oliver shares her love of skincare, punk and poetry My mother saw beauty as an energy. For her, it was about the impact you made when you walked into a room, so I grew up with that in mind. She also always said that the most beautiful thing about a woman is her neck and back; she thought that’s where elegance is and that the rest is window dressing! I grew up as a Black girl in England in the 1970s, and because the beauty pages of mainstream magazines didn’t have any Black or biracial girls in them at the time, I never really felt part of anything – like I was outside of beauty norms. But then, luckily for me, punk happened, and punk said: ‘Who gives a damn? Hey, why don’t you dip your hair in a bucket of red paint? Or paint your

with Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, £6.99 (12). I don’t use foundation; I’ll just add a little bit of blush from my Sleek MakeUp Blush By 3 Palette, £9.99 (6), some Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss in Natural Beige, £9.99 (7), and I’m done. I first shaved my hair off in my punk days. I just got really fed up with it. My hair breaks easily, it’s very fragile and takes a lot of maintaining. So, one night before a gig (I was in the band Rip Rig + Panic), I was moaning about it to my friend and bandmate Neneh [Cherry], and she said to me: ‘Oh my

face however you want – loads of makeup, none at all, whatever you feel like!’ And I think that was very empowering for young women – to not have to conform to rigid ideas of what was thought of as beautiful. During that period, I would wear a lot of black eyeliner. I’d been wearing it since I was about 13 – and I still do! When I wear makeup, it’s all about the eyes. I love Maybelline Master Kajal Eyeliner, £6 (2), or the Pat McGrath Labs Legendary Wear Velvet Kohl Eyeliner, £26 (13) – which is great for my allergy-prone eyes – and I wear it

When I wear makeup, it’s all about the eyes

4 1

2

6 5 13

11 12

3 7 9

10

8

70

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

AS TOLD TO: FLEUR FRUZZA. PHOTOGRAPHY: BBC

Good looks

God, either shave it off or shut up!’ So we went to Boots, bought a Bic razor, and shaved it off! Today, as far as scalp care goes, I use the same on my head as I do on my face – a pure vitamin E oil, and Palmer’s Cocoa Butter, £3.70 (11), which I’ve been using for 40 years. I use it on my face, on my scalp, on my body, on everything! I used to suffer from eczema, so when I’m not working, I keep my skincare pretty simple.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

When I am working, I’m wearing a lot of makeup for long periods. My amazing makeup artist Kellie Licorish (who has become like family) has a strict skincare routine for me that includes diligent prep and removal – she looks after my skin beautifully. We use Weleda Skin Food, £13.50 (3) and Simple Kind To Skin Soothing Eye Balm, £5 (9), as pre-makeup fixes. If my skin needs a bit of extra hydration, we go for the Rodial Bee Venom Moisturiser,

£105 (10). To cleanse, Kellie starts with Bioderma Sensibio H2O Makeup Removing Micelle Solution, £11 (5), as a general clean-up of the skin and eyes, followed by a lovely hydrating cleanser such as Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil, £33 (8). I love oils, so I like to follow this with something like Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil, from £45 (1), and for daytime I like Sunday Riley CEO Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream, £60 (4). One thing that’s really important for my physical and mental health is being able to cook for myself. When I’m filming Great British Menu, rather than staying in a hotel, I rent a little cottage 15 minutes from the studio. This means I can make my own meals that I’ll take with me to work. I also have my Peloton bike there – I do half an hour of exercise on it every morning – which means I can take control of my environment. Basically, it allows me to do all the things that I need to do to keep myself sane and on track! On the subject of wellness, I’ve tried hypnotherapy. It was to help with the anxiety that emerged as a symptom of menopause. It was a brand new feeling for me; obviously I’d been anxious before in my life, but this roving, roaming anxiety seemingly about nothing was different. It felt horrible – like a constant churning in my gut. So I started doing some clinical hypnotherapy, which is a bit like guided meditation, and found that it really helped me. As a young woman, there was a lot going against me. But my friends and I took our fire and bravado and kept going. I feel such pride as I look at the girls that we were and the women we’ve become. At this point in my life, I feel liberated: like I inhabit my own skin. I have the right to take up space; I have the right to be here, and that feels truly beautiful. In the words of Maya Angelou: ‘Pretty women wonder where my secret lies / I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size / But when I start to tell them / They think I’m telling lies / I say / It’s in the reach of my arms / The span of my hips / The stride of my step / The curl of my lips / I’m a woman / Phenomenally / Phenomenal woman / That’s me.’ y
Andi’s debut cook book, The Pepperpot Diaries, is available for preorder now, and will be out April 2023 „ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

71

Good health

Step into the new year with our guide to walking, jogging and running, whether you’re an exercise newbie or have a half-marathon in sight Words CHLOE GRAY

ou’ll know by now that moving more is good for you – and running is routinely proven to be one of the best ways to do it. A great form of cardio, it also counts as resistance training, so it will help you maintain muscle and improve your metabolism. Research links the activity with everything from improved gut health – with 30-60 minutes of running shown to increase ‘good’ bacteria in the gut – to better immunity, reducing your chances of catching viruses. It also improves heart health – a review in the British Journal Of Sports Medicine found that running for any length of time, and at any speed, is associated with a 30% lower risk of early death from heart and circulatory conditions. But running can be polarising. While some are evangelical about pounding the pavements every morning, you wouldn’t be alone if you avoid it due to worries about injuries and technique, or believing you don’t fit the ‘runner’ stereotype. ‘Virtually every woman who is

Y

reluctant to start running tells me it’s because they’re not sporty,’ says Mel Bound, a sports physiologist and founder of running community This Mum Runs. ‘But when they stop seeing running as a punishment and start to see it as “me-time”, giving themselves space away from doing things for other people, it almost becomes meditative.’ The good news is that it’s not too late to start reaping the benefits. Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine studied people in their 50s for more than 20 years, and found that those who ran in mid- to later life were less likely to die from cardiovascular, neurological and progressive illnesses and had lower rates of disability. What’s more, outdoor activity is one of the cheapest, most accessible forms of exercise you can do (no gym membership necessary). So why not make this the year you move more? We’re here to guide you through every step of your running journey – whether you’re a complete beginner looking to ease in gently, or a seasoned pro hoping to set some big goals. Ready, set, go…

It’s not too late to start reaping the benefits

72

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

WALK THIS WAY You must learn to walk before you can run, as the old adage goes. So if you’re a total novice, amping up your walking routine is a great starting block. ‘Walking has huge benefits to your heart and metabolism,’ says Professor Marie Murphy, chair of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh. ‘People who do enough walking on a regular basis have a lower risk of disease and mortality. Essentially, walkers live longer and they live better.’ Research shows that walking just 3,800 steps a day can reduce the risk of dementia by 25%, while a study of more than 15,000 walkers found a similar benefit to blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes to that seen in runners.

10,000 steps: fact or fiction? If you wear a fitness tracker, you’ve probably set this as a standard target. But 10,000 isn’t a science-backed recommendation – the figure began as a marketing campaign for a Japanese pedometer in the 1960s and somehow stuck. Research has shown that any

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

reduction in mortality rate tends to plateau at around 7,500 steps a day. That said, the more you move, the more calories you’ll burn, so aim higher if you’re hoping to lose weight.

All about the pace Rather than focusing on the number of steps you take, experts recommend that you aim to increase your pace. Generally, it’s thought that walking at 3-4mph is best for your health, but it depends on your physiology and fitness level. ‘Walk like you’re late – your heart rate should rise, but you should be able to hold a conversation as you walk,’ says Professor Amanda Daley, director of the Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour at Loughborough University.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Choose tricky terrain Moving more muscles at a time also increases the body’s demand for oxygen and energy, burning more calories and improving fitness. ‘Nordic walking, where you pull and push poles as you walk, can be effective for that, as you’ll start engaging your upper body,’ explains Professor Murphy. But because some of the biggest muscles in the body are found in the lower half, you can get more burn for your buck by working them harder. So, try walking up challenging inclines to engage the glutes and quads, before walking downhill to target the hamstrings.

WALK WITH… z THE SHOES Women’s Waterproof Mountain Hiking Shoes MH500, £59.99, Decathlon

AP

P R O V E D 20 2 3

z THE SOCKS Lululemon Power Stride, £15, lululemon.co.uk

z THE FITNESS TRACKER Fitbit Inspire 2, £45.99, John Lewis & Partners

AP

P R O V E D 20 2 3

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

73

JOG ALONG If you’re already a seasoned walker, now’s the time to take baby steps into the running world. Jogging is lower intensity than running and typically considered to be 6mph or slower. This will vary between different people, so aim for a self-perceived exertion of five or six out of 10. Slow and steady can win the race: an American study found that 5-10min a day of low-intensity jogging can be enough to extend life by several years.

Find a friend

Jog the dog Proud canine owner? CaniCross, a sport in which you run with your dog harnessed to your waist, is becoming increasingly DID YOU KNOW? popular. You can do it for Your breasts can move fun, or enter races like 8cm in each direction when CaniX, a community you run, and wearing the event that spans right sports bra can boost beginner and stride length by about 4cm, dog-friendly distances shaving up to a mile of of 2k and 5k. ‘Our largest extra steps off the length group of runners at any of a marathon!* event is women over 50,’ says race director Dawn Crook-Richards. ‘Being one myself, I think this is because it’s a great way to maintain good health as we age, while having the security and company of jogging with a dog. Your dog is always happy and available to go, and doesn’t care if you’re fast or slow.’ Sign up at canix.co.uk.

Having an accountability partner is always a good idea when starting something new. ‘The loyalty to a friend, knowing that if you don’t go then they won’t go, is a big motivator,’ says Professor Murphy, who found a friend at her local running club. If you can, find a partner who jogs at your speed. ‘You don’t want to feel under pressure to keep up with someone or, worse, that you are hanging back below a comfortable pace,’ she says. Avoiding injury is key if you want to But don’t let that stop you from jog regularly, and this means protecting asking your already-active friends for your joints. ‘Doing mobility exercises help – last year, American that push your joints past their scientists found that TIP normal range of motion is socialising with fit friends Discomfort is particularly beneficial,’ encouraged people expected, but pain is says Susie Chan, a to move more. a problem. Stop if you running coach and have any sensation Peloton treadmill that feels sharp, instructor. Find brilliant (and free) guided mobility unexpected or exercises on YouTube sudden. – search for yoga teacher Shona Vertue’s 15-minute Warm Up & Mobility For Runners.

Protect your joints!

Think ‘time on feet’ Forget distance and speed: set yourself a ‘movement goal’ – whether it’s for 10 minutes or an hour – and aim to keep putting one foot in front of the other for that length of time. The idea is that before you can start setting goals like a 30min 5k run, you need to be comfortable simply moving for half an hour – regardless of whether you walk for some of it.

74

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

JOG WITH… z THE APP This Mum Runs: a free, complete programme to take you from being someone who has never jogged before to a pro who can keep moving for 30 minutes. Download from your app store.

z THE PODCAST Well Far: The Running Podcast with Women’s Health digital editor Amy Lane. Download from Apple Podcasts, Google Play or Spotify

z THE SPORTS BRA Shock Absorber Active Shaped Support Sports Bra, £40, John Lewis & Partners

AP

P R O V E D 20 2 3

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good health

Train your muscles ‘Running is considered to be a form of resistance training,’ says Susie Chan. ‘But strength training alongside running will help build strong legs that push you forward and withstand injury.’ So add exercises like glute bridges, reverse lunges and clamshells into your routine. Fitness app Fiit has hundreds of follow-along workouts, including a strength training for runners series, from £7.99 a month (fiit.tv).

When the going gets tough… If you can’t face pulling on your trainers, or want to give up midway through, think like an athlete: many use a tool known as ‘functional imagery training’. Rather than thinking about the task itself, picturing yourself benefiting from the run has been shown to help even ‘non-runners’ get through a 50k ultramarathon. Try picturing the post-run high, or your family’s faces at the finishing line.

WORDS: CHLOE GRAY. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY. *SOURCE: THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH’S RESEARCH GROUP IN BREAST HEALTH

RUN, READER, RUN!

RUN WITH… z THE PLAYLIST

Want to take training more seriously or work towards a big goal? Upping your running schedule can be hard, but isn’t impossible. According to Yale University research, marathon runners aged over 50 improved their performance more quickly than younger runners. You’ll be crossing that finish TIP line before you know it!

Switch it up

To build fitness more quickly, vary both distance and speed, says Mel Bound. She advises three runs a week: an ‘easy’ session of 30-40min at a slow and steady pace; then one focusing on distance to build endurance, starting with 40min of running and Support your body’s increasing slowly; and adaptation to training finally, an interval session by increasing your to build strength and distance by a maximum speed (sprint up a hill, of 10% each week, then walk down, or rather than jumping intersperse fast bursts with straight to 10k. slower jogs). On days off, do The impact of running some light yoga, focusing on means a force of up to the lower body, and gentle walks. four times your body weight

Running shoes: find your fit

hits your joints every time you strike the floor. As well as building a strong body that can withstand the weight, the right shoes will help absorb some of that impact. Book a free gait analysis in-store at Runner’s Need (runnersneed.com) to find your perfect pair.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

‘Retro Running’ on Spotify

z THE APP Nike Run Club offers guided runs for every step of your journey, from jogging for 20min to training for a marathon

z THE LEGGINGS AP P R O V E D 20 2 3 Mountain Warehouse Power Patterned HighWaisted Leggings, £18.99, Amazon

Fuel right Perimenopause and menopause change your nutritional needs, says sports dietitian Renee McGregor. ‘Declining oestrogen levels mean you become more dependent on carbohydrates for fuel,’ she says. ‘Exercise also increases the need for carbs, so eat enough to support your body.’ As you age, maintaining muscle mass gets harder, so your protein requirements increase, too. Eat a serving of protein with every meal to help your muscles recover after tough training sessions. Meat is a good source, but dairy, pulses, grains, nuts, seeds and meat alternatives like Quorn or tofu all count.

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

75

Good health

Join the Where’s Wally FUN RUN Run 1k, 5k or 10k dressed as the famous striped explorer to raise money for the National Literacy Trust ave you ever thought about how important communication, reading and writing skills are to everyday life? Without them, we would struggle to engage with the world around us and get on in life. But over a quarter of children leave primary school without being able to read well for their age, which will have a huge effect on the rest of their lives. The National Literacy Trust works in areas with the highest levels of socio-economic disadvantage and the lowest literacy levels to help young people change their life stories. The Where’s Wally Fun Run is an annual event in which families, runners and dog walkers (and their dogs) can dress up as Wally and run, walk, hop and skip to raise money for the National Literacy Trust. You can join in by yourself, with your dog, with your family or as part of a team. The event will be held in London but you can take part by running in your local area, wherever you are. And the best bit? Every registered runner will be sent a Where’s Wally outfit to wear on the day.

H

Register now to join the Where’s Wally Fun Run on 26 March

Good Housekeeping is proud to support the Where’s Wally Fun Run as part of a new partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023, the charity has helped more than 2m children and families from disadvantaged backgrounds. Its work is more urgent now than ever before, with the long-term effects of the lockdown disruption to education becoming apparent as having disproportionately affected children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, says: ‘It’s so exciting to see our Where’s Wally Fun Run reach this 10-year milestone! Over the years, thousands of supporters have raised vital funds to help children and their families discover the joy of reading and develop lifelong literacy skills. We are delighted to have the support of Good Housekeeping readers and can’t wait to see everyone running in their stripes.’

The 10th Anniversary Where’s Wally Fun Run will take place on Sunday 26 March 2023 at Battersea Park in London. For more information and to register, visit literacytrust.org.uk/ whereswally and you’ll receive exclusive perks, including a Where’s Wally outfit, a collectible medal and advice on how to fundraise with friends, family and colleagues. You’ll also get Fun for all a digital sneak peek at Wally’s next adventure in Where’s Wally: Monster Hunt, and a limited the family! number of copies of Where’s Wally: Paper Pandemonium will be given away on the day itself. If you’re not able to make it to Battersea Park, you can still register and run or walk in your local area in your full Where’s Wally stripes. You won't be alone – there will be runners up and down the country! „

76

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS O’DONOVAN/ NATIONAL LITERACY TRUST

WHERE TO FIND WALLY

ADD A TOUCH OF NATURAL LUXURY WITH BAMBOO BLINDS Affordable, versatile and practical, the new range of bamboo Venetian blinds from the House Beautiful Collection at Hillarys is the perfect style solution for every contemporary home

GLACIER

PEBBLE

HONEY

RATTAN

MARBLE

SEASHELL

VENETIAN BLINDS IN HONEY

The House Beautiful Collection of blinds and shutters offers stylish and affordable designs for modern living. New to the range is this fabulous collection of Venetian blinds. Made from sustainable, fast-growing bamboo, the contemporary range has been designed to bring a natural look to your home that will stand the test of time. Offering a chic, convenient way to control

both light and privacy, natural bamboo Venetians are a great-value alternative to shutters, giving a clean, WLPHOHVVĠQLVKWR\RXUZLQGRZV As with everything at Hillarys, House Beautiful blinds can be chosen from the comfort of your own home, before your ZLQGRZVDUHPHDVXUHGDQG\RXUEOLQGVDUHĠWWHGE\DQ H[SHUWORFDODGYLVRUIRUDTXDOLW\ĠQLVKDQGWKHSHUIHFWĠW

To book a free in-home consultation, call 0800 587 6480 or visit hillarys.co.uk

If you often feel deep fatigue, you’re not alone, says Dr Sarah Jarvis, who rounds up the potential causes and best solutions for this all-too-common problem ne of the most regular complaints I receive from patients is tiredness. In fact, 5-7% of patients attending their GP have a primary complaint of fatigue. Of course, occasional tiredness is a normal part of life, but feeling continuously shattered can also be a sign of various underlying problems. Here are some potential causes – plus solutions.

O

PHYSICAL CAUSES If a patient comes to me with tiredness, I always check blood tests first. There are many physical causes of tiredness, which tend to come on gradually. They include: z Underactive thyroid. Tiredness will often go hand in hand with weight gain despite not eating more; feeling cold; dry skin; coarse hair; and constipation. z Anaemia. In this case, a patient may also feel faint, become breathless easily or get palpitations, headaches or tinnitus. z Type 2 diabetes. Other symptoms include thirst, needing to pass water more often and minor infections such as boils or thrush. Type 1 diabetes symptoms are similar but usually come on more rapidly and progress quickly to severe illness. z Chronic kidney or liver disease, particularly if skin is itchy or yellowed. z High calcium levels, usually as a result of overactive parathyroid glands. Other accompanying symptoms can include

78

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

feeling or being sick, muscle spasms, palpitations, joint pain and confusion. z Coeliac disease. Along with tiredness, weight loss, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation and mouth ulcers are likely. z Heart failure. Symptoms also include shortness of breath on exercise or when lying flat, a persistent cough, palpitations and swollen ankles, legs or tummy. If there’s a physical cause found, treatment for the underlying condition often improves the tiredness issue.

WHEN FATIGUE BECOMES CHRONIC Chronic fatigue syndrome, now called ME, leads to exhaustion that isn’t made better by resting and that can be dramatically worsened by doing too much. With the

arrival of long Covid, there has been more recognition of how ME often begins with a viral infection. There’s no single effective treatment for either ME or long Covid, and you should be referred for a care and support plan where possible – usually through your GP, although in some areas (eg parts of Wales), you can refer yourself. Pacing yourself – planning, prioritising and not overdoing it on days you have more energy – is advised with either condition.

WINTER BLUES Feeling sluggish is more common at this time of year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that tends

DRUG DROWSINESS Many medications can cause tiredness as a side-effect. Sleeping tablets are specifically designed to help you sleep but can cause ‘hangover’ tiredness the next day. Drowsiness, along with constipation, is a common side effect of strong opioid painkillers. Some antihistamines make you prone to drowsiness (your pharmacist can advise on types that don’t); and beta blocker tablets, used for abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure, can lead to tiredness and reduced exercise tolerance. Antidepressant medication, and other drugs that work on the central nervous system, including epilepsy medications, can also make you sleepy. In some cases, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to advise on an alternative medication that causes fewer side-effects. But if it’s a medicine you have to take – like chemotherapy – your specialist nurse can advise on ways to minimise the negative impact.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good health CHECKED FOR ACCURACY BY

ENERGYBOOSTING SOLUTIONS

HEALTH WATCH

1

TACKLE POOR SLEEP AND STRESS. Wind-down time before bed, a regular bedtime in a quiet, dark room, relaxation exercises and regular me-time will all help.

2

USE CAFFEINE CAREFULLY. Too much caffeine can affect your sleep, so limit your intake to 2-400mg a day – about 4-8 cups of tea or 2-4 cups of coffee.

3 Feeling shattered could be a sign of an underlying condition

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAN KENNEDY, GETTY

to develop in autumn, peak in midwinter (November-February) and resolve by March or April. Symptoms are similar to other forms of depression, but someone with SAD is more likely to feel exhausted, despite sleeping more than usual. It’s thought up to six in 100 people have SAD and twice as many experience the ‘winter blues’, with tiredness and slightly low mood but without full-blown depression symptoms. SAD is thought to be linked to a complex interplay of messages to and from the brain related to your biological clock and exposure to sunlight – so getting as much natural light as possible and getting outside whenever there’s sunshine, ideally to exercise, can help. If your symptoms are more severe, counselling, light therapy (using a light box that’s about 10 times the strength of an ordinary bulb) or sometimes antidepressants may be recommended.

STRUGGLING TO SLEEP? In my practice, I’m seeing more and more people with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Usually seen in snorers, it’s when you stop breathing for several seconds as your airway flops shut. Your brain recognises the lack of oxygen and jerks you awake. This can happen multiple

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

times a night without you remembering it – it’s often patients’ partners who notice. OSA is more common in people who are overweight, drink alcohol near bedtime or take sleeping tablets, so addressing these can solve the problem. Sleeping on your side or semi-propped up can also help. If it’s really troublesome, your GP may refer you for sleep studies to confirm the cause and suggest treatment. Another condition that can have a huge impact on sleep is restless leg syndrome (also called Ekbom syndrome). It affects twice as many women as men, gets more common with age and leads to discomfort or crawling, aching, fidgety or electric-shock feelings in your legs, which make you desperate to move around. The sensations are usually worse at night, therefore wreaking havoc with sleep. Occasionally restless legs are due to another condition such as anaemia, kidney disease, diabetes or Parkinson’s, or as a side effect of medication, so it’s worth checking with your doctor to see if it’s treatable. Otherwise, regular exercise during the day and cutting out caffeine and alcohol may help. There are several medications designed specifically to treat the problem, although they tend to lose effect if used long-term.

GET MEDICAL CONDITIONS UNDER CONTROL. For those with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease or asthma, getting your results as close as possible to target could boost your energy levels.

4

AVOID SUGAR SPIKES. Rapidly absorbed carbs cause blood sugar to spike and drop quickly, leading to a lack of energy. Protein and complex carbs (wholegrain foods, whole fruit and veg – ie not smoothies or juices) can stabilise blood sugar to prevent these crashes.

5

FILL UP ON FLUIDS… Dehydration is a common cause of tiredness. Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale straw-coloured.

6

…BUT NOT ALCOHOL. Booze interferes with sleep quality. Try cutting it out for a few weeks – you may well find your energy improves.

7

EAT A RAINBOW. Fruit, veg, nuts and seeds all contain different vitamins and micronutrients essential for energy. Aim to eat 30 different types a week.

8

EXERCISE IS YOUR FRIEND. Regular exercise can improve energy levels as well as mood, anxiety and quality of life. But seek medical advice if you have a condition like ME or long Covid. „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

79

The

SMALL PROMISES that improved

OUR HEALTH Forget dramatic New Year’s resolutions that are tough to stick to – little things can make a big difference. Here, eight women share the wellbeing tweaks that have changed their lives for the better

80

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good health witch to a fully vegan diet, exercise for an hour every day… we feel exhausted just thinking about some of the healthy New Year’s resolutions we’ve made in the past and then not stuck to. So, this When Katie Taylor, 53, began eating year, we’re removing some of the pressure. breakfast later, her relationship with food A new year is a great opportunity to take shifted completely. stock of your life and think about how you ‘I have four children and mornings used to could be happier, but for 2023, it’s about mean being up at 6am, grabbing cereal and choosing one small promise to keep. a coffee, and getting them to school before heading into work. By ‘We tend to be overly optimistic about mid-morning, I was starving and would eat whatever was around what we can achieve and make the mistake at work – cakes, biscuits, crackers. of planning drastic changes that we soon During lockdown, our rhythm changed because nobody needed to discover are unrealistic,’ says Dr Benjamin rush out. I decided this was the time to address the weight I’d gained in Gardner, from the University of Surrey, who midlife. I took advantage of the quiet mornings by doing a 30-minute specialises in the psychology of habitual low-impact workout, which I found on YouTube, every other day. I’d get behaviour. ‘If we can’t achieve our goals, out of bed and straight into my workout gear. we may give up, leading us back into old By the time I was showered and dressed and had taken the dog for a walk, it was 10am, so I started eating breakfast at 10.30am. I also had patterns of behaviour.’ more time, so it became porridge with berries and flaxseeds. Instead, he says, we’re more likely to Even on the days I wasn’t working out, I stayed with the habit of not stick to smaller tweaks: ‘Our research eating as soon as I got up. Having a later and more satisfying breakfast shows that by pursuing small, realistic really boosted the impact of my exercise because it meant that I wasn’t goals, we boost our self-confidence, which hungry for lunch until about 2.30pm and dinner until 7pm, then makes us feel that we’re capable of and I didn’t need snacks in between. My overall calorie making greater changes.’ intake went down and I noticed that I started losing STARTING For example, instead of weight without trying too hard. Now I do a workout A NEW HABIT? committing to eight hours of sleep every few days, but I’ve stuck with that breakfast a night, you might want to go to Research shows that rhythm and I’m 3st lighter.’ bed half an hour earlier. Instead you’re more likely to stick of starting a punishing fitness to it if you associate it with schedule, you could start with the same daily cue or 10 minutes every day. context, such as after Here, eight women tell us about breakfast. the small promises they’ve kept. Why not follow their lead?

S

‘THE WEIGHT CAME OFF WITHOUT ME TRYING TOO HARD’

‘MY BALANCE AND STRENGTH HAS IMPROVED’

‘CRAFTING LIFTS ME AWAY INTO A DIFFERENT PLACE’ Michelle Vickers, 58, immerses herself in craft projects after work to decompress. ‘I’ve loved crafting since I was a child, but in recent years, my hobby took a backseat as I was raising children and focusing on my career. I love my job as CEO of the Head & Neck Cancer Foundation, but it’s very intense, so I began crafting every evening for an hour to help me decompress. It’s become an integral part of my day – when I settle down on the sofa, my mind is still racing from work, but crafting lifts me away into a different place and helps me unplug. It’s a solitary activity where I can absorb myself without interruption. Small projects soon developed into bigger ones, including felting and embroidery, painting on canvases or designs on to clothes or shoes. I love teaching myself new skills and planning what I’m going to make next. It brings me huge joy because everything I make is for someone else, and I know it will be treasured.’

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Catriona Wood, 55, feels stable and strong thanks to balancing on one leg every day. ‘In July 2022, I listened to an episode of the Radio 4 series Just One Thing, which is about adding simple habits into your day. This particular episode was about the importance of working on your balance. The presenter explained that we lose our ability to balance as we age, starting in our mid-30s, and that poor balance increases the risk of falls when you’re older. They suggested balancing on one leg while you’re cleaning your teeth twice a day. I’m quite fit, as I run regularly, but I wasn’t doing anything for my balance. So, I started that evening, standing on one leg for one minute and then the other for one minute. I was quite wobbly for the first few days but quickly saw an improvement – within three weeks, I was stable on each leg for the full minute. A few months later, I decided to take it one step further by standing on one leg in a half-squat position, with the other leg out in front. It has vastly improved my balance and leg strength. When I went camping in September, we had to balance along a long, slippery log across a river and I managed to go straight across, whereas all the other adults fell in!’ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

81

‘I CAN’T WAIT TO PUT MY NEW LANGUAGE SKILLS INTO PRACTICE’ Elena Stansbury, 70, started learning German on an app – and now she’s nearly fluent. ‘While doing her PhD, my daughter started learning German on Duolingo as a distraction, and she encouraged me to try it, too. On my first day of using the app, which gives you free, bite-sized lessons every day, I was too shy to try to pronounce any words out loud, even though I was on my own. I thought I shouldn’t have bothered to learn something new at my age. But the next day, I gave it one more try and I got totally hooked. After a couple of weeks of it, I really started to understand what I was reading and hearing, so I carried on every day for up to an hour. I learn with a cup of tea in the morning, when I’m on the train or when my husband is watching TV. Now, I’ve been doing it for 656 days straight and I can speak German! My biggest motivation is the effect it has on my wellbeing – it puts me in such a good mood because I love the feeling of learning and helping my memory. Now I’ve planned a trip to Munich and I’m looking forward to putting my new language skills into practice.’

‘CROSSWORDS HELP ME STAY IN THE MOMENT’ Instead of scrolling through social media, Freya Bugeja, 33, turns to her crossword puzzle book instead. ‘In January 2022, I stopped using Instagram as I was wasting so much time on it and it didn’t make me feel happy. I wanted something to replace the scrolling, and then I spotted a crossword book in a stationery shop. Occasionally, I’d try the crosswords in the newspaper and was always terrible at them, which made me worry about my brain, so I thought it would be a great challenge to see if I could get better! In moments of downtime, such as while my kids are in the bath, I sit next to them and get my crossword book out. It’s become a habit now and I view it as a form of mindfulness – it takes my brain off into all sorts of different places. It’s the perfect antidote to the constant need to consume that social media creates – I’m in the moment. I’m still terrible at them and I’ve yet to finish one, but I don’t mind! I’ve learned so many new things and I think it also sets a better example to my kids than scrolling on my phone.’

‘BEING WOKEN NATURALLY IS MUCH MORE RELAXING’

Making small changes, like waking up to sunlight rather than an alarm, can make a big difference

82

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

Rather than being jolted awake by an alarm clock, Nova Cobban, 44, lets the light flood in from her bedroom window. ‘Three years ago, a friend told me she’d started using a sunrise alarm clock instead of her phone alarm and I thought it sounded like a much gentler way of waking. My husband and I were redecorating our bedroom at the time and had planned to put in blinds to replace the blackout curtains. Instead, we removed the curtains. It made an instant difference to how I felt; instead of being jolted awake by an alarm, I was naturally and comfortably awoken. I stopped reaching straight for my phone like I used to and started spending 15 minutes looking out at the sky. I now call it my ‘golden time’; it’s my space to reflect. I used to be grumpy in the mornings, but now I’m much calmer. In the summer, we wake earlier but we feel energised when we do. In the winter, we’ll set a back-up alarm clock if we’ve had a late night or our three-year-old sleeps in, but we rarely need it. Our body clocks have adjusted to the rhythms of the sun, and it feels great.’ goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good health

‘MY BLOATING DISAPPEARED AND MY SKIN CLEARED UP’

WHY NOT TRY… …committing to a new habit for just 30 days? Rather than setting a resolution for the whole year, this feels more achievable.

WORDS: LISA BUCKINGHAM. PHOTOGRAPHY: IAIN PHILPOTT/URBAN LIP, GETTY, BECKY WRIGHT

‘NOW, I’M MORE ON TOP OF THINGS’ Elaine Robertson North, 55, divided her day into one-hour chunks and noticed her mood and productivity improve. ‘I worked in a fast-paced job in marketing for 25 years before leaving to pursue a writing career. Suddenly, no one was checking up on me and the days stretched ahead. I was so demotivated and got little done, which made me feel useless, anxious and dissatisfied. A year ago, I decided to try a new approach and began dividing my day into hour-long slots to make it feel more manageable. For example, I might allot the first hour after school drop-off to food shopping, followed by an hour of admin, have lunch and then allot a two-hour block to writing before picking up my son. The week I started, I obliterated my to-do list and hit my writing targets for the first time. I also found time to exercise. Now, I’m much more relaxed and on top of things – and I’m told I’m more pleasant to be around!’

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

To deal with the perimenopause, Meera Shah, 49, cut down caffeine – which soon led to other small changes in her life. ‘In 2020, I started to experience hair loss, with a small bald patch appearing on the back of my head, along with flushed, red patches coming up on my cheeks, which turned out to be rosacea. I also started getting terrible bloating after eating. A friend suggested that they could be perimenopausal symptoms. I saw my GP and came away with a prescription for HRT, but I wanted to address my symptoms holistically instead. My first step was cutting down caffeine, as I usually drank seven cups of tea a day. I started drinking lemon and honey in hot water in the morning, and bought several delicious-smelling herbal teas, while still allowing myself one cup of normal tea per day. I quickly began to sleep better; my mind felt sharper and my skin began to clear up. After a month, I began reducing sugar, replacing chocolate and sweets with fruit and cacao mixed with warm milk, water and cinnamon, alongside reducing alcohol, walking every day and taking supplements such as ashwagandha and biotin. My hair started growing back, my skin went back to normal, the bloating disappeared and I now feel the best I ever have. If I’d tried to change my diet and lifestyle so much in one go, I would never have stuck to it, but by making small promises, it felt much more manageable, and now these changes are habit. I feel calmer because my body isn’t going through daily highs and lows from sugar, caffeine and alcohol.’ „ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

83

What’s the buzz about It affects everything from our risk of heart disease to our ability to concentrate. Lisa Buckingham explains what you should know about your glucose levels and how you can balance them lood sugar is one of the hottest topics in the health world right now. Multiple studies have been published recently, revealing how its peaks and troughs throughout the day can impact our long- and short-term health. Meanwhile, biochemist Jessie Inchauspé (@glucosegoddess) has gained 1.2m followers on Instagram by

B 84

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

sharing research and charting her own responses to different foods. It’s an exciting new field of expertise, showing us that how, when and what we eat can affect everything from our energy levels and mood to our ability to shift weight and ward off disease. And it’s relevant to everyone – not just people living with diabetes. So why is there so much buzz around

this topic, and how can you work with your blood sugar levels to feel your healthiest and happiest?

WHAT IS BLOOD SUGAR? When you eat carbohydrates, glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream and your blood glucose (also known as blood sugar) level rises. This is called your

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good health ‘postprandial glucose response’. The pancreas then produces insulin, which helps your cells take up sugar from your blood to store or use for energy before your blood sugar level goes back down. In all of us, it’s normal for blood sugar to rise after eating and drop back down once insulin has worked its magic – or we have moved our muscles and used that glucose. The problems arise when the peaks are very steep, very high/low or too prolonged. All of this can happen in healthy people.

CAUSE AND EFFECT

FASCINATING NEW RESEARCH Much of the recent research comes from a large study called PREDICT – a collaboration between personalised nutrition company ZOE and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Stanford Medicine, Tufts University and King’s College London. It took a broad look at metabolic health in people without diabetes, using glucose monitors (devices worn on the arm or stomach that measure how much sugar is in the fluid surrounding your cells

Repeated and excessive peaks over time can lead to poor health outcomes in the long-term. ‘These peaks are associated with oxidative stress and inflammation,’ ‘It probably works in both directions: says Dr Sarah Berry, an associate poor gut health leads to poor blood professor at King’s College London sugar control, while poor blood sugar and chief scientist at ZOE, a control leads to inflammation, which personalised nutrition company. ‘When affects your gut microbes.’ you’re having excessive peaks regularly THE MENOPAUSE FACTOR throughout the day, you’ll end up being Before women reach menopause, men in a more pro-inflammatory state, which and women differ metabolically. ‘Men increases your risk of cardiovascular tend to have higher blood pressure and disease and type 2 diabetes, while also body fat, worse lipids (blood fats) and predisposing you to obesity.’ worse blood sugar control than women,’ Meanwhile, excessive dips may have says Dr Berry. ‘However, we now know more short-term impacts, such as that when women go through the increased irritability, hunger and menopause, they catch up with men.’ calorie intake, as well as a reduction in ZOE’s research programme alertness, says Dr Berry. ‘We were PREDICT compared able to separate big dippers FOCUS data between pre- and and little dippers – big ON SLEEP dippers were shown to eat People who have poor 320 calories more in 24 sleep have worse hours than little dippers.’ postprandial blood sugar While the inflammation responses the following caused by excessive day, the PREDICT peaks can be hard to detect in yourself, excessive study found. dips are easier to spot. ‘Do you feel hungry a couple of hours after eating, or a bit shaky with a loss of concentration? These can all be signs of big dips in blood sugar,’ says Dr Berry.

CONNECTING THE DOTS You’ve probably heard a lot about gut health recently, and it turns out there’s a clear connection between the gut microbiome and blood sugar control. ‘Our research found that people who had the worst blood sugar control had the worst combination of gut microbes,’ explains Professor Tim Spector, author of Food For Life and co-founder of ZOE.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

every five minutes or so) to study blood sugar responses to meals. It also used blood tests to establish blood fat responses, and analysed the microbiome (the bacteria and other microbes that live in your gut). Among other things, it has shown that we all have very different blood sugar responses (up to a tenfold difference) to identical meals, that the microbiome plays a role in our blood sugar control and that blood sugar control changes significantly around the menopause.

postmenopausal women. ‘We found that postmenopausal women had a worse postprandial glucose response than those who were premenopausal,’ says Dr Berry. ‘They also had a higher post-meal inflammatory response and lipaemia (an increase in blood fat after a meal). We found that the microbiome might be responsible for some of these changes.’ As well as making changes to daily habits, easing the symptoms of menopause – either holistically, and/or with HRT – can help offset these changes. The research also found that HRT offered a protective effect against this decline in blood sugar control.

Excessive peaks can be hard to detect; excessive dips are easier to spot

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

85

Good health

HOW TO CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR

1

TUNE IN TO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. ‘Compare a day when you have a high-carb breakfast, such as jam on toast or cereal, with a day you have a low-carb breakfast, such as boiled eggs or yogurt,’ says Professor Spector. ‘Rate your energy and hunger levels on a scale of 0-10 every half-hour after you’ve eaten.’ Then try varying combinations, such as toast with boiled eggs, and see if it makes a difference. Shifting away from sweeter breakfasts should result in lower blood sugar spikes, and will pack in more nutrients.

2

LIMIT SIMPLE, REFINED CARBS. These include sugary drinks, white bread, white pasta, cakes and pastries. ‘Both the fats and sugars are rapidly available, causing a steep rise in blood sugar,’ says Professor Spector. ‘Plus, there’s no benefit to the microbiome.’

3

ADD PROTEIN, FIBRE AND FATS TO YOUR MEALS. ‘We’re not saying you can’t ever eat carbs – but adding in protein, fibre and fats reduces those unfavourable blood sugar responses,’ says Dr Berry. ‘If you’re concerned about adding too many calories, remember that feeling full for longer will mean you consume fewer calories over a 24-hour period.’

4

REDUCE SNACKING. ‘More sugar peaks per 24 hours mean that your body is working

harder to control them,’ says Professor Spector. ‘You should also allow a window of at least 12 hours overnight without eating to let your microbes rest and recover.’ If you do need a snack though, Jessie Inchauspé recommends the following for a smaller spike: a handful of macadamia nuts and a square of dark chocolate; apple slices smeared with nut butter; or seeded crackers with a slice of cheese.

5

BOOST YOUR MICROBIOME. ‘Eat at least 30 different plant foods each week, including nuts, seeds, pulses and wholegrains,’ says Professor Spector. The ‘good’ bugs love polyphenols found in foods such as blueberries and beetroot, as well as cocoa, coffee, nuts, extra virgin olive oil, leafy greens and black beans. Your microbiome also benefits from fermented foods such as live yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, kefir and sauerkraut. It’s also about what you keep out: ultra-processed foods (things that have been much-altered and contain high levels of sugar, salt and additives) such as sausages, crisps and biscuits are associated with the ‘bad’ bugs and don’t feed the ‘good’ ones, so try to limit them.

6

DAMAGE-CONTROL WITH POLYPHENOLS. ‘If you do eat a meal heavy in refined carbs and/or sugar that gives you a big peak, you

can offset this by eating foods that help,’ says Dr Berry. ‘We know that foods rich in polyphenols reduce the post-meal inflammatory response.’ Polyphenols may also lower your postprandial glucose response, according to a 2021 study.

7

AND RELAX… Food is there to be enjoyed, so focus on small swaps and achievable habit changes. ‘Avoid health anxiety from being overfocused on a particular feeling or food,’ says Dr Berry. ‘My main recommendations are: try to reduce refined carbohydrates and have as much plant diversity in your diet as possible to address the unfavourable changes in the gut microbiome around menopause. Once you do that, the rest will follow.’

WHEN TO WORRY The signs of type 2 diabetes may not be obvious – or there may be no signs at all, according to Diabetes UK. You’re more at risk if you’re over 40; are from AfricanCaribbean, African-American or South Asian descent; if you have a parent, brother, sister or child with diabetes; if you’ve had high blood pressure; if you’re obese or overweight. The most common symptoms are increased

86

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

thirst, increased urination (particularly at night), feeling tired and losing weight. They also include: z Itching around the vagina or penis, or repeatedly getting thrush. z Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal. z Blurred vision. If you experience these symptoms, see your GP. y
For more info on diabetes, visit diabetes.org.uk

y
For a more personalised understanding of your blood sugar levels, you can join the waiting list for the ZOE nutrition programme. Visit joinzoe.com for more information „ goodhousekeeping.com/uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY

Simple tweaks can help you balance your blood glucose levels and feel better for it…

New traditions Transform your space from the ground up with premium oak laminate flooring from the Good Housekeeping Collection at Carpetright

See the full Good Housekeeping collection at carpetright.co.uk/ brands/good-housekeeping

If you fancy the beauty and character of a real-wood floor without the fuss, Traditions premium oak laminate from the Good Housekeeping Collection at Carpetright ticks every box. Available in a range of natural shades with realistic light and dark tones, each individual plank is finished with an embossed wood-grain effect, including knot detailing, for flooring that looks and feels just like the real thing. This superb oak laminate is also incredibly durable, with built-in scratch- and water-resistance, so it’s perfect for laying in bathrooms and kitchens. Suitable for use with underfloor heating, it’s also super easy to clean, making it ideal for busy family homes. Quality tested and approved by the prestigious Good Housekeeping Institute, Traditions comes with an incredible 25-year wear guarantee, so you can be sure your fabulous new floor will look as good in the future as it does today.

Good Housekeeping Traditions Laminate in Castello Oak

Good Housekeeping Traditions Laminate in Castello Oak

Good Housekeeping Traditions Laminate in Loft Grey Oak

Good Housekeeping Traditions Laminate in Loft Grey Oak

GH HOMES INSPIRATION AND IDEAS TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME

This month’s new trends and beautiful buys from homes & gardens director Carolyn Bailey

LAYER UP Get dinner-party-ready with smart new table linen.

CLIMBING THE WALLS This spring sees the launch of the third wallpaper collection from the Little Greene and National Trust collaboration, featuring designs inspired by three of the Trust’s historical houses: Oxburgh Hall and Felbrigg Hall, both located in Norfolk; and Newark Park in the Cotswolds. Bird and Bluebell wallpaper in Pea Green, £244 per panel (156cm wide x 325cm high), National Trust Papers at Little Greene. Ceiling painted in Dorchester Pink Absolute Matt emulsion, £54.50 for 2.5L, Little Greene. Pebble desk, from a selection, Fred Rigby Studio. Gentle table lamp, Pinch Design. Other items, all stylist’s own.

Placemat, £29.56, Penny Morrison

IN THE LIMELIGHT The perfect lamp for a reading nook. Lamp base, £300; shade, £90, both Pooky

WHAT I’M READING… Create by Emily Henson (£25, Ryland, Peters & Small) is packed full of inspiring homes.

FLOOR STORY A sisal rug underfoot will add texture. Rug, £720, Tate & Darby

BOWLED OVER Ex-fashion editor Deborah Brett has launched her first blue and white ceramics collection.

FOLLOW THE SCENT Designer Paul Smith has launched four home fragrances inspired by his favourite things.

COSY UP

Diffusers, £95 each, Paul Smith

A smart, compact sofa for a small space. Two-seater sofa, £899, Sofology

90

Flow bowls, £80 each, dbceramic.co.uk

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

IN THE SHADE This pretty candle shade comes with a brass shade carrier, which sits on a dinner candle. Candle shade, £45, Salvesen Graham goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good homes TRIED & TESTED

HANDHELD VACUUMS From cleaning the car to tackling small spills, handheld vacuums are incredibly useful compact cleaners. But which ones are worth investing in? We put 26 of the latest models to the test to find these best buys.

THIS MONTH, WE’RE INSPIRED BY… WARMTH It’s no surprise that, in the depths of winter, we all want to make our homes cosier. Habitat has identified a growing trend towards warmer colours and more natural, tactile materials, which help us to do just that.

JOINT WINNER Shark Classic Handheld Pet Vacuum CH950UKT £69; Amazon 94/100 Battery life 10min; capacity 0.45L; H52cm x W9.52cm x D10.85cm; 1.39kg; crevice tool and motorised pet tool Designed with pet owners in mind, this vacuum picked up animal hair with ease. It was superb on food crumbs and dust, too. The battery lasted just over 10 minutes (it takes about four hours to recharge) but this was long enough for us to clean a small car.

JOINT WINNER Gtech Prolite MM001 £129; gtech.co.uk 94/100 Battery life 20min; capacity 0.5L; H16.5cm x W35.7cm x D10cm; 0.97kg; crevice tool and dusting brush We found this handheld vacuum best at lifting crumbs and debris on test, so turn to this gadget for cleaning small spillages. Its larger, bagged design makes it ideal for bigger households, while emptying is messfree. The battery lasted 20 minutes, even on maximum power, which was ample time to clean a car, but we found it struggled with embedded pet hair.

Rug, £55; side table, £120; mug, £5; wall art, £30; throw, £16; basket, £20; lounge chair, £150; cushion, £16; floor lamp, £80, all Habitat. Room painted in Loving Orange, Loving Neutral and Passionate Olive paint, all from £21 for 1L, YesColours

RUNNER-UP Shark WandVac 2.0 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner WV270UK £179.99; Amazon 92/100 Battery life 15min; capacity 0.1L; H39cm x W6.3cm x D6.9cm; 0.65kg; crevice tool and upholstery tool This scored full marks on laminate and hard floors and was also best on test for cleaning cars. On carpet, it struggled to pick up some debris, but its upholstery tool lifted pet hair nicely.

GHI WORDS HANNAH MENDELSOHN TESTING: BLOSSOM BOOTHROYD. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY

7 HOW WE TESTED We tested each handheld vacuum on laminate, floorboards and long and short pile carpet, by laying a set amount of dust on each surface and weighing how much is lifted after a set number of sweeps. We also ground pet hair from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home into carpet and tested how well each vac picked up crumbs. We then cleaned the inside of a car. Finally, each vacuum was then assessed on battery life, ease of use, design and instructions.

HOW TO CLEAN TECHNOLOGY TRIED, TESTED, TRUSTED At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our mantra is simple: we don’t take any claims or promises at face value, and any advice we give is impartial. This forms the backbone of everything we do, from food and product testing to our household, money and tech advice. The GHI tests hundreds of products every month, from steam irons to washing machines, to help you buy the best.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

TV remote controls, computer keyboards and games consoles can be microbe-magnets, yet are easily missed when cleaning. Use a damp microfibre cloth to clear grime first, then a clean cloth spritzed with a disinfectant solution to tackle germs and viruses. For those hard-to-reach spaces on your keyboard, turn the whole thing upside down and tap gently. Tease out stubborn dirt with a sticky note folded in two (sticky-side out). „ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

91

How to transform your home by playing with pattern in the latest shapes and forms Feature JAMES CUNNINGHAM

FLIGHTS OF FANCY Statement wallpapers tend to work well in hallways (where they’ll give a fun first impression) and in bathrooms (smaller space = bigger impact). For sophisticated bird-inspired patterns, head to Manuel Canovas, whose wallpaper is shown here, or consider the more traditional avian designs at Little Greene. For a balanced look, keep other elements in your space pared-back by using a solid colour that references one of the shades used in your chosen motif.

Hydra wallpaper in Jade, £100 a roll, Manuel Canovas at Colefax and Fowler. Mirror, from a selection, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler. Parasol hand-painted lamp with nickel-plated brass fittings, £540, Palefire. For a similar sideboard, try Graham & Green

Peony linen cushion in Celadon Green & Pink, £70, Birdie Fortescue Curtains in Piccadilly Park fabric in Hibiscus, £75 a metre; upper wall in St John Street Trellis wallpaper in Willow, £65 a roll; lower wall in Craven Street Flower wallpaper in Rose, £75 a roll, all Designers Guild

Good homes

Strawberry Thief cushion in Red, £50, Morris & Co at Fenwick

Iris & Lady Moore charity candle, £55, Jo Malone London

GH TIP Don’t be afraid of a ‘more is more’ look – floral designs are one of the patterns that can be used all over a room and still look pretty.

Victorian flower print, from a selection, Raj Tent Club

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

IN BLOOM Floral prints look charming in any room and work well on upholstery, walls or even flooring, while floral accessories provide an instant, affordable update. Bold and colourful designs tend to look both contemporary and gentle, and flowing florals give a more classic country feel. You can create a whole new look by simply replacing your window dressings. The fabrics at Designers Guild are a worthwhile investment for curtains or blinds.

Zackary flatweave rug, from £49.99, Etta Avenue at Wayfair

Cambridge four-seater sofa, £999, Joules at DFS

Blue Willow vases, £7.95 each, Sass & Belle at The Northern Line

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

93

Good homes MODERN HERITAGE Gourdon table lamp, £100; Red Heraldic Ikat shade, £103, both Pooky

Anoushka paisley-print cushion, £120, Wicklewood

Traditional patterns are making a comeback. The damask-style design shown on the curtain (right) looks contemporary in watery shades of blue, especially compared with the grander deep reds or glistening golds in which the pattern is usually seen. The motif also works well on sofas and armchairs, where the print’s bigger scale can be played with. Look out for colourful ikat, pretty paisley and marbled papers, too – head to Oka and Pooky for attractive interpretations of the trend.

Sofa made up in Hackford damaskstyle linen, £150 a metre, Fermoie

Oxalisa wallpaper, £30 a roll; Bamboo mirror, £99; pots and vases, from £15 each, all John Lewis & Partners

94

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

Curtains in Guerbois fabric in Cobalt; sofa in Cormo fabric in Cobalt, both £95 a metre; cushions, from £65 each; wall panels in Saraille wallpaper in Sevres, £248 a roll; Fontenoy large rug in Indigo, £1,395, all Designers Guild

Marbled tissue box cover, £40, MustHave Bins

A NEW LEAF Botanical prints bring the outside in. For a Villa Botanical Leaf rug in Green, fresh look, choose from £44.99, a design with a white Carpetright backdrop so verdant shades of the motif take centre stage and allow it to be used all over (such as on wallpaper) without being visually Pippa Peace overwhelming. For Lily, from £10; a subtler nod to the Fractured pot, from £16, natural world, a display Patch Plants of framed leaf prints will bring the look to your space in a creative way, while a printed rug is sure to add interest underfoot. Potted plants are a must-have, too – try the GHIapproved online retailer Patch Plants for high-quality options.

Framed Fern prints, £255 for 4, Sweetpea & Willow

Leaf Trail wallpaper border in Teal, £22 a roll, Fiona Howard

Faux tiles painted in Driftwood and Scribblings; shiplap painted in Cascade; cabinetry painted in Thyme; wall painted in Vintage Peony, all from £29 for 1L of scrubbable matt emulsion, Fenwick & Tilbrook

CHECK MATE Chequerboard designs create instant visual impact, especially in classic monochrome. The kitchen splashback shown here is mirrored in the design of the jute rug on the floor, multiplying the effect. This is a smart way to embrace pattern in different parts of a room without it completely taking over. Use a tightly scaled version on accessories or in smaller rooms, so more of it can be seen.

GH TIP Bold designs can overwhelm a space. Blocks of soft colour (like the sage green here) will keep your scheme looking welcoming.

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

95

Breton Stripe cushion, £29, Secret Linen Store

Sleeper Stripe cottage-pleat curtain in Radish, from £349, Tori Murphy. For a similar rug, try Raj Tent Club

Regimental Stripe rug, from £52, Weaver Green

Waldo lamp, from £87; Scarlet Tapers shade, £47, both Pooky

BETWEEN THE LINES

Sofia armchair in Ginger, £1,595, Ceraudo

96

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

Stripes have an innate simplicity that works well in different sorts of Fastnet Stripe decorative scheme. In shades of blue or storage basket, red, for example, the uniform lines take from £54, Tori Murphy on a nautical feel, but in brighter tones of yellow, green and pink they become surprisingly pretty. Wider versions of the pattern are ideal for making a statement and are most effective on upholstery and window dressings – for particularly of-the-moment stripes, consider the furniture at Ceraudo and the fabrics at Tori Murphy.

Flounce king-size bedframe in Button Spot, £1,249; Locket Loveheart stool in Button Spot, £299, both Cath Kidston at DFS

Good homes

Tableware in Cath Kidston’s Thirty Years Toile print

HOW TO MIX AND MATCH PATTERN

ON THE SPOT Don’t be afraid to combine different patterns in the same room. As a general rule, vary the scale of various motifs and have one showstopper in the space – the polka dots stand out against the pink backdrop here due to their strong contrast. Graphic prints can work well juxtaposed with soft designs, such as florals. Get creative and get your pattern playbook out!

Holly Marler, the creative director of much-loved British brand Cath Kidston, tells us that, sometimes, more is more!

z Don’t be scared to mix patterns, as being adventurous is always advantageous to a room’s overall look. For us, neutral means ditsy prints and using pink and orange as accent colours. We always love to include a beautiful graphic spot or stripe alongside traditional florals – that’s a typical Cath Kidston look.

z When mixing prints in interiors, it’s important to look at the colours within each print as well as the prints themselves. Start with a neutral, tonal print to ground the design of your space, then use patterns with darker bases elsewhere. It also helps if the prints are different styles (graphic compared with floral, for example) and if the scales are mixed, too.

z
When planning a room from scratch, I do a lot of prep work. It’s useful to have fabric samples in squares as well as squares painted in the different colours I’m considering. I use the solid shades as my base palette, then pull prints in and out, seeing which designs work in harmony but still create an interesting contrast.

GH TIP Don’t just look to accessories to bring pattern into your space – go bold and choose a piece of furniture with a fabulous motif.

z As well as florals, I love scenic prints that tell a story and we’ve had the perfect opportunity to create one to celebrate our three-decade anniversary this year. The ‘Thirty Years Toile’ tells the story of the brand’s heritage through decorative iconography (including paint palettes, rolls of fabrics and trailing florals) in a design reminiscent of historical textiles.

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

97

Good homes

Shard porcelain tiles in Green (on walls); Pebble porcelain tiles in Green (on floor), both £60 a sq m, Mandarin Stone

Terrazzo hexagon tile in Moss, £4.77 each, Luxury Tiles UK

GH TIP Want to update tiling without a complete renovation? Tile stickers are available in different patterns and can be remarkably effective.

Vico table lamp, £42, Oliver Bonas

Lucy side table, £295, Rose & Grey

Toothbrush holder, £22, The Ultra collection by Amara

CHIP AWAY Sometimes, the most interesting patterns can occur naturally. Terrazzo is produced using cement that is mixed with chips of stone (most popularly marble and quartz) and, on large-format tiles, the spontaneous result creates a striking effect. If you’re not looking for a complete bathroom overhaul, tap into the trend with smart stone accessories. Bath mat, £22, So’home at La Redoute „

98

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Let there be From task and floor lamps to wall and pendant lights, these are the most stylish ways to illuminate your home…

FLOOR LAMPS Make a statement with your choice of floor lamp and let it reflect your personal style.

4

1

3

2

5

1. Braxton, £119, Cult Furniture 2. Dar Azana, £133 (base only), Amos Lighting + Home 3. Tollose, £125, Dunelm 4. Hoxton, £159, Housecosy 5. Alba, £249, Furniture Village

100

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

Aphrodite pendant lights, £250 each; Rattle table lamp in Natural Cane, from £109; Empire ikat shade, from £36, all Pooky. For similar artwork, try Abstract House. For similar vases, try Kave Home. For a similar chair, try Wayfair. For a similar rug, try Dunelm

Good homes

LIGHTING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

PENDANT LIGHTS Often the main source of light in a room, so make it count!

10 7

8

11

WORDS: BECCA-CULLUM-GREEN

6 z
There are three main types of lighting – ambient, task and accent. Ambient lighting is the light that provides the greatest distribution of light in a space. Task lighting is all about the lights you need to complete a specific task. Accent lights characterise a space and make it feel a certain way. z
Be sure to choose the right colour bulb when lighting a room. Warm white is a great option if you want to create ambient lighting that feels relaxing, while a neutral or cool white is better for areas that need to be brightly lit. z
Under-cabinet lighting is a must-have for high-traffic, busy kitchens. It’s perfect for adding that extra level of light when preparing food, but can also be used to create a cosy atmosphere if you want to turn the main lights off. z
Consider whether you want uplighting or downlighting. Downlighting tends to be the most popular and is when one central light or a group of spotlights are used to create a bright space. But this can be unflattering, so it’s a good idea to add layers of accent lighting, too. z
Wall lights are definitely back on trend, especially in bathrooms. A useful tip is to install them on shorter walls to break them up and add a focal point. Remember, for bathrooms they need to have a minimum IP rating of IP45. A pair of wall lights either side of a bathroom mirror is a stylish and practical look. z
With so many of us working from home, creating the right light in a home office is very important. Accent and task lighting can usually provide enough light to avoid glare on screens. A cooler-toned light is the best option for a desk space, as it provides better clarity of vision.

9

6. Carmine, £50, John Lewis & Partners 7. Edmond, £94.80, Där Lighting 8. Freda, £199, Cult Furniture 9. Carrara, £365, Lime Lace 10. Jute, £185, Rose & Grey 11. Ledbury, from £190, Fritz Fryer

TASK LIGHTS

17

Opt for stylish and affordable lamps to work or read by.

14

16

12

13 15

12. Perses, £35, Habitat 13. Amalfi, £89, Danetti 14. Lohko, £198, Oliver Bonas 15. Rattan, £40, John Lewis & Partners 16. Pink, £12, George Home 17. Hanbury, £100, Laura Ashley at Next

WALL LIGHTS A contemporary design choice for any modern space.

21

19

23

20 18 22 18. Zuiver, £119, Naken Interiors 19. Fryer, £35, Dunelm 20. Mondi, £79, Ella James 21. Tristan, £80, Perch & Parrow 22. Gloucester, £42, Next 23. Tilow, £255, Tom Raffield „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

101

To the This Grade II-listed barn near Bridgend, Wales, has been stylishly converted into a four-bedroom family home with exposed stone, original wooden beams and a cosy fireplace 102

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good homes WHO LIVES HERE Helen Harry, an interior designer and owner of helenharryinteriors.com, and her husband, Rob, a veterinary surgeon, with their two daughters, Elizabeth and Alexandra, and Cavapoo, Mollie. Originally converted into a liveable space in 1999, the barn still needed major renovation work when the family moved in. ‘I’d always wanted to do up an older property and its location near the coast was perfect,’ says Helen. ‘Getting an additional kitchen window took months of planning permission due to its listed status, but a local stonemason did an outstanding job of making the new window look like it was always there,’ adds Helen.

SENSE OF SPACE Helen and Rob made use of the size and height of the barn to let light flood in. Helen painted the metal clock white and sanded it to complement the rest of the scheme. The two-seater sofa is from DFS.

MIX AND MATCH The couple commissioned a stonemason to build the fire surround and then install a log burner to give the large living room a cosy feel. They injected a shot of colour by combining coral and turquoise to add a bolder feel to this room. The velvet sofa is from Voyage and the turquoise chairs from Wayfair with artwork by Dunelm.

PALE AND INTERESTING Helen chose pale Amaris worktops and flooring, and then whitewashed the beams to brighten the low ceilinged part of the room. The units are from Bespoke UK Ltd, while the striped blind is from Leaf Interiors. The inherited Aga was re-enamelled from blue to white to suit the new colour scheme and the pendant light is from Cox & Cox.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

103

ROOM WITH A VIEW The sideboard in the formal dining room was originally oak, but Helen painted it grey and changed the handles. The large floor-toceiling windows make this the perfect spot to enjoy the views while dining. The table is from Mrs G-D and the chairs are Coach House.

COSY CORNER This living area leads on from the dining room – perfect for relaxing in after dinner. The log burner was already installed but the oak flooring had to be reconditioned. The sofa and pouffe are from DFS and the rug is from Dunelm.

WELCOME HOME The exposed wood and stonework reveals the home’s original incarnation as a barn. The chest is from Mrs G-D and the floral cushions are from Leaf Interiors.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good homes A PLACE TO RELAX The upper and lower floors are linked by a huge glass wall that adds a modern design element to the rustic features of the barn. The couple knocked through a bedroom and old bathroom to create a luxurious open-plan suite, complete with a freestanding bath. The bed is from Dreams, the chest of drawers and bedside tables are from Ikea, the lamps are from Brissi and the mirrors are from The Range.

COASTAL CHARM Seaside accessories have been used as a soothing nod to the location of this home. The vanity unit came from Laura Ashley.

Antique brass lamp, £32, Dunelm

Shop the

WORDS: LISA MOSES. PHOTOGRAPHY: GAP INTERIORS/COLIN POOLE. GET THE LOOK COMPILED BY: CARA LASKARIS. RESEARCH BY: MADDY ANDO

Aubusson Blue chalk paint, £23.95 for 1L, Annie Sloan

Distressed mango wood bookcase, £854.50, Maisons du Monde

LOOK TAKE INSPIRATION FROM HELEN’S RUSTIC STYLE

Brompton salt and pepper pots, £16 for a set of two, Garden Trading

Woodstock pattern footstool, £369, Country Living Collection at DFS

Manderley cushion, £44, Cream Cornwall

Jaipur Acorn cushion, £55, Weaver Green goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Tosca wall clock, £149.99, Oak Furnitureland

Reindeer faux fur rug, £39, Dunelm

Shetland wool throw, £79, Country Mouse

Sophia sofa, £2,350, Cox & Cox „ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

105

SHOP SMALL. MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

OUR NEW ONLINE MARKETPLACE BRINGS TOGETHER THE BEST OF BRITISH ARTISANS AND MAKERS

NOW!

COUNTRYLIVING SHOP.CO.UK/ GHK-FEB

The new Country Living Marketplace is open for business, selling a wide range of stylish, hand-crafted products from the best of British artisans. Every single item featured on the site has been specially picked by the Country Living team, so whatever takes your fancy – from eye-catching artworks to the perfect present for the pet in your life – you can browse and shop at your leisure, confident that you’re making a big difference to small businesses. HOLLIE CHILDE ART

TURNER & BELL Drawing on an equestrian heritage and using only the finest leathers and fittings, Turner & Bell design and make luxury dog collars and leads in their Leicestershire studio, along with a range of leather moccasins and handbags.

Inspired by her upbringing in Shropshire, watercolour artist Hollie creates paintings that celebrate the whimsical side of British wildlife. Her collection includes limitededition prints and greetings cards.

CLAIRE VAUGHAN DESIGNS

JO BUTCHER Based in Somerset, embroidery artist Jo creates unique and intricate hand-stitched artworks inspired by her love of flowers. Her collection also includes greetings cards and fabulous embroidery kits for those who want to recreate her style themselves.

Crafted in her Herefordshire studio, Claire’s award-winning range of ceramics, stationery, homeware and kitchen linens, all decorated with flora and fauna, is perfect for anyone who loves nature.

COUNTRYLIVINGSHOP.CO.UK/GHK-FEB

Our new Marketplace brings talented artisans together in “ one beautiful online store, so you can shop from them all year round from the comfort of your home ” Louise Pearce, Country Living editor-in-chief

GH CONSUMER AFFAIRS TRUSTED ADVICE TO HELP YOU GET MORE FOR YOUR MONEY

Consumer affairs directors Emilie Martin and Joanne Finney highlight this month’s key issues

AL CI

M

RGY SPE NE

AL M GH E CI

RGY SPE NE

Am I being overcharged for ENERGY?

GH E

Keep an eye on the thermostat and your bills

With energy bills higher than ever, it’s even more key to check that you’re only paying for the energy you’re actually using. Here’s how to make sure your bill is correct

he energy crisis has been in the news almost constantly, and while you may have made every effort to make your home as energy-efficient as possible and to reduce the amount of gas and electricity you use, your energy bill is undoubtedly larger than it was 12 months ago. At a time when every penny counts, it’s worth checking that your bill is being calculated correctly, especially as a recent Ofgem investigation found that five out of the 17 energy companies the research focused on had ‘moderate to severe’ weaknesses or failings in the

T 108

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

way that they charge customers direct debits, with some customers seeing an increase of more than 100% to their bill. Here are some of the most common reasons why your bill could be incorrect – and what you can do about it.

Your bill is estimated Unless you have a smart meter, it’s key to send regular meter readings to your energy company, otherwise your bill will be an estimation of your usage. Your bill should state if it’s estimated, and if it is, you don’t have to pay it. To receive an accurate bill that reflects your actual usage, submit a meter reading as soon

as possible, which you can do via your supplier’s website, app or over the phone. Always check your meter reading against the one your supplier has used on your bill. If there is a big difference, it’s possible that an error has been made. Contact your supplier to flag your concerns and submit a new reading.

Your meter is faulty If you’re supplying regular meter readings but the usage on your bill still seems too high, you may have a faulty meter. ‘Meter faults are rare, but if you have a problem then your supplier is responsible for making sure it works properly,’ says Sarah

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good advice Broomfield, energy expert at Uswitch. ‘Similarly, if you have a prepayment meter with a blank screen or an error message, tell your supplier straight away so it doesn’t impact your access to energy.’ If you’re unhappy with the outcome of your complaint, visit gov.uk/guidance/ electricity-meter-accuracy-disputes to request an independent meter reading. If there is a problem, your meter will be removed and a new one installed. Households with smart meters generally don’t have to submit readings. But some of the early smart meters, called SMETS1, stopped working in ‘smart mode’, meaning that they were not submitting readings automatically. Your SMETS1 meter should have received an automatic upgrade that fixes this issue, but if it still isn’t working, contact your provider. In the meantime, submit meter readings yourself.

You could save money by charging your EV at home

THE LATEST NEWS ON ELECTRIC CARS The ban on the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars is just seven years away – but, as energy costs go up, is it really time to go electric?

It’s worth checking that your bill is being calculated properly How to complain to your energy company If none of the above apply and you still think your bill is wrong, contact your energy supplier. ‘In the first instance, complain to your supplier in writing so that you have the evidence to take the matter further should you need to do so,’ advises Helen Dewdney, author of How To Complain: The Essential Consumer Guide To Getting Refunds, Redress And Results!. ‘If you’re not happy with the response, you can contact the Energy Ombudsman – you must wait eight weeks from when you started the complaint or request a deadlock letter. This letter will come from the supplier stating that they will not discuss the matter further. The Energy Ombudsman will then make a decision, and your supplier is bound by it.’ Gather any supporting evidence – such as your energy bill or photos of your faulty meter – and your energy account number, which you can find on your most recent bill. You can find your energy supplier’s contact details on its website and you can call the Energy Ombudsman on 0330 440 1624.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

SHOULD YOU MAKE THE SWITCH NEXT TIME YOU CHANGE YOUR CAR?

private seller as you are protected by the Consumer Rights Act.

Electric car sales are rising but price is still an issue and you pay a premium for an EV compared to a similar-size petrol or diesel car. ‘The average price of a new electric car in the UK is £47,455 (compared to £38,015 for an SUV and £21,331 for a hatchback), which means affordability remains out of reach for many,’ says Philip Nothard, insight and strategy director for Cox Automotive UK. ‘Therefore, a used purchase may be the only option. As we move towards 2030, the choice of electric cars will increase and it’s likely we will see a more affordable new market, and used prices will align more with the existing petrol and diesel models we see on the roads today.’ By comparison, the average used EV is around £8,500. Many feel unsure about buying a used electric car due to concerns about the battery life. Over time, the range on a EV will be reduced as the battery, similar to the one in your smartphone, starts to degrade, so it’s key to get the battery condition checked by a garage before you buy. It’s best to buy a used EV from a dealership rather than a

WHAT ABOUT CHARGING COSTS? There are currently around 35,778 electric vehicle charging points in the UK, across 21,378 charging locations, with more to come. Gill Nowell from LV= General Insurance and Electrix says, ‘The good news is that the Government has committed to increasing the number of public chargers to 300,000 by 2030.’ The cost of a home charge point is around £800 but prices can vary depending on the type of charging unit you choose. The cheapest way to charge your car is at home rather than on the public network. RAC EV spokesperson Simon Williams says, ‘With the October 2022 price cap, the cost per mile for an average-sized EV driven reasonably efficiently is around 9p and the cost to charge a car to 80% at home will be £17.87. ‘If you rely on the public network, however, you can expect to pay around 18p per mile for electricity. This compares to 19p per mile for a petrol car and 21p per mile for a diesel one, based on someone driving at an average of 40 miles to the gallon.’

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

109

Good advice Take these two simple steps to streak-free clothes

TRIED & TESTED

MULTI-COOKERS An air fryer, pressure cooker and more in one handy appliance, these gadgets make great space- and energy-savers. The GHI put 10 to the test. JOINT WINNER Sage The Fast Slow GO Pressure Cooker £169.95; John Lewis & Partners 90/100 Capacity 6L; dimensions 31.3 x 34.7 x 33.3cm; 14 settings, including pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide and keep warm The highest scorer for pressure cooking on test, preparing a delicious, slow-cooked brisket. In fact, every ingredient we tried cooked evenly and it used just 17p of electricity to cook a perfectly moist vegan chilli in four hours. On the downside, the bowl is hand-wash only and setup is lengthy. Overall, a reliable buy, great for feeding a family or bulk cooking.

White streaks on your washing? It’s frustrating to find freshly washed clothes covered in white streaks and specks. There are two main reasons for this and the good news is there’s a simple solution!

#1 You’re overloading the washing machine Streaks on clothes are usually caused by undissolved washing powder or residue from detergent. This happens when you’ve loaded too much into your machine so the detergent gets caught in the folds of clothing. Using liquid detergent can solve the issue, but if you want to stick to powder to save money, make sure you don’t put too many items in to wash in one go.

#2 You’re using too much detergent When it comes to laundry, you can definitely have too much of a good thing. Make sure you’re checking the dosage on the detergent

110

pack and following the usage advice. If your washing load is particularly dirty, don’t add more detergent! Use in-wash stain removers and adjust the cycle and temperature accordingly. Make sure to clean out your washing machine’s detergent drawer often, as this is where residue can build up and make its way on to your clothes. If you live in a hard-water area, descaling your washing machine may also help. You can do this using a specialist product such as Dr Beckmann Service-It Power Descaler, £3.05 (dr-beckmann.co.uk), or DIY by adding around 250ml of white vinegar to the detergent drawer and running an empty regular wash cycle.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

Ninja Foodi Mini 4.7L Multi Cooker £170; Argos 90/100 Capacity 4.7L; dimensions 38 x 35 x 32cm; six settings, including pressure cook, slow cook, air fry, bake/roast and keep warm Dishwasher-friendly and excelled at air frying, cooking our chicken and chips efficiently. Ideal for beginners, with multiple settings and a cooking guide. It used 21p of electricity to cook a vegan chilli. Any niggles? The steam release button for pressure cooking is too close to the release valve. Otherwise, a top performer.

BUDGET BUY Mini Multi Cooker £59.99; Lakeland 86/100 Capacity 1.8L; dimensions 23.5 x 28 x 20cm; eight settings, including quick cook, slow cook and keep warm Ideal for households of one or two, this intuitive machine is also easy to clean. Its slow cooking was standout; chicken fell off the bone in our curry and our beef brisket was tender. The most energy-efficient for slow cooking on test, using just 10p of electricity to cook a vegan chilli. It’s a top rice cooker and even bakes cupcakes.

7
HOW WE TESTED To find the most reliable multi-cooker, we cooked brisket, vegan chilli and chicken curry using the slow cooker function. Then, depending on each cooker’s capabilities, we made brisket and chilli using the pressure cooker function and chicken wings and chips using the air fryer function. We also roasted vegetables, baked cupcakes, steamed corn and cooked rice where possible. Energy consumption was measured on each setting, with an overall score awarded based on ease of use, design and instructions. „

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

ADDITIONAL WORDS: MOLLY GREEVES, GERALDINE HERBERT, HANNAH MENDELSOHN GHI TESTING: BLOSSOM BOOTHROYD. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

JOINT WINNER

GH E

AL M GH E CI

RGY SPE NE

AL CI

M

HOW TO KEEP WARM RGY SPE NE

(without turning the heating on) With energy prices soaring, we’re all looking for ways to save on our bills. In a bid to find the cosiest, most cost-effective ways to keep toasty this winter, the GHI put the new generation of electric blankets and heated throws and ponchos to the test

ven with the introduction of the Energy Price Guarantee in October, meaning a typical household’s energy bill will be around £2,500 a year, the cost of energy this winter is still double what it was at this time last year*. As a result, many of us have delayed turning the heating on or have, at least, turned it down in an attempt to make savings. In a recent poll, 69%** of respondents said they were planning to switch the heating on less than usual this winter. Unsurprisingly, sales of electric blankets and their like have soared, with John Lewis & Partners reporting a 100% increase in demand. If you’re thinking of investing in one, here’s the GHI experts’ pick of the best, and details of how much they cost to use.

E

112

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

TWO HEATING MYTHS, BUSTED It’s cheaper to leave the heating on all day than to put it on when you need it According to experts at the Energy Saving Trust (EST), the idea that it's cheaper to leave the heating on low all day is a myth. Having the heating on only when you need it is the best way to save energy, and therefore money. When you do switch the heating on, turning the thermostat down by just one degree could shave £145 off your annual energy bill – just be aware that most people feel comfortable with the heating set to 18-200C. Moving furniture further away from radiators, bleeding

radiators and removing radiator covers will also help you make the most of your central heating.

It’s cheaper to use an electric heater to heat the room you’re in than to turn on the central heating According to the EST, electric heaters are one of the most expensive forms of heating. Gas is still a cheaper fuel than standard-rate electricity, so if you have gas central heating, it is generally advisable to use this over individual electric heaters. The exception may be if you only want to heat a small area of a room for less than a few hours.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good advice TRIED & TESTED

HEATED PONCHOS Ideal for keeping snug, with the added benefit of being wearable. WINNER & BEST BUDGET BUY OHS Electric Heated Oversized Hoodie Blanket £31; onlinehomeshop.com (power bank needs to be bought separately, from £8) 90/100 Three heat settings; doesn’t use mains electricity This cosy hoodie relies on a power pack, so you can wear it while moving around the house without any restrictions. It heated up in five minutes and achieved top marks for heat distribution, although it didn’t get as hot as most traditional electric blankets. It kept its shape after washing but was definitely less soft, and the wires in the three heat pads had become more noticeable.

RUNNER-UP Grey Electric Heated Poncho £89.99; Lakeland 86/100 Nine heat settings; costs 9.2p for three hours’ use Halfway between a throw and a poncho, this heated up in five minutes, although heat wasn’t as evenly distributed as with others tested, and it needs to be plugged in during use (a 2m cable means you can move around a little). It shrunk a little in the wash but still felt soft to the touch.

HEATED THROWS

WORDS: JOANNE FINNEY, HANNAH MENDELSOHN. TESTING: BLOSSOM BOOTHROYD. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY. *DOMESTIC ENERGY PRICES RESEARCH BRIEFING, HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBRARY. **SAVANTA COMRES RESEARCH. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY WHEN USING HEATED PRODUCTS

These winter warmers plug in at the wall and reach temperatures of up to 40°C. WINNER

RUNNER-UP

Beurer HD75 Cosy Heated Overblanket £73.44; Amazon 89/100 Six heat settings; costs 4.4p for three hours’ use This large (180x130 cm) velvety-soft blanket maintained an impressively even temperature in use. The controls are simple and it washes well.

Dreamland Deluxe Velvet Herringbone Heated Throw £80; Argos 87/100 Six heat settings; costs 6.8p for three hours’ use This stylish throw is generously sized (160x120 cm). It heated up in seven minutes and impressed with its heat distribution, performing the most consistently on its lowest setting. It comes with a timer, and kept its luxurious finish after washing.

ELECTRIC BLANKETS Forget their old-fashioned image; the latest designs are the ultimate energy-efficient way to make your bed a cosy and inviting place. WINNER Monogram by Beurer Komfort 2 in 1 Fleecy Double Heated Mattress Topper and Electric Blanket £72.24; Amazon 92/100 Six heat settings; costs 4.9p for eight hours’ use This luxuriously fleecy model is our star winter warmer. In our tests, it evenly distributed heat across its surface. Its controls can be a little tricky to read in the dark but it heated up in just five minutes, fitted well over a mattress and was easy to wash.

RUNNER-UP Dreamland Anti-Bacterial Double Heated Underblanket £55; Argos 88/100 Four heat settings; costs 2.7p for eight hours’ use On test, we found this to be the cheapest underblanket to run. It heated up in 10 minutes and evenly distributed warmth, with the lowest of its four settings performing best. There was no separate heat zone for the feet but it was soft and comfortable to lie on and comes with intuitive controls.

BEST BUDGET BUY Russell Hobbs RHEDB6002 Double Electric Underblanket £42.99; Amazon 80/100 Three heat settings; costs 7.3p for eight hours’ use For a budget blanket, this ticks a lot of our boxes. All three heat settings distributed warmth evenly, although the overall temperature fluctuated with extended use. On the plus side, you can move its control to either side of the bed. There’s no timer but it automatically turns off once it reaches a certain temperature, and it’s machine washable.

7
HOW WE TESTED The GHI experts measured how evenly each electric blanket distributed heat, as well as whether temperature fluctuated over three hours on the maximum temperature setting. They also measured energy efficiency on the blanket’s lowest setting (and calculated costs based on the unit price of £0.34/kwh). Finally, the team washed every product to check for shrinkage and damage. For wearables, they also assessed what the products felt like in use. „

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

113

GH GETTING GREENER WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE MORE SUSTAINABLE CHOICES

AL CI

M

RGY SPE NE

AL M GH E CI

GH E

Consumer affairs director Emilie Martin is on a mission to help you make smarter, greener decisions at home and when you shop

How to make your home more ENERGYEFFICIENT

RGY SPE NE

If ever there was a time to give your home an energy efficiency makeover, this is it – for the sake of the planet, as well as your bank balance. Here’s what you need to know about the costs of green home improvements as well as the potential savings he soaring cost of household energy has made most of us scrutinise our use of gas and electricity and look at the energy efficiency of our homes in a different light – or maybe even consider it for the first time. Making improvements to boost your home’s energy efficiency could reduce energy bills, cut its carbon footprint and even – as new research shows – increase its value and appeal to future buyers. A recent survey from Admiral Money reveals that three-quarters

T

of Brits (76%) are influenced by energy-saving features when buying a property and a quarter would pay more for homes with an EPC rating of C or higher (see Energy Performance Certificates Explained, right). The cost of energy-efficient home improvements can range from under £100 to tens of thousands of pounds – but which are the projects worth spending on to reduce energy use and save money in the long run? We’ve rounded up the figures you need to make an informed decision.

SOLAR PANELS If you’ve been put off solar panels by lengthy payback times, you may want to reconsider, as higher electricity prices mean you’ll see a faster return on your investment. Analysis by Carbon Brief shows that the payback time for a typical domestic rooftop solar installation is roughly half what it was two years ago. This is based on a 3kWp system costing £4,320 (currently VAT-free) and assumes you sell excess electricity to the National Grid. Today, a system like this would pay for itself in around nine years, compared to 20 years in October 2020. ‘For those who can afford the outlay, solar panels are a great way to insulate yourself against high fuel prices and will cut carbon emissions,’ says Dr Simon Evans, senior policy editor of Carbon Brief. ‘We don’t know how long the energy crisis will continue, but it’s expected gas prices will remain high for much of this decade.’ The savings you’ll make on your annual electricity bill depend on a number of factors, including how many people are at home during the day to use the energy generated and where in the UK you live. Figures from Energy Saving Trust (EST) show that if you live in south-east England and someone’s at home all day, you stand to save around £610 a year if you sell some of the generated power. If you’re interested in having solar panels installed, get at least three quotes from the list of qualified solar installers on the MCS website (mcscertified.com). Now may be a good time to invest in solar panels

FOR MORE IDEAS on greener living, visit goodhousekeeping.com/uk/sustainability

114

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good advice INSULATION Insulating hot-water pipes and your hot-water cylinder (if you have one) is cheap and will pay for itself quickly. The EST estimates that fitting foam insulation around exposed hot-water pipes and increasing the thickness of insulation around your hot-water cylinder to 80mm costs just over £30 but could shave almost £80 off your yearly energy bills. Having cavity walls insulated is a pricier project (around £1,000 for

a three-bed semi-detached house) but, as roughly a third of the heat in our homes is lost through the walls, you should see an annual saving of just under £400 on your energy bills.

cheap, and you may need to pay extra for additional work to fit a hot-water cylinder (standard pumps don’t heat water on demand) or make changes to the rest of your central heating system. If you live in England and Wales, however, DRAUGHT-PROOFING you could be eligible for a Government If you’re looking for a quick, budgetgrant of £5,000 through the Boiler friendly, energy-efficient fix, fitting Upgrade Scheme (gov.uk/apply-boilera chimney draught excluder such upgrade-scheme), which your installer as a Chimney Sheep (from £18) will apply for on your behalf. above an unused fireplace could Having a heat pump installed will slash £90 from your energy bill certainly cut your home’s over 12 months. carbon emissions – but will Meanwhile, draughtit cut your energy bills? proofing windows This depends on the and doors could type of heating cut energy bills system you One issue, one expert, by upwards of currently have one piece of advice… £60 in a typical and where you ‘Passive cooking – when you turn the semi-detached live. If you live in heat off under a pan of pasta or veg and property. England, Scotland let the heat in the just-boiled water finish Unsurprisingly, or Wales in a the cooking – helps save energy.’ professional three-bedroom SOPHIE NAHMAD, CHEF draught-proofing detached home and AT RECIPE BOX GOUSTO will involve a more you’re replacing an old substantial outlay gas boiler with an energy (expect to pay around £233 efficiency rating of G, the for a three-bed semi), but will EST estimates that you stand to save pay for itself in less than two years. around £395 a year on your gas bill. However, if you currently have an HEAT PUMPS A-rated gas boiler, you’re actually likely Air source heat pumps use heat from to pay slightly more if you have an air the air outside to heat your home and source heat pump installed. If the same hot water, and are a key part of the home were heated solely using electric Government’s plans to cut the carbon storage heaters of any kind, you’d be footprint of our homes. Costing looking at an annual saving of £890£7,000-£13,000, they don’t come £1,500 on your energy bills.

ADDITIONAL WORDS: MOLLY GREEVES. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY. *FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE FOR BUILDING PHYSICS. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, ALL ENERGY-SAVING FIGURES ARE FROM THE EST AND ARE CALCULATED BASED ON THE OCTOBER 2022 ENERGY PRICE GUARANTEE

SMALL CHANGE, BIG IMPACT

CENTRAL HEATING CONTROLS As well as reducing the amount of heat lost from your home, making better use of your central heating can also cut energy use. Installing a thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves (that regulate the temperature of individual radiators) in a typical semi-detached home will cost around £580 and could result in annual savings of £180. If you already have a thermostat and programmer, installing thermostatic radiator valves on radiators that don’t already have them (they cost from £10 each) in a home of this size could save £55 a year. If you already have all these things in place, a smart thermostat, such as those from Tado (tado.com; from £199.99 for a wireless thermostat), could cut the energy you use to heat your home by around a quarter*.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES EXPLAINED An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives your home a rating to show how energy-efficient it is. This ranges from A (efficient) to G (inefficient). If you’re selling your home, you’ll need to make its EPC available to potential buyers. If your home doesn’t already have an EPC, getting one from an accredited assessor (find one at gov.uk/get-new-energy-certificate) can cost up to £120. The certificate will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue. If you think your home may

already have an EPC, you can search for it at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate. As well as giving your home an energy efficiency rating, the EPC also sets out a list of recommended energy-saving home improvements tailored to your property, with estimated costs and savings, to help boost its rating. If your home doesn’t have an EPC and you’re not selling in the near future, you can get free advice on the next steps you can take to make it more energy-efficient at gov.uk/improve-energy-efficiency. „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

115

ways to GROW your SAVINGS in uncertain times As the sky-rocketing cost of everything from energy to groceries pushes up inflation, it’s more important than ever to get the highest returns possible on savings. Here’s how to find the best home for your money Words RUTH JACKSON-KIRBY

Financially fabulous ver the past year, the interest rate on savings accounts has been steadily rising, thanks to Bank of England base rate increases. However, at the same time, soaring inflation means the spending power of our savings is constantly being eroded. So what can you do to give your savings a boost? Here are 10 smart money moves to make now.

O

MOVE YOUR MONEY It’s unlikely your old savings accounts are still paying you a competitive rate. Just moving your money into a best-buy account can make a huge difference to the returns you get. ‘Many of the best rates on offer are paying more than they have for over a decade,’ says Anna Bowes, co-founder of Savings Champion. ‘So savers who are prepared to shop around can earn some meaningful interest on their hard-earned savings.’ For example, 18 months ago the best rate on an easy-access account was 0.33%. Now, Nationwide Building Society offers 2.5%. On a £5,000 balance that is a difference of £108.50 a year. If you’re already with Barclays and a member of its Blue Rewards scheme, you can open a new Rainy Day Saver account, which pays 5.12% interest up to £5,000. To get the very best rates, you need to be prepared to consider banks you may not have heard of. ‘Some high-street banks are still paying the lowest rates,’ says Bowes. ‘Savers should make sure they know the rate of interest they are earning and switch if it’s not competitive.’ Al Rayan Bank, for example, is currently offering 2.81% interest. Make sure the bank you move to is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (fscs.org.uk/check-your-money-isprotected). That means up to £85,000 is guaranteed to be returned to you if the bank collapses.

SPLIT YOUR MONEY Keeping all your money in an instant-access account means you are missing out on the higher rates offered on fixed-rate bonds. ‘There’s always a concern that if you lock into a fixed-rate bond today, you might miss out on better rates tomorrow,’ says Bowes. ‘That’s a risk you may have to take. However, if you’re waiting for something better to come along while leaving your cash to languish in a poorer-paying account, you’ll be missing out on earning that bit more.’ Having said that, with interest rates still rising, this isn’t the time to lock your money away for five years. Do that, and when rates rise again, you could be left with your money trapped in an uncompetitive account. The good news is the interest rates offered on one-year bonds are at a 13-year high. For example, you can earn 4.35% with Atom Bank’s one-year bond. Combine that with a best-buy instant-access account and you’ll know you’re getting the best possible returns on all of your cash.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

USE NOTICE ACCOUNTS TO BOOST YOUR RETURNS If you don’t need instant access to your cash but don’t want to lock it away for a year either, another option is a notice account. These will give you an increased return compared to an easy-access account, depending on how much notice you’re prepared to give before you access your money. Options vary from 30 days to 180. For example, if you’re prepared to give 120 days’ notice you could get 3.2% from OakNorth Bank. It’s a tactic Nikki Kopelman, 34, from north London, is using to boost her savings. Nikki, who runs translation services company Bon Mot, has opened a Smart Saver account with Zopa. Zopa started out as a peer-to-peer lender but is now a fully licensed bank offering a range of savings accounts. Nikki has one savings account with Zopa but can put money into different pots within that account, earning different interest rates depending on the notice period. Interest starts at 2.4% for her main pot, which she can make withdrawals from at any time. ‘I’m gradually putting money aside into each of the pots for different purposes,’ says Nikki. ‘I have one pot for short-term expenses, such as the car MOT and other things, which has a seven-day notice period. Then there’s another pot I’ve called “Home Improvements” that has a 31-day notice period and earns 2.6%.’ She can also earn up to 2.8% on money in a 95-day notice pot. Nikki has a clever strategy to encourage her to save. ‘Every time I might be tempted to buy something I don’t really need, such as a takeaway, I try to put that amount into my savings instead,’ she says. FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

117

PROTECT YOUR SAVINGS FROM TAX Recently, returns on savings have been so pitiful most of us didn’t need to worry about the tax office taking a share, but that may change. Basic-rate taxpayers can earn up to £1,000 a year in interest tax-free. After that you pay 20% of the interest you earn to the tax office. That £1,000 is known as your Personal Allowance. If you are a higher-rate taxpayer, you get a £500 Personal Allowance, then pay tax at 40% on your interest. Additional rate taxpayers get no Personal Allowance. As interest rates rise, the prospect of breaching your allowance is more likely. A higher rate taxpayer with £12,000 in the best-buy one-year bond would earn over £500 interest, for example. But there is a way to avoid giving any of your hard-earned interest to the tax office: keep your money in an Individual Savings Account (ISA). You can deposit up to £20,000 into an ISA each tax year and it can then grow tax-free for as long as it remains in the account. The best instant-access ISA rate is 2.55% at Cumberland Building Society; you could increase that to 4.25% with its one-year ISA. Rates are slightly lower than you can get in non-ISA accounts, so only opt for an ISA if you are at risk of breaching your Personal Allowance.

BE PROACTIVE Maximising the returns on your savings isn’t a one-time activity. ‘It’s vital that savers do not become apathetic and instead are proactive to chase down a better deal, especially as there are easy-access accounts paying as little as 0.1%,’ says Rachel Springall from MoneyFacts.co.uk. Once you’ve moved your money into the best easy-access account and fixed-rate accounts, make a note in your diary for six months’ time to check the rates again. ‘Keeping a close eye on the top rate and signing up to rate alerts is essential to avoid the disappointment of missing out,’ says Springall. ‘It is expected that we will see even more base-rate rises this year and if providers fail to pass this on, savers would be wise to reconsider their loyalty and switch.’ With fixed-term bonds, make a note of when your account matures and shop around for the best new home for your cash. Fail to move your money when your bond matures, and your provider is likely to move the money into a new account paying a pitiful interest rate. Take Nationwide’s one-year bond, which pays a very competitive 4%; after 12 months your money will be moved into an instant-access savings account, which is currently paying just 0.3% interest.

SAVE REGULARLY (OR AT LEAST PRETEND TO) Some of the best returns around right now are offered on regular savings accounts. These accounts limit how much you can deposit monthly (typically between £10 and £500). The best rate at the moment is offered by Cumberland Building Society, which is paying 4.5% annually on monthly deposits of between £25 and £250 a month; with one withdrawal a year allowed. These accounts are a great way to build up a nest egg, but you can also take advantage even if you have already built up some savings. Simply open a regular savings account and move the maximum amount from your easy-access savings account each month. For example, let’s say you have £6,000 in an easy-access account earning 2.5%. You could then open a regular savings account with Cumberland Building Society and drip feed £250 a month to earn 4.5% interest on that chunk, while the rest still gets a decent easy-access rate. At the end of 12 months, you would have earned £183 in interest, £34 more than if you had left all the money in the easy-access account.

SQUIRREL AWAY YOUR CASHBACK Boost your savings via cashback cards and websites and add to your account. If you can pay off your credit card balance in full each month, a cashback credit card will reward you. The American Express Platinum Cashback Everyday card will give you back 5% of what you spend for the first three months, up to £100; after that, it’s 0.5% on the first £10,000 of annual spending and 1% on over £10,000. The cashback is paid once a year, usually as a credit on your account balance, so it’s knocked off your bill. Make a note of when it is paid and move the amount you would have spent on that month’s credit card bill into your savings account. Just make sure you pay off your balance in full each month, or you’ll be charged a whopping 26.6%APR. You can also earn cashback via websites such as Quidco or TopCashback: 7% cashback at Net-A-Porter via Quidco or £33 from TopCashback if you use Go.Compare to shop for home insurance.

Financially fabulous GRAB CURRENT ACCOUNT SWITCHING BONUSES A great way to give your savings pot a helping hand is to regularly change current accounts and grab the switching bonuses banks pay to new customers. Right now, you could get £200 for switching to a Nationwide FlexDirect account. You just need to switch a non-Nationwide account over, including at least two direct debits. You should then receive £200 within 10 days. Alternatively, you could get £175 from First Direct. Put the switching bonus into your savings account and you can give your nest egg a healthy boost.

ILLUSTRATIONS: SHUTTERSTOCK. INFORMATION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRESS

TRY HELP TO SAVE If someone you know is on a low income or certain benefits, make sure they know about the Government’s Help to Save scheme. It’s run with National Savings & Investments (NS&I) and you can pay between £1 and £50 into the account every month for up to four years. Savers won’t earn any interest, but at the end of two years and again at four years, the Government will add a bonus that amounts to 50% of the highest balance throughout the previous two years. If, as an example, you save £50 each month, after two years you would have a balance of £1,200 – so the Government would add a tax-free bonus of £600. Carry on saving £50 a month and after four years you would get another £600, and you’d have built a nest egg worth £3,600. Withdrawals can be made from the account at any time. You can apply for a Help to Save account if you receive Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or are claiming Universal Credit and earned at least £658.64 from paid work in your last monthly assessment. goodhousekeeping.com/uk

INCREASE YOUR RISK AND YOUR REWARDS WITH INVESTMENTS When inflation is eating away at your cash savings, your investments become more important than ever. Even the best interest rates on cash can’t stop your money shrinking in real terms as inflation sits at around 10%. But investments offer the opportunity to make inflation-beating returns as they historically outperform cash held in saving accounts. You just need to be comfortable with the fact that the value of your investments can fall. If you had invested £10,000 in a global tracker fund a decade ago, for example, it would now be worth around £21,900, according to figures from Hargreaves Lansdown. In contrast, £10,000 in average cash saving accounts for the past 10 years would now be worth around £10,460. However, to ensure your investments are beating inflation you may need to take more risk, moving more money into shares – or funds that hold shares – rather than sticking to Government and corporate bonds. That’s because lower risk tends to mean lower returns. For example, £10,000 invested in corporate bonds a decade ago would be worth around £11,700 today. It’s more than if it had been left in cash, but far less than investments in stocks and shares such as the global tracker fund mentioned above. The key to investing is not to tie up all your savings and to recognise it is a long-term choice. ‘Think of your cash in chunks,’ says Sarah Coles, a personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. ‘The first is emergency savings, which should cover around three to six months’ worth of essential expenses. This needs to be in an easy-access savings account. The next pot is money you won’t need immediate access to but may require within five years. This is best put into fixed-rate bonds so you can earn a higher interest rate than in your instant-access account. For any money you won’t need for at least five to 10 years, consider investment,’ says Coles. ‘This will rise and fall in the short term, and you can lose money, but over the long term it should have time to ride this out, so you can take advantage of long-term growth.’ „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

119

THE HOUSE BEAUTIFUL COLLECTION BY DREAMS For the perfect combination of style and comfort, look no further than the House Beautiful Collection of sumptuous bed frames at Dreams

NEVA

A great night’s sleep can be more than just a fairy tale, thanks to the House Beautiful Collection of sumptuous bed frames at Dreams. Each of these stunning bed frames, opulently upholstered in super-soft, plush fabric with a luxurious, velvety feel, offers key design and comfort elements, such as deeply padded headboards, sprung slats, detail stitching and natural-effect legs. As well as looking and feeling gorgeous, the bed frames offer masses of hidden storage. Neva and Grove feature capacious end-opening ottomans, big enough to hold spare bedding, duvets, pillows and more; while Maisy and Florence have an ingenious ‘shadow’ ottoman, a black fabric pouch that blends in seamlessly once the bed is closed, giving the impression that the under-bed is clear. How clever is that?

NEVA

MAISY

GROVE

FLORENCE

See more in-store and online at dreams.co.uk/house-beautiful

GH FOOD THIS MONTH’S CLEVER TIPS, FOODIE NEWS AND COOKERY FAVOURITES

Get ready to enjoy February’s seasonal produce, new launches and best buys from cookery director Meike Beck

THE SPICE IS RIGHT Chef Vivek Singh has brought the flavours of his famous Cinnamon Collection restaurants to the masses with his chilled, modern Indian ready meals. The 16-strong Cinnamon Kitchen range includes mains and sides, perfect for dining out at home. Look out for the Black Dahl, it’s incredible. Available from Tesco, prices start from £3.

HOT DRIZZLE We’re told not to judge by a cover, but Banhoek’s Chilli Oil really does live up to its amazing packaging. Made in small batches using bird’s-eye chillies and rapeseed oil, it’s ideal for drizzling over almost any food to spice up your life. Available from Ocado, £8.50 for 250ml.

GREEN DREAM Vertical farming is going to be huge, thanks to its green and sustainable practices, and Lēaf is leading the way with its growing range of products. Its Vegan Basil Pesto is the first in the UK to use vertically farmed basil, a method that requires 95% less water than traditional farming and uses no pesticides. Available from greenbaysupermarket.co.uk, £3.99 for 190g.

What’s in season After months of eating hearty root vegetables, our taste buds need some brightness. Luckily, forced rhubarb is coming into its prime now. Forcing the rhubarb might sound cruel, but growing it in dark and damp sheds produces dazzlingly pink stems. Predominantly cultivated in a small area known as the Rhubarb Triangle in West Yorkshire, these pretty sticks are even harvested by candlelight to limit their amount of light exposure. All this hard work results in rhubarb that’s sweet, tender and low in acidity, which pairs beautifully with both sweet and savoury dishes (especially those featuring orange, ginger or mackerel). The curly yellow leaves (which contain toxic oxalic acid) keep the stalks fresh, so only snip them off when you’re ready to eat the rhubarb.

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you’re proud of a GH recipe you’ve made, snap a pic and send it to us at [email protected] and you might feature in a future issue!

122

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

TRIED & TESTED

*WSET STANDS FOR THE WINE & SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST. THIS QUALIFICATION IS GLOBALLY RECOGNISED AS THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD IN WINE AND SPIRIT KNOWLEDGE

LOW- AND NOALCOHOL DRINKS

BEST LOW- OR NO-ALCOHOL BEER BrewDog Alcohol Free Hazy Jane 0.5% ABV, £4 for 4 x 330ml; BrewDog 78/100 BrewDog’s alcohol-free craft beer is bursting with tropical fruit, supported with a bitter flavour and delicate kombucha-style effervescence. Testers thought it was an excellent brew.

If you’re trying not to drink as much (or at all) this month, switching to a lowor no-alcohol alternative can help you stick to your resolution. Our panel of WSET-trained* experts sipped their way through 48 no- and low-alcohol drinks – including robust wines, cocktail-ready spirits and thirst-quenching beers – to find the best. BEST LOW- OR NO-ALCOHOL RED WINE De Bortoli The Very Cautious One Shiraz 0% ABV, £6 for 75cl; Ocado 83/100 Our winning red is a convincing alcohol-free Australian shiraz, full of long-lasting black fruit, thirst-quenching acidity and wellintegrated tannins. Intensely aromatic and food-friendly with none of the alcohol.

BEST LOW- OR NO-ALCOHOL WHITE WINE 0.5% Sauvignon Blanc 0.5% ABV, £5.49 for 75cl; Adnams 81/100 This refreshing Spanish white lends itself to easy any-time drinking. With notes of white peach, honeysuckle and citrus, it has the bonus of no hangover the next day.

BEST BUDGET LOW- OR NO-ALCOHOL DRINK Eisberg Merlot Alcohol Free Wine 0% ABV, £3.25 for 75cl; Tesco 72/100 This fruity merlot is a steal at just £3.25. Perfect for those mid-week wine cravings, the cherry-forward flavour has a good balance of sweetness and acidity.

BEST LOW- OR NO-ALCOHOL SPIRIT Amaretti 0% ABV, £23.50 for 70cl; Lyre’s 83/100 Lyre’s has an impeccable line-up of contemporary, non-alcoholic spirits, but this 0% amaretti is a dead ringer for the real deal. With notes of sweet almonds, marzipan, toasted nuts and a hint of mint, it makes a superb amaretto sour mocktail.

GHI WORDS: STACEY SMITH. PRODUCT TESTING: JOANNA ANASTASIOU, CALLUM BLACK. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY

TRIED & TESTED

VALENTINE’S DAY CHOCOLATE GIFTS Nothing says love better than chocolates, so our experts sampled 22 chocolate gifts in search of the tastiest that can be delivered nationwide WINNER Cutter & Squidge Chocolate Lover Hamper with Prosecco £53.50; cutterandsquidge.com 94/100 Cutter & Squidge combines top-quality treats with beautiful packaging. From buttery chocolate shortbread to vegan-friendly chocolate orange truffles, we think there’s something for everyone here.

RUNNER-UP Motif Espresso Martini Bar Chocolates £15.99; Selfridges 84/100 The sleek packaging is a treat in itself, and the chocolates’ boozy kick replicates the iconic cocktail perfectly with decadent dark chocolate-covered whole roasted coffee beans. This sweet treat is the perfect addition to date night – be that with your partner or yourself.

BEST BUDGET Guylian Belgian Classics £9; Ocado 81/100 Guylian has recently rebranded with a new 100% recyclable sage green and gold box. Inside, the Fairtrade seashell choccies are as delicious as ever, and include new variations mixed with fruit, nuts and coffee alongside the original hazelnut flavour.

TRIED, TESTED, TRUSTED Our GHI taste panel blind-tests hundreds of foods and drinks every year, from store cupboard staples to special treats. We score on appearance, aroma, texture and flavour to find the best products.

7 Visit goodhousekeeping.com/uk/ food/food-reviews for all our food and drink test results from the GHI. „

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

123

Triple-Tested recipes

Universally loved, easy and affordable, it’s no surprise pasta is the king of midweek suppers. From classic flavours to trendy new twists, in oven bakes and simple bowls, we have all the inspiration you need… Photography: MIKE ENGLISH

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

125

What to do if you’re on a gluten-free diet? The Good Housekeeping Institute’s head of food testing, Angela Trofymova, knows a thing or two about pasta. ‘Gluten-free pasta has come a long way in recent years. Generally speaking, wheat-free pastas fall into two groups: those that resemble traditional durum pasta (typically made from corn or rice flours) and those offering a healthier angle (made of things such as chickpeas and red lentils). My pick of the gluten-free crop is Dell’Ugo fresh pasta, as its products are consistent and taste great (and are free from all 14 allergens!). As with all gluten-free pasta, closely watch the cooking time (especially if you plan on adding to a pasta bake) as it has a tendency to fall apart if overcooked.’

Smoked Salmon Pasta If you can’t get strozzapreti, fusilli or penne would work well, too. Use a pack of flaked hot smoked salmon instead of fillets, if you prefer. Hands-on time 20min. Cooking time about 20min. Serves 4

y
2tbsp nonpareille capers, drained y
60g rocket

y
300g strozzapreti pasta y
3tbsp olive oil y
75g fresh white breadcrumbs y
2 garlic cloves, crushed y
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely sliced y

125g sun-blush tomatoes, roughly chopped y

2 x hot smoked salmon fillets (about 180g), skin removed

1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain, reserving 125ml cooking water. 2 Meanwhile, heat 1tbsp oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat and fry the breadcrumbs, ½ the garlic and plenty of seasoning, stirring regularly, until golden. Tip on to a plate and set aside.

126

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

3 Add the remaining 2tbsp oil to the empty pan and fry the remaining garlic, the chilli and tomatoes for 2min, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Flake in the salmon and warm through. 4 Stir in the capers, pasta, reserved cooking water and plenty of seasoning. Stir through the rocket to wilt slightly. Check seasoning. Divide between 4 bowls and scatter over the golden breadcrumbs. Serve. PER SERVING 562cals, 23g protein, 19g fat (3g saturates), 72g carbs (6g total sugars), 6g fibre

Triple-Tested recipes Tuna Pasta Bake You’ll likely have most of these economical ingredients in your storecupboard already, making it the perfect midweek meal. Hands-on time 15min. Cooking time about 45min. Serves 4 y
300g penne pasta y
2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes y
2tbsp tomato purée y

2 x 145g tins tuna in spring water, drained y
75g pitted black olives

y
165g tin sweetcorn, drained y

75g stale bread, cut into rough 2cm chunks y
50g Cheddar, grated 1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain. 2 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan)

mark 6. Meanwhile, in a large pan over medium heat, bubble the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée and some seasoning for 5min, stirring occasionally. Stir in the pasta, tuna, olives and sweetcorn and check seasoning. 3 Spoon into a roughly 2 litre ovenproof serving dish and sprinkle over the bread and Cheddar. Cook in oven for 30min, or until crisp and golden. Serve. PER SERVING 523cals, 33g protein, 10g fat (4g saturates), 72g carbs (9g total sugars), 6g fibre

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

127

One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta The key to this easy recipe is in the spice blend. You can use 1tbsp bought Cajun spice seasoning if short on time. Chicken breast would also work here, though chicken thighs remain juicier and more tender. Hands-on time 15min. Cooking time about 35min. Serves 4 FOR THE CAJUN CHICKEN y
1tsp smoked sweet paprika y
½tsp freshly ground black pepper y
½tsp cayenne pepper y
¼tsp garlic granules y
1tsp onion granules y
1tsp dried oregano y
½tsp dried thyme y

300g chicken thigh fillets, cut into finger-sized strips

FOR THE PASTA y
1tbsp vegetable oil y
1 onion, finely chopped y
400g tin chopped tomatoes y
800ml chicken stock y
300g conchiglie pasta TO SERVE y
3 spring onions, finely sliced y
150g guacamole, optional 1 For the Cajun chicken, in a medium bowl mix all the spices, garlic and onion granules, the dried herbs and

a large pinch of salt. Add the chicken and mix to coat. 2 For the pasta, heat the oil in a large pan over low heat and cook the onion for 5min, until softened. Increase heat to medium, add the spiced chicken and cook for 5min, until starting to turn golden. 3 Add the tomatoes and stock. Bring to the boil then stir in the pasta. Bubble for 17-20min, stirring frequently, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Check seasoning. 4 Garnish with spring onions and serve with guacamole, if using, to dollop on. PER SERVING (without guacamole) 441cals, 32g protein, 6g fat (1g saturates), 62g carbs (9g total sugars), 5g fibre

Triple-Tested recipes Spaghetti Vongole You can use any shellfish; cockles are cheaper than clams and mussels would also work well. If you don’t like tomatoes, you can leave them out and the recipe will be just as delicious. This Venetian dish is also the perfect romantic dinner to impress; halve the recipe if making for someone special. Hands-on time 25min. Cooking time about 15min. Serves 4

Vegan Lasagne Oat milk alternative is the secret to creating a creamy sauce that no one will know is vegan. Hands-on time 40min. Cooking time about 1hr 10min. Serves 4 FOR THE FILLING y
1tbsp olive oil y
1 onion, finely chopped y
2 garlic cloves, crushed y

500g frozen plant-based mince, we used Quorn y
2tbsp tomato purée y

75g roasted red peppers from a jar, roughly chopped y
400g tin chopped tomatoes y
1tbsp dried mixed herbs y
1tsp dried chilli flakes y

1 medium courgette (about 200g), trimmed and coarsely grated y

8 dried egg-free lasagne sheets FOR THE WHITE SAUCE y
2tbsp olive oil y
25g plain flour y

400ml oat milk alternative, we used Oatly y
1tbsp nutritional yeast flakes y
¼tsp freshly grated nutmeg y

100g dairy-free hard cheese alternative, we used Violife 1 For the filling, heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat and cook the onion for 10min, or until softened. Add the garlic and mince and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10min, or until the mince is defrosted. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1min. 2 Add the peppers, tomatoes, goodhousekeeping.com/uk

dried herbs and chilli, 200ml water and plenty of seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mince has soaked up most of the liquid. Remove from the heat and stir in the courgette. 3 Meanwhile, make the white sauce. Heat the oil in a separate medium pan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1min. Remove from the heat and gradually stir in the oat milk alternative to make a smooth sauce. Return to the heat and cook, stirring, until bubbling. Remove from the heat and stir in the yeast flakes, nutmeg and ½ the cheese alternative. 4 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Spoon ½ the tomato mixture into the base of a roughly 2 litre ovenproof serving dish and spread to level. Arrange 4 lasagne sheets on top in an even layer and spread over ½ the white sauce. Repeat layering once more. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese alternative. Cook in the oven for 45min, or until golden and bubbling. Serve. PER SERVING 651cals, 32g protein, 32g fat (5g saturates), 53g carbs (13g total sugars), 12g fibre GET AHEAD Assemble up to a day ahead. Cool (if needed), cover and chill. Complete recipe to serve, adding 5min extra cooking time, if needed.

y
1kg fresh clams in shells y
3tbsp olive oil y

200g cherry tomatoes, quartered y
300g spaghetti pasta y
4 garlic cloves, crushed y

2 red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped y

25g parsley, stalks and leaves finely chopped (keep separate) y
200ml dry white wine 1 Put the clams into a colander and rinse under cold running water. Scrape off any barnacles and discard any that don’t close when tapped firmly on a surface (it’s okay if they open again). 2 Heat the oil in a large pan (that has a lid) over low heat

and cook the tomatoes for 5min, stirring occasionally, until softened. 3 Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain. 4 Stir the garlic, chillies and parsley stalks into the tomato pan. Fry for 2min, then pour in the wine and bubble for 2min. Add clams, stir and cover. Cook for 3-4min, shaking the pan occasionally, or until the shells are fully open. Discard any shellfish that remain closed. 5 Add the pasta and parsley leaves and toss to coat. Check seasoning. Divide between 4 bowls and serve. PER SERVING 476cals, 24g protein, 11g fat (2g saturates), 60g carbs (4g total sugars), 5g fibre

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

129

Triple-Tested recipes Fettuccine Alfredo Originating in Rome, this recipe was initially made with just butter and Parmesan. It’s since evolved into a popular American dish with the addition of cream, and often chicken and prawns (see GH TIP). Hands-on time 15min. Cooking time about 15min. Serves 4 y
300g fettucine pasta y
200ml double cream y
75g butter, chopped y

100g Parmesan, finely grated y
 25g parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped 1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain, reserving 250ml cooking water. 2 Meanwhile, heat the cream and butter in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts. Increase the heat to medium-high and bubble for 2min, stirring occasionally, until thickened. 3 Remove frying pan from the heat, stir in the pasta,

reserved cooking water, Parmesan and plenty of seasoning. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. Check seasoning. 4 Divide between 4 bowls and sprinkle over the parsley. Serve. PER SERVING 765cals, 19g protein, 51g fat (31g saturates), 55g carbs (3g total sugars), 4g fibre

GH TIP Add a handful of shredded cooked chicken or peeled and cooked king prawns at step 3, if you like. Ensure pasta is piping hot before serving.

Chicken and Squash Pasta Bake Try this when you want something more impressive. The giant pasta shells – conchiglioni – add the wow factor. Hands-on time 35min. Cooking time about 45min. Serves 4 y

300g butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into 1.5cm pieces y

3tsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle y
250g conchiglioni pasta y

2 large skinless chicken breasts (about 350g), cut into finger-sized strips y
150ml chicken stock y
200g crème fraîche y

2tbsp sage, finely chopped, plus extra leaves
to garnish y
Finely grated zest 1 lemon y
150g Gruyère, grated y

1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped y
250g ricotta 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. In a large, shallow ovenproof serving dish or roasting tin toss the squash in 1tsp oil and some seasoning. Roast for 20-25min, or until tender. 2 Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the shells cooking and sticking. Set aside.

130

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

3 Heat 1tsp oil in a large, deep frying pan over high heat. Fry ½ the chicken for 3-4min, or until golden. Remove to a plate. Add remaining 1tsp oil and fry remaining chicken as before. 4 Return all the chicken to the pan, pour in the stock and bring to the boil. Bubble for 2min, or until the chicken is cooked through and the stock has reduced slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in the crème fraîche, sage, lemon zest, 100g Gruyère, most of the chilli, the roasted squash and some seasoning. 5 Spoon some sauce into the base of the empty squash dish/tin, then arrange the pasta shells (opening up) in the dish. Spoon the chicken and squash mixture into the shells. Pour remaining sauce over the pasta. 6 In a small bowl, mix the remaining 50g Gruyère, the ricotta and some seasoning. Dot over the pasta. Garnish with some sage leaves and the reserved chilli, drizzle with oil and cook in the oven for 20min, or until golden and bubbling. Serve. PER SERVING 830cals, 47g protein, 46g fat (29g saturates), 53g carbs (7g total sugars), 5g fibre goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Crab Linguine An easy, elegant supper that’s ready in 15min. You can also use the more economical tinned crab here – just make sure to drain it thoroughly first. Hands-on time 10min. Cooking time about 15min. Serves 4 y
300g linguine pasta y
1tbsp olive oil y

2 garlic cloves, finely sliced y

200g mixed white and brown fresh crab meat, we used Seafood & Eat It, see GH TIP y
½tsp dried chilli flakes y
Juice 1 lemon y

Large handful parsley, roughly chopped 1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain. 2 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat and fry the garlic for 2min, until

fragrant. Stir in the crab meat and chilli flakes and fry for 2min. 3 Add the pasta, lemon juice, parsley and some seasoning. Toss well to combine. Divide between 4 bowls and serve. PER SERVING 354cals, 19g protein, 6g fat (1g saturates), 54g carbs (2g total sugars), 4g fibre

GH TIP Brown crab meat adds great flavour, but if you prefer a more delicate taste, just use the white meat.

Vegan Creamy Carrot Miso Pasta Young, slim carrots have the most flavour and will melt down into a creamy sauce. A high-speed blender will make quick work of whizzing the sauce, but a regular liquidiser will do the job, too; it will just take a bit longer. Hands-on time 25min. Cooking time about 35min. Serves 4 y
100g unsalted cashews y

1tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle y

2 echalion shallots, finely chopped y

350g young/spring carrots, peeled and grated y
3 garlic cloves, crushed y
Pinch dried chilli flakes y

250ml vegan vegetable stock y
1tbsp white miso paste y

2tbsp nutritional yeast flakes, optional y
300g egg-free trofie pasta y

Large handful flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped 1 Put 60g cashews into a small heatproof bowl and cover with just-boiled water. Set aside to soak for at least 10min. Meanwhile, toast the remaining 40g cashews in a dry frying pan over low heat until golden. Tip on to a board and leave until cool enough to handle. Finely chop. 2 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

heat and fry the shallots, carrots, garlic and chilli flakes for 7-8min, until softened. Add the stock and bubble for 10min, or until the vegetables are completely tender and the stock has mostly evaporated. 3 Tip the carrot mixture into a blender (see intro) and add the miso paste and nutritional yeast flakes, if using. Drain the soaked cashews and add to the blender with plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Whizz until smooth (this takes a while), scraping down the sides occasionally. Check seasoning. 4 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain, reserving a cupful of the cooking water. 5 Return the pasta to the pan and scrape in the carrot sauce. Add the parsley and a splash of the reserved cooking water to loosen. Heat over low heat, if needed, until piping hot. 6 Divide between 4 bowls and scatter over the chopped cashews. Serve. PER SERVING 532cals, 18g protein, 20g fat (4g saturates), 66g carbs (9g total sugars), 9g fibre

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

131

Four Cheese Mac ’n’ Cheese This rich mac ’n’ cheese really packs a punch. For a milder flavour, swap the Camembert for Brie, and leave out the Stilton. Make sure all your cheeses are vegetarian, if needed. Hands-on time 20min. Cooking time 20min. Serves 4 y
300g macaroni pasta y
40g butter y
40g plain flour y

500ml milk y

150g Camembert, rind removed and roughly chopped y
75g Cheddar, coarsely grated

y
50g Red Leicester, coarsely grated y
50g Stilton, crumbled y
50g fresh white breadcrumbs 1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain. 2 Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1min. Remove from the

heat and gradually stir in the milk to make a smooth sauce. Return to the heat and cook, stirring, until bubbling. Season. 3 Preheat grill to high. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the Camembert and most of the Cheddar and Red Leicester. Season well. Stir in the pasta. Empty into a roughly 2 litre ovenproof serving dish and sprinkle over the Stilton, breadcrumbs, and remaining Cheddar and Red Leicester. 4 Grill for 5min, or until golden and bubbling. Serve with a salad, if you like. PER SERVING 800cals, 34g protein, 38g fat (23g saturates), 78g carbs (8g total sugars), 4g fibre

Triple-Tested recipes Bolognese Pasta Bake We’ve chopped our vegetables in a food processor for speed, but you could finely chop by hand. If you can’t get hold of bocconcini (also known as mozzarella pearls), you can use torn mozzarella instead. Hands-on time 30min. Cooking time 1hr 10min. Serves 4 y
1 onion, roughly chopped y
150g button mushrooms y

1 carrot, trimmed and roughly chopped y
1 celery stick, roughly chopped y
1 garlic clove, peeled y
1tbsp olive oil y
500g beef mince y
2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes y
1 beef stock cube, crumbled y
2tsp dried mixed herbs y
300g fusilli pasta

y

125g bocconcini or mozzarella pearls, halved y

Small handful basil, optional, torn 1 In a food processor, pulse the onion, mushrooms, carrot, celery and garlic until finely chopped. Heat the oil in a large casserole dish (see GH TIP) over medium heat. Tip in the veg and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10min, until softened. 2 Increase heat to medium-high and stir in the mince, breaking up any clumps. Cook until browned all over. Add the tomatoes, stock cube, dried herbs and some freshly ground black pepper. Bring

to the boil, then simmer for 15min, or until the beef is tender. Check seasoning. 3 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C) mark 6. Remove dish from the heat and stir in the pasta and 400ml just-boiled water. Transfer to the oven and cook for 15min. 4 Carefully remove from the oven and stir well. Dot over the bocconcini/mozzarella pearls and return to the oven for 15min, or until golden and bubbling. 5 Sprinkle over the basil, if using, and serve. PER SERVING 743cals, 44g protein, 31g fat (14g saturates), 67g carbs (14g total sugars), 8g fibre GET AHEAD Prepare to end of step 2 up to a day ahead. Cool, cover and chill. To serve, reheat until piping hot, adding a little extra water to loosen, if needed. Complete recipe, cooking for an extra 10min, if needed.

GH TIP If you don’t have a large casserole dish, cook your vegetables in a large pan, then transfer the mixture to an ovenproof serving dish at the end of step 2.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

133

Triple-Tested recipes Creamy Sausage Pasta Bake This Spanish-inspired bake is easy to adapt. Use a different sausage, up the chilli, swap the Manchego for Parmesan, or use any flavoured passata you like. Hands-on time 15min. Cooking cook, stirring occasionally, for time about 35min. Serves 4 10-12min, or until the onion is softened and golden. y

200g chorizo cooking 3 Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil sausages and cook the pasta according y
½tbsp olive oil to pack instructions. Drain. y

1 small onion, finely Preheat oven to 220°C chopped (200°C fan) mark 7. y

1 red chilli, deseeded and 4 Meanwhile, stir the sundried finely chopped tomato purée and wine into y
300g rigatoni pasta the onion pan. Increase the y

2tbsp sundried tomato heat to high and bubble for purée 2min. Stir in the passata, y
125ml dry white wine bring to a simmer and remove y
500g passata with basil from the heat. Stir in the y

75g mascarpone or crème mascarpone/crème fraîche fraîche until melted, followed by the y
50g Manchego, grated pasta. Check seasoning. 1 Remove and discard the skin 5 Tip into a roughly 2 litre from the chorizo sausages and ovenproof serving dish and scatter over the Manchego. break the meat into small Cook in oven for 15min, or until pieces. Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium golden and bubbling. Serve. PER SERVING 690cals, heat and fry the sausage 27g protein, 32g fat pieces for 5min, or until (15g saturates), 65g carbs starting to turn golden. 2 Add the onion and chilli and (10g total sugars), 6g fibre

Pasta Primavera with Broccoli Pesto Inspired by the Italian soup, this is full of spring flavour. Wholewheat pasta adds nuttiness, but white will work, too. Hands-on time 25min. Cooking time about 20min. Serves 4 FOR THE PESTO y

1 small broccoli head (about 300g) y

50g Parmesan or vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese, grated, plus extra to serve, optional y
1 garlic clove, crushed y

100g basil (stalks and leaves), roughly chopped y
Small handful mint leaves y
3tbsp pine nuts y

Finely grated zest and juice 1 lemon y
3tbsp extra virgin olive oil FOR THE PASTA y

300g wholewheat farfalle pasta, see intro y
1tbsp olive oil y

2 spring onions, trimmed and chopped y

1 courgette, trimmed and roughly chopped y

75g green beans, trimmed and cut into shorter lengths y
75g frozen peas 1 For the pesto, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Roughly chop the broccoli (including stalk) and cook for 4min, or until just tender. Using

134

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

a slotted spoon, lift broccoli into the bowl of a food processor (reserve water for pasta). 2 Add remaining pesto ingredients and plenty of seasoning to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped and combined, adding a little cold water to loosen, if needed. Set aside. 3 For the pasta, bring the broccoli cooking water back up to the boil. Add the pasta and cook according to pack instructions. Drain, reserving 175ml of the cooking water. 4 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, deep, frying pan over medium heat. Cook the spring onions, courgette and beans for 5min, stirring occasionally, or until starting to soften. 5 Add the pasta, peas, pesto and reserved water to the pan and heat, stirring regularly, until piping hot. Check seasoning. 6 Divide between 4 bowls and garnish with extra cheese, if you like. Serve. PER SERVING 565cals, 24g protein, 26g fat (5g saturates), 54g carbs (6g total sugars), 11g fibre GET AHEAD Make pesto up to a day ahead. Cover and chill. Complete recipe to serve. goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Leek and Meatball Pasta Bake Turn sausages into delicious meatballs for this pasta bake! Using rigatoni baked into a creamy leek and tarragon sauce, this meatball pasta bake makes for a delicious meal for when you fancy something simple yet indulgent. Hands-on time 15min. Cooking time about 35min. Serves 4 y
300g rigatoni pasta y
4 pork sausages y
1tbsp oil y
2 leeks, trimmed and sliced y
200ml vegetable stock y
50ml double cream y
200g full-fat cream cheese y
1tbsp wholegrain mustard y

4 tarragon sprigs, leaves picked and chopped, see GH TIP y
40g Parmesan, finely grated

1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain. 2 Remove and discard the skin from the sausages and shape the meat into small balls (about 5 from each sausage). Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat and cook the meatballs until well browned. Remove to a plate. 3 Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan) mark 5. Add the leeks to empty sausage pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3min, or until starting to soften. Stir in stock and cream, followed by the

meatballs. Increase heat to high and simmer for 3min. 4 Remove from the heat, stir in the cream cheese, mustard, tarragon and some seasoning. Add the pasta and mix to combine. Check seasoning. 5 Spoon into a roughly 2 litre ovenproof serving dish. Sprinkle over the Parmesan and cook in the oven for 20min, or until bubbling and golden. Serve with a green salad, if you like. PER SERVING 590cals, 21g protein, 27g fat (11g saturates), 62g carbs (6g total sugars), 8g fibre

GH TIP If you can’t get hold of fresh tarragon, replace with 1tsp dried tarragon, dried basil or dried mixed herbs.

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

135

Triple-Tested recipes Aglio e Olio This is traditionally made with spaghetti, but we’ve used fun fusilli lunghi here. The sauce coats the spiral shape of the pasta wonderfully. If you don’t have fresh chilli, you can use 1tsp dried chilli flakes instead. For added decadence, sprinkle with finely grated Pecorino Romano. Hands-on time 10min. Cooking time about 15min. Serves 4 y
300g fusilli lunghi pasta y
 4tbsp extra virgin olive oil y
3 garlic cloves, crushed y
 1-2 red chillies, to taste, deseeded and finely chopped y
 25g parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped 1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack

instructions. Drain, reserving 150ml cooking water. 2 When the pasta is nearly ready, heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over low heat and cook the garlic and chilli(es) for 2min, until fragrant. 3 Stir in the pasta, reserved cooking water, parsley and plenty of seasoning and toss to combine. Divide between 4 bowls and serve immediately. PER SERVING 376cals, 10g protein, 12g fat (2g saturates), 55g carbs (2g total sugars), 4g fibre

Vodka Pasta Penne alla Vodka became popular in the 1980s and now has many variations. Double cream was a novelty ingredient in Italy during this time, which is why this recipe became so famous. The vodka deglazes the pan and adds a deliciously acidic flavour. Hands-on time 15min. Cooking time about 20min. Serves 4 y
1tbsp olive oil y
2 onions, finely sliced y
300g penne pasta y
2 garlic cloves, crushed y
6tbsp tomato purée y
1tsp dried chilli flakes y
100ml vodka, see GH TIP y
100ml double cream y

50g Parmesan or vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese, grated y

Small handful basil, leaves picked 1 Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat and cook the onions for 10min, until softened. 2 Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain, reserving 150ml cooking water. 3 Stir the garlic into the onion pan and cook for 1min. Add

136

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

the tomato purée and chilli flakes and cook for 5min, stirring frequently, until slightly caramelised. 4 Add the vodka and bubble until completely reduced. Stir through the cream, pasta and reserved cooking water until combined. Check seasoning. Divide between 4 bowls and scatter over the cheese and basil. Serve. PER SERVING 576cals, 16g protein, 21g fat (11g saturates), 63g carbs (9g total sugars), 6g fibre

GH TIP No vodka in the cocktail cupboard? Replace it with gin or a dry white wine.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Amatriciana A Roman classic (though originating from Amatrice, hence the name). Traditionally made with guanciale (cured pork cheek), we’ve used pancetta for ease. Hands-on time 15min. Cooking time about 25min. Serves 4 y
1tbsp olive oil y
125g pancetta y
100ml white wine y

300g bucatini or spaghetti pasta y

½-1tsp dried chilli flakes, to taste y

½tsp freshly ground black pepper y

400g tin chopped tomatoes y

50g Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, finely grated 1 Heat the oil in a large pan over low-medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook for 8min, or until beginning to crisp. Increase the heat, stir in the wine and simmer for 2min. 2 Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the

boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain, reserving a cupful of the cooking water. 3 Stir the chilli and black pepper into the pancetta pan and fry for 1min. Add the tomatoes. Increase the heat to medium and bubble for 10min, or until pulpy and reduced. Check seasoning. 4 Add the pasta, ½ the cheese and a splash of the reserved cooking water to the pancetta pan. Toss to combine and check seasoning. 5 Divide between 4 bowls and garnish with the remaining cheese. Serve. PER SERVING 500cals, 20g protein, 18g fat (7g saturates), 58g carbs (5g total sugars), 4g fibre

Pasta alla Norma A Sicilian favourite with great texture. It’s traditionally made with spaghetti, but we’ve gone for a chunky tortiglioni shape here that’s a joy to eat. Hands-on time 20min. Cooking time about 30min. Serves 4 y
2tbsp olive oil y

2 aubergines, trimmed and cut into 1.5-2cm pieces y
300g tortiglioni pasta y
Large handful basil y
2 garlic cloves, crushed y

1tbsp nonpareille capers, drained y

¼-½tsp dried chilli flakes, to taste y

400g tin chopped tomatoes y
1tbsp red wine vinegar y

50g Pecorino Romano, finely grated 1 Heat 1tbsp oil in a large, wide casserole dish or frying pan over low-medium heat. Add the aubergine and a large pinch of salt and fry, stirring occasionally, for 10-15min, or until golden and tender. 2 Meanwhile, bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

pasta according to pack instructions. Drain, reserving a cupful of the cooking water. 3 Pick the basil leaves from the stems. Finely slice the stems and set the leaves aside. Add the remaining 1tbsp oil to the aubergine dish/pan and stir in the garlic, basil stems, capers, chilli flakes and some seasoning. Fry for 1min, then stir in the tomatoes and vinegar. 4 Cook over low-medium heat for 10-15min, or until pulpy and thick. 5 Add the pasta and a splash of the reserved cooking water to the aubergine dish/pan. Tear in most of the basil leaves and add ½ the Pecorino Romano. Toss to combine and check seasoning. 6 Divide between 4 bowls and garnish with remaining basil leaves and cheese. Serve. PER SERVING 426cals, 16g protein, 11g fat (4g saturates), 61g carbs (8g total sugars), 8g fibre

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

137

A classic pomodoro sauce forms the basis of this easy and comforting recipe, sure to become a family favourite. Hands-on time 15min. Cooking time about 35min. Serves 4 FOR THE POMODORO SAUCE y
1tbsp extra virgin olive oil y
2 garlic cloves, crushed y

2 x 400g tins plum tomatoes y

Small handful basil, leaves picked and roughly chopped FOR THE BAKE y

500g fresh spinach and ricotta tortellini

138

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

y
150g mozzarella, torn y

25g vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese, finely grated 1 For the pomodoro sauce, heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1min, until fragrant. Stir in the remaining sauce ingredients and some seasoning. Bubble for 10min, breaking up the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon, until reduced but still saucy. Check seasoning.

2 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. For the bake, mix the tortellini into the pomodoro sauce, then empty into a roughly 2 litre ovenproof serving dish. Make sure all the tortellini are well covered, so they won’t catch in the oven. 3 Dot over the mozzarella and scatter over the hard cheese. Cook in the oven for 20min, or until golden and bubbling. Serve with a green salad, if you like PER SERVING 487cals, 24g protein, 23g fat (11g saturates), 44g carbs (14g total sugars), 2.3g fibre GET AHEAD Make the pomodoro sauce up to 2 days ahead. Cool, cover and chill. Complete recipe to serve. goodhousekeeping.com/uk

RECIPES AND FOOD STYLING: MEIKE BECK, EMMA FRANKLIN, ALICE SHIELDS, GEORGIE D’ARCY COLES. TESTING: ALICE SHIELDS, GEORGIE D’ARCY COLES. PROP STYLING: DAVINA MAJI

Pomodoro Tortellini Bake

Triple-Tested recipes Garlic and Brown Butter Prawn Pappardelle A simple and delicious seafood supper. Chicken stock adds richness to the sauce, but you can use vegetable stock, or swap it for white or rosé wine, if you prefer. Hands-on time 15min. Cooking time about 15min. Serves 4 y
300g pappardelle pasta y

150g unsalted butter, chopped y

300g raw peeled king prawns, butterflied and deveined, see GH TIP y

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped y
100ml chicken stock y
Juice 1 lemon y

Handful dill, finely chopped y

Handful flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

1 Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to pack instructions. Drain. 2 Meanwhile, melt 25g butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the prawns and garlic and cook for 3-4min, or until the prawns are opaque and cooked through. Scrap into a bowl and return the pan to the heat. 3 Add the remaining 125g butter to the frying pan. Once melted, increase the heat to high and cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter is

golden brown and smells nutty. Carefully add the stock to the butter pan (it will splutter) and bubble for 3-4min, until slightly reduced. 4 Add the pasta to the butter pan, together with the garlic prawns, lemon juice and plenty of seasoning. Toss to coat, then add the herbs and toss again. Check seasoning. Divide between 4 bowls and serve. PER SERVING 611cals, 24g protein, 33g fat (20g saturates), 54g carbs (2g total sugars), 4g fibre „

GH TIP If you’re short on time, you can skip butterflying and deveining the prawns. But it does help keep them tender.

Make the most of your citrus fruits in these deliciously sweet treats, all with a zesty twist

Photography MIKE ENGLISH

ur fruit bowls have long been filled with the usuals – lemons, limes, grapefruit, mandarins and oranges (and we’re making the most of them here in our recipes!). But it’s now time to make space for some more unusual varieties, too, as they’re more readily available. Take Australian finger limes (also known as dessert or caviar limes), the favourite of many a chef for their juicy pearls when used in marmalades, pickles and garnishes. Yuzu juice is fabulously tart yet floral,

O 140

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

making it a wonderful addition to savoury and sweet cooking. Keep an eye out for the chunky pomelo, a principal ancestor of the grapefruit, with a similar but sweeter flavour and significantly juicier flesh. The citron, often mistaken for a large, rough lemon, has a thick rind that is fantastic to candy, and its juice makes punchy syrups. Unlike most other citrusses, the bite-size kumquat has a soft, edible rind and honeyed flesh that complements both sweet and savoury dishes. Calamansi limes also have a soft skin, often sweeter than the fruit itself.

Triple-Tested recipes Grapefruit and Poppy Seed Ring Intense in its astringency, grapefruit makes for a lively cake. If you prefer less zing, you can leave out the zest in the cake. Hands-on time 20min, plus cooling and setting. Cooking time about 35min. Serves 10 FOR THE CAKE y
100g unsalted butter, melted, plus extra to grease y
450g plain flour y
1tsp baking powder y
1tsp bicarbonate of soda y
200g caster sugar y
2tbsp poppy seeds y
3 medium eggs y
2tsp vanilla extract y
200ml soured cream y
Finely grated zest and juice (about 250ml) 2 pink/red/ruby grapefruits FOR THE GLAZE AND DECORATION y
150g icing sugar y
2-2½tbsp grapefruit juice y
Poppy seeds, to sprinkle y
Pared grapefruit zest, optional 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4 and thoroughly grease a roughly 24cm diameter, 2.5 litre fluted cake ring or bundt tin. For the cake, in a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, sugar, poppy seeds and a pinch of fine salt. 2 In a large jug, whisk the eggs, vanilla, soured cream, melted butter and grapefruit zest and juice until combined. Add to the flour bowl and whisk until combined. 3 Scrape into the prepared tin and smooth to level. Bake for 35min, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 5min, then invert on to a wire rack, remove tin and leave to cool completely. 4 For the glaze, sift the icing sugar into a medium bowl. Mix in enough grapefruit juice to make a thick drizzling consistency. 5 Transfer the cooled cake to a cake stand or plate and spread the glaze over the top, encouraging it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle over some poppy seeds and pared grapefruit zest, if using. Allow glaze to set before serving in slices. PER SERVING 447cals, 6g protein, 14g fat (8g saturates), 73g carbs (38g total sugars), 2g fibre TO STORE Once set, keep in an airtight container or tin at room temperature for up to 3 days. goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Seville Orange Marmalade Make the most of the short Seville orange season with this classic marmalade, which will keep well in a cool, dark place for at least a year. Once open, chill and use within a month. Hands-on time 30min, plus standing and cooling. Cooking time about 2½hr. Makes about 3kg y
1kg Seville oranges y
Juice 2 lemons y
2kg granulated sugar YOU’LL ALSO NEED y
Muslin y
Kitchen string 1 Peel the oranges using a Y-shaped vegetable peeler, setting the inside of oranges aside. Finely shred the peeled zest and add to a large preserving pan. 2 Squeeze the zested oranges into a sieve set over a large jug. Transfer the pips and squeezed membranes to a muslin square (see GH TIPS) and tie up to secure with kitchen string. 3 Add orange and lemon juices, muslin bag and 2 litre cold water to zest pan. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 2hr, or until zest is tender and liquid has reduced by about ¼. 4 Remove the muslin bag, carefully squeezing it over the pan first. Stir in the sugar and heat gently, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle

simmer and bubble for 15-20min, stirring occasionally, or until setting point is reached (see GH TIPS). 5 Remove pan from heat and, using a slotted spoon, skim off any surface scum. Leave to stand for 15min; stir to distribute peel. Pot into sterilised jars, top with a baking parchment or waxed paper disc and seal. Leave to cool completely before serving. PER HEAPED TSP (10g) 8cals, 0g protein, 0g fat (0g saturates), 7g carbs (7g total sugars), 0g fibre

GH TIPS z
The pips and membrane contain pectin, which helps set the marmalade. z
To test the set, chill 2-3 saucers in the freezer. When the marmalade is nearly ready, remove the pan from the heat, spoon a little on to a chilled saucer and leave to cool. Push the surface with your finger; if it wrinkles, the marmalade is ready. If it breaks to reveal liquid, bubble for a few min more and test again. Alternatively, test using a sugar or digital thermometer – the marmalade needs to reach 105°C.

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

141

Lemon Possets with Earl Grey Shortbread A posset couldn’t be easier to make and more decadent to eat. This recipe makes more shortbread than you’ll need to serve the possets, but it keeps well for future nibbling. Hands-on time 30min, plus cooling and chilling. Cooking time about 1hr. Serves 6 FOR THE POSSETS y
3 lemons y
600ml double cream y
175g caster sugar FOR THE SHORTBREAD y
2tbsp loose-leaf Earl Grey Tea y
200g unsalted butter, softened y
100g caster sugar, plus 1½tbsp y
200g plain flour y
100g cornflour TO DECORATE, OPTIONAL y
Dried cornflowers y
Pared lemon zest 1 For the possets, finely grate the zest of the lemons and squeeze enough to get 75ml juice. In a medium pan, heat cream and sugar over low heat,

142

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to the boil. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice. Pour into 6 x 150ml glasses or ramekins. Cool, then chill for at least 2hr (up to 24hr), until set. 2 Meanwhile, make the shortbread. Using a pestle and mortar (or a small spice grinder), grind the tea to a fine powder. Line a 20.5cm square tin with 2 long strips of baking parchment, in a cross shape, making sure the parchment comes above the edges of the tin. 3 In a large bowl using a handheld electric whisk, beat the butter and 100g sugar until combined. Sift in both flours and add the tea. Beat until just combined. Tip into the lined tin and press to level with the back of a spoon. 4 Prick all over with a fork, then score deeply with a sharp knife into 16 rectangles. Chill for 20min, until firm.

5 Preheat oven to 170°C (150°C fan) mark 3. Firmly press the cornflowers, if using, into the scored shortbread fingers. Bake for 50-55min, or until golden. Remove from the oven and cut into fingers along the scored lines, then sprinkle with the 1½tbsp sugar. Leave to cool for 10min in tin. Using the parchment paper, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 6 To serve, sprinkle the lemon zest over the possets, if using, and serve with shortbread fingers. PER SERVING (with 1 shortbread finger) 826cals, 3g protein, 64g fat (40g saturates), 59g carbs (44g total sugars), 0g fibre GET AHEAD Make possets up to a day ahead. Cover and chill. Make shortbread up to a week ahead. Once cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Triple-Tested recipes Chocolate Orange Pancake Cake A showstopper to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. You can, of course, use bought orange curd if you don’t fancy making your own, or even buy the pancakes for a super-easy-assembly pudding. 1 For the batter, in a large bowl whisk flour, sugar and a pinch of fine salt. Make a well in the centre and crack in the eggs. Whisk to combine the eggs, then start drawing in the flour. Gradually whisk in the milk, followed by FOR THE BATTER y
325g plain flour the melted butter, to make a smooth batter. Cover and chill for at least 1hr (up to 24hr). y
75g caster sugar 2 Meanwhile, make the curd. In a medium y
3 medium eggs pan, whisk eggs, yolk, orange zest and juice, y

725ml milk, plus optional extra sugar and cornflour until combined. Cook to loosen over low-medium heat, whisking constantly, y

75g unsalted butter, melted, until thickened (the mixture will need to boil). plus extra to cook 3 Remove pan from the heat and gradually FOR THE ORANGE CURD whisk in the butter. Push mixture through y
2 medium eggs, plus 1 yolk y

Finely grated zest and juice (about
a fine sieve to remove the zest. Cool, cover and chill for at least 1hr (see GET AHEAD). 225ml) 2 large/navel oranges 4 To cook the pancakes, heat a roughly y
100g caster sugar 20.5cm (at the base) non-stick frying pan y
2tbsp cornflour over medium-high heat. Brush with a little y
75g unsalted butter, chopped melted butter. Briefly whisk the batter to FOR THE GANACHE recombine (add a splash of extra milk, if y
100ml double cream it feels too thick), then pour a small ladleful y
75g dark chocolate, chopped (about 50-60ml) into the hot pan. Swirl and y
25g golden syrup tilt the pan so batter evenly covers the base. TO SERVE 5 Cook for 2min, or until edges seem dry and y
200ml double cream underside of the pancake is mottled golden, y
1tbsp icing sugar, sifted then flip and cook y
Cocoa powder, to dust Hands-on time 1hr 30min, plus chilling and cooling. Cooking time about 1hr 10min. Serves 12

for 30sec more, or until set. Transfer to a plate lined with baking parchment. Repeat with remaining batter (re-greasing pan only when needed) to make about 18 pancakes. Stack small squares of baking parchment between pancakes to stop them sticking. Leave to cool completely, then cover stack with clingfilm or foil and chill for 30min. 6 To assemble, place a pancake on a cake stand or serving plate. Using a palette knife, spread a thin layer of curd over the top. Place another pancake on top. Repeat layering with remaining pancakes and curd, leaving the final pancake uncovered. Chill until needed. 7 For the ganache, in a small pan heat cream until steaming. Put chocolate and syrup into a heatproof bowl. Add the hot cream and gently mix until melted and combined. Spoon on to the pancake stack and smooth to level, encouraging it to drip down the sides. 8 To serve, in a medium bowl whip cream and icing sugar until cream just holds its shape. Spoon on to the pancake stack and lightly dust with cocoa powder. Serve in slices. PER SERVING 527cals, 9g protein, 33g fat (19g saturates), 49g carbs (26g total sugars), 1g fibre

GET AHEAD Make curd up to 5 days ahead. Cool, cover and chill. Cook pancakes up to 2 days ahead. Stack as per step 5; cool, wrap and chill. Complete step 6 up to 3hr ahead. Complete recipe to serve.

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

143

Triple-Tested recipes GH TIP We bought our blood orange crisps from souschef.co.uk, £6.50 for 42g.

How to make blood orange crisps Preheat oven to 110°C (90°C fan) mark ¼ and line a large baking sheet with baking parchment. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice 2 blood oranges into 5mm-thick circles (remove any pips) and arrange on the lined sheets

144

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

in a single layer. Bake for 3½-4hr, flipping the slices every hr until completely dried – they should be transparent and as clear as a stained-glass window. Cool, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Blood Orange Bars With its sweet-sour tang and vivid colour, blood orange juice makes wonderful curd bars. Hands-on time 20min, plus chilling and cooling. Cooking time about 55min. Cuts into 16 squares FOR THE SHORTBREAD BASE y

150g butter, chilled and cubed, plus extra to grease y
175g plain flour y
75g icing sugar, plus extra to dust y

Finely grated zest 1 orange (blood orange or regular) FOR THE FILLING y
200g caster sugar y
25g plain flour y

200ml blood orange juice, we used Tropicana Sanguinello y
Juice 1 lemon y
3 medium eggs, beaten TO DECORATE, OPTIONAL y

16 dried blood orange crisps, see GH TIP and box below left 1 Grease and neatly line a 20.5cm square tin (ideally with a fixed base) with baking parchment. For the shortbread base, in a food processor, pulse the flour and butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Alternatively, rub the butter into flour using your fingertips. Pulse/stir in icing sugar, orange zest and a pinch of fine salt until beginning to clump together. Press into the prepared tin and level with the back of a spoon. Chill for 15min. 2 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4. Prick shortbread base all over with a fork, place on a baking tray and bake for 25min, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and reduce temperature to 160°C (140°C fan) mark 3. 3 Meanwhile, make the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar and flour until combined. Gradually whisk in the blood orange and lemon juices until the sugar dissolves. Whisk in the eggs. Strain through a fine sieve into a jug. 4 Pour the filling over the shortbread base and return to the oven for 25-30min, or until just set. Remove from oven and, if using, arrange the dried blood orange crisps on top in a neat grid pattern, pressing them gently to stick. 5 Leave to cool completely in the tin, then chill for at least 1hr to firm up. To serve, transfer to a board and slice into squares. PER SQUARE 204cals, 3g protein, 9g fat (5g saturates), 28g carbs (18g total sugars), 0g fibre TO STORE Once cool, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Lemon and Raspberry Meringue Roulade A soft, marshmallowy meringue roulade with a sweet, creamy and tangy filling – what could be better? If you want to keep it booze-free, swap the limoncello for lemon juice, to taste. Hands-on time 30min, plus cooling and chilling. Cooking time about 30min. Serves 8 FOR THE ROULADE y
4 medium egg whites y
1tsp cream of tartar y
175g caster sugar y
9tsp lemon curd, we used Tiptree FOR THE FILLING y

100g white chocolate, finely chopped y
225ml double cream y
2tbsp icing sugar, sifted y
Finely grated zest ½ lemon y
3tbsp limoncello y
150g raspberries 1 Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan) mark 3. Line a 23 x 33cm swiss roll tin with baking parchment, making sure the parchment comes at least 2cm above the top of the tin. For the roulade, in a large bowl, using a handheld electric whisk, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until they hold stiff peaks. 2 Gradually beat in the sugar, whisking back up to stiff peaks after each addition. The finished meringue should be thick and glossy. Spoon into the prepared tin and spread to level. Dollop over teaspoons of lemon curd and marble in with a cutlery knife. 3 Bake for 22-25min, or until the meringue is puffed and just firm

to the touch. Leave to cool in the tin for 5min, then, using the baking parchment, carefully lift on to a wire rack to cool completely (the meringue will sink on cooling). 4 Meanwhile, make the filling. Put the chocolate into a small heatproof bowl. In a small pan, heat 75ml cream until it comes to the boil. Pour into the chocolate bowl and leave for 1min. Stir until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Leave to cool, then chill until thickened but not set, about 1hr. 5 To assemble, in a bowl whip the remaining 150ml cream, icing sugar, lemon zest and limoncello until the mixture holds firm peaks. Lay a large sheet of baking parchment on a work surface and invert the meringue on to it. Peel off the top lining parchment. 6 Spread over the chocolate filling in a thin layer, then top with the limoncello cream, leaving a 1cm border around the edges. Dot over the raspberries, pressing them in gently. 7 Using the base baking parchment to help, roll up the meringue from a short edge – don’t worry if it cracks a bit. Carefully transfer to a flat serving plate and serve in slices. PER SERVING 351cals, 4g protein, 19g fat (12g saturates), 38g carbs (38g total sugars), 1g fibre GET AHEAD Assemble up to 4hr ahead. Chill. FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

145

Triple-Tested recipes Lemon Olive Oil Cake This sharp and squidgy cake is perfect as a teatime treat or as a dessert, served just warm with crème fraîche. Hands-on time 20min, plus cooling. Cooking time about 2hr. Serves 10 FOR THE CAKE y
2 unwaxed lemons y
100ml extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to grease y
4 medium eggs y
275g caster sugar y
100g ground almonds y
75g semolina y
125g plain flour y
1tbsp baking powder FOR THE SYRUP y
1tbsp extra virgin olive oil y
50g caster sugar y
Juice ½ lemon

146

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

1 For the cake, put the lemons into a small-medium pan and cover with just-boiled water. Cover with a disc of baking parchment to help keep the lemons submerged. Bring to the boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 1hr, or until very soft. Drain and leave to cool. 2 Preheat oven to 170°C (150°C fan) mark 3 and grease and line a 20.5cm round springform tin with baking parchment. Halve the lemons. Holding them over a bowl (to catch any juice) pick out and discard the pips. In a food processor, whizz the halved lemons (and any juice in the bowl) to a chunky purée. Add the oil, eggs, sugar and a pinch of fine salt and pulse until combined. 3 Scrape into a bowl and, using a large metal spoon, fold in the ground almonds, semolina, flour and baking powder until combined.

4 Scrape mixture into the prepared tin and tap to level on a work surface. Bake for 50min-1hr, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. 5 Meanwhile, make the syrup. In a small pan, gently heat the oil, sugar and lemon juice, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat and bubble for 1min. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, drizzle over the syrup. Leave to cool completely in the tin. 6 Transfer the cake to a cake stand or serving plate. Serve in slices. PER SERVING 376cals, 8g protein, 17g fat (2g saturates), 49g carbs (33g total sugars), 1g fibre TO STORE Once cool, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

RECIPES: MEIKE BECK, EMMA FRANKLIN, ALICE SHIELDS, GEORGIE D’ARCY COLES. FOOD STYLING: MEIKE BECK, EMMA FRANKLIN, ALICE SHIELDS. TESTING: ALICE SHIELDS, GEORGIE D’ARCY COLES. PROP STYLING: DAVINA MAJI. LEMON OLIVE OIL CAKE RECIPE: MONAZ DUMASIA

Key Lime Pie As the name implies, this pudding is traditionally made with key limes, which are smaller and tarter than the limes we are used to in the UK. But as they are tricky to get hold of, we’ve adapted the recipe. Hands-on time 1hr, plus chilling and cooling. Cooking time about 35min. Serves 8 FOR THE BASE y
250g Oreo biscuits y
75g unsalted butter, melted FOR THE FILLING y
About 6 limes y
3 medium egg yolks y
397g tin condensed milk FOR THE CANDIED LIME SLICES, OPTIONAL y
75g granulated sugar y
4 lime slices, halved FOR THE TOPPING y
125ml double cream y
1tbsp icing sugar, sifted 1 For the base, whizz the Oreo biscuits in a food processor until finely crushed (alternatively bash in a food bag with a rolling pin). Add the melted butter and pulse/mix until

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

combined. Tip into a 20.5cm round, fluted tart tin and press firmly into the base and up the sides. Chill for 20min. 2 Preheat oven to 170°C (150°C fan) mark 3. Meanwhile, make the filling. Finely grate the zest of 3 limes and juice enough limes (starting with the 3 zested) to get 100ml juice. In a large bowl, using a handheld electric whisk, beat the egg yolks until pale and moussey. Gradually beat in the condensed milk, followed by the lime zest and juice. Pour into the chilled base (still in tin). 3 Bake for 10-15min, or until the filling is just set. Leave to cool completely on a wire rack (still in tin). 4 Meanwhile, prepare the candied lime slices, if making. Line a plate with baking parchment. In a small pan, heat the sugar and 250ml water over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to

medium-high and bring to the boil. Add the lime slices in a single layer. 5 Bubble for 10min, turning the slices halfway through. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 15-20min, turning the slices occasionally, until the limes are tender and translucent (and the sugar syrup remains clear). Using a slotted spoon, remove the slices to the lined plate. Cool completely. 6 To serve, transfer the pie to a cake stand or serving plate. For the topping, whip the cream and icing sugar until the mixture holds soft peaks. Pipe or spoon around the top of the pie. Decorate with candied lime slices, if made, and serve in slices. PER SERVING (without candied lime slices) 480cals, 7g protein, 28g fat (16g saturates), 49g carbs (39g total sugars), 1g fibre GET AHEAD Assemble up to 4hr ahead and chill. „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

147

THE BEST OF BRITISH DESIGN

COUNTRY LIVING AT HOMEBASE

WHITSTABLE IN SEA GREEN

ECOFRIENDLY

WHITSTABLE IN BLACK

Country Living kitchens are FSC certified and built from sustainably sourced materials.

WHITSTABLE IN BLUSH PINK

Country Living kitchens are the perfect choice for those dreaming of a beautiful and welcoming farmhouse design. The Whitstable blends practicality with style and warmth. Crafted in a classic Shaker style with subtle modern touches, it comes in 11 beautiful colours, including three new shades – serene Sea Green (left), dramatic Black (above left) and pastel-perfect Blush Pink (above right). All colours offer a premium satin finish and can be mixed and matched to create a bespoke look. The cabinet interiors come in a choice of six finishes, ranging from Cool White to Country Oak, and have been cleverly designed to accommodate a wealth of useful storage solutions, such as extra-deep pan drawers, larder cupboards, pull-out racks and more… there’s even a cocktail cabinet, should you so desire! Supplied preassembled for ease of installation, all Country Living kitchens are hand-built in Yorkshire and come with an impressive 20-year guarantee. See the full range in store and online, and let the design experts create a kitchen that will quickly become the heart of your home. Visit homebase.co.uk to book your virtual or in-store consultation

February’s

GOOD LIFE GROUP CELEBRITY DIRECTOR NATHALIE WHITTLE ROUNDS UP THE BEST FILMS, TV SHOWS AND CULTURAL TREATS TO ENJOY

TV picks

STREAM IT ROMANTIC GETAWAY

A political scandal revisited

Can Kristin Scott Thomas and her fellow veteran spies save the day?

STONEHOUSE Real-life couple Keeley Hawes and Matthew Macfadyen (above left and centre) unite for this drama based on the true story of disgraced MP John Stonehouse. The three-part series reveals how the MP faked his death and fled to Australia in 1974, leaving behind his loving wife Barbara (Hawes) and three young children. Utterly engrossing. ITV Sister Julienne is back on our screens

CALL THE MIDWIFE The beloved drama returns for a 12th series. It’s 1968 and Enoch Powell’s speech strongly criticising mass immigration casts a shadow over Poplar. Meanwhile, Nonnatus House has a new team member, Sister Veronica (Rebecca Gethings). Familiar faces also return, including our cover star Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne. Read our interview with Jenny on page 10. BBC One

THE GOLD The infamous Brink’s-Mat robbery of 1983 is the subject of this gripping new series. Six armed men break into a security depot near London’s Heathrow Airport – and find gold bullion worth £26m. Dominic Cooper, Jack Lowden and Hugh Bonneville star. BBC One A 1980s-style crime drama

Comedy to beat the blues

Katherine Ryan and Romesh Ranganathan provide all the laughs in this Bonnie-and-Clydestyle sitcom. The pair play a couple desperate for a baby, but having run out of money for more IVF, they decide to ‘borrow’ the cash they need from their boss – and soon find themselves on the run. A tonic for the winter blues. Sky Comedy and NOW

THE PALE BLUE EYE This twisty whodunnit will keep you guessing until the end. When a US army cadet is found dead at the United States Military Academy, it’s up to Detective Augustus Landor (Christian Bale) to follow the clues, aided by a young writer named Edgar Allan Poe (Harry This gothic Melling). Toby Jones and tale has a Gillian Anderson (left) starry cast also star. Netflix

NOLLY

Helena is the queen of soaps

Six years since her last small-screen role, Helena Bonham Carter is back, as soap legend Noele Gordon. This drama from Russell T Davies (who also wrote It’s A Sin) charts Noele’s time on long-running ITV series Crossroads – and her shock sacking in 1981, which led to a public outcry. ITVX

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

What’s on

HOT TICKETS From movies to live shows, we look ahead to the latest must-see happenings. Margot Robbie as a silent-era starlet

I always love Fred and Ginger films

z BABYLON The latest film from La La Land director Damien Chazelle is set in Hollywood in the 1920s, during the transition from silent films to talkies. Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie are among the starry cast trying to stay afloat in a rapidly evolving industry. In cinemas from 20 January 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY: @ SKY UK LIMITED, BBC/NEAL STREET PRODUCTIONS/SALLY MAIS, SCOTT GARFIELD/NETFLIX ©2022, DAVE BENETT/GETTY IMAGES FOR MOËT & CHANDON, KARWAI TANG/WIREIMAGE, ©RUTH CRAFER, ©2019 DAVID ENGLISH, DAVID VENNI, DAN KENNEDY, BEN BLACKALL, ITV PICTURES, GETTY

z MEDEA

Sophie Okonedo takes on Medea

Sophie Okonedo stars in Euripides’ popular revenge play. When Medea is betrayed by her husband, Jason (Ben Daniels), it sets off a series of catastrophic events. ‘I’m excited and a touch nervous,’ says Sophie. 11 February to 22 April 2023; londontheatredirect.com

z LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS Aidan Turner and Jenna Coleman join forces for this black comedy set in a future where people can only use 140 words a day. At London’s Harold Pinter Theatre, then on tour at Manchester Opera House and Theatre Royal Brighton. 18 January to 1 April The hot ticket 2023; atgtickets.com for 2023

z WARRIOR QUEENS & QUIET REVOLUTIONARIES Inspired by her latest book of the same name, bestselling author Kate Mosse is on tour to shine a spotlight on fascinating facts about the women who made history. Uplifting and inspiring. 28 February to 12 April 2023; katemosse.co.uk/events

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Hidden history with Kate Mosse

Good times with…

Jayne Torvill Dancing On Ice judge Jayne lives in East Sussex with her husband, Phil Christensen, and their children, Kieran and Jessica. z The last great film you

z Top of your TV planner

saw… Top Gun: Maverick with Tom Cruise – I really enjoyed it. z The film you could watch over and over… The Sound Of Music. It first came out when I was growing up in Nottingham and I went to see it over and over again. z The one you’d tell everyone to see… I always love anything starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, because of the mixture of a story plus the music and the dancing built into the film. They’re classics. z The last boxset you binged on… The third series of The Split. I also watched two series of BBC One’s The Pact back-to-back – it was quite gripping.

this month... Coronation Street, as it’s one of my favourites. It’s a comfort thing that you can just chill out and watch. z The album you loved… I like the latest Michael Bublé album, Higher. It’s a really good one. z The one you want to hear… Ed Sheeran’s latest album. I always like his music. z The book that inspired you… Alex Scott’s new autobiography. Her story in sport is very inspirational. z The best recommendation you received… I was lucky enough to get tickets for The Upstart Crow at the Apollo Theatre. It’s so very clever. y
Dancing On Ice returns to ITV this January „ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

151

ep in g

G oo d H ou se ke

Bookshe f RESIDENT BOOKWORM JOANNE FINNEY PICKS HER FAVOURITE READS, FROM LITERARY GEMS TO GRIPPING FAMILY DRAMAS

This month’s 10 books to read right now! Book of the month WE ALL WANT IMPOSSIBLE THINGS by Catherine Newman I’ve already passed this beautiful book on to so many people. Edi and Ash have been best friends for over 40 years and have seen each other through everything. Now, Edi has cancer and Ash vows to be there for her, no matter what. Although this is a book about death, there’s so much joy in it, as well as a wonderful message about seizing the day.

Powerful historic fiction RIVER SING ME HOME by Eleanor Shearer Rachel is a former slave who escapes the Barbadian plantation where she’s still being held, despite the abolition of slavery. She begins a difficult journey to find her five children, who were sold into slavery like she was. This is an incredible debut novel about the power of a mother’s love – highly recommended.

Twisty thriller THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF THE ALPERTON ANGELS by Janice Hallett Another clever mystery from the author of The Appeal. True-crime writer Amanda takes on a commission to write about a cold case revolving around a strange London cult. What starts out as a work project becomes a race against time as the people involved begin to die, one by one.

Emotional read WHEN I FIRST HELD YOU by Anstey Harris When her first love comes back into her life after 50 years, Judith is forced to confront her past and the truth about the daughter she was made to give up for adoption. Knowing this is based on the author’s own family history makes this wonderful novel all the more moving.

Relatable and raw AMAZING GRACE ADAMS by Fran Littlewood Rarely have I felt more seen by a book than this debut about a 45-year-old mum who loses her cool! It’s set over a day, as Grace tries to reconnect with her teenage daughter. It touches on menopause, but also explores parenting, midlife relationships and redefining yourself.

Original crime novel IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE by Jo Callaghan A genuinely different take on the police procedural genre is hard to find, but Jo Callaghan has done it. DCS Kat Frank isn’t keen when she’s assigned an AI (Artificial Intelligence) as her partner as part of a pilot scheme, but she quickly finds their dynamic unearths fresh evidence in a case.

Historical mystery A DANGEROUS BUSINESS by Jane Smiley Something completely different from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author: a Western set in 1850s Gold Rush California. I raced through this murder mystery about two young prostitutes who turn detective to catch the killer of a trail of missing girls.

For more book news and reviews, visit goodhousekeeping.com/uk/books

Inspiring reads Uplifting lit PROMISE ME by Jill Mansell This heartwarming new read from the queen of the feelgood romcom is the perfect thing to curl up with on a wet afternoon. Lou upends her life for a new job as dogsbody to cantankerous eightysomething Edgar in a Cotswolds village. The growing friendship between the two is particularly touching.

Fresh take Becky by Sarah May Becky Sharpe is a young journalist determined to do whatever it takes to get ahead in the cut-throat world of UK tabloids. This fun, fast-paced soap opera of a book transports the characters and plot of Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray to 1990s London, where Princess Diana is being hounded by the press and the phone hacking scandal is about to explode.

New talent THE THINGS THAT WE LOST by Jyoti Patel When Nik’s grandfather dies it pushes him to look into his family’s history and find out more about his father, who he knows nothing about. His mother, Avani, refuses to discuss it, which causes a rift in their previously close relationship. A thoughtful meditation on family, grief and the lengths we’ll go to to protect the ones we love.

PHOTOGRAPHY: LIZ McAULAY, GEOFF CADDICK

LOVE READING? Join GH’s online book club Each month, we pick a book to read and discuss together. It’s free to join and there’ll also be lots of book chat, reviews, exclusive short stories, interviews with authors and book giveaways. The book for this month is A Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning Wroe. To join in the conversation, find us at facebook.com/groups/ GoodHousekeepingBookRoom

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

The books that CHANGED MY LIFE Cathy Rentzenbrink Cathy Rentzenbrink is the author of five books, including Write It All Down. She shares the books that have made her laugh, cry and think… THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME LAUGH One of my comfort reads is Love, Nina by Nina Stibbe and I often pick it up for a quick treat. It’s a warm book – a collection of letters sent home by a nanny – and it always makes me laugh out loud even though I already know all the jokes. THE LAST BOOK THAT MADE ME CRY I sobbed over Rob Delaney’s memoir A Heart That Works, about the death of his son, because he puts his experience on the page with such tenderness. But it’s also very funny in places, so I was laughing one minute and crying the next – a bit like you do in life. THE BOOK THAT GOT ME THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME When things go badly wrong, I turn to Ellis Peters’ Brother Cadfael novels. I love these gentle detective stories

about a monk in Shrewsbury. They help me hold steady; remind me that I have survived before, that it’s okay to retrench and hibernate for a while, and there will – eventually – be more life to be lived. THE BOOK THAT CHANGED THE WAY I THINK In Grief Works, Julia Samuel talks about how grief is a tug of war between the pain of loss and the instinct to survive. When I read that, I finally understood why the grief I felt over the death of my brother had felt like such a painful zigzagging between despair and hope. THE BOOK I MOST OFTEN GIVE TO OTHERS When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is a doctor-turnedpatient memoir that takes us right up to death and shows both the fragility and preciousness of life. The writing is beautiful and the whole book feels like a wondrous gift. „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

153

‘I want to show poetry is for everyone’ Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho talks to books editor Joanne Finney about the life-changing power of poetry etting books into kids’ hands is one of poet Joseph Coelho’s main aims as Children’s Laureate. He reels off the stats: almost one in five children don’t have a single book at home and one in eight schools no longer has a library. It’s something he knows about first-hand, having grown up in a family where money was tight and there weren’t many books. Along with his younger sister, he was raised by his mum in Roehampton, south-west London (he only met his Jamaican father when he was in his teens). Joseph clearly remembers the first poem he ever wrote. Titled UnBEARable, it was about the life of a performing bear, and was written for a competition when he was 13. He didn’t win, but it was the start of a lifelong love of poetry. While studying archeology at University College London – the first person in his family to go to university – Joseph carried on writing poetry in his free time. After 12 years as a performance poet working in schools, his debut collection, Werewolf Club Rules, was published in 2014 and won the Centre for Literacy in Primary Poetry Award. He has since written three more poetry collections, a series for eight- to 12-year-olds called Fairytales Gone Bad, the young adult novel The Boy Lost In The Maze and several picture books, as well as non-fiction for children. In July, he was announced as Children’s Laureate, taking over from Cressida Cowell. ‘It’s really important to me because it’s all about celebrating literacy

G

154

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

and ensuring every young person has the right to books,’ he says of the post, which he’ll hold for the next two years. Now 42, he lives in Folkestone, Kent with his partner, author Manjeet Mann. There wasn’t that culture of reading and writing in my family. My mum always took us to the local library, though, partly because it was free. I used to love books about unexplained mysteries and I vividly remember doing the summer reading challenge: there was a big display board

ON JOSEPH’S BOOKSHELF z Joyful Joyful is a gorgeous collection of short stories and poems celebrating Black voices, curated by Dapo Adeola.

z I’ve had a lot of fun recently reading and cooking pasta recipes from Taste by Stanley Tucci.

z For young people who love detective stories, I’d recommend The Lizzie And Belle Mysteries series by JT Williams.

and you moved your rocket from planet to planet each time you finished a book. That got me excited about reading. When I was in sixth form, the poet Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze visited my school. I’d never seen a writer of colour, let alone someone I could relate to. That was the first time it occurred to me that poetry could be a job. It was hugely influential. The arts and poetry writing became a big part of my life from the age of 18. After I left university, I ended up working for various theatres, doing everything from lighting to sound, and during all that time I was writing and discovering the London poetry scene. I got to know brilliant poets like Lemn Sissay, Jacob Sam-La Rose and Francesca Beard and I was inspired by the work they were doing with children. That led to me carving out a career working in schools as a performance poet. It took me a good 12 years to get published. During that time I was finding my voice and developing as a children’s writer. I wrote lots of manuscripts but couldn’t seem to get a deal. Then I found out about The London Book Fair and I went there three years in a row; I’d go as soon as it opened and stay to the end. I’d make a nuisance of myself, asking all the publishers if there were editors I could talk to. Through that I met [publisher] Janetta Otter-Barry and I gave her a stack of poems. Two years later, my first book came out! I persevered because I just didn’t want to do anything else. It’s a complete honour to be chosen as Children’s Laureate. Each laureate makes

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Author exclusive

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAVID BEBBER

As soon as you get kids writing, you’re showing them that their voices are valid

it their own and I want my focus to be on poetry. I’ve been working with teachers in schools for 20 years and what continually comes up is this fear of poetry – from teachers and students. Poetry is seen as this big scary thing. I’m trying to break that down and show it’s for everyone. As soon as you get kids writing, you’re showing them that their voices are valid. It breaks down the fear of the written word. We know that books are life-enhancing in terms of your later health and happiness. They open up your horizons and increase your empathy. Being read to regularly as a child has a greater impact on your life chances than your parents’ socio-economic backgrounds. I’m aware that there’s discrimination and that publishing is a difficult industry to get into, but my focus has always been on

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

finding those I want to work with, who want to work with me. It’s too painful to focus on those who don’t want you or feel you’re entering a space you shouldn’t. Publishing seems to be slowly moving in the right direction in terms of diversity, both in those creating children’s books and the characters within books. But we still have a way to go. As part of my Bookmaker Like You project, I’ll be doing events with up-and-coming voices and those behind the scenes, such as editors and agents. I hope a lot of kids will have the opportunity to say, ‘That could be me.’ Kids need to see themselves represented. Libraries are a passion of mine. I worked at The British Library while I was at university, in rare books. In 2019, I set myself the challenge of joining a library in every local authority in the UK to

celebrate their wonderful services. I managed to join 141, then Covid struck. The silver lining is I now get to join the remainder as Children’s Laureate. I’m on the road a lot, so a typical writing day is getting up early, navigating trains, trying to find a seat so I can get some writing done. I thrive on the romantic notion of writing on trains, in cafes and hotel rooms. I find that works best at the beginning of an idea or when I’m editing. When I’m into the meat and bones of it, I really need consecutive days at home. I carry a notebook wherever I go. I number the pages and add a contents page – this has been a huge help – then I file them away in their special folder. If I get stuck, I’ll pull one off the shelves and flick through my ideas. I walk everywhere. Even as a kid, I’d always get frustrated if my mum wanted to wait for the bus. If I’m going to visit a school in the middle of nowhere and it’s less than an hour away, I’ll walk. The teachers are always surprised. It allows me space to think. Writing is so heavy on the head and we’re all constantly looking at screens, so it’s good to stare into the distance and mull things over. Stephen King has some great advice in his book On Writing. One phrase that has stuck with me is ‘Learn to close the doors.’ It’s about carving out time to write and closing the door – metaphorically as well as physically – on loved ones and family. Especially when you’re starting out, it can feel quite indulgent. It’s hard to say, ‘I’ve got to work,’ and by that you mean you’re going into a room to write something that may never get published. People only really take you seriously as a writer once you’re published, but to become a published writer you need to take yourself seriously; it’s a chicken and egg situation. Writing brings a lot of things to the surface that need to be processed. I find it hugely therapeutic. There’s a great deal to be said for looking inward and looking for the answers within. It’s so easy to blame everything on the outside world. Life is tough and it’s a big, bad, scary world out there, but the more you work on what’s going on inside, the more your outer reality starts to change. y
Find out more about Joseph Coelho’s initiatives as Children’s Laureate at booktrust.org.uk/childrens-laureate „ FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

155

THE UK’S NUMBER ONE WOMEN’S LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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.

GO DIGITAL

M Carry your whole library in your pocket M Easy searchable content M Bookmark your favourite features M Great savings by subscribing!

SUBSCRIBE NOW ON THE APPLE NEWSSTAND

GH TRAVEL BE INSPIRED TO SEE THE WORLD WITH OUR HANDPICKED HOLIDAY ADVICE

The latest deals and destination news from deputy editor and travel expert Emma Justice

HOLIDAYS FOR EVERYBODY Travel should be accessible for all, yet research by Ocean Holidays (ocean-holidays.co.uk) shows that more than half of those with disabilities find holidays stressful, and 90% have problems when looking for suitable accommodation. To help, it has launched a programme to provide disabled travellers with information on everything from accessible restaurants to wheelchair-friendly sightseeing in Florida. Ocean Florida (ocean-florida.co.uk) offers 14 nights at Orange Tree Villa in Orlando from £1,599pp, including flights and car hire. Other UK-based specialists include limitlesstravel.org, accessibleholidayescapes.co.uk and disabledholidays.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS. ALWAYS CHECK THE FCDO TRAVEL ADVICE. VISIT GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

SNOWDROP WALKS

A COCKTAIL OF HOLIDAYS Celebrate the end of dry January on a small-group wine- and spirit-themed trip from Spirited Stories (spiritedstories.travel). From a Mezcal-themed holiday in Oaxaca to a Pastis-themed break in Marseille, you’ll enjoy meet-the-maker events, masterclasses and behind-the-cellar-door experiences. Three-night breaks from £1,233pp.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

When these beautiful flowers burst out of the earth, it’s a sign spring is coming. One of the best places to see them is Cheshire’s Rode Hall & Gardens (rodehall. co.uk), where you can enjoy more than 70 varieties (£6, 4 February to 4 March). Combine a visit with a spa break at the Manor House Hotel (manorhousealsager.com) in nearby Alsager. Double rooms from £183 a night with dinner.

Don’t let a disability thwart an adventurous holiday

LOVE IS IN THE AIR Romantics should visit Brighton on Valentine’s Day, where the Brighton i360 (brightoni360.co.uk), the world’s first vertical cable car, offers 450ft-high ‘sky dining’. Enjoy three courses and wine, from £99pp, on three ‘flights’ in the glass pod, with stunning views. Adventure seekers can walk on top of the pod, from £40, or abseil down it, from £99. Stay at the Malmaison Brighton (malmaison.com), from £125 a night. Enjoy views over the city, South Downs and English Channel

See the snowdrops on a mile-long walk through Rode Hall Gardens

WHAT I’M READING… Some of the best novels were inspired by their authors’ travels, and The Writer’s Journey: In The Footsteps Of The Literary Greats by Travis Elborough (White Lion Publishing, £20) explores 35 of them. This fascinating guide will prompt you to take a trip with their classic books by your side. „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

159

Good escapes

Your HOLIDAY INSPIRATION Dreaming of sunshine and new adventures? Emma Justice looks at where to go in 2023, the best escapes to book now, new hotels to stay in and experiences you won’t want to miss ave you packed your bags yet? The coming year will be one of unforgettable travels as our desire to get away grows ever stronger. Post-pandemic, none of us takes travelling for granted so, despite the rising cost of living, holidays are a luxury we’re reluctant to give up. According to travel marketplace Skyscanner, 70% of UK travellers are planning to spend the same if not more on getaways in 2023, but we’re looking for better-value deals and want to get as much as we can out of our annual leave. The Association of British Travel Agents’ (ABTA) 2023 Report shows almost a third of us have already booked a break this year and, with 93% of us saying holidays improve our mental health and wellbeing, it’s no surprise. So where will we be jetting off to? Skyscanner identified two European destinations as being the best value: Madeira, which has had a 22% price drop since 2019, and Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, now 18% cheaper than it was before the pandemic.

H 160

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

All-inclusive holidays are more popular now, too, as we try to budget, with big destinations being the Canary Islands, Balearics and Turkey. We’re also booking earlier to secure a better price. The shift towards flexibility in where and how we work has had an impact on how long we go on holiday for, too. ABTA has seen a rise in popularity for stays of 21 or even 28 nights in places such as Portugal, Malta, Mexico and Florida, with more people extending their holiday and working from abroad. We’re also trying get away off-season, when places are quieter, and we want to do it more sustainably by travelling by train or boat. Plus, we’re craving experiences grounded in nature to help us reset and solo adventures for more ‘me-time’. As Naomi Hahn, VP of strategy at Skyscanner, says: ‘We’re hungrier than ever to discover something new – even if we have less money in our pockets. Travellers want to make up for lost time and create new experiences and memories.’ Here’s our pick of the best ways to do that in 2023…

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

TOP VALUE FOR LONG-HAUL

Thailand is famous for its stunning, pristine beaches and traditional longtail boats

Thailand’s tropical climate and affordable accommodation make it a great holiday destination all year round. A short flight from Bangkok is Koh Samui, the country’s second-largest island. In the south-west region of Taling Ngam, you’ll find Avani+, a quiet beachside oasis with 58 rooms, many with their own plunge pools, and rates from just £50pp a night. It has all the usual mod cons, such as rain showers, a minibar, robes and flip-flops to pad down to the beach or pool in. There’s a wide selection of delicious Thai dishes at the restaurant, such as Pad Thai, curries and lots of fresh fish. Another foodie highlight is the ‘floating’ breakfast: a tray laden with plates of hot and cold foods, including fresh fruit and pancakes, delivered to your room and placed in your pool, so you can bob around next to it as you eat! Weekend barbecues on the beach, a rooftop lounge perfect for sundowners and a fabulous spa are further enticements – the latter offering treatments considerably cheaper than in the UK. A traditional full-body Thai massage using hot poultices will leave you feeling refreshed but still blissfully relaxed. If you can tear yourself away, activities include kayaking in the mangroves, paddleboarding, mountain biking, hiking or traditional longtail boat rides to neighbouring islands for snorkelling. A visit to nearby Koh Madsum, is also unmissable as it’s home to dozens of free-roaming pigs that visitors can feed and take photos with.

Relax by the infinity pool, or indulge in a floating breakfast at Avani+ Samui

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Swim up for a drink at the Seen Beach Club. Below: a Sea View Suite at Avani Chaweng Samui

If you want a two-centre break or a different type of hotel, try the Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club on the north-east coast, with Miami beach vibes. Great for groups of friends and families, its Seen Beach Club hosts DJs for weekend pool parties and you can sample cocktails at the swim-up bar. Chaweng is the largest town on Koh Samui and home to the Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai temple, a 12-metre gold statue built in 1972. It’s free to visit, as are the Grandfather and Grandmother rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai) further south near Lamai Beach. With so much to see and do at purse-friendly prices, you really can fly long-haul and flop for longer – or combine a tropical beach holiday with a stay in Thailand’s lively capital, Bangkok. GET THERE: Double rooms at Avani+ Samui cost from £100 a night, including breakfast. Pool villas start from £190 a night. The Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel and Beach Club costs from £105 a night in a pool-view room, including breakfast. Visit avanihotels.com. Thai Airways (thaiairways.com) offers return flights to Bangkok from £853pp. Bangkok Airways (bangkokair.com) flies from Bangkok to Koh Samui from £102pp. AMY ATKINSON

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

161

SAFARI AND CITY BREAK COMBO Make more of your time away and enjoy two travel experiences in one break. A safari is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and in South Africa, wildlife spotting can be added to a cultural break in either Cape Town or Johannesburg. In the latter, the newest hotel is Voco in Rosebank, a trendy area known for its shopping, art and design. A visit to Soweto, Johannesburg’s most famous township, is a must as it holds such a pivotal place in the country’s history. Tour the area – once home to former President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu – with local guides, who are passionate about this dynamic district full of music and delicious street food. From Johannesburg it’s a 300km drive (around five hours) to Madikwe, one of South Africa’s largest private game reserves, which has 75,000 hectares of grassland plains, rivers and sekelbos thickets to explore and spot wildlife in. One of the best ways to view it is on a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Cradle of Humankind. Madikwe has three safari lodges, including the four-bedroom Dithaba, a luxury retreat stylishly built into the landscape, from where you can look for Africa’s ‘Big Five’ (elephant, lion,

Start your trip in vibrant Johannesburg

leopard, buffalo and rhino), as well as the endangered African wild dog, which the reserve is famous for conserving. A stay includes earlymorning and evening safaris with a private guide and tracker. After evening drives, when the sun drops and the shadows lengthen, you can have a barbecue dinner under a blanket of stars. Truly unforgettable. GET THERE: Hays Travel (haystravel. co.uk) offers a six-day City and Safari holiday in South Africa from £2,200pp (departing in May), including return overnight flights, two nights at Voco in Johannesburg, private transfers to Madikwe and two nights full-board at Madikwe Safari Lodge, including game drives. A hot-air balloon safari with Harrop’s costs around £145pp. Visit southafrica.net. SOPHIE BURGHAM

Hike to Rame Head on the South West Coast Path

Experience breathtaking views from a hot-air balloon. Left: a luxurious bathroom at Dithaba at Madikwe

STEP OUT ON A STAYCATION If you love walking, 2023 is the year to step it up. Not only is it 50 years since Alfred Wainwright did his classic Coast to Coast walk across northern England, but the South West Coast Path, is also celebrating its 50th anniversary. A series of events is planned along Britain’s longest national trail, including a photography exhibition in Plymouth and a 50th Anniversary Passport, which encourages walkers to record their journey and try out new sections of the 630-mile route. After a long day rambling, you’ll want somewhere cosy to put your feet up and Luxury Coastal (luxurycoastal.co.uk) has a number of beautiful properties for rent along the route. The three-bedroom Old Signal House at Penlee Point (sleeps six, seven nights from £1,200) overlooks the wild Cornish coast and was originally built as a home for operators of the Eddystone Lighthouse. Visit southwestcoastpath.org.uk. Macs Adventure (macsadventure.com) offers self-guided walking holidays around the UK, including eight different ways to do the historic Coast to Coast. Walk the western section from St Bees to Kirkby Stephen, from £820pp for nine nights.

162

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good escapes

VISIT A SUSTAINABLE DESTINATION

ADDITIONAL WORDS: LAURA MILLAR. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY, VINCENT LEROUX, LUIS FERRAZ, GRAIN LONDON LTD, ADAM BRUZZONE, TOBIE LOATES, MADIKWE DITHABA LODGE. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF PRESS. ALWAYS CHECK THE FCDO TRAVEL ADVICE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON SAFETY, SECURITY AND HEALTH. VISIT GOV.UK/FOREIGN-TRAVEL-ADVICE

The Azores, a cluster of beautiful islands in the North Atlantic, 800 miles off mainland Portugal, is currently a top pick for its eco credentials. The archipelago has been dubbed ‘the world’s first leading sustainable tourism destination’, an EarthCheck accolade reflecting the focus placed on protecting the natural environment and resources there. Often compared with Hawaii and Iceland, the unspoiled landscape is almost otherworldly. On São Miguel, the largest of the nine islands, you’ll find deep crater lakes, clear-water coastal lagoons and the unique Furnas Valley, where geothermic heated springs bubble up into bathing pools. It’s also the only place in the world where you can eat the traditional meat and vegetable stew Cozido das Furnas, which is lowered into, and actually cooked by, a volcano. On the smaller island of Terceira there are agricultural plains encompassed by crater walls, a collapsed volcanic cone surrounded by the sea and the Algar do Carvão – or the ‘cavern of coal’ – a volcanic

Discover the beautiful, unspoiled Azores. Below: The Santa Bárbara Eco Beach Resort

vent around 90 metres deep that can be explored by descending 338 steps. GET THERE: Kuoni (kuoni.co.uk) offers seven nights at the four-star Santa Bárbara Eco Beach Resort on São Miguel from £1,299pp, including return flights (based on 8 May departure).

THREE HOT NEW HOTELS FOR 2023

FOR AN ALL-INCLUSIVE STAY

FOR A WEEKEND IN LONDON

FOR A WEEKEND IN PARIS

Ikos Odisia, Corfu Opening in May, this is the brand’s sixth luxury, all-inclusive hotel. With 395 bedrooms starting from £279 a night, it’s located in a secluded bay across from Ikos Dassia. There are 10 pools, menus created by Michelin-starred chefs and signature spa experiences by Anne Semonin. Visit ikosresorts.com.

The OWO, London This much-anticipated opening, in spring, is at the Grade II-listed Old War Office in Whitehall. The Raffles hotel, with 120 rooms and suites plus 85 residencies, will also have nine restaurants, three bars and a spa and health club. It will be the first time the building is open to the public. Visit theowo.london.

Le Grand Mazarin, Paris This chic hotel in the Marais district comes from the team behind Crillon le Brave in Provence and Lou Pinet in Saint-Tropez and opens in early 2023. Designer Martin Brudnizki has given all 61 rooms eclectic and flamboyant interiors. There’s also a bar, restaurant, and pool. Visit legrandmazarin.com.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

163

Avoid the crowds when you visit the pyramids in Egypt Enjoy some me-time at Melas Lara Hotel

WANT TO TRAVEL SOLO? Globus (globusjourneys.co.uk) offers great-value out-of-season ‘Escape’ tours on which they waive single supplements, depending on availability. You’re fully escorted and can discover the world, from the Greek Islands to the Grand Canyon and from Peru to Portugal, avoiding both crowds and hours of planning. A six-day Cairo and Alexandria Escape tour costs from £729pp, excluding flights. Friendship Travel (friendshiptravel.com) also never adds single supplements and offers all-inclusive packages for like-minded travellers in the UK, Europe, Asia, the USA and Caribbean. In Turkey, one of this year’s top destinations, spend seven nights at the five-star Melas Lara Hotel in Antalya from £895pp, all-inclusive.

GO ALL-INCLUSIVE FOR A TOUCH OF LUXURY For romantic, ‘Luxury-Included’ Caribbean holidays no one does it better than Sandals Resorts (sandals.co.uk). With more quality inclusions at its 17 beachfront hotels than any other resort company, there are options in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada and Curaçao. The latest property, Sandals Dunn’s River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, will open in May. With unlimited dining in 12 restaurants as well as unlimited drinks, including premium spirits at a choice of nine bars, there will be plenty of places to indulge. Complimentary land and watersports – even diving for those who are certified – will also be included. The new Skypool Butler Suites will feature glass panels spanning the length of oceanfront balconies, while the Coyaba Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suites with private pools will offer soaking tubs on open-air rooftops. From £2,649pp for a seven-night stay for two (departing September), including Virgin Atlantic flights, all-inclusive accommodation and transfers.

164

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

At Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica, enjoy the views from your private rooftop before drifting off in a Coyaba Butler Suite

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good escapes NEW EXPERIENCES AT SEA IMMERSIVE DINING Indulge all your senses in the world’s first 360-degree restaurants at sea on Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess (princess.com). Available by Dine at sea in invite only to those staying a 360-degree in suite accommodation, restaurant 360: An Extraordinary Experience, will take diners on a multisensory journey through the hilltops of Santorini, along the Amalfi Coast, and to Barcelona and Provence. Using vivid storytelling, beautiful imagery projected on screens surrounding the table, music and scent, guests will be fully immersed in the region’s food and wine over an unforgettable seven-course meal. Enjoy it while actually sailing the Mediterranean for seven nights on Enchanted Princess from £749pp (excluding flights, based on a 16 September departure).

Explore Turkey at your leisure when you go solo

NEW ROUTES

Grab a bargain with TUI at Lanzarote’s Rio Playa Blanca

In March, British Airways (ba.com) will launch two new direct flights: one to the Caribbean island of Aruba and the other to Guyana in South America.

FOR GREAT VALUE Tour operator TUI (tui.co.uk) has revealed that 70% of its bookings for 2023 are allinclusive, with the Canary Islands offering excellent value. A seven-night all-inclusive stay in Lanzarote at the seafront Rio Playa Blanca costs from £658pp in March. TUI BLUE properties offer even more inclusions and the chance to personalise your holiday with wellbeing treatments, fitness classes and watersports. A seven-night stay at the TUI BLUE Sensatori Biomar in Sa Coma, Majorca, costs from £829pp in April.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

A ONCE-IN-ALIFETIME ITINERARY It’s the 150th anniversary in 2023 of one of the greatest fictional journeys ever made and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines (fredolsencruise.com) has Sail around the an incredible ‘Around the world on the Borealis World in 80 Days’ cruise to celebrate. The Borealis will follow in the footsteps of fictional explorer Phileas Fogg as it departs from Southampton on 23 February and sails to Portugal, Italy, Egypt (to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb), India, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan (just in time to see the cherry blossom), Hawaii, Mexico, the USA, Colombia and the Caribbean. Prices start at £8,499pp but a 26-night itinerary is available from £3,199pp if the full 80-day adventure is too exhausting!

EXPEDITION CRUISING The latest way to see the world is on smaller ships boasting on-board experts to bring to life bucket-list destinations such as the Arctic and Antarctica. View the oceans in Seabourn (seabourn.com) a different way offers ultra-luxury voyages and exhilarating adventures on two expedition ships: Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, launching in October. Both also have two futuristic, six-person submarines for exploring the underwater world. An 11-night tour of The Great White Continent on Seabourn Pursuit costs from £7,649pp (departing 18 January 2024). „

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

165

Give your grey

PUZZLE SPECIAL

Are you looking for a mental challenge? This month’s brainteasers will really get those cogs whirring!

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

2

3 6

8

3 7 1 2

3 6

5

8 7 5

4 8 7 9

6

4 5 2 7 9 8

6

11

10

10

15

15

3

15

13

15

15 14

17 16

4

11

11

14

7

11

16

14

8

17

16

10

4

3

Codeword

7

In this finished crossword, each letter of the alphabet appears as a code number. Replacing the decoded numbers 2, 8 and 20 with their letters in the grid will help you guess the identity of other letters.

5 5 7

1 9 6 6 9

5 2 3

19

5 1 4

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

5

7

26

18

1

22

1

6

19

8

1

13

7

15

6

24

15

20

10

6

22

3

21 10

9

1

19

12

19

6

10

2

4

3

5

19

6

5

15

15

19

22 22

4 4

22

4 3

25

1

15

24

23 9

17 1

4 10

15 22

4

23

8

8 12

1

16

15

14

19

2 9

4

22

10 1

2 2

19 1

10

1

11

25

19

22

SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 168

12

12

10

9

1

1

10

7

23 19

12

8

8

3

10

166

13

11

19

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.

8

5

3

7

9

2

TOUGH STUFF

2

5

24

9

4

1

Killer Sudoku

10

19

4 20

10

3

23

25

3

22

19

1

15

6

2

8

6

23

23

10

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

C

D

Y

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good puzzles

matter a workout Jumbo Crossword 1

2

3

9

10

4

11

5 12

6

7

8

13

14 15

16

18

19

23

24

17

20

25

26

21

27

22

28

29 30

31 33

34

35

36

37 38

40

43

32

39

41

44

45

51

42

46

47

48

49

52

53

50

54

55 56

ACROSS 9 Fiery particles (6) 11 Unexpected plot element (5) 13 Large ships (7) 14 Bind (3) 15 Current of air (6) 16 Strong woven fabric (7) 17 Strange and mysterious (5) 18 Evergreen shrub (12) 20 Relinquish a throne (8) 23 Shameful (10) 26 Evilly (8) 29 Greeting (5) 30 Small finch (6) 31 Passage (4) 33 Fits of violent anger (5) 35 Strong spirit (3) goodhousekeeping.com/uk

57

36 Greek cheese (4) 37 Tools for drilling holes (6) 38 Violent atmospheric disturbance (5) 40 Impetus (8) 42 Unselfish in manner (10) 43 Sergeant (anag.) (8) 48 Heartbroken (12) 51 Bands worn around the waist (5) 52 Pertaining to the stars (7) 54 Infuriate (6) 55 Long period of time (3) 56 Horizontal underground stem (7) 57 Musical compositions (5) 58 Freshest (6)

58

DOWN 1 Uneasy (12) 2 Pal (6) 3 Cook slowly in liquid (4) 4 Nonsense (9) 5 Mark of disgrace (6) 6 Have as a purpose (6) 7 A system of measurement (6) 8 Upward slope (6) 10 Spirited horse (5) 12 Having three corners (10) 19 New word or phrase (9) 21 Family or variety (3) 22 Cairo is in this country (5) 24 Ancestry (7) 25 Go back on (7) 26 Full of holes (4-5)

27 Type of deer (7) 28 Withstands (7) 32 Heart specialist (12) 34 Carelessness (10) 36 Thigh bone (5) 39 Relating to men (9) 41 Born (3) 44 Glowing remains of a fire (6) 45 Characteristically French (6) 46 Person who fails to turn up (2-4) 47 Long strips of cloth (6) 49 e.g. Pacific or Atlantic (5) 50 Pointed projectiles (6) 53 Repose (4)

FEBRUARY 2023 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

167

Good puzzles S

U

Q A

A

R

T

S O

A E

L

I

L

E

L L E

I N

D

U

Y

E

P

D M E

S

K

C

L

E W

E

O

D

T

A

N

I

A

N M

O

S

O T

A

C I

E R

H B

P

M

S

I

P A

O

O A

E

L

I

L

N

G

N

M T

E

I

I

O

O

L

J

I L

C

E

R

P

B E

I

R

K

R

P

D

E

R L

S V

T

E

E

O

O

A

H E

T

V

S R

T

D

E E

S

E W

N

O

O

L L

H

E

Common greeting

Husky

P

Division of a group

O

S

Be in debt

T

Woman's first public appearance (informal)

Y

Kind of flat hat

T

Eg Cambridge or LSE (informal)

N

New ___: Indian capital

U

Draw or bring out

A

The arrows show the direction in which the answer to each clue should be placed.

F

Arrow-word

H

(PAGE 168)

Desires

ARROW-WORD Mountain pass

Type of golf club

Obsession

G N

I

S

S

D E W A Y S

S

I

E

S

I

I V

Q

P

I

M I

I

T

D

E

R O U T

O

M

N

S C U B A

N E S

N

E

E

Y O N

I

H

Z

A

J U M B O

R

D L E R

A

B O X L

E I

K E

CODEWORD (PAGE 166) 6

8

1

7

3

9

8

4

2

5

7

1

9

3

5

2

4

6

5 4 2 9 6 3 1 8 7

9 5 4 7 1 2 6 3 8

7 3 6 5 8 4 2 1 9

2 8 1 6 3 9 4 7 5

3 9 5 2 7 6 8 4 1

1

4

6

2

7

8

3

1

4

9

8

5

5

7

9

6

2

3

KILLER SUDOKU (PAGE 166)

1 9 8 7 3 6 2 4 5

4 7 8 9 5 3 6 2 1

TRICKY PICK

7 2 5 1 9 4 6 3 8

2 5 9 6 1 7 3 4 8

3 6 4 2 8 5 7 9 1

6 1 3 2 4 8 7 9 5

2 5 7 8 1 9 4 6 3

7 8 1 3 6 2 9 5 4

6 4 1 5 2 3 9 8 7

9 6 4 8 7 5 1 3 2

9 8 3 4 6 7 5 1 2

3 2 5 4 9 1 8 7 6

8 1 9 6 7 2 3 5 4

8 3 7 1 2 4 5 6 9

4 7 6 3 5 8 1 2 9

5 3 2 9 4 1 8 7 6

5 9 2 7 8 6 4 1 3

1 4 6 5 3 9 2 8 7

SUDOKU (PAGE 166)

Solutions

NEW!

TOUGH STUFF

Also

All puzzles are kindly supplied by Richardson Puzzles & Games. Its Big Book Of General Knowledge Crosswords Book 1, featuring 150 crosswords with challenging quiz question clues, is available to preorder now from hive.co.uk/richardson-puzzles and all other good book retailers.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

E

Primary colour

Love crosswords and quizzes?

168

E

S M

I N

___ stick: toy for bouncing on

The sound of a dove

Used a computer keyboard

L

Female sheep

Not stereo

Extremely tall

Enjoyable

A

Walk awkwardly

One of four equal parts

O R G A N

Call forth or cause

C

O

Tap (anag)

Surpass

S P A S M

U

A M

Penitent

Large beer cask

T

Posed

Greenish blue colour

E

___ for cash: short of money

L

Dialect of Chinese

F U G U E

Hair colourant

O

D U L L S

In favour of

Small social insect

Absolute

I

State of being very poor

___ Turner: US singer

C

Final line on an agenda (inits)

___ Amitri: Scottish band

I

Support or foundation

Short note or reminder

(PAGE 167)

Bruce ___: martial artist

JUMBO CROSSWORD

___ Dennis: Consumes TV food presenter

D

Large deer

C

Vivacity

Unthinking Ring of (of a light response) around the (4-4) head

C H R O N

Helmet part for protecting the face

Told an untruth

ACROSS 9 SPARKS 11 TWIST 13 TANKERS 14 TIE 15 BREEZE 16 WEBBING 17 EERIE 18 RHODODENDRON 20 ABDICATE 23 INGLORIOUS 26 WICKEDLY 29 HELLO 30 LINNET 31 DUCT 33 RAGES 35 RUM 36 FETA 37 BORERS 38 STORM 40 MOMENTUM 42 ALTRUISTIC 43 REAGENTS 48 INCONSOLABLE 51 BELTS 52 STELLAR 54 ENRAGE 55 ERA 56 RHIZOME 57 SONGS 58 NEWEST

Measure of length

Cheek (slang)

Upon

DOWN 1 APPREHENSIVE 2 FRIEND 3 STEW 4 GIBBERISH 5 STIGMA 6 INTEND 7 METRIC 8 ASCENT 10 STEED 12 TRIANGULAR 19 NEOLOGISM 21 ILK 22 EGYPT 24 LINEAGE 25 RETRACT 26 WORM-EATEN 27 CARIBOU 28 ENDURES 32 CARDIOLOGIST 34 SLOPPINESS 36 FEMUR 39 MASCULINE 41 NEE 44 EMBERS 45 GALLIC 46 NO-SHOW 47 SASHES 49 OCEAN 50 ARROWS 53 REST

Make possible

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

R U R A L C H I C F O R YO U R H O M E

COUNTRY LIVING AT DFS INTRODUCING COUNTRY LIVING KIRKTON – A COMPACT TAKE ON THE CLASSIC CHESTERFIELD SOFA VELVET-FINISH UPHOLSTERY MADE FROM ECO-FRIENDLY 100% RECYCLED POLYESTER AVAILABLE IN A RANGE OF CHARMING COLOURS HANDMADE TO ORDER RIGHT HERE IN THE UK FREE 15-YEAR FRAME & SPRINGS GUARANTEE

See the full Country Living Collection at dfs.co.uk/country-living

READER OFFER

G rab t his smart chair while you can!

Use the code GHMAG10 for 10% off *

Maimie bouclé armchair; Everleigh ladder display unit

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME As the new year begins, it’s time to give your living space a bit of a rethink. Whether your home is in need of a good declutter or you just want to make it look even more gorgeous, the House Beautiful Marketplace is here to help. From handy shelving, bookcases and clever storage solutions – such as the Everleigh ladder display unit, above right – to chic accessories and super-stylish furniture – like the Maimie bouclé armchair, above – it couldn’t be easier to give where you live a modern makeover. And remember, you get free shipping on any orders over £30!

Update your space with stylish furniture and gorgeous accessories

Angela console table

Odette oak coffee table

Lauren glass desk; /HLDYHOYHWRIĠFHFKDLU

Anisa ridged tableware

'DSKQHH[WHQGDEOHRDNGLQLQJWDEOH 'DSKQHGLQLQJEHQFK

/LORFRWWRQVWULSHFXVKLRQV

Create your dream space at

housebeautiful.co.uk *Offer valid on full-priced items only

SCAN HERE to shop these products and more

CRUISES | TOURS | HOTELS

A

ccording to Booking.com’s travel predictions, people are overwhelmingly more optimistic about travelling in 2023 compared with 2022. To that end, it’s time to unveil our latest travel experiences that have been handpicked with you in mind. I’m delighted to invite you to join myself and national treasure Joanna Lumley for a glamorous day of sipping bubbles in the Kent countryside. Alternatively, why not eat your way around Italy’s food gem Puglia, explore otherworldly Iceland with our favourite weather presenter or, if finances allow, take the rail journey of your dreams? You’ll find new dates for many of our bestselling tours and cruises at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

Gaby Huddart

Enjoy an ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS day out and meet DAME JOANNA LUMLEY Travel in style to Hush Heath Estate, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive talk from Dame Joanna Lumley and a private vineyard tour and tasting

E D I TO R-I N - CH I E F [email protected]

MEET OUR SPECIAL GUEST

THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING HOLIDAYS GUARANTEE  Many of our trips can now be booked with low deposits, starting from just £75pp.  Your money is safe because your trips are protected by one of the following schemes: TTA, ABTA, AITO, ABTOT or Global Travel Group’s consumer protection guarantee scheme.  Flight-inclusive trips are also ATOL-protected. This government-backed scheme safeguards your money and will assist you if a company goes out of business.  If there is any reason why your trip may be cancelled or rescheduled, our experts will be in touch. If you have any questions or concerns, email [email protected].

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER Tripsmiths partners with leading tour operators and media brands to deliver exclusive travel experiences.

Dame Joanna Lumley is an actor, presenter, author and campaigner. She has had a distinguished career on screen, known for playing Patsy Stone in the sitcom Absolutely Fabulous. Her latest book, A Queen For All Seasons, was published as a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

W

hat finer way to spend a summer’s day in June than aboard the gleaming carriages of the British Pullman, A Belmond Train, England, as it journeys into Kent’s wine country? And to make this trip even more special, you’ll get to meet Dame Joanna Lumley for an exclusive talk. At London Victoria, you will be shown to a plush armchair in stunning Art Deco surroundings in one of the train’s restored 1920s carriages, each with intricate marquetry and heritage upholstery. As the train eases away from

London, a splendid three-course brunch will be served at your seat, with a delightfully chilled Bellini. On arrival in Kent, you’ll disembark and be taken to Hush Heath Estate, home of Balfour Winery. You will be welcomed with a glass of its delectable fizz, created in the same way as fine French Champagnes. A guided tour will give a fascinating insight into grape-to-glass winemaking, and you’ll sample its award-winning still and sparkling wines with a tutored tasting. As you sit in the estate’s pretty surroundings with views across the vines, Dame Joanna Lumley will talk about her life and career,

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER TS Tours Ltd is the UK’s leading specialist in creating bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts.

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

Take the legendary British Pullman from London and around Kent to the winery

YOUR ITINERARY Visit Hush Heath Estate, the home of Balfour Winery

ONLY 200 PLACES! EARLY BOOKING ADVISED

Arrive to check in for your journey aboard the British Pullman at London Victoria; enjoy a chilled Bellini and three-course brunch as the train makes its way to Kent; transfer to Hush Heath Estate and enjoy a glass of its renowned fizz on arrival; enjoy a private tour and exclusive tasting at Balfour Winery, followed by a talk by Joanna Lumley; depart Balfour Winery to rejoin the British Pullman; enjoy a four-course dinner with wine, followed by tea, coffee and petit fours; arrive at London Victoria

YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO…

and answer questions from guests. You’ll also be joined by Good Housekeeping’s editor-in-chief, Gaby Huddart, who will interview Joanna. On the journey back to London, settle down with a gastronomic four-course dinner, complete with the sommelier’s choice of wine, and enjoy the splendid surroundings of the train and the views. It will be a wonderful end to your absolutely fabulous day in the Kent countryside.

Step back in time on the elegant British Pullman

Reasons to book MEET DAME JOANNA LUMLEY The celebrated actor and activist, who starred in The New Avengers and Sapphire & Steel and has presented several travel series, will join you in the beautiful surroundings of Balfour Winery to give a talk about her life and career, before taking questions from guests.

ENJOY AN ICONIC TRAIN JOURNEY

z Hear Dame Joanna Lumley in conversation with GH’s Gaby Huddart and take part in a Q&A session. z Take a round-trip aboard the British Pullman from London Victoria. z Sip on a Bellini welcome cocktail, morning tea and coffee, and enjoy a three-course brunch on the outward journey. z Toast your day with a glass of fizz on arrival at Balfour Winery. z Taste the Balfour Winery’s produce during a tutored tasting and guided vineyard tour. z Enjoy a four-course dinner with wine, plus tea or coffee and petit fours on the return leg of the trip.

Enjoy fine food created by an exemplary team of chefs and served at your seat on the British Pullman. Expect wonderful seasonal fare inspired by the British countryside. On your outbound journey, there’s a three-course brunch, and after your vineyard tour, indulge in a four-course dinner with wine, followed by coffee and petit fours.

HOW TO BOOK PRICE From £649pp* DATE 18 June 2023 TO BOOK, CALL 02045 716 239,

TOUR AN AWARD-WINNING VINEYARD

quoting GH JOANNA LUMLEY FEB23 VISIT goodhousekeeping.com/uk/ joannalumley

Hush Heath Estate is home to Balfour Winery. You will enjoy a private tour of its 400 acres of vineyards, bountiful apple orchards, colourful wildflower meadows and ancient oak woodland. You will also enjoy a tutored tasting of its impressive wines. Balfour’s original wine, the Balfour Brut Rosé, is a real showstopper.

for more details and to see the full itinerary *From price is per person, based on four sharing a four-seat table, subject to availability. To book a table for two there is a surcharge of £20, subject to availability – please call to enquire. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Deposit: 20%. The vineyards may be wet underfoot – please wear/bring suitable footwear. Travel insurance should be taken out at time of booking. The train is not wheelchair accessible. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded)

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

See Iceland’s natural wonders, including Goðafoss Waterfall

EXCLUSIVE CRUISE

Sail the majestic fjords of ICELAND and meet CAROL KIRKWOOD Discover Iceland’s captivating landscapes and exceptional wildlife and visit Reykjavík with the popular weather presenter MEET YOUR SPECIAL GUEST Scottish weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who trained with the Met Office, has been presenting the weather for more than 20 years and famously danced with Pasha Kovalev on the 13th series of Strictly Come Dancing.

I

celand has much to offer lovers of facilities, including the Atlantis Spa, heated the natural world, with geothermal pools and a range of dining venues. springs; towering mountains; and The itinerary has been carefully crafted magnificent fjords, where humpback to include Iceland’s greatest natural whales breach in icy waters. attractions. You’ll have opportunities There’s no better way to to see the Seyðisfjörður fjord, experience the dramatic Strokkur geyser and waterfalls NEW landscapes and wildlife of of Gullfoss and Goðafoss. NO-FLY Iceland than on a cruise, and You’ll cruise along Iceland’s our luxury two-week voyage longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, and CRUISE FOR will take you to many of this the Borgarfjörður eystri, NATURE magical country’s highlights. home to a large population LOVERS Making the trip extra special of elves – according to is the chance to meet Carol Icelandic folklore, at least. Kirkwood, who’ll join you on an There’s a trip to Akureyri, too – a excursion and give a talk and Q&A brilliant location for spotting humpback session in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. whales in their natural habitat. The whales You’ll sail in style on MV Balmoral, feed here, occasionally jumping out of where you can enjoy many fabulous the cobalt water to put on a show.

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER TS Tours Ltd is the UK’s leading specialist in creating bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts.

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

YOUR ITINERARY Visit Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, with Carol Kirkwood

DAY 1 Southampton DAYS 2, 3 & 4 At sea DAY 5 Seyðisfjörður, Iceland DAY 6 Akureyri, Iceland DAY 7 Ísafjörður, Iceland DAYS 8 & 9 Reykjavík, Iceland DAY 10 At sea DAY 11 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands DAYS 12 & 13 At sea DAY 14 Arrive back in Southampton

YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO…

Iceland is one of the best places to spot puffins

Look out for whales breaching in the ocean

Reasons to book MEET CAROL KIRKWOOD IN REYKJAVÍK You’ll stop in Reykjavík, Iceland’s coastal capital, where you’ll be joined by Carol Kirkwood. Carol will give a talk on her career as a weather presenter and will be available to answer your questions.

MESMERISING LANDSCAPES Iceland is a beautiful destination, where travellers witness spectacular

and diverse terrains, from geothermal geysers to majestic fjords and towering volcanoes. Your ship is specially designed to get you up close to many of Iceland’s most breathtaking landscapes.

ALSO INCLUDED Drinks & Gratuities package on board, all port taxes and luggage porterage between your cabin and drop-off/pick-up point.

ON-BOARD ENTERTAINMENT On MV Balmoral there is a schedule of excellent entertainment each evening, from music and cabaret to stand-up comedy. Just sit back and enjoy the performances with your favourite tipple in hand.

UNWIND AS YOU SAIL

Enjoy fabulous facilities on board small-ship MV Balmoral

z Visit Reykjavík with Carol Kirkwood. z Hear a talk and Q&A session by Carol. z See the best of Iceland, including fjords and wildlife. z Stay in a comfortable, stylish cabin or suite equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning. z Indulge in a tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks, and more. z Enjoy unlimited self-service tea and coffee (available 24 hours a day) at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room snacks and sandwiches. z Watch a full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music. z Make full use of on-board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and the gym.

With just 710 guest cabins and a range of wellness facilities on MV Balmoral, your days at sea will provide the chance to disconnect from the stresses of life on land and find true tranquillity. Indulge in a treatment at the fabulous Atlantis Spa or kick back and relax by one of the two heated saltwater pools.

HOW TO BOOK PRICE From £2,399pp* DATES 13 to 26 September 2023 TO BOOK, CALL 02045 715 177, quoting GH ICELAND CAROL FEB23 VISIT goodhousekeeping.com/uk/ kirkwoodiceland for more details and to see the full itinerary *From price is per person, based on two people sharing an Inside Cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Deposit: 20%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded)

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

Visit the Duomo, the most iconic landmark in Florence

EXCLUSIVE TOUR

YOUR ITINERARY

Hear ANDREA BOCELLI sing live in beautiful TUSCANY Watch the legendary Italian tenor perform in his hometown and enjoy a six-night stay in the romantic city of Florence MEET YOUR SPECIAL GUEST Blind from the age of 12, Andrea Bocelli has sold more than 80m albums worldwide. He has worked with the likes of Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding and Céline Dion. As Céline Dion says: ‘If God would have a singing voice, he must sound a lot like Andrea Bocelli.’

O

You’ll also visit Lucca, birthplace of Puccini; Siena, home of the Palio horse race; hilltop town San Gimignano; and foodie paradise Bologna. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear one of the world’s greatest opera singers perform in an iconic setting.

Reasons to book

DAY 1 Arrive in Florence DAY 2 Guided tour of Florence DAY 3 Fiesole and Andrea Bocelli concert at the Teatro del Silenzio DAY 4 Day at leisure DAY 5 Siena and San Gimignano DAY 6 Day trip to Lucca DAY 7 Bologna and return to the UK**

YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO… z Watch Andrea Bocelli’s concert at the open-air Teatro del Silenzio (tickets in block C, located in the Prima Poltrona sector, are included in the price). z Stay for six nights at a four-star hotel in Florence with breakfast each morning. z Enjoy a welcome drink on the first night. z Join other readers on a seven-day tour, which includes visits to Florence, Fiesole, Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca and Bologna.

SEE ANDREA BOCELLI PERFORM

ALSO INCLUDED

You’ll have great seats for Andrea’s spectacular concert in the Teatro del Silenzio (pictured above). Watch him sing near the town where he was born against the backdrop of the Tuscan countryside.

Return flights from London Heathrow to Bologna, all transport and transfers, and the services of a tour manager.

nce a year, Andrea Bocelli returns to the small town of A MUST FOR STAY IN FLORENCE Lajatico, where he CLASSICAL was born, to host an open-air MUSIC FANS Enjoy a six-night stay with breakfast at a four-star hotel concert. This unique event in the Italian city. takes place in the Teatro del Silenzio, which opened in 2006 SUMMER IN TUSCANY and was built especially for the With rolling hills, olive groves, cypress maestro’s concerts; it’s named the trees and vineyards, this region looks even Theatre of Silence because it remains more beautiful in the summer sunshine. silent for the rest of the year. This very special concert will be EXPLORE FIVE HISTORIC PLACES the highlight of your six-night stay As well as Florence, you’ll visit Tuscany’s in Florence, where you’ll have plenty medieval towns and cities, including Siena, of time to take in its sights, including Lucca, San Gimignano and Bologna. Michelangelo’s David and the Duomo. OUR TRAVEL PARTNER Travel Editions was established nearly 29 years ago to offer a range of cultural short breaks and extended tours to appeal to ‘travellers’ not ‘tourists’, and with itineraries not readily available on the high street.

HOW TO BOOK PRICE From £1,999pp* DATES 25 to 31 July and 26 July to 1 August 2023 TO BOOK, CALL 02045 716 460, quoting GH BOCELLI FEB23 VISIT goodhousekeeping.com/uk/ andreabocelli for more details and to see the full itinerary *Price based on two sharing. Single supplement: £240. Deposit: £300pp. **26 July 2023 itinerary varies slightly from 25 July 2023. Holiday insurance, ticket upgrades, personal items, such as drinks, laundry and telephone calls, plus porterage and gratuities not included. All tours are subject to change according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion. In the unlikely event of Andrea Bocelli’s performance on 25 or 26 July 2023 being cancelled due to weather, ill-health or any other reason, the concert will be postponed and take place on another date decided by the organisers. No refund of the concert ticket will be given. Due to the significant walk (approximately 1.5-2km) to the concert auditorium, this tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties. Maximum group size, 35. Travel Editions is ABTA-bonded and this trip is ATOL-protected. This trip is exclusive to Hearst UK and may be promoted by other Hearst brands

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

TRAVEL IN A SMALL GROUP OF UP TO EIGHT GUESTS

READER OFFER

TASTE your way around beautiful PUGLIA Discover the delicious dishes of one of Italy’s renowned culinary regions, with trips to vineyards, olive farms and bakeries

I

taly is known and loved worldwide for the quality of its food and wine. Puglia, a real foodie gem in southeast Italy, stands out even in a country with such a strong culinary reputation. This five-day tour will take you to some of the best spots in Puglia to eat and drink, with trips to bakeries, olive farms and masserie (traditional stone farmhouses surrounded by vineyards). You’ll enjoy culinary experiences, such as dining at local restaurants, taking cooking classes and joining an olive oil tasting. There are plenty of cultural attractions in Puglia to discover while you work up an appetite. You’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sassi di Matera, with its ancient cave dwellings and rock churches, and Alberobello, where you’ll see the iconic trulli (houses made of limestone

boulders with pyramid roofs). There’s a stop in Locorotondo, too, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Itria Valley’s most picturesque whitewashed towns.

Reasons to book SEE TRADITIONAL TRULLI HOUSES The distinctive cylindrical houses topped with coned roofs are unique to this area. You’ll get the opportunity to stay in one.

LEARN TO MAKE PASTA You’ll learn how to make orecchiette from expert local chefs in Bari. And, of course, taste your pasta at the end.

VISIT AN OLIVE OIL FARM Head to an olive oil farm near Ostuni to hear about how Ostuni’s extra-virgin olive oil is made and get to try some.

Make and eat authentic orecchiette pasta

YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 Arrive in Bari DAY 2 Sassi di Matera DAY 3 Alberobello, Altamura, Locorotondo DAY 4 Bari and Ostuni DAY 5 Bari and home

YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO… z Take an Italian cookery masterclass with dinner in Sassi di Matera. z Go on a bakery tour and do bread tasting in Altamura. z Have a vineyard tour and wine tasting in Locorotondo. z Taste olive oil at an olive farm near Ostuni. z Make pasta on a bike tour of Bari. z Spend two nights in a cave hotel in Matera, one night in Bari and one night in Alberobello, where you’ll stay in a Trulli house. z Enjoy a bottle of local wine (exclusive to GH readers).

ALSO INCLUDED All transfers in Italy, breakfast each day, airport pick-up and drop-off, and return flights.

HOW TO BOOK PRICE From £969pp* DATES 12 to 16 April, 14 to 18 June and 18 to 22 October 2023 TO BOOK, CALL 02045 715 240, quoting GHK DOLCE VITA FEB23 VISIT goodhousekeeping.com/uk/ puglia for more details and to see the full itinerary

Stay in a trulli house in Alberobello

Immerse yourself in the local culture

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER TS Tours Ltd is the UK’s leading specialist in creating bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts.

*From price is per person, based on two sharing on 18 October 2023 departure, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement: £200. Deposit: 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded) and Untravelled Paths

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

Visit Italy’s famous ‘floating city’

EXCLUSIVE CRUISE

Cruise the VENETIAN LAGOON in style with RICK STEIN Board SS La Venezia this October for an elegant seven-night voyage exploring Venice and its islands

INCLUDES EXCLUSIVE AFTER-HOURS ACCESS

MEET YOUR SPECIAL GUEST Rick Stein CBE is a chef, restaurateur, TV presenter and author of more than 20 books, including his autobiography. He has made more than 30 programmes, including 12 cookery series. Rick has cooked for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and Jacques Chirac.

T

he Veneto region has quaint, colourful islands, extraordinary architecture and a deep-rooted history. With waterways and canals separating the region’s highlights, a cruise is a great way to explore Venice.

Spend eight days getting to know the Venetian Lagoon aboard SS La Venezia. Hosting 126 guests, it’s a small ship that promises excellent, attentive service. It was renovated in 2020 with furnishings that reflect the classic style of Venice. Plus, you’ll have access to locations while they’re closed to the public. Step inside St Mark’s Basilica after dark and Torcello church before it opens. You’ll also have VIP access to Doge’s Palace during a morning visit. There’s a choice of other included excursions, too, from walking history tours to biking along the beaches of Chioggia to see Lusenzo Lagoon. At the end of a day exploring, SS La Venezia will warmly welcome you. Rick Stein will join the trip for its final few days, accompanying a food market tour in Rialto, before hosting a cooking demo and taking questions from guests.

Above: enjoy a room with a view on SS La Venezia Below: see Burano’s brightly coloured houses

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER Uniworld is one of the world’s outstanding luxury river cruise lines with an average capacity of 130 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry.

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

Reasons to book

EXCLUSIVE CRUISE

MEET RICK STEIN Celebrity chef Rick Stein will join the cruise for three days. He’ll accompany you on a visit to a market in Rialto and host a cooking demonstration on board. There’s also the chance to ask Rick questions after he hosts a talk about his life and work.

Explore Venice’s popular food markets with Rick Stein

AFTER-HOURS ACCESS Explore sights when they’re closed to the public. You’ll have the chance to witness a lighting ceremony at St Mark’s Basilica after dark and venture inside Torcello’s church for a moment of quiet appreciation free from crowds.

Join the world-famous singing star on this luxurious Italian river cruise as you explore the beautiful region of Veneto in spring

SAIL IN STYLE Inspired by Venetian aesthetics, the design of Super Ship La Venezia incorporates Fortuny fabrics and Murano glass throughout. With a choice of four dining venues, each serving authentic Italian cuisine, there really is no better way to visit Venice than with Uniworld.

YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 London to Venice DAY 2 Venice DAY 3 Burano DAY 4 Torcello, Mazzorbo, Burano and Murano DAY 5 Chioggia DAY 6 Chioggia DAY 7 Venice DAY 8 Venice to London

YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO… z Visit the iconic Rialto market with Rick Stein. z Watch a cooking demo by Rick and enjoy a host of tasting plates. z Take part in a Q&A session with Rick. z Sail on the luxury SS La Venezia for eight days in a Classic Riverview Stateroom. z Enjoy six days of immersive, flexible and

See RUSSELL WATSON perform live in VENICE

specially curated excursions. z Enjoy delicious meals and unlimited drinks on board, prepared with the finest ingredients.

ALSO INCLUDED All gratuities, both on ship and land; return flights from a range of UK airports; free wi-fi; and the services of an experienced Uniworld cruise manager.

O

n this fabulous new cruise, you will experience all the wonders of the famous ‘City of Water’, while discovering the enchanting islands of its lagoon. What’s more, you’ll be joined by the world-famous tenor Russell Watson, who will give a special talk and Q&A session, sign your complimentary CD and give an exclusive private concert in this historic city. As you sail in luxury and style on Uniworld’s SS La Venezia, gourmet meals and unlimited premium drinks will all be included, as well as six days of fascinating excursions, including a private after-hours visit to St Mark’s Basilica.

YOUR ITINERARY YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO… z Meet singing sensation Russell Watson during a special talk and Q&A session, where he will also sign a complimentary CD. z Attend an exclusive private performance by Russell in Venice. z Enjoy gourmet cuisine and unlimited premium spirits and wines.

z Cruise in style for eight days. z Stay in a lavish Classic Riverview Stateroom. z Take in Venice’s romantic islands, including Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. z Choose from a variety of included private tours, including an after-hours visit to St Mark’s Basilica.

HOW TO BOOK PRICE From £2,499pp* DATES 22 to 29 October 2023 TO BOOK, CALL 0808 189 3637,

HOW TO BOOK PRICE From £2,249pp* DATES 6 to 13 April 2023 TO BOOK, CALL 0808 239 0405,

quoting GH VENICE RICK FEB23 VISIT goodhousekeeping.com/uk/rickstein

quoting GH WATSON VENICE FEB23 VISIT goodhousekeeping.com/uk/russellwatson

for more details and to see the full itinerary

for more details and to see the full itinerary

*From price is per person, based on two people sharing a Classic Riverview Stateroom, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement: £1,205. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited

*From price is per person, based on two people sharing a Classic Riverview Stateroom, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

Sail the Rhône on SS Catherine

EXCLUSIVE CRUISE

Sail the RHÔNE in luxury with ROSEMARY SHRAGER and LORD IAN BOTHAM Discover the rich flavours, fine wines and gourmet heritage of the region on this exquisite luxury river cruise through southern France

MEET YOUR SPECIAL GUESTS Rosemary Shrager is a British chef and TV presenter. She has experience as a haute cuisine teacher and has published eight cookbooks, including Absolutely Foolproof Classic Home Cooking. Rosemary has also written two fictional novels, including The Last Supper. Lord Ian Botham is one of cricket’s best-loved figures as a player and commentator, as well as a prolific charity fundraiser, who was knighted in 2007 and entered the House of Lords as a crossbench peer in 2020. He has developed his own range of wines and gin, Botham Wines.

J

oin us on an unforgettable journey through the idyllic countryside of the south of France with chef Rosemary Shrager and cricketing legend turned wine producer Lord Ian Botham. You’ll sail through the same beautiful landscapes that inspired painters, including Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin, and unearth the gourmet secrets that make this region one of the world’s premier culinary destinations. As you travel along the peaceful Rhône and Saône rivers, you will enjoy the region’s incomparable wines and cuisine and discover its many treasures – from the medieval wonders of UNESCO-designated Avignon to Lyon’s lively river banks. You will be joined on board for the week by chef, TV presenter and haute cuisine expert Rosemary Shrager,

who will give a private cooking demonstration and join you on a food market visit with wine pairings from Lord Ian Botham. Ian will also be on board with you for the week, joining you for dinner and drinks throughout the cruise. He will give a talk about his career, answer your questions in a Q&A session and join you for a wine tasting. There will also be plenty of exciting shore excursions to look forward to. Lovers of fine wines will be wooed by a stop in the town of Tain-l’Hermitage, where you will enjoy a private visit with Ian to Le Vineum, the wine cellar of Paul Jaboulet Aîné, one of the region’s most renowned wine growers. You will be sailing aboard SS Catherine, an opulently decorated ship, where you will enjoy all included meals on board, which are prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients.

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER Uniworld is one of the world’s outstanding luxury river cruise lines with an average capacity of 130 guests and offers the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry.

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

Visit Lyon, the food capital of France

YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 Arrival and Lyon DAY 2 Mâcon and Beaune DAY 3 Lyon DAY 4 Tournon-surRhône and Tain-l’Hermitage DAY 5 Viviers DAY 6 Avignon DAY 7 Tarascon and Arles DAY 8 Avignon and depart

YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO…

SPEND THE WHOLE WEEK WITH OUR TWO EXPERTS

Discover the wine-growing area of Burgundy

Admire the opulent interiors on SS Catherine

Reasons to book REGIONAL DELICACIES The Rhône valley is the jewel in France’s culinary crown. You’ll get the chance to sample its produce, as you sail between picturesque towns and villages. You’ll pay a trip to a market in Arles, where you can marvel at the cheeses, lavender and jams.

COOKING DEMONSTRATION WITH ROSEMARY SHRAGER Watch a live cooking demonstration with Rosemary, who has experience as a haute cuisine teacher and a penchant for classic French dishes.

with Rosemary curating the menu and carefully selected wine pairings by Ian.

DISCOVER LYON Walk or cycle along Lyon’s lanes, where you’ll find 15 Michelin-starred restaurants and the more casual bouchons Lyonnais, traditional restaurants serving hearty fare.

TASTE THE WINES OF BURGUNDY You’ll explore the renowned wine-growing region of Burgundy and Provence, where tradition is as deeply rooted as the grapevines on the rolling hills.

ALSO INCLUDED All gratuities, both on ship and land; Eurostar** or return flights from a range of UK airports; seven nights of all-inclusive sailing; free wi-fi; and services of an experienced Uniworld cruise manager.

HOW TO BOOK PRICE From £2,499pp* DATES 26 March to 2 April 2023 TO BOOK, CALL 0808 258 9177, quoting GH BOTHAMSHRAGER FEB23 VISIT goodhousekeeping.com/uk/ shragerbotham for more details and to see the full itinerary

EXCLUSIVE EVENTS WITH LORD IAN BOTHAM The wine enthusiast and producer will join you for a visit to the Paul Jaboulet Aîné estate’s wine cellar and accompany you for a wine tasting, giving a talk and Q&A session about his charity work and wine and gin brand. Ian and Rosemary will co-host a dinner one evening,

z Spend a week in the company of Rosemary Shrager and Ian Botham. z Enjoy a dinner prepared by Rosemary with wine pairings by Ian. z Take part in a cooking demonstration with Rosemary. z Visit Arles food market with Rosemary and a Uniworld chef. z Join Ian on a private winery visit and a wine tasting on board, plus take part in his exclusive talk and Q&A session. z Enjoy six days of immersive, flexible and specially curated excursions. z Sail with Uniworld, the world’s leading luxury river cruise line. z Enjoy delicious meals and drinks on board, prepared with the finest ingredients.

Sample exceptional local wines

*From price is per person, based on two people sharing a Classic Riverview Stateroom, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. **If travelling via Eurostar, you will need to organise own transfers between train stations and to and from the ship. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Uniworld River Cruises Limited

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

Start your journey with a transcontinental trip through Istanbul

ULTIMATE ITINERARY

Enjoy the journey of a lifetime on the VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS Travel on the world’s most glamorous and iconic train between Istanbul and Paris on a six-night adventure

T

he Venice Simplon-OrientExpress, A Belmond Train, Europe, is magnificent, unparalleled in reputation and grandeur, and famous for transporting royalty and celebrities in inimitable style since the golden age of travel in the 1920s. In August, you’ll board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express on a journey from Istanbul to Paris, following a timeless route that takes you from Turkey and through Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Germany and France. After the first night in Istanbul, you’ll stay in a Historic Cabin on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for three nights of this six-night journey. In Bucharest and

Budapest, you’ll disembark to stay overnight in luxury hotels. Taking a seat in the dining car is a wonderful experience, which starts with expertly mixed aperitifs. You’ll feast on four-course menus created by exemplary chefs, with a sommelier on hand for perfect pairings and copious Champagne, as the train speeds along. After dinner, guests gather in Bar Car ‘3674’ for an evening of cocktails and conversation. When the clock strikes 12, midnight brunch is served as the piano plays on until the last guest retires to their cabin. You’ll join guided city tours in Bucharest and Budapest, cruise on the Danube and visit Peleș Castle in Romania. You’ll also

Your journey on the Venice SimplonOrient-Express will conclude in Paris

visit a Champagne house in France – the penultimate stop before pulling into Paris. After bidding farewell to this iconic train, you’ll board the Eurostar to London, travelling in Business Premier class. On arrival at London St Pancras, a transfer will meet you to take you back home.

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER TS Tours Ltd is the UK’s leading specialist in creating bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts.

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

Relax in your own plush and spacious suite

Sip on expertly mixed aperitifs on board

YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 Arrive in Istanbul DAY 2 Istanbul DAY 3 Bucharest DAY 4 Sinaia DAY 5 Budapest DAY 6 Journey through Hungary DAY 7 Paris and return home

YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO…

Enjoy afterdinner cocktails in Bar Car ‘3674’

Reasons to book BOARD A LEGENDARY TRAIN Designed during the golden age of travel, there’s no train as decadent and famous as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. It’s a legendary adventure, following in the tracks of royalty, dignitaries and celebrities over the decades.

A LUXURIOUS EXPERIENCE With transfers from your home to the airport and back again, every detail is taken care of on this ultra-luxury trip. You’ll feel truly pampered throughout, partly thanks to your dedicated steward on board the Venice Simplon-OrientExpress, who will be ready to attend to every request.

EXPLORE EUROPEAN CITIES AND COUNTRYSIDE You’ll see the best scenery from the window of your carriage, but when you’re not on the train, planned excursions mean you’ll be taken to unmissable locations in Bucharest and Budapest. There’s also a cruise along the Danube, a visit to a splendid castle

Stewards will be on hand to cater to your every whim

in Romania and a tour of a renowned Champagne house.

INDULGE IN FINE FOOD AND WINE Each night on the train, sip on aperitifs before enjoying four-course dinners prepared by accomplished chefs as you are transported to another destination.

TRAVEL IN STYLE FROM BEGINNING TO END Not only is the Venice Simplon-OrientExpress the pinnacle of luxury, but your other journeys are upgraded, including Club Europe flights with British Airways to Istanbul, and Business Premier on the Eurostar from Paris for the return leg.

Go on a city tour of Budapest

z Fly to Istanbul in a British Airways Club Europe comfort seat. z Spend three nights in a Historic Cabin aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express between Istanbul and Paris. z Enjoy breakfasts, three-course lunches and four-course dinners on board the train; lunch and dinner in Budapest; and dinner in Bucharest. z Stay one night in Istanbul and two nights in luxury accommodation in Bucharest and Budapest. z Go on excursions, including city tours in Bucharest and Budapest, a Danube cruise and a visit to Peleș Castle in Romania. z Take a private transfer from London St Pancras to your home** and return Eurostar from Paris to London in the Business Premier carriage.

HOW TO BOOK PRICE From £18,900pp* DATES 31 August to 6 September 2023 2024 dates also available TO BOOK, CALL 02045 715 198, quoting GH ORIENTEXPRESS FEB23 VISIT goodhousekeeping.com/uk/ orientexpress for more details and to see the full itinerary *From price is per person, based on two people sharing a Historic Cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit: 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. **Up to 100 miles each way from home. The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is not wheelchair accessible. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded)

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

JOIN A GROUP OR TRAVEL INDEPENDENTLY

READER OFFER

Admire the scenery on magical train journeys

YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 London to Wengen via Zurich DAY 2 Schynige Platte DAY 3 Brienz Rothorn Bahn DAY 4 Jungfraujoch DAY 5 Interlaken DAY 6 Wengen DAY 7 Schilthorn DAY 8 Wengen to London via Zurich

YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO…

Ride trains through SWITZERLAND’S BERNESE OBERLAND Explore the beauty of the Alps and a trip to the highest railway station in Europe

S

witzerland’s snowy peaks and turquoise lakes, deep in the Alps, make for wonderfully dramatic vistas. Spend a week in the Bernese Oberland to encounter the peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and visit observatories, with views of neighbouring countries, far-off mountain ranges, forests, vast glaciers and lakes. Travelling in a group or independently, you’ll use mountain railways, funiculars, and cableways to explore this landscape. You’ll ascend Schynige Platte and see three impressive peaks. Then, there’s the scenic Jungfrau railway, which will take you to Europe’s highest station. The final journeys are also memorable: Harder Kulm funicular, a steep ascent, and Schilthorn mountain, famous for appearing in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Enjoy a classic Swiss fondue

Reasons to book ADMIRE SOME OF THE BEST VIEWS IN SWITZERLAND Claiming a phenomenal portion of the Alps’ finest and most dramatic views, the Bernese Oberland is a wonderland of snowy Swiss landscapes.

CRUISE ACROSS LAKE BRIENZ Admire the scenery from the waters of Lake Brienz. You’ll board a paddle steamboat to explore the lake, with mountains surrounding you, an island to discover and the Giessbach waterfalls.

STAY IN AN ALPINE VILLAGE Wengen is idyllically car-free and sits prettily on a mountain ledge. You’ll stay in the family-run Hotel Falken, where rooms are traditionally alpine and cosy. Take lunch in a Bond villain’s mountain-top hideout

OUR TRAVEL PARTNER TS Tours Ltd is acting as agent for Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd trading as Fred.\ Holidays. TS Tours Ltd is the UK’s leading specialist in creating bespoke tours in the company of experts.

z Choose to join a group or travel independently on a tailor-made basis with frequent and flexible departures. z Stay for seven nights in the three-star Hotel Falken, with evening meals (featuring one fondue dinner), packed lunches, a welcome bottle of wine and an aperitif included. z Enjoy a James Bond Brunch in the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant. z Enjoy return rail transfers from Zurich to Wengen. z Receive an eight-day Bernese Oberland Pass in Standard Class (upgrade to First Class rail from £220pp) for travel as detailed in the itinerary – to and from Wengen and Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch, Lucerne, Harder Kulm funicular, Brienz Rothorn steam train excursion and Lake Brienz cruise.

ALSO INCLUDED Return flights from the UK to Zurich (no-fly rail option on request) and local meet and greet.

HOW TO BOOK PRICE From £2,099pp* (no single supplement) DATES Daily departures from June to October 2023 TO BOOK, CALL 02045 712 916, quoting GHK EIGER FEB23 VISIT goodhousekeeping.com/uk/ eigerrail for more details and to see the full itinerary *From price is per person, based on two sharing a room, subject to availability and based on 7 October 2023 departure date. Prices may vary for other departure dates. Other dates are available on request. Price correct at time of print but may be subject to change. This tour visits high-altitude locations. The itinerary may alter for operational reasons and subject to local weather forecast. Deposit: 30%. Single room without single supplement will be single bedded. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded) and Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd trading as Fred.\ Holidays

DISCOVER MORE financially protected trips at goodhousekeepingholidays.com

Good Housekeeping Advertisement Feature

Health & wellbeing Look after yourself TREAT YOUR ACID REFLUX Treat your heartburn with scientifically proven effect, and prevent acidic stomach contents leaking up into your esophagus. IQoro is a neuromuscular training device which addresses the underlying causes of conditions such as reflux, snoring and swallowing difficulties. By treating the underlying cause of your problems you can reduce or cease medication, and if your symptoms don’t improve you can have your money back.  IQoro is available on NHS prescription in the UK, or you can purchase at iqoro.com. If you choose to self-purchase before 15th of January, use code AA22 for free shipping.  If you have any questions, contact our customer support. Call us on +46 (0)10 5516722 (local tariff) or read more at iqoro.com. Don´t vary your prescription without consulting your doctor.

NOVISYN+ WORKS TO KEEP YOU MOVING

TAKE CONTROL OF THOSE EMBARRASSING LEAKS TODAY

Novisyn+ tried and tested formula of Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, designed to support healthy joint function. Try Novisyn+ today with our GHK Reader Offer, add 3 boxes to your cart and

If you’re one of the millions of women who suffer with stress incontinence, you’ll be relieved to hear there’s a tried and tested, NHS approved device that will help you put a stop to those embarrassing leaks for good. It’s called a PelvicToner and it’s clinically proven to help you strengthen your pelvic floor – putting you back in control. This low cost, beautifully simple, pelvic floor exerciser has already changed the lives of thousands of women. It is available direct from the manufacturer, or on prescription from your GP,

only pay for 2! Use code GHK342 at www.novisyn.co.uk or call 01480869456 and don't stop doing what you love!

and is supplied with everything you need to start exercising straight away. To find out more, or order a PelvicToner direct (no prescription needed) call 0117 974 3534 or visit www.pelvictoner.co.uk today.

Good Housekeeping Advertisement Feature

Fashion essentials Look your best

FULLER CUP COMFORT BRA

UMPIE HANDBAGS

At last, a comfortable bra for bigger boobs. The new All Woman Fuller Cup Bra

Replace your boring handbag! Be original and get noticed with a

PERILLA ALPACA BED SOCKS

from The Big Bloomers Company fits up to a K cup, with an impressive amount of gentle support. It’s soft on your skin, with no fiddly fastenings or underwire to dig in, and a high back and wide straps reduce pressure on your shoulders. 34EE - 52K. Call 01326 373268 or order securely online at www.thebigbloomerscompany.co.uk

unique British-made Umpie Bag. Refreshingly different from high-street brands and handmade from beautiful fabrics with quality leather handles or animal-print leather straps. Check out my latest bags at www.umpiehandbags.com Or call 01609760142. Prices from £109 Featured Bag; Cheetah Tote Bag £129

Treat your feet to Perilla’s toasty 90% alpaca bed socks in a gorgeous palette of colours. Alpaca has higher insulating properties than any other wool and repels odour and bacteria. Gift box options available for friends and family – everyone loves proper socks! perilla.co.uk or call 01886 853 615.

STYLISH WIDE FITTING SHOES Wider Fit Shoes Ltd offers stylish, affordable shoes to fit you perfectly – whatever your width. Today, they are the leading supplier of wide-fitting shoes in the UK, offering footwear from EE through to 8E fittings. Their entire range of shoes and slippers are adjustable, durable, lightweight and flexible and every purchase is backed by their no quibble guarantee. No wonder they’re recommended by foot health professionals nationwide. For a free, colour catalogue or more information please call 01933 311077 or order securely online at www.widerfitshoes.co.uk. Please quote GHX2301M for 10% off any full priced items on your first order.

Good Housekeeping Advertisement Feature

Lifestyle essentials This month's must-haves

LOOKING FOR A COST-EFFECTIVE GYM MEMBERSHIP? We have helped hundreds of home-owners turn their dark

A GARAGE TO BE PROUD OF ...WITH DURA Create a beautifully organised space with Europe’s leading

and cluttered garage into a modern gym space with our complete garage makeover solutions.

garage interior experts! Dura have been making award-winning garage furniture in the UK since 1997 and offer a huge choice of cabinets in over 200 colours. These combine with wall storage products, floorings and ceilings, to provide rooms that owners love to show to their friends! Design is FREE and a full installation service is also available. For a brochure, or to arrange a home consultation, visit www.duragarages.com/ghk.html or call 01280 707323.

Saving you on fuel commuting to the gym as well as your monthly membership fee, you could have your own private gym space tailored to your specific requirements. We offer solutions for the wall, ceiling and floor plus the option of mirrors, storage accessories and gym equipment. Get in touch with us to book your free Design Consultation on 01491 579975 or at www.garageflex.co.uk and see how we can help you create a clean and organised home gym.

LOOK YOUNGER LONGER REGENTIV SPECIALIST SERUM (WITH RETINOL)

CRAFT WORKS GALLERY

The SEBO X7 Pastel Pink adds style and superior cleaning performance to your home. This intelligent machine, with its patented Computer Control System, optimises performance by ensuring that the brush is always at the correct height. The deep cleaning boost function will lift the pile and tease out embedded hair and dirt. Cleaning flat to the floor with a LED

This delicate and oh so effective serum for lines, wrinkles, crepey eyes and neck, vertical lip lines, sun damage and much more. Unique formulation of retinol palmitate, aloe vera, vitamin E, SPF, moisturiser – perfect to use twice daily. 35ml £32.95, 50ml £49.95, 105ml £79.95, 200ml £149. To receive exclusive 15% reader discount apply code GH15 when ordering. www.regentiv.com or call

Too early to be thinking about Spring, or something to help us think about sunnier times? This lovely range of handenamelled silverplated jewellery starts at £12 (+p&p) for the earrings shown here. Come and have a look at lots more inspiration for you, your loved ones, and your home, from Sterling Silver jewellery to Italian leather and faux leather handbags, candles to recycled metal

Search Light, dust really has nowhere to hide. T: 01494 465533 W: www.sebo.co.uk Instagram: @sebo_uk

01923 212555 for advice or to order. Please see website for full range and special offers.

garden ornaments, and more besides. www.craftworksgallery.co.uk 01434 634500

THE ART OF CLEANING

Good Housekeeping Advertisement Feature

WILLOW & HALL JANUARY SALE: SAVE A FURTHER 5% OFF WINTER SALE DISCOUNTS Willow & Hall design and sell quality upholstered living and bedroom furniture, handmade in Britain, using the finest materials. Designs are available in over 150 fabrics and with a choice of seat fillings. Sofa beds come with three luxury mattress options, and with a depth of 14cm, they’re perfect for occasional or everyday use. As part of Willow & Hall's exceptional level of customer service, they offer nationwide delivery on all made-toorder furniture from 4 weeks or within 2 weeks if you order from their fast delivery range. They also offer a 14day free returns policy, whatever your personalisation. Use code JANSALE23 at checkout to save a further 5% on all furniture. Expires 31 January 2023. Visit willowandhall.co.uk or call 020 8939 3800 for more information or to order free samples.

CHINASEARCH

Explore the River Severn from Gloucester's Historic Docks or the River Seine from Paris aboard small-ship Hotel Boat River cruises. A fantastic way to rediscover England and France; you only need to unpack once! Seven and eight-night holiday packages are

Whether you’re looking to replace a broken cup or extend your dinner set, Chinasearch specialises in new and discontinued china with hundreds of thousands of items in stock. And if they don’t have the item you’re looking for you can register for their no-obligation

all-inclusive - pre-cruise hotel stays, food, drink, accommodation, air or train travel, transfers and daily excursions. New itineraries for 2023! 01452 410411 river.englishholidaycruises.co.uk [email protected]

FREE ‘Search For Me’ service. Browse online or call 01926 512402 www.chinasearch.co.uk

ENGLISH RIVER CRUISES

Classified

Directory HOME INTEREST

January Sale Now On

Freya 3 seater sofa | WAS £1470 JANUARY SALE PRICE NOW £1169

DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER

sofasofa

01495244226 | WWW.SOFASOFA.CO.UK

JANUARY SALE NOW ON

COVELLI TENNANT Vintage Textiles & Bespoke Upholstery *UDQG&KHVWHUƓHOGVHDWHUVRID_WAS £2170 NOW £1729

_ZZZWKRPDVOOR\GFRP 07855 256 007

07971 043 916

THOMAS LLOYD GREAT BRITISH LEATHER SOFA S

SINCE 1981

www.covellitennant.com

For details of classified advertising please telephone 020 3728 6260 or visit www.hearstmagazinesdirect.co.uk

Classified FASHION œÀy>ÌÌiÀˆ˜}vՏw}ÕÀi ˆ˜}iÀˆiEÃ܈“Üi>À visit www.AmpleBosom.com or phone 01439 798388 for a catalogue

W I N TER SALE

15

% O FF

A LL TIM B E R W IN DOWS AN D D OO R S IN DECE M B E R & JA NU ARY

PollyBagCo Pattern, fabric, design, handmade in Brixton etsy.com/uk/shop/ PollyBagCo

Improve the comfort and appearance of your home with natural timber windows and doors from sustainable sources. Constructed from engineered timber slow grown in cold climates, their strength, stability and beauty are guaranteed. With a

15% discount off all timber windows and 48

doors in our Winter Sale, explore the range in showrooms nationwide.

AMERSHAM BIRMINGHAM (HARBORNE) BLANDFORD BOURNEMOUTH BRISTOL (CLIFTON) BURY ST EDMUNDS CARDIFF CARMARTHEN CATERHAM CHANNEL ISLANDS CHELTENHAM CIRENCESTER COLCHESTER DENBIGH DULWICH ESHER

GUILDFORD HARROGATE HARTLEY WINTNEY HEATHFIELD HENLEY-ON-THAMES HEREFORD HIGHGATE HONITON HORNDEAN HORSHAM INGATESTONE IVYBRIDGE (COMING SOON) KNUTSFORD LEAMINGTON SPA LINCOLN MAIDSTONE

MORETON-IN-MARSH NOTTINGHAM OLNEY OXFORD RIPLEY SAFFRON WALDEN (COMING SOON) SALISBURY SHEFFIELD SHREWSBURY (COMING SOON) STAMFORD (COMING SOON) SUNNINGDALE (COMING SOON) ST ALBANS TUNBRIDGE WELLS WIMBLEDON WINCHESTER WOODBRIDGE

Pick up your style FRQ¿GHQFHWLSVKHUH www.helenreynoldsstyle. com/tips

T: 0800 030 2200

timberwindows.com/gh

For details of classified advertising call 020 3728 6260

SIZES 14 — 32 ORDER ONLINE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.BOX2.CO.UK FOR A FREE CATALOGUE

For details of classified advertising please telephone 020 3728 6260 or visit www.hearstmagazinesdirect.co.uk

Classified

SAVE

£20

*

FREE delivery FREE returns

Mojito

Nutmeg

Skydiver

Marble

Navy

Clear Pink

Dark Charcoal

Pink Rouge

Black

ere & M erino

Cashm

Cream

Fitted Polo Neck Knitted Jumper 20% Cashmere ∙ 80% Merino wool Machine washable ∙ Size: XS∙S∙M∙L∙XL Model Wears: Vibrant Teal

Ref: A4L WAS £69

NOW

£49

“Wonderful polo jumper, very nice to wear it, elegant, soft, warm.” Olga, Devon

Use Code: RGH21 *Terms & Conditions: Use code RGH21 for total saving of £25.94 including FREE standard delivery and returns for Mainland UK only. Offer ends 29th March 2023 and cannot be used in conjunction with promotional codes, multibuys or discounted items. Offer is valid on advertised styles (A4L) only. All orders are subject to acceptance under WoolOvers standard terms and conditions. Items can be exchanged or your money refunded, providing it is returned within 28 days from the date of purchase. WoolOvers shall not be liable for any washing errors or detergent damage. For full terms and conditions visit www.woolovers.com/terms.

For details of classified advertising please telephone 020 3728 6260 or visit www.hearstmagazinesdirect.co.uk

Classified

ľubѴѴb-m|=u;;v;uˆb1;ĺ(;u‹;L1b;m|-m7 u;vromvbˆ;ĺ);_-7-1Ѵ;-uo†|o=o†uѴo[ -m77u-‰;uvĺ|bv]u;-||o_-ˆ;lou; vr-1;-m7vol;;Š|u-lom;‹bm|_;0-mhĺĿ MELANIE

Discover the joy of less. -h;ƑƏƑƒ|_;‹;-u|o7;1Ѵ†‚;u‰_;m‹o† 1-v_bmom|_ov;†m‰-m|;7ˆ-Ѵ†-0Ѵ;vbm‹o†u_ol;ĺ

GOLD

VINTAGE CAMERAS

PEWTER

MILITARIA

OLD COINS

SILVER

OLD WATCHES

VINTAGE TOYS

To order your free postage pack visit

vintagecashcow.co.uk 0800 246 5995 Lines open Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm

£20 extra on your items using code GOOD

Call us or scan the QR code and we’ll add £20 to your box value.

For details of classified advertising please telephone 020 3728 6260 or visit www.hearstmagazinesdirect.co.uk

Classified TRAVEL & HOLIDAYS

Travel Insurance with No Age Limits! Experts in Cover for Medical Conditions 24 Hour Medical Emergency Support Cover for Cruise Holidays Cover for Covid-19 Call us FREE for an instant quote - It’s easy!

20%

OFF *

BASE P QuoteREMIUM cod GH20 e

0808 169 8153

Friendly UK based team waiting to help you Excellent

Goodtogoinsurance.com is a trading name of Ancile Insurance Group Limited. Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - No. 471641. *Discount applies to base premium only and not to any medical screening premiums or optional extras. Discount valid until 30 June 2023.

BOOK NOW

FOR CYCLISTS WHO WANT MORE than to get from

A B Over 500 hand-picked cottages on the Pembrokeshire Coast

coastalcottages.co.uk 01437 765 765

SPECIALISTS IN EUROPEAN BICYCLE TOURS

www.rideandseek.com

For details of classified advertising please telephone 020 3728 6260 or visit www.hearstmagazinesdirect.co.uk

Classified


   

  

SANDRA JORDAN FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHER

VISUAL MEDITATIONS FOR THE HOME & OFFICE

WWW.SANDRAJORDANPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

For details of classified advertising please telephone 020 3728 6260 or visit www.hearstmagazinesdirect.co.uk

Classified

READ IN MORE COMFORT SPECIAL OFFER: SAVE £150 Quote code 7919, while stocks last.

Floor £399.99 now

£249.99 Are you struggling to read or to see detail and colours clearly? Even healthy eyes need extra light as we age. Eye conditions make it worse still. Many of us are suffering needlessly.

Table £349.99 now

£199.99

The right light will make a life-changing difference. Ever since we built our first light for our Founder’s mum, our all-consuming passion and sole focus has been building performance light tools that help you see and feel so much better. With the advent of LEDs, it is time for halogen technology to step aside. However, the halogen Daylight Wavelength Technology™ in our Legacy Edition High Definition Lights was 35 years in development and we have a few left. You get 10x more light on your page. The natural light match is as good as is technically possible. It is no accident it has been our most popular light for over a decade.

Plus FREE Delivery worth £12.95

Daylight Wavelength Technology™ 10x more light on your page than a 60W filament bulb.

Get all the light you need, exactly where you need it Enjoy crystal clear clarity & colours Receive a light fully hand-built here in Great Britain Recommended by over 500 independent opticians 30 day risk-free trial and a 5 year guarantee Models shown: High Definition Legacy Edition Heavyweight Floor & Lightweight Table

Comparison with Daylight Normalised Output

5 4 3 2 1

An enormous improvement in my ability to read without strain. Mr Lane-Jones | Wiltshire

0 380

430

480

430

580

630

680

730

780

Wavelength For Advice. For a Brochure. To Order:

The colour illustrates the make-up of natural light. The white line shows how close our Legacy Edition High Definition Light gets to it.

0800 085 1088 seriousreaders.com/7919

For details of classified advertising please telephone 020 3728 6260 or visit www.hearstmagazinesdirect.co.uk

Classified Advertisement

Now’s the time to tackle your iPad (or Android tablet) ablets – iPads and Android tablets – can be great once you know how to use them. It’s amazing all the things they can do. And possibly the best thing tablets can do for you is help you keep in touch with family and friends. I don’t just mean letting you send emails instead of writing paper letters, though that can be handy. In just a few taps of the screen you could be talking to them as if they were sat right there beside you. But when you buy a tablet, there’s something missing. It’s not the charger (hopefully!). It’s not a case, though it’s usually a good idea to buy one to protect your new tablet. It’s a manual – something to show you how to use the thing. The manufacturers seem to assume that you’ll just know how to use it, as if by magic. It’s “intuitive,” they say. Well, it can be. In parts. But there are other things you simply need to know how to do. It’s not obvious that you have to swipe from the top of the screen, pull up from the bottom or tap with two fingers instead of one. Who would know you had to use two fingers and pull them apart on the screen or rotate them... or that they’d bury the option you want behind three little dots? Things like that you just can’t know – someone has to explain it to you. But if you do ever find a book about it or get someone to tell you, they always seem to assume you already know how to do it. Daft, really – you wouldn’t be asking if you did. But they whizz through it so fast you can’t possibly take it in. Not to mention the steps they leave out because “everyone knows that”! That’s where a set of books from a small, employee-owned company based in Cumbria comes in. They’re called The Helpful Book Company and lots of their customers say they certainly live up to their name! They’ve published iPads One Step at a Time and Android Tablets One Step at a Time – and these books have proved

These helpful books mean there’s nothing to fear about using tablets – from sending a quick email to video calling your family and friends.

hugely popular with all sorts of people who have a tablet – but who aren’t experts at using it. Whether you’re frustrated with the very basics, want to know what else it can do for you or wish you knew how to do some of the slightly fancier things, this book might be just what you need. It explains everything nice and simply, in plain English, without all the confusing jargon and gobbledegook. And it has lots of pictures showing exactly what to do – where to tap the screen and so on.

“Plain English without all the confusing jargon and gobbledegook” The company have already published books about computers

and smartphones that have helped thousands of people. But they actually started much smaller – the author wrote some notes to help his Mum and Dad on their PC and realised that other people might find them useful too. Several thousand happy people later, he decided to bring out a book on tablets as well – and if you’ve ever been frustrated with your tablet, it’s worth finding out more. As a small independent publisher, the books aren’t in the shops or available on Amazon, but you can get a free information pack telling you about what’s covered in the books, who they’re suitable for and how to get hold of them. Just ring 01229 777606 today, post back the coupon below or email [email protected]

Or call: 01229 777606

Yes, please send me a free info-pack about: iPads One Step at a Time and Android Tablets One Step at a Time It’s free & there’s no obligation.

Quote ‘GH1222A’

Name Address Postcode

Post to The Helpful Book Co, 13B Devonshire Rd Est, Millom, Cumbria, LA18 4JS or call 01229 777606 We use the details you give us to send you information on the products mentioned. We store the details securely and only share them with the Royal Mail for posting the information. Full privacy notice at www.helpfulbooks.co.uk/privacynotice

For details of classified advertising please telephone 020 3728 6260 or visit www.hearstmagazinesdirect.co.uk

Classified Advertisement

Often feel fatigued? Try magnesium for free * Just pay £1.50 postage Feeling tired and don’t know why? You’re not alone. According to a recent study, less than half of us consume our recommended daily amount of magnesium, a mineral that helps turn the food we eat into energy. Best known for helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue, magnesium is also vital for our health. Deficiency can cause mood swings, migraines, eye twitches and muscle cramps. If you have low magnesium levels, you are also less likely to get a good night’s sleep. Magnesium is present in foods such as black beans, bananas and pumpkin seeds, but to get the benefits we need to absorb it into our bodies. One way to ensure we consume a consistent level of magnesium is by taking a daily supplement – but not all supplements are equal. Your body’s ability to absorb the magnesium depends on the way that the supplement is made. ‘Most supplements use magnesium oxide – it is the

Developed in Cambridge

Science you can trust

most common form, as it has a high concentration of magnesium but it’s not easily released into the body,’ explains Dr Miriam Ferrer PhD, head of product development at FutureYou Cambridge. ‘Taking more magnesium to try and make up for the problem isn’t the best approach, as too much can

“Within two weeks I was a different woman, with energy to spare” cause an upset stomach so we created Magnesium+ using magnesium lactate which is twice as absorbable as a standard magnesium oxide supplement. This means you need much less per capsule to deliver the same amount.’ Nicole, 57, says: ‘I genuinely

Letterbox Friendly

started to feel different within a couple of weeks. I started to feel much more perky – that’s the best word to describe it... I’ve taken them religiously ever since.’ Another happy customer, Anne, 74 says: ‘I had no energy at all. I put it down to my age, but it was really impacting on my life. Within two weeks of trying it I was a different woman, with energy to spare.’

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR FREE PACK To claim your free 28 day Magnesium+ subscription trial pack worth £11.50, visit

Now FutureYou Cambridge is offering you the opportunity to try a 28 day supply of Magnesium+ for free.*

FutureYouOffers.co.uk

‘We’re happy to offer people their first pack for free so they can experience it for themselves,’ says Adam Cleevely, CEO of FutureYou Cambridge.

quoting code

‘Most people know if it’s working for them within four to eight weeks – and if they like it, they will stick with it.’

100% satisfaction, guaranteed

Award-winning Customer Care

or freephone

0800 808 5740

MGF353 Your first box is free (just pay £1.50 postage) and you will be enrolled into a flexible subscription costing £11.50 every 28 days, which you can cancel at any time, without obligation.

EXCELLENT Over 6,500 reviews

*Magnesium contributes to: a reduction of tiredness and fatigue, a normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, normal muscle function and normal psychological function. Introductory offer valid for new UK customers only. Offer expires 28th February 2023. See FutureYouHealth.com/MGF353 for full terms and conditions.

For details of classified advertising please telephone 020 3728 6260 or visit www.hearstmagazinesdirect.co.uk

Classified ADVERTISEMENT

Innovative pillow improves sleep for over 300,000 customers! A father’s love and devotion leads to incredible patented pillow

After purchasing dozens of different types and finding none that worked, Alex, a renowned furniture and domestic product designer, decided to engineer his own.

UNIQUE BREAKTHROUGH He made a breakthrough when he realised that all pillows spread out and flatten down as the weight of the head rests on them. This flattening progresses through the night, leaving the head and neck poorly supported – and sleep interrupted. This is why many people find themselves half awake and ‘pillow-punching’ in the middle of the night, desperately trying to get comfortable.

EXTRA COMFORT AND SUPPORT The innovative model that Alex designed has internal ties that hold the filling in place, and pull the pillow in and up to cradle the head and neck. This provides extra comfort and support that lasts through the night and ensures that you get the most benefit from an undisturbed sleep.

“

I can honestly say that your pillow has made the world of difference… and fully endorse your pillow as being quite unique in its ability to maintain support throughout the night.

“

A

NEAR tragedy has led to an amazing new development in sleep technology. When Georgia Miles was recovering from a lifethreatening accident, her father Alexander looked everywhere for a pillow that would keep her comfortable throughout the night.

Dr Deane Halfpenny Harley Street Consultant and Spinal Pain Specialist

MADE IN THE UK Made in the UK, the Gx Pillow comes in a choice of two levels of support: Medium-soft, which most people seem

Alexander Miles, inventor of the Gx Pillow pictured with his invention to prefer, or Medium-firm for those who like a little more resistance. Alex’s desperate desire to help his daughter Georgia has led to a pillow that has also transformed the lives of thousands of people. So if you have spent a lifetime looking for the perfect pillow, your search may well be over!

INFORMATION: gxpillows/0800 316 2689

A quick word from our Every month, the GHI experts put products through their paces to bring you

„ TASTE THE DIFFERENCE PANETTONE

„ ESCORTED TOURS CUSTOMER SERVICE

Sainsbury’s Tangy cherries, sweet toasted almonds and a subtle citrus zest deliver a great balance of complementary flavours.

Titan Travel Customer service on a Titan Travel escorted tour was rated as very good or excellent by 95% of GH panellists.

„ PICANHA BEEF JOINT WITH GARLIC & HERB BUTTER

„ TESCO FINEST PREMIER CRU BRUT CHAMPAGNE

Asda Earthy garlic notes go perfectly with iron-rich, well-aged grassy beef.

„ TRAVEL INSURANCE AllClear An impressive 94% of our panel rated their overall experience with AllClear as very good or excellent.

Tesco Our winning fizz is a perfect balance of refreshing citrus and decadent brioche notes.

„ CUSTOMER SERVICE ON BOARD Marella Cruises The service aboard a Marella Cruises ship was judged very good or excellent by 90% of those surveyed.

„ TASTE THE DIFFERENCE WINTER BRAMBLE GIN LIQUEUR Sainsbury’s Red berry, black pepper and herby notes. Add ginger ale for a fiery cocktail.

„ LUXE MATTRESS Simba Soft and gentle with an impressive design, our GHI testers loved the high-quality feel of this mattress.

„ IRRESISTIBLE CHOCOLATE & RASPBERRY VELVET TORTE Co-op Creamy mousse topping and deep, bitter cocoa offset the raspberry compote perfectly.

„ GUIDED TOURS Cosmos The customer service received at Cosmos Tours was rated as very good or excellent by 90% of GH panellists.

„ LOGIC TUMBLE DRYER T409HSWUK ASKO Best Joint Tumble Dryer in recent tests, you’ll be hard pushed to find a more reliable model.

„ VEGAN LAYERED MUSHROOM PARFAIT Waitrose Light and airy mushroom mousse with a crack of black pepper and herbs to enhance the earthy flavour.

experts at the GHI the best – and these are the latest to pass our rigorous tests

KEY

„ GHI APPROVED „ READER RECOMMENDED „ GETTING GREENER

„ IRRESISTIBLE WILD GARLIC CHICKEN KYIV

„ CONCENTRATED LAUNDRY DETERGENT

„ WASHING MACHINE WFQA1214EVJM

Co-op A well-balanced mix of clean, natural-flavoured chicken with a punchy wild garlic and rosemary filling.

Ecover Recently taking the top spot in our eco laundry detergents test, this works really well on tough stains!

Hisense This got full marks for water and energy consumption (using less than 1p’s worth of electricity per cycle).

„ BIG ON SCOTTISH

„ EXTRA SPECIAL BRITISH CHICKEN SHAWARMA KEBAB

„ OCTASMART MATTRESS

„ LAUNDRY EGG

Dormeo Our panel loved this medium firm mattress for its premium feel and value for money, and testers noted it got comfier by the night!

Ecoegg Kind to your skin and the planet, the Ecoegg Laundry Egg replaces laundry detergent while also reducing plastic.

„ EXTRA SPECIAL 4 SEA SALT & BLACK PEPPER BEEF BURGERS

„ ORIGINAL MATTRESS

Lidl The quality of Lidl’s Big on Scottish range was found to be excellent by a whopping 88% of those surveyed.

Asda Well-charred chicken thighs and a herb-flecked yogurt dip make this a delight to eat.

„ UPHOLSTERY STAIN REMOVER

„ 3-LEG ADJUSTABLE TRIPOD LADDER

Dr Beckmann This product has a formula powerful enough to remove upholstery stains on the first application.

Henchman An intuitive and well-designed tripod ladder that felt safe to use. Handy for various gardening tasks.

Asda A rich fat content lends these patties a succulent texture and a deep, grassy flavour.

„ EXTRA SPECIAL 2 BEEF BURGERS WITH TRUFFLE & PARMESAN MELTS Asda Moist and tender patties with a delicious melted cheese layer.

Emma A comfy, firm and substantial mattress that provided our testers with a great night’s sleep.

Good things

Winterwatch presenter Michaela Strachan shares the small things that bring her joy Michaela lives in Cape Town with her partner, Nick, and their 17-year-old son, Ollie. BIRDWATCHING We have a bird feeder set up next to a hammock in the corner of our garden and it’s such a peaceful place. I sat there the other day, half reading a book and half watching birds stop by.

PANCAKE SUNDAYS Sundays mean one thing in our house: pancakes for breakfast. When my son, Ollie, was a baby, I’d meet up with other mums; I’ve always hated baking, so while they brought cakes, I’d bring pancakes. I’ve been known as ‘pancake mum’ ever since. I always make the batter, but the rule is you have to flip the pancake yourself – otherwise you don’t get any!

202

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FEBRUARY 2023

HIKING I’m very lucky to live on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park. When I met my partner, Nick, he invited me to climb it. He said he’d invited some other friends, too, but when I turned up, it was just me and him – and a bottle of wine! We did a three-and-a-half-hour hike to the top, watching the sun go down on one side and watching the moon rise on the other. That was the beginning of our relationship, so hiking holds a special place in my heart. HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE My go-to dish is veggie spaghetti Bolognese, which I make with vegetarian mincemeat. I’ve been doing it for about 15 years, and even Ollie, who’s a diehard carnivore, loves it. It’s our family’s comfort dish.

COMPOSTING We have a wormery at home, which houses special worms that digest our waste and turn it into compost. Every three months or so, I put some music on and sort through the worms. It sounds disgusting, but I actually find it incredibly therapeutic!

WEARING MY LITTLE BROWN DRESS I have a brown DKNY dress that I first wore on a photoshoot more than 30 years ago. I’ve worn it on a number of special occasions since – including my brother’s wedding, and when AND THE LUXURY I won a BAFTA for Best Children’s Presenter. It’s I COULDN’T one of those simple, LIVE WITHOUT… timeless dresses A trip to the masseuse that always makes I can’t resist a massage me feel good. – I always seek them out when y
Michaela Strachan I’m travelling. If there’s a returns to BBC massage place at the airport Two’s Winterwatch or at the hotel, that’s in January „ where you’ll find me. goodhousekeeping.com/uk

WORDS: CHARLOTTE OLIVER. PHOTOGRAPHY: NICKY JOHNSTON, GETTY

CINEMA DATES I love going to our local arts cinema. It shows alternative films and documentaries, and serves alcohol, so you can go in with a gin and tonic. One time, someone mentioned that the man checking our tickets used to be a carnival performer and before we knew it, he was singing a song for us before the film began. It’s one of those places where the unexpected happens.

LISTENING TO LOUIS ARMSTRONG The song What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong means a lot to me as it was played at my dad’s funeral. Whenever I hear it on the radio, I get that stinging sensation in my eyes, but it also puts a smile on my face as it makes me think fondly of Dad.