xe ht by gregorcoush

Welcome

Let’s get set, GO!

he great thing about this time of year is that it’s a chance to push the reset button on your life. There’s a whole 12 months stretching ahead; a clean slate, where you can take stock and think about how you’d like to change things, improve them or try something new. That’s why we’ve made this issue all about easy ways to do just that, starting with the most important thing – you! If you want to lose a few pounds, there’s a super-easy diet (page 48), must-have wellbeing buys to keep you feeling tip-top (page 74), plus TV’s Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s five-minute health fixes (page 68). Yes, five minutes to boost your mind, body and heart – fantastic! I hope we can inspire you in other ways, too. Sara Davies from BBC’s Dragons’ Den joins us to share her passion for crafting (page 84), while Lisa Comfort has put her sewing machine aside to show The readers who took part in our us how to upcycle furniture (page 94). makeover deserve a If you see 2020 as a year for travelling, special mention. Between check out our fabulous wellness breaks them, they lost more than (page 122) and super selection of 24st! Feeling confident and showing off their figures, Prima Holidays, starting on page 132. they really are an Head for the sun on the Costa Brava, inspiration! enjoy a magical cruise with Anton du Beke or take a steam train through the Highlands. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we have even more trips at prima.co.uk/holidays. I’d love to hear what you have planned for 2020, and remember: whatever your year looks like, JO CHECKLEY Prima will be with EDITOR you all the way. jo.checkley@hearst.co.uk

14 62

How you can help save the planet (page 36)

Getting Greener

122

Don’t miss the March issue OUT 7 FEBRUARY

February 2020 48 28 27 YOUR FASHION 14 Day tripper Perfect your off-duty style with cosy knitwear and coats

BEAUTIFUL YOU 52

24 Try it, buy it, wear it… denim 27

All you need to know about this classic trend Lounge around Buys to help make your nights in super cosy

INSPIRING READS 8

‘Getting older is a privilege, isn’t it?’ Tamzin

28 Home is where the heart is Why their homes mean the world to these three women

37 What a lot of hedgehogs! We say thank you to all the readers who have helped our campaign Look at us now! Four readers who have lost weight show off their new ﬁgures

162 Let’s hear it for Fabruary! Gaby Roslin shares why this month should be joyous for us all 4 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

71 74

38 Is it time for a relationship reboot? Don’t let the new year curse affect you and your partner

On the cover

42 Everyone’s talking about… emojis Where did they come from

and what you can do to prevent it My beauty secrets Katie Piper

YOUR HEALTH

On the cover

Outhwaite talks about being joyful and turning 50

Boost your hair conﬁdence! Dealing with hair loss

Feel better in 5 minutes Dr Rangan Chatterjee On the cover

is here to help make sure you feel amazing this year Sarah’s surgery Dr Sarah Brewer looks at winter health risks

20 great wellbeing buys for 2020 The best products On the cover

that can help you feel on top of the world over the next year

GREAT ADVICE 34 The joy of house plants We show you how to bring nature into your home

36 10 easy ways to help the planet today How simple changes can make a big difference

43 46

and how should we use them? In the driving seat Prima tests the Hyundai Kona hybrid car

10 ways to cut your food bill Top tips to On the cover

help you save some cash when doing your weekly shop

Drop a waist size in 4 weeks! Juliette Kellow’s On the cover

super-simple diet and ﬁtness plan 122 On the cover A new you! The best wellbeing breaks on offer 130 Sea the world Cruise news

131 Take 5… romantic hotels Our pick of the ﬁnest Valentine’s Day getaways in the UK

MAKE IT 80 Let’s get organised Make use of old bits and bobs to create storage solutions

102 114

84 84 Craft club with Sara Davies 86

Say hello to our new expert On the cover Wrap it up! Create your own snug and stylish coat Winter warmer A cosy sweater Pretty in pink A beautiful jumper

89 91 94 Lisa Comfort upcycles…

Prima’s expert distresses a chair

COOKERY 96

Simple suppers under 500 calories Nourishing On the cover

114 We built our own home

Meet cover star Tamzin Outhwaite on page 8

This couple struggled to ﬁnd their dream house, so they created their own

118

Sarah Beeny’s love your home The property On the cover

expert shares her kitchen tips

121 Style it, do it, love it! Inspiring ideas for your house

EVERY MONTH

6 Prima loves Bright buys Healthy takeaways… 60 Subscribe for a great deal

Photography Nicky Johnston Styling Gayle Rinkoff Hair & make-up Carl Stanley Velvet suit Autograph by Marks & Spencer Earrings and ring Swarovski Necklace Tamzin’s own

and waistline-friendly recipes

102 On the cover

yes please! Meat-free meals from Cantonese chef Kwoklyn Wan 108 Cook it, eat it, love it! Food news

HOME STYLE 110

8 easy tips for a beautiful bathroom Simple On the cover

style tricks from a specialist

on every issue of Prima

142 Your time off & time out Our

TREATS FOR YOU 26

guide to this month’s entertainment 144 Over to you Your letters

146

145 Get into the good books

148 153

Nina Pottell’s pick of page turners

154 Meet the team 155 Stars February horoscopes

20% off Cosmetics à la Carte £100 prize… For your story, On the cover

like reader Elinor Bostock! Puzzles Win cash prizes! On the cover WIN! A ﬁve-star luxury Mallorca escape PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 5

BE SQUARE Add colour to every outﬁt with these bold geometric earrings. Earrings, £12.99, Mango

BRIGHT SPARK

KNIT’S ALL RIGHT

JUST COASTING

Be cosy and colourful in this bright jumper. Jumper, £16, xs-xl, Matalan

Protect your tabletop with these stylish coasters. Coasters, £19.50 for 4, Bombay Duck

Keep your best ideas in this cool notebook. Brushstroke notebook, £7.50, TheCompletistLondon at Etsy

All £20 OR LESS!

LOVES Don’t worry if you’re strapped for cash after Christmas, our treats won’t break the bank

ORANGE CRUSH Pick a bright bag for an easy way to add a burst of colour to your wardrobe. Bag, £17.99, Deichmann

LUSCIOUS LIPS

Exfoliate and soothe chapped lips on-the-go. Lanostick Lemonaid Scrubba-Balm. £13, Lanolips at cultbeauty.co.uk

PURPLE RAIN A stand-out mani to beat even the greyest of days. Nail Color Cream in Purple Dynamite, £5.50, Mavala

A tasty treat in beautiful packaging. SALTY SWEET The pink salt perfectly cuts through the rich caramel. Caramel & Pink Salt Chocolate, £4.50, Oliver Bonas

MELLOW YELLOW Slip into these bright knit trainers for comfy style. Trainers, £16, 3-7, Tu Clothing

FUDGE IT

PUCKER UP Nourishing with a vivid tint. Naturalblend Colour-Reviving Lip Balm, £8.50, Vichy 6 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Treat a friend or enjoy by yourself! Gingerbread Fudge Tin, £7.96, Cartwright & Butler

OUT OF THE BOX Get organised with this fun box. Tjena storage box, £3, Ikea

Bright buys SHINE BRIGHT Give any room an instant update with a new shade. Ribbon pendant light, £10, Argos Home

LIFE SAVER

BOOZY BITES Cocktails in gummy form. Cocktail Gummies, £15, Smith & Sinclair

Relief for dry patches. The tube is recyclable and made of sugarcane bio-plastic. Babe Balm, £18, Bybi

LITTLE TREAT HOT STUFF Beat the cold and look red hot! Scarf, £20, Accessorize

NOSTALGIC NIBBLES

COLOUR-POP TOP

Compiled by Medina Azaldin, Alice Shields, Lucy Trievnor, James Cunningham

This cheerful knit is a bargain. Jumper, £12, 10-28, Bonmarché

This 40% single origin chocolate is amazing. Coco Isle of Skye Sea Salt Milk Chocolate, £5.95, postboxed.co.uk

Not just for kids!

Bring back a playground favourite. Rhubarb & Custard Sweets, £3.50, Cartwright & Butler

TASTE THE RAINBOW Just add a couple of ingredients from the fridge to make these tasty treats. Iced Cinnamon Bun Kit, £8; Rainbow Cake Baking Kit, £15, both Bakedin at Debenhams

ON THE GO This travel mug is made of reusable bamboo ﬁbre. KitchenCraft Green Bamboo Travel Mug, £8.95, Trouva

HINT OF PINK This tea towel will add style to any kitchen. French linen tea towel, £12.95, Jenny Aves

GLOW GET IT Add a boost to your moisturiser. Vitamin C+ Brighten Booster, £18, Super Facialist

COLOURFUL CUPPA This is sure to brighten up your mid-morning brew. Connor mug, £6, Habitat

GREEN GOODNESS

CURL UP Zing up your sofa or armchair with a bright cushion. Darcy cushion, £15, Habitat

Perfect for a few stems of your favourite blooms. Bud vase, £13.95, Annabel James

FAUX REAL Maintenance-free greenery in a pretty pot. Faux mini succulent, £4, Sainsbury’s Home

HOW CHEEKY! Universally ﬂattering. Liquid Blush in Coral, £6.99, B. By Superdrug PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 7

‘Getting

older IS A PRIVILEGE T

isn’t it?’

amzin, 49, lives in London and the Cotswolds with her daughters Flo, 11, and Marnie, seven, and her boyfriend, personal trainer Tom Child, 28.

MY BIG YEAR For me, this feels like a year of new beginnings. I turn 50 in November, and I’d like to go away for my birthday and wake up on a different adventure in a different place so it feels like a new and fresh start. There are so many things I want to do – write a children’s book, a play, a female-led TV pilot; learn to teach yoga, learn a bit more Italian… all those ridiculous things that all my life I’ve been saying ‘I want to do’. Turning 50, it feels like it’s now or never. I’ve always told myself that you should try to celebrate every year, 8 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

as opposed to thinking negatively about getting older. I think the generation above us, like my mum’s sisters, would never want to celebrate it – age was a real taboo and I never understood why. It’s a privilege to get older, isn’t it? A lot of people have very short lives. Be thankful that you’ve made another year, rather than having a pity party – it’s so self-indulgent. When I was younger, 50 was an old lady in a rocking chair, knitting. Now, it’s very different. Jennifer Lopez is 50 and she’s inspirational, especially with her work ethic. If I were to place myself somewhere between those two extremes, I’d like to think I was closer to J.Lo than a lady in a rocking chair! When I look in the mirror, I still think I’m 25. So it’s a shock for me: I don’t feel old. At the moment, the idea of

going under the knife for something aesthetically pleasing and not health related isn’t for me. But in 10 years’ time, I don’t know how I’m going to feel. I work quite hard at being joyful. What I mean is that if I’m not feeling joyous, I try to work towards feeling that way. I aim to be as positive as possible. I think that energy rubs off on people. If I’m feeling a bit low, I try not to be around other people and put it on to them.

LEAVING THE SQUARE I left EastEnders last year. It was 20 years since I started, so it felt like I’d come full circle. What I love is that I can’t rely on it and go back [Tamzin’s character, Mel, was killed in a car accident]. But that said, Mel has a sister, Katy – wouldn’t it be great if she was

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Tamzin wears Jumper, Winser London. Dress, Sosandar. Earrings (just seen), Zara. Shoes, Topshop

As Tamzin Outhwaite gets set to celebrate the big 5-0, she tells Jen Crothers about the importance of being joyful

Meet your cover star

‘I aim to be as positive as possible. Energy rubs off on other people’

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 9

a twin? Katy could come back into the Square to ﬁnd out where Mel’s been. In my head, there’s a whole host of storylines I could do – not just ‘it’s all a dream’ storylines, but as her twin sister! The people on EastEnders are fantastic. I really miss them, like Scott Maslen, Lucy Benjamin and Letitia Dean. I miss the excitement and buzz of doing 15 scenes a day, where you’re going over a whole host of episodes and emotions; it’s a skill. Then ﬁnishing at the end of the day, thinking, ‘Today I worked really hard. I’ve really earned my money and now I have to go home and learn loads of lines for tomorrow.’ Coming out of EastEnders, I don’t want to panic buy, work-wise. I’ve turned down a lot of things that didn’t seem right, and I don’t know whether that’s canny or whether I’ve been stupid. I’m just seeing what’s bubbling, and not panicking. You never get to a place in your career where you think, ‘This is it, I’ve reached it.’ This imaginary ladder we think we climb is non-existent. It’s about the journey, not the destination.

‘It’s all about how you can get the best out of the life you are in’ I don’t live to work, I work to live. My life is very full and important, and I don’t feel deﬁned by my work. Some people fall apart without a job. From a young age, I trained myself to have interest in other things as well as my job. It’s about how you can get the best out of the life you are in, and how you can make it as happy and healthy as possible. You don’t do every job for the passion. You could get a great script but it’s terrible money; or be keen to work with a certain person or director; and then there are other times when you can’t say no to the money. Every job brings something. A lot of the time, if it scares you, it’s a good thing, as it means you’ll be out of your comfort zone. But there are times in my life when I don’t 10 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Meet your cover star have the energy to be out of my comfort zone. I’m a single mum, I’m juggling all of this and, actually, I just need some comfort zone. The things you’ve said no to are just as important as the things you’ve said yes to. I’ve never done panto, I’ve never done Strictly, I haven’t done a reality show. There might come a time when that is right, but up until now, maybe my career has been good because I haven’t done them. You have to choose a path. [Though] I watched the jungle thinking, ‘I could do that!’ I don’t look down on anything; I believe you say yes to jobs for a reason, and it doesn’t always have to be artistic.

BEING A MUM

Tamzin wears (this page) Suit, Autograph by Marks & Spencer. Earrings and ring, Swarovski (Opposite page) Jumper, Winser London. Skirt, River Island. Earrings, Zara. Shoes, Topshop

I love a car boot sale. I love taking my kids with all of our stuff. They sell their old toys, and it teaches them that not everything is disposable. When I joined EastEnders, I missed being able to do a car boot without someone recognising me, so I did one wearing a disguise, in a long black wig with a pair of glasses! Even if you don’t need the money, car boot sales are a really exciting thing to do. It might be because my first ever job was working in a market, when I was really young, so maybe it reminds me of the buzz of my first Saturday job. Now I’m in a new phase of being a full-time mum. There’s no shame in finding it challenging. Sometimes we’re really good at it and sometimes we’re not. You have to make the best of everything that you’re given. When I was working, I was leaving the house at six in the morning and getting home at eight or nine, so I really wasn’t around. Now, I’m loving being able to spend so much time with my daughters. My daughters used to walk out of the room if they heard the EastEnders music on TV. They’ve barely watched anything I’ve ever been in because they don’t want to see their mum in a car accident, or being angry and crying. But they’ve been to see me in the theatre. Bringing up girls in 2020, I worry about anorexia, self-harming, and

conﬁdence and anger issues. They’re on the internet a lot and everything they’re faced with, image-wise, is picture perfect. But they’re beautifully sensible: they tell me I don’t need to put make-up on because it doesn’t matter. That’s a quality I don’t want to let go of or have them lose sight of. Sugar cravings worry me, but if that’s my biggest fear at the moment, I’m really all right. I don’t know what it would be like growing up now. I was lucky enough to have a mum who was never on a diet, and who never spoke about her weight in front of us. The fridge was full of good, healthy food. We didn’t have loads of sweets and biscuits, and food was never discussed like the enemy.

FINDING LOVE Tom and I met years before we went on a date. Our eyes met across a crowded yoga studio, and we’ve been together for more than two years now. We have a lovely time. It’s comfortable and we make each other happy. I’m living in the now and not worrying about it because I don’t have to, as there’s nothing we desperately want or need from each other. Tom and I both already had what we needed, so we enhance each other’s lives. I’m really happy. People think I’m having a midlife crisis, [because Tom is 21 years younger] but actually, not all men want a younger woman. Helena Bonham Carter has

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PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 11

Meet your cover star a younger guy, too. I love that. I once read something she said about how she’d been grieving from her past relationship, and once she stopped, this little piece of magic came into her life. I know exactly how she feels. When you’ve been through what she’s been through, or what I’ve been through [Tamzin’s eight-year marriage to actor Tom Ellis ended in divorce in 2014], you do go, ‘This is unexpected and magic!’ and it’s lovely. There’s Joan Collins, Sam Taylor-Johnson and Helena with younger men, so I’m in really lovely company. I don’t hear the word toyboy often, apart from in the papers, which call anyone younger a toyboy, even if they’re only six months younger. The other way round, no one says anything about a younger woman, do they?

Tom’s very good for my mental and physical health. He reminds me to just breathe if I’m not having a great time. And he reminds me to sweat, to work out, because it makes you feel better. We exercise together, but it’s deﬁnitely something we don’t do enough. I’ve not been as good for Tom as he has been for me, probably. I’ve made him a bit lazier.

MY STRONG GIRLS CLUB My kids adore Tom. They rip the mickey out of him and he takes it very well. They’re very strong girls and a force to be reckoned with when they get together and gang up! I’ve taught them well. When he’s not in the house, they do say, ‘Where’s Tom?’ and I’ve noticed them missing him more and more when he’s not around. 12 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Raising strong girls is really important to me. I think they have a handle on how strong you can be as a woman on your own. My girls call themselves ‘resilient turtles’. Apparently the turtle is very resilient, so we’re a little turtle family – we all have turtle necklaces. I think that resilience helped me as a single mother. It’s good for my kids to see that their mum works, is still a mum and it’s doable. I’ve had help, too: I’ve had a nanny since Flo was 11 months old.

Cotswolds allows me headspace and breathing space. The kids love it, too, but I think there will come a time when they’ll be a bit bored because they’ll want to be with their friends. So I’m making the most of it now, while they still love to climb a tree.

‘I think having resilience helped me as a single mother’

As I get older, I’m really wanting more peace and quiet. I never thought I’d say that because I’ve always loved a noisy house, but having a place in the

Acting brings me so much joy, and I think my eldest daughter wants to act, too. Even if I said I didn’t want her to feel the rejection, pain and uncertainty of it all, it would feel hypocritical because I love my work so much. If I get this much joy from it, I would want her to feel the same. There are a lot of lows, and it can be horrid, but it’s about how you deal with them.

Tamzin wears Jumper, Baukjen. Skirt, Marks & Spencer Photography Nicky Johnston Styling Gayle Rinkoff Hair & make-up Carl Stanley

It’s a lovely feeling when you stop giving two hoots about what anyone else thinks. Getting to that point has been a gradual process. You’re never going to please everyone all the time, and I’ve realised I need to look after myself and my mental state. Trying to make sure everyone else is happy with how you’re living your life is not good for you. It doesn’t mean you’re uncaring, it just means that you’ve freed yourself from the shackles of everybody else’s opinion. It’s a nice feeling.

SOFT TOUCH Layer up in chunky knitwear and this amazingly soft (and affordable) faux shearling coat. Keep the look pale and interesting by pairing it with wintry white denim. Coat, £34, 8-24, George at Asda. Rollneck, £28, 6-22, Dorothy Perkins. Trousers, £89, 6-18, Mint Velvet. Earrings, £8 for a set of 3, Accessorize. Trainers, £85, 3-9, Gola

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Fabulous fashion

Day y TRIPPER Polish up your off-duty style with cosy knitwear, on-trend trench coats and easy-to-wear separates

WINTER BLUES Add a bomber jacket to your collection for a smarter off-duty look. Perfect for layering over knitwear and blouses, this will also work worn under an oversized wool coat. Jacket, £80, 8-18, Cath Kidston. Blouse, £19.99, s-l, Stradivarius. Skirt, £129, 6-18, Hobbs. Earrings, £5, Accessorize. Bag, £120, Matt & Nat. Boots, £99, 4½-8½, Monsoon 16 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Fabulous fashion

SUNDAY BEST It’s all in the details: gold hoop earrings and a silk scarf worn as a hair tie will elevate a beautiful jumper, just pop on your favourite pair of jeans. A fuss-free outﬁt for relaxed weekends. Jumper, £110, xxs-xxl, J.Crew. Jeans, £79, 6-18, Mint Velvet. Scarf, £45, David Watson. Earrings, £6 for a set of 3, Topshop

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PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 17

FISHERMAN’S FRIEND Add feminine frills to slouchy knits with a pretty silk blouse. Ramp up the luxe appeal with the addition of a butter-soft suede skirt; we love this A-line version from M&S. Jumper, £55, s-xl, Monsoon. Blouse, £95, 8-18, Gant. Skirt, £199, 6-24, M&S. Hair clips, £6 for a set of 4; earrings, £3.50, both Accessorize

18 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Fabulous fashion SHORE THING Wrap up for a winter walk in a utility-style denim boilersuit. This one-piece wonder makes weekend dressing a cinch, simply layer up with a pastel poloneck and wool trench, then tuck into slouchy boots for extra style points. Coat, £199, 8-18 John Lewis & Partners. Boilersuit, £70, 8-18, Monsoon. Poloneck, £19.50, 6-22, M&S. Boots, £45, 3-8, V by Very

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CHECK MATE This stand-out coat adds a pop of colour to dark winter days. We love the mix of camel and pink, a new colour combination that will work right through to spring. Coat, £30, 8-24, George at Asda. Jumper, £125, xs-xl, Jaeger. Jeans, £95, w26-w34, Gant. Earrings, £5, Accessorize. Bag, £65, Fiorelli. Shoes, £100, 3-7, Vagabond

Fabulous fashion

SEASIDE CHIC Invest in a classic cable-knit jumper for easy, everyday style. Wear over daytime dresses or team with faux leather trousers for a cool weekend vibe. Jumper, £159, xs-xl, The White Company. Trousers, £42, 8-18, La Redoute. Earrings, £6 for a set of 3, Topshop. Scarf, £45, David Watson

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PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 21

Fabulous fashion

BEACHCOMBER The cardigan has had a huge revival of late, so it’s time to dig yours out of the wardrobe and breathe new life into it. Wear it boyfriend-style for a lazy weekend cover-up, or for a waist-enhancing styling trick, try belting over a dress. Cardigan, £35, 8-20, Red Herring at Debenhams. Poloneck, £29.95, 6-20, Joules. Jeans, £99, 6-16, Baukjen. Boots (just seen) £221, 2-9, J.Crew

22 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

RETRO CHIC Take a twist on the trench with a shiny, patent version for a look that nods to the 1960s for inspiration. Wide-leg trousers and pointed ankle boots add to this up-to-date take on the decade. Coat, £95, 8-16, ﬁnd. at Amazon. Blouse, £85, 8-16, Gant. Trousers, £100, 23-27, J.Crew. Earrings, £6, Accessorize. Boots, £221, 2-9, J.Crew Photography Joseph Montezinos Styling Jo Atkinson Styling assistant Lucy Trievnor Hair and make-up Enzo Volpe at Mandy Coakley using Zoeva cosmetics and Revamp professional Model Laura at Models 1 Production Fiona Andrews

, t i Y U B , t i TRY

CATWALK COOL

DENIM

GIVENCHY

… t i R A E W

From conﬁdenceboosting failsafe jeans to one of spring’s biggest trends, denim is going to be huge this season. Here’s all you need to know…

SHAPE UP Finding a pair of jeans that ﬁt perfectly can be a mission. Here are a few of our go-to brands… Blouse, £35.99, xs-xl, Mango

Boot-cut styles are great for balancing hips and thighs, especially in a dark-wash denim. Add height with a pair of block-heel ankle boots. Jeans, £25, 14-32, Evans

SLIMMING

PETITE

TOP NOTCH Add emphasis to your waist with a belt.

24 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Specialist brand Long Tall Sally’s jeans go from a 32-38 leg length. Choose faded panels for a slimming and leg-shortening effect. Jeans, £60, 8-24, Long Tall Sally

REJINA PYO

Jumper, £59.99, 6-14, Mango

Try high-waist styles to create the illusion of length. Slim-leg designs that ﬁnish on the ankle are super-ﬂattering and will stop you from looking swamped. Jeans, £54.95, 6-22, Gap

Dress up cropped wide-leg jeans with a sharp blazer and a pair of mules.

Cardigan, £49.95, 6-22, White Stuff

Dress with conﬁdence in jeans designed to sculpt. Slimming panels lift and shape bums and tums, and accentuate your best bits. Jeans, £39.50, 8-22, M&S

Slim jeans look so stylish when tucked into a pair of knee-high or slouchy boots.

TALL

£29.50, s-xl, Fat Face

£12.50, xs-l, M&S £10, s-l M&Co

CHANEL

CURVY

Designers showed a lot of love for denim this season. We’ve picked the most wearable looks from the catwalks.

City shorts were a big trend last summer and they’ve been reworked in denim for 2020.

Trend to try THE PRETTY BLOUSE

DETAILS Don’t forget how jeans sit on your waist. These key styles will make sure you’re bang up to date

Denim doesn’t have to come in off-duty or boyish utility styles. We love this pussy bow blouse for a more feminine approach. £30, 10-32, JD Williams

SUPERMARKET DENIM Look at these amazing pieces you can pick up on your weekly shop

High-waist designs are great for slimming tummies, as well as making legs look longer. £69, 6-18, Mint Velvet

Flat-fronted sailor styles create a long, lean look. Choose a wide-leg pair for real Parisian chic. £70, 6-22, Boden

Compiled by Jo Atkinson Photography Imaxtree

BELT UP Skirt, £18, 8-20, George at Asda Shirt dress, £20, 8-20, Nutmeg at Morrisons

Boilersuit, £30, 8-24, Tu at Sainsbury’s

You can’t go wrong with a classic denim jacket, but these longer belted styles are a bit smarter and look great worn over a ﬂowy printed dress. £85, 8-16, Great Plains

A long style can be worn all year round.

Paper bag-style jeans are generally less ﬁtted and look good on boyish ﬁgures. £89, 8-18, And/Or at John Lewis & Partners

FANCY FLATS Dress up denim with a pair of fabulous ﬂats – metallic, neon or pretty pastels, take your pick…

£55, 3-8, M&S

GO GREEN WITH YOUR BLUES Shirt, £39.95, xxs-xxl; jeans £54.95, 6-24, both Gap

Gap is developing its Washwell™ programme. Compared with normal wash methods used in the production of denim, Washwell™ has saved over 229m litres of water since 2016 – enough to ﬁll 412m standard water bottles!

£135, 2-9, Essēn £49.50, 6-24, Per Una at M&S £129, 3-8, KG at Kurt Geiger

WHITE OUT These wide-leg cropped jeans are a winner when it comes to braving white. Wear with a cashmere camel sweater or pale grey T-shirt and wait for the compliments to ﬂood in. £99, 6-16, Baukjen

£120, 2-11, French Sole

£169, 2-9, Pretty Ballerinas

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 25

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Radiance Tinted Moisturiser, £49

Cosmetics à la Carte Revolutionise your beauty routine with this exclusive offer for Prima readers

ow is the perfect time to update and edit your beauty essentials – consider it a make-up bag spring clean. Look no further than Cosmetics à la Carte when it comes to treating yourself to new pieces to freshen up your routine and beauty look. Packed with hardworking skincare (we’re obsessed with its Superglow Serum, £59), luxe lip colours, complexion enhancers and so much more, we know you’re going to adore this range.

Complexion perfection Do you prefer liquid foundations or powder versions? Well, the good news is that Cosmetics à la Carte offers an array of ready-to-wear face bases; from easy-to-apply tinted moisturisers to 26 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Lip Lacquer Shine, £25

HOW TO CLAIM Visit prima.co.uk/offersfeb20 for your exclusive 20% discount code to use on full-priced items at cosmeticsalacarte.com from 20 December 2019 Silk Touch to 10 February 2020*. Sheer Finishing

lightweight liquid foundations and creamy compact formulas, from £40. Whichever you opt for, you’ll simply love how easily they blend over skin to leave it looking smooth, healthy and even. Plus, there are 100 shades available online!

Bespoke beauty Personalised products remain a hot trend for 2020, because they allow you to tailor items to your needs, concerns and demands. Say hello to the brand’s Custom Palettes, from £32, reﬁlls, £22, which allow you to select up to six eyeshadows for the ultimate wardrobe of bespoke eye colours. Choose from a rainbow of more than 100 shades in matte, demi-matte and shimmer ﬁnishes. We are hailing Woody (a rich metallic

Powder, £40

brown) as the shade of the season, so be sure to include that in your selection.

Bag a bestseller Cosmetics à la Carte can’t keep its cult Total Lift Off, £32, on the shelves. Why is it so popular? The gentle, oil-free micellar water removes every last trace of dirt and make-up without stripping or sensitising the skin. Plus, the addition of damask rose essential oil soothes and calms winter-beaten complexions. So, what are you waiting for? *Terms & conditions: This offer entitles you to a 20% discount on full-priced products from 20 December 2019 to 10 February 2020 at cosmeticsalacarte.com. This code is eligible for online product purchases and excludes any sale items. Offer not valid in combination with any other offer. No substitutions or cash equivalents. Limited to one use per customer. We reserve the right to cancel any order due to ineligible use of codes and to modify or cancel this offer due to technical errors or unforeseen problems

Cami and shorts, £16.50 each, both 8-18, Nine by Savannah Miller

Let’s go shopping

Necklace, £15, Orelia

Pyjama top, £27.50; bottoms, £29.95, both xs-xl, White Stuff

Cardigan, £24.99, 6-24, Bonprix

Hot water bottle, £35, Boden

Pair these joggers with a knit and trainers for the ultimate relaxed weekend look. Scrunchie, £4, Matalan Top and bottoms, £16 each, both 8-22, M&Co

Joggers, £45, xs-l, Micha Lounge

Compiled by Lucy Trievnor

Bra, £22.50, 32A-38E; briefs, £10, 6-28, both M&S

A silky pyjama set makes a relaxing evening feel luxurious.

Pyjama set, £38, 6-22, Next

Cashmere socks, £39, one size, Lavender Hill

Lounge around We have all the essentials to make your night in or sofa Sunday even cosier

Eye mask, £18, Morris & Co at John Lewis & Partners

Slippers, £65, 3-8, Just Sheepskin

Robe, £20, s-xxl, Tu Clothing

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 27

Our dream homes

HOME IS where the heart is Where we live is so important to us all, but for these three women, their homes are extra special. Here, they explain why…

Rhodope in the hallway of her Edwardian home

‘I can smell my mother’s perfume in the air’

Rhodope Kostalas, 59, is a meditation and motivation teacher. She lives in Cardiff with her husband Vaggelis.

‘S

itting in my living room, winter sunshine streaming through the windows, I can feel my mother’s presence all around. She lived with me in this house for 30 years, until her death in 2014 when she was 90, and I ﬁrmly believe her spirit is still here, which gives me great comfort. Sometimes I can smell her perfume in the air and my daughter, who is named after Mum, sees a magpie in the garden every time she visits. She believes it’s her grandma.

GIFT OF A LIFETIME My husband, Vaggelis, and I married in 1982 and the house was a wedding gift from my parents, Dimitrios and Efftichia. That may sound extravagant and, costing £27,000, it was, but it’s traditional in Greek families to give a daughter a substantial dowry when she marries, and this was mine. I still remember my mother calling to say the house right next door to theirs was for sale and that they wanted to buy it for us. I was ecstatic. I didn’t even need to see it to know it would be right for us. I trusted my parents implicitly. I realise not everyone would want to begin newlywed life with their parents 28 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

literally on the doorstep, but Vaggelis and I were delighted. Family is everything to us; it felt perfect. The moment I walked in, I knew we would be happy here. It’s a four-bedroom Edwardian house built in 1908, with lots of original features including servants’ bells, beautiful tiled ﬂoors and ﬁreplaces. Apart from my modern kitchen, I’ve tried to retain the traditional character. It has a courtyardstyle garden and, when the weather is good, it feels like a little Mediterranean oasis, right in the heart of Wales.

up. Having her to guide me when I became a mother was invaluable. She was such a support, practically and emotionally, and the children adored her. If this house could talk, it would tell tales of the many gatherings it has hosted over the past 37 years: meals that went on for hours with Greek music, dancing and, of course, plenty of ouzo! I have so many fond memories, and photographs of our happy life here crowd every surface. I now have three granddaughters and they’re the fourth generation of my family to enjoy this home. I love it when we’re all here; the house noisy, chaotic and full of love. I was born with the condition spina biﬁda, and doctors told my parents l’d never walk. However, after a number of major operations I led a normal life until my late 30s, when I began to lose my mobility. I now rely on crutches indoors and a wheelchair when I’m out. It can make it difficult getting upstairs, but I love this house too much to move. I can’t imagine living anywhere else, and I’m determined to carry on enjoying it for years to come.’

‘It’s a Mediterranean oasis, right in the heart of Wales ’

FOUR GENERATIONS A few months after we moved in, my parents sold their house and began renovating their family home on the Greek island of Chios. The plan was for them to spend much of the year there, and the rest living with us, but, tragically, my father died in 1984 before they were ever able to realise that dream. Instead, my mother moved in with us permanently. As Vaggelis is a ship’s captain and often away at sea for weeks at a time, Mum helped me raise my two children, Marcos and Efftichia, both now grown

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Rhodope with her mum, Efftichia

Laura can’t imagine going back to life on land

‘It’s given us such freedom’ Laura Hill, 34, is a musician and sound therapist. She lives with her husband, AJ, in Essex.

‘W

aking up, I smile as I hear the birdsong and the sound of water lapping gently against the boat. It’s a world away from the blaring sirens and traffic I used to hear when I lived in north London. In September 2019, my husband AJ and I swapped our rented two-bedroom city ﬂat for our very own narrowboat, and it’s been a life-changing decision. It was a TV programme about living mortgage-free that planted the seed in our minds. Moving on to a boat was one of the options suggested and, after saving for years for a deposit to buy a house, we realised we could afford to buy a boat and have ﬁnancial freedom. It was an incredibly tempting prospect. We also heard about the growing trend for “tiny living”, where people move to smaller homes to minimise their impact on the environment and live a simpler life. After a lot of thought, we decided to go for it. We paid £53,000 for our boat, a 70ft cruiser stern narrowboat, which is four years old, collecting it from a boat

30 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

brokerage in Northamptonshire before spending two weeks sailing it to a marina in Essex, where it’s currently moored for the winter. AJ had taken a two-day boat-handling course, so he knew how to manoeuvre it, but it was still quite the adventure as we got to grips with navigating our way through London’s canals. We realised that we had a lot to learn, but that just made it exciting.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS The narrowboat has a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and storage room, plus a small deck area. It was already ﬁtted out and decorated in a monochrome style and, apart from installing a new super-kingsize bed and some extra storage, we haven’t had to do any work on it. Before we moved in, we had to get rid of most of our furniture and lots of clothes, as there is not much space on the boat. That was scary, but also liberating. I realise now how much I hoarded things I didn’t need, like countless pairs of shoes and bags. Marie Kondo would have been proud

‘I love leaving my office, knowing I’m heading to my peaceful home on the water’

Our dream homes of us! AJ and I have both been on a steep learning curve when it comes to running the boat. I’ve watched a lot of YouTube videos on everything from how to install an antenna to how to light the range in the kitchen, which heats the entire boat.

PERSONAL SANCTUARY There’s a boat house at our marina and we’ve met a wonderful community of fellow boat owners who have given us advice, such as what hose to buy for the purest water supply or where to get fuel for the range. They’ve even invited us on to their boats for glasses of wine. The feeling of solidarity has helped us settle in to this new way of life. Neither of us misses our old life at all. Living surrounded by greenery, away from the noise and fumes, we are more relaxed and ﬁnancially much better off. AJ runs his own digital media advertising business and works from the boat, but I commute into London by train. I love leaving my office at night, knowing I’m heading to my peaceful home on the water. This year, we plan to take some time out of work and travel around by boat, although we’ve yet to decide where to go. That’s the beauty of this type of home: it allows spontaneity and freedom and, in most places, you are allowed to moor for a couple of weeks on the towpath. I love our new freedom. In fact, I can’t imagine ever returning to life on land.’

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PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 31

32 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Words Eimear Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hagan. Photography Angela Nott, Thomas Skovsende

Our dream homes

‘It was like a fairy-tale house when I was little’ Gina Akers, 40, is a TV, media and music industry consultant. She lives with her partner in Swindon, Wiltshire.

‘A

s a child, I used to love visiting my cousins. A highlight of their home in Swindon was walking past a white cottage with a huge wrought-iron spider and web mounted on the side. It looked bewitching, like something from a fairy-tale. “Why would someone put it there?” we wondered. We nicknamed it The Spider House and speculated endlessly about its origins. It was a ﬁxture of my childhood, but I could never have imagined that one day I’d own it. Fast forward to 2012. I was house hunting at the time, and I spotted a house on an estate agent’s website. I initially disregarded it because, although the location was perfect, I wanted three bedrooms and it only had two. It didn’t have the parking space I wanted, either. However, something kept drawing my attention back to it. Detached and whitewashed with decorative shutters, there was something familiar about it, but I couldn’t quite put my ﬁnger on what.

A DREAM COME TRUE I decided to view it anyway, but wasn’t overly hopeful it would be the right house for me. That was until I pulled up outside and realised… it was The Spider House! The estate agent hadn’t included a photo of the outside wall with the metal spider and web, so I hadn’t Gina’s house dates back to the 1800s and has been home to many different families

Gina has updated the decor but retained many of the house’s traditional features

made the connection. I couldn’t believe it, and was so excited about ﬁnally getting to go inside it after years of walking past. The property is a pretty two-bedroom, 19th-century cottage, and it really stands out from the redbrick homes on the street. Walking around, I loved the original beams, the quirky layout and big living room with a wood-burning stove. I also discovered it had a conservatory, adding to its living space. It has bags of charm and character, something really important to me. However, I worried I liked it for the wrong, romantic reasons, and was thinking with my heart instead of my head. I phoned my mum, Marion, and asked her to come and look around it, too. When she said it was perfect, and she could picture me living here, I knew I’d found my new home. My offer was accepted in May 2012 and I moved in later that summer. I redecorated in calming grey and sage tones, and created more parking space at the front. Of course, I didn’t touch the spider and web; they’re my favourite features!

After I moved in, a neighbour told me that the previous owner was a metalworker and he had made them. I still don’t know why, but I like to think it was to entertain the local children like me when I was little. I’ve had visitors who’ve commented that it’s an odd thing to have stuck on the side of a house but, to me, it’s part of the building’s charm. My partner moved in last year and he loves the house as much as I do. I have a passion for architecture and history and I’m a fan of anything quirky, so I feel very lucky to live somewhere that ticks all those boxes. My mum sadly passed away last year, but it’s lovely that I had her approval in buying The Spider House; it’s a lasting connection to her. The fact I was house hunting at the same time this house came on the market feels much more than simply a coincidence. I really believe I was meant to own it.’

‘It has bags of charm and character, which is so important to me’

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 33

Growing trends

MEET THE EXPERT ALICE VINCENT Alice Vincent is an urban gardener and author of two books about gardening.

‘P

eople have been putting pot plants on windowsills for centuries,’ says Alice. ‘But social media sites such as Pinterest and Instagram, where people share images of gorgeous plant-ﬁlled homes, have made house plants among the most desirable interiors accessories of the decade. It’s partly due to our desire to get back to nature, as well as feeding our need to have something to care for. You can also develop a bit of a collector’s addiction to ﬁlling your home with plants. But there’s more to it than just a fashionable trend: plenty of studies have shown that having plants around us makes us feel better. Plants can help to boost our concentration and mood, reduce stress and even purify the air. All great reasons to pack your home with them! Here are my tips on how to make them work for you…’

34 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

BEFORE YOU BUY

CHECK YOUR SPACE AND LIGHT

Choosing a plant is like buying furniture: you need to measure up your space so you know where it’ll ﬁt. If there isn’t much light, you’ll want a vine-type plant, which naturally thrives on the forest ﬂoor. Plants like cacti survive in the desert, so they can cope with stronger light.

EXAMINE THE BUDS AND LEAVES

When choosing which plant to take home, it can be tempting to go for the one that’s fully in ﬂower. But to make sure it lasts, opt for one with more buds than ﬂowers, as it will bloom for longer. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves; they should be bright, healthy and green.

CHECK THE ROOTS AND SOIL

If you can slide the pot off the plant while you’re in the shop, have a quick peek at the roots. You’re looking for roots that are white and not too densely packed. Black or brown roots are a big no. The potting compost should be moist, but not completely sodden.

Troubleshooting guide Q. Why has my plant grown very tall in a bending shape, and started to drop its leaves? A. Your plant is trying to ﬁnd light and has stopped producing leaves to conserve energy. Move it to a brighter spot next to a window. Q. My plant is looking droopy, does it need more water? A. Plants that are over- and under-watered look very similar, so do the ﬁngertip test to see if the soil is very wet or dry. If it’s too wet, empty any excess water out of the pot and set it on kitchen paper by a window to dry out. If the soil is very dry, hold the pot

under a running tap and ensure all the soil is watered thoroughly. Q. The leaves have gone crispy and some parts have turned brown. A. This could be due to a lack of humidity: your plant needs hydration from the air. Spray water over the leaves and remove any brown parts – they will never go green again. Q. My succulent plant looks wrinkly. A. It needs more water. If it starts to rot, it’s a sign that it’s had too much. Q. I’ve tried everything, but my plant isn’t getting any better. Is it dead? A. Check the roots. If they are brown or black, it probably means it’s dead.

Words Bethan Rose Jenkins Photography Getty

Indoor plant sales are booming as we rediscover our love of greenery. Here’s all you need to know about bringing nature into your home…

Plants can help to boost concentration and reduce stress.

CARING FOR YOUR PLANTS THE RIGHT START It’s essential that plants have enough drainage, so make sure there’s at least one hole in the bottom of the plant pot. Terracotta pots are great because they’re porous and will naturally take in extra moisture. There are lots of different types of potting compost but, as a general rule, peat-free multi-purpose will work well for most plant types. If you’re willing to spend a little more, organic compost is a good step up, or you can buy speciﬁc compost tailored to particular plant types like succulents.

days, but if the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. Make sure you let the water soak right through to the root base, then the plant should be able to look after itself for a few days before it’s time to water again.

ROOM TO GROW If you see roots beginning to grow out of the top of the pot or through the hole in the bottom, you should move your plant into a bigger pot. When choosing another pot, don’t go too big too quickly. It’s best to pot up to a container about one hand-width bigger.

FEELING THIRSTY? The most common reason why plants die (after being Give your put in the wrong position), is Swiss cheese over-watering. As a general plant plenty of space to thrive rule, plants only need watering every 10 days. To check, push your ﬁnger into the soil up to your ﬁrst or second knuckle. If it feels moist, you can leave it for a few

SEASONAL CARE At this time of year there’s less light, so plants may go into dormancy. To keep them healthy, cut back on watering and feeding as they won’t be using as much energy, and move them away from radiators so they don’t dry out.

Shade star: golden pothos

BUYER’S GUIDE HARD TO KILL O SANSEVIERIA O ASPIDISTRA O GUZMANIA BEST FOR LOW LIGHT O FERNS (BOSTON OR MAIDENHAIR VARIETIES) O GOLDEN POTHOS (ALSO KNOWN AS DEVIL’S IVY) Rootbound: Rewilding A Life (Canongate) by Alice Vincent is out on 30 January PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 35

Green living

8 9 10

Need to cover up leftovers or wrap your sandwiches? There are plenty of alternatives to clingﬁlm. Try cotton bowl covers, beeswax coverings and reusable (and recyclable) food wraps.

Put a ‘No Junk Mail’ sign on your letter box to help reduce waste paper. You can make one yourself, or order one from the Stop Junk Mail website (stopjunkmail.org).

Say no to a too-cool workplace. Using air-con in your office for one hour a day uses enough energy every month to power a TV for over a year.

Get on your bike! Nearly half of the population travel under 3.1 miles to work each day. Each of these journeys could take as little as 15 minutes on a bike – better for the planet, your health and your bank balance.

5 6 7

If you need a new car, consider buying a hybrid to help reduce CO2 emissions (see our feature ‘In The Driving Seat’ on page 43).

Don’t leave electrical devices on standby; UK households waste £227m a year this way.

Turn off your computer when you go to bed. Leaving it on every night for a year creates enough CO2 to ﬁll a double-decker bus.

36 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Want to do your bit for the environment but life keeps getting in the way? Try these quick tips from Jen Gale

By 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than ﬁsh! Rather than replacing your washing-up liquid with another plastic bottle, you can reﬁll it with companies like Ecover at locations around the UK. Find your nearest one at ecover.com/store-locator.

FIND OUT MORE O recyclenow.com has loads

of information so you can make sure you’re recycling everything you possibly can. O freecycle.org and ilovefreegle.org host local, online groups you can join to exchange unwanted items, such as books and furniture, with your community. O loveyourclothes.org.uk has some great videos that can teach every generation how to do simple things like sew on a button to make clothes last for longer.

• The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide: Everything You Need To Know To Make Small Changes That Make A Big Difference (Bloomsbury) by Jen Gale is out now

Photography Getty, Alamy

1 2 3 4

Sign up for a local milk delivery service that supplies milk in reusable glass bottles instead of plastic cartons. Look for a local service at ﬁndmeamilkman.net.

Avoid doubling up on plastic by restocking items like pasta at stores that offer packaging-free reﬁlls. And if you shop online, tick the ‘no plastic bags’ option at the checkout.

Editor Jo with her knitted friends

Prima campaign

What a lot of HEDGEHOGS!

For everyone who has so kindly knitted a hedgehog for our campaign, we want to say… THANK YOU!

We have been delighted to receive these cuddly critters since launching our appeal!

n October, we launched a Prima campaign to help save our hedgehogs. We asked for all you talented crafty readers to knit a hedgehog from our exclusive pattern to help raise funds for the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. To our delight, parcels containing the most gorgeous knitted hedgehogs have been arriving at plummeted by half in rural areas and the Prima offices ever since. We’ve had hedgehogs with smiley faces, pink feet, by a third in urban ones. Last year, some big, some small and one even research showed there are only around made in glittery purple yarn (we named 1m left. Increased road traffic, loss of him ‘disco’ hedgehog). habitat and use of pesticides are all to To date, we have blame, but there are ways we can help: check out the How To Help Our received more than 100 Since 2000, Hedgehogs box below. hedgehogs. They are hedgehog numbers We’ll be keeping you updated now going to be safely in the UK have halved in future issues of Prima on the packaged up and sent in rural areas and to the charity, which dropped by a third will give them out in in towns. return for donations. Says Fay Vass, chief executive of the British Keep part of your garden wild and Hedgehog Preservation Society, ‘We include a log pile. Hedgehogs need have been amazed at the number of shelter, protection and natural food. hedgehogs donated, you’ve done such Leave a gap at the corner of walls an amazing job and I’d like to thank each or fences so hedgehogs can roam. and every Prima reader who reached for Avoid using pesticides or slug their knitting needles (and crochet hooks) pellets, which harm hedgehogs to answer our plea. Hedgehogs are in and also damage their food chain. serious decline and we are doing all we Provide water in a shallow dish can to help reverse that trend. Your and a meat-based food. kindness will help us with that work.’ Since the year 2000, the number of hedgehogs living in the UK has

amounts the cuddly hedgehogs raise – and don’t worry if you haven’t ﬁnished your knit yet, or would like to start one: we’ll simply forward them on to the charity as they arrive. Once again, a huge thank you to all you star knitters. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society, we here at Prima and our prickly friends are so very grateful to you.

Photography Nicky Johnston, Matt Monfredi, Getty

HOW TO HELP OUR HEDGEHOGS

1 2 3 4

5 6 7

Keep garage, greenhouse and shed doors shut after dusk so hedgehogs don’t get trapped. Hedgehogs can swim, but add a gentle slope to any ponds, as they struggle to climb steep sides. Check bonﬁres before lighting, as hedgehogs may be taking shelter inside.

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 37

IS IT TIME FOR A January is the hardest time of the year for couples. After spending more time together over the festive period, issues can really come to a head in the new year

he ﬁrst working Monday of the year has been dubbed Divorce Day, with phone calls to relationship charity Relate peaking in January. Meanwhile, more than 40,500 people will search ‘divorce’ online this month, which is 25% higher than at any other time of the year. If you’re one of the many people having relationship issues at the moment, read on for everything you need to know in order to ﬁx your relationship and get you back on track.

Love yourself first Before you can have great relationships with others, you first need to have a healthy relationship with yourself. Here are life coach Camilla Sacre-Dallerup’s top tips… Tell yourself ‘I am enough’. These three words are very powerful. When we say them and really believe them to be true, we feel empowered. Practise saying them every day. Don’t put yourself down or compare yourself to others. If you find yourself doing this, ask questions such as: what was I doing in that moment? Who was I speaking to? It might help to make a note of these triggers. By finding these out, you can learn to have a more compassionate mindset.

START WITH

38 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Write a letter to yourself. Keep the letter simple. Sit somewhere relaxing, make your favourite drink and let the words ﬂow. Tell yourself what you’re proud of and mention as many nice things as you can about yourself. Look at yourself in the mirror and say ‘I love you’. It might seem awkward, but try it when you’re brushing your teeth or drying your hair. You can start with just ‘I like you’, if you need to, and gradually work up to ‘love’!

Be your own best friend. It’s important to treat yourself in the same way you would treat your best friend. Practise this by taking a current relationship or situation you are struggling with, and write down the advice you would give your best friend in the same situation. Now read it back to yourself. • It’s Not You It’s Me: How To Heal Your Relationship With Yourself And Others (Watkins Publishing) by Camilla Sacre-Dallerup is out 14 January

Compiled by Anna Bonet and Arielle Tchiprout

YOU!

Modern relationships

relationship

REBO T?

The 8 dates that every couple should go on Renowned relationship experts John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman believe you need to set aside time for important conversations to keep your relationship happy. Here, they suggest the eight chats every couple should have.

DATE 1 RECOMMIT Go somewhere that is meaningful to your relationship; perhaps where you ﬁrst met. Then tell your partner why they’re so special and the skills they have that you admire. Telling them why you’re committed to them and your relationship will build trust and strengthen your bond.

DATE 2 UNPACK ISSUES Instead of avoiding difficult topics and allowing resentment to build, be brave and address conﬂicts. Go for a walk holding hands; even if you still disagree about something, you’re heading in the same direction and maintaining intimacy. Keep it positive and say what you need, rather than what you don’t need.

DATE 3 BE FRANK Research shows that couples who talk about sex have more satisfying love lives, and it’s vital for a healthy

BEING TOGETHER

relationship. If you can, do something physical before this date, such as yoga, to feel in touch with your body, and wear something that makes you feel a million dollars.

DATE 4 ADDRESS THE TOPIC OF MONEY Money is one of the top ﬁve reasons that couples ﬁght, so it’s vital to communicate. What do work and money mean to you? How much is enough? How can you work towards your goals together? Don’t be dismissive about their stress, and try not to compare your job levels.

DATE 5 FAMILY MATTERS

DATE 7 START SOME NEW TRADITIONS It’s never too late to think about rituals to bring you closer – whether that’s kissing each other goodbye or simply lighting candles at dinner.

DATE 8 DREAM BIG Ignoring one another’s dreams can lead to resentment. Go to a place that inspires you and discuss dreams with an open mind. Work out the dreams you can achieve together. • Eight Dates To Keep Your Relationship Happy, Thriving And Lasting (Penguin Life) by John Gottman & Julie Schwartz Gottman is out now

Rather than just talking about your kids, examine your feelings about family as a whole; your childhoods, what family means to you and how you can build on these values.

DATE 6 HAVE FUN Couples who play together, stay together! Think about an activity you’d both like to try together, then go and do it! It’s great to have separate hobbies, but try to ﬁnd something you can both enjoy without compromising.

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 39

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WHAT TO DO

when it’s GONE WRONG Breaking up is never easy – and when you have a family together, it’s impossible to cut ties completely. Here, the experts answer your worries…

‘It was so difficult at the funeral’ ‘My husband had been separated from his ex-wife for years, but it wasn’t until his uncle’s funeral that I met his extended family. One of his aunts – who’d kept in contact with his ex-wife – was there and refused to be introduced to me ‘out of loyalty’ to her. Another cousin’s opening gambit was: ‘I don’t believe in divorce.’ I felt upset and my husband was quietly seething.’ Michaela, 50 Relate counsellor Dee Holmes says: People often react in strange ways when someone has died. At the same time, those who fall in love again following ruptured relationships are often shocked by the critical attitude of family and friends. It may be hard to see when you’re in a vulnerable state, but if they’re being harsh and judgmental, it’s their issue, not yours. They may even be feeling jealous that you’ve both found the courage to leave something that’s no longer working. 40 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

‘I felt awkward on a wedding day’ ‘My stepdaughter’s wedding was one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life. Her mother insisted on my husband (of 12 years) sitting on the top table while I was

POST BREAK-UP relegated to a corner with relatives I’d never met. I kept up a bright smile, but although my husband and I laugh about it now, I can’t help dreading the forthcoming christening.’ Samantha, 56 Relate mediator Irene Jackson: Well done for keeping calm. It’s not surprising you have mixed feelings about the christening, but now you’ve accepted the invitation, you can prepare survival strategies for the day. The good news is that this time round, the baby will be the focus of attention. Even if his or her granny isn’t happy, you can focus on the celebration of a new life, knowing that being smiley and gracious will make you feel happier than succumbing to sulks.

Modern relationships

‘He visits his ex-wife every weekend’ ‘Every Sunday, my partner gets up early to see his ex-wife and two teenagers. Even though we now have a baby daughter, he feels he has to spend time in the old marital home, helping in the garden and fixing his ex’s car. He’s usually not back until our little girl’s in bed and although I always cook a roast, he often can’t eat it as he’s already had one at hers. I try talking to him, but he just gets defensive.’ Lara, 38 Dee: It sounds as if your partner feels guilty, and I wonder whose needs are truly being met here. Of course, it’s good he is kind and considerate to his ex, but some reconfiguration is in order here so you can find compromises and start building time together as an extended family. I wonder if he has talked to his teenagers about how they feel. They may well come up with solutions he hasn’t considered, such as going to a football match or for pizza? If they’re on neutral ground, they may feel it’s easier to start building a relationship with your little girl, too. If it’s too hard for you to talk your partner, give counselling a go.

Words Christabel Smith Photography Getty All reader names are false to protect identities

‘I’m dreading this “family” holiday’ ‘Four years after I ﬁnally called time on our marriage, my ex insists that we still have an annual family holiday. He says it’s great for the kids, and I feel too guilty to say no. Last year, the kids looked tense all week and I’m not sure I can endure it again.’ Sarah-Jane, 44 Dee: Take a step back and think: Who is really beneﬁting from this holiday? It’s great that you’ve managed to maintain a channel of communication with your ex, so talk to him. Keep it positive, suggesting that taking the kids on separate holidays could be a win-win, as you’ll each have quality time with

‘We missed his graduation’ ‘When my son graduated, he chose not to invite his stepdad or me, nor his dad and his second wife. It upset me, but I kept quiet. Recently, he confessed he couldn’t face the thought of both his parents being in the same room, in case an argument broke out. When I think back, I feel so ashamed.’ Kim, 63 Irene: If warring parents put themselves aside and consider what’s best for the children, they learn to compromise and ﬁnd common ground. Now your son has felt able to talk to you about this, perhaps it’s time for you to be open and tell him how proud of him you are.

TAKEAWAY TIPS Irene Jackson shares what she’s learned over years of mediation: O If you need to call your ex, always start with, ‘Is this a good time to have a conversation?’ O Set a time boundary, saying, ‘It will only take 5/10 minutes.’ Even if your chat is going well, stick to it. O If it’s about something tough, such as a big family occasion, try to stick to one issue at a time. O Listen. Try not to predict what they’ll say, or you might miss a subtle change of tone. them, while they get to go away twice. Work hard on shedding your guilty feelings. Remember, your children will pick up on tension. If they see their mum and dad healing and moving on, it will help them do the same.’

• Relate (relate.org.uk) offers counselling, information, mediation and support to individuals, couples and families, face-to-face, online and by phone PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 41

Everyone’s talking about…

EMOJIS ave you ever sent a message to a friend made up of no words, just images? In this digital age, sometimes, pictures really do speak louder than cartoon art. Other companies like MSN words – and emojis are perfect for the and Android started creating their own, job. We use them to convey our mood but it was when Apple released its huge (via happy or sad faces), our feelings emoji keyboard of images in 2012 that (like love or anger) and even what we’re these tiny images started to be used as up to: there are planes, dancing ladies a shortcut for texters everywhere. and even rollercoasters in emoji form. Most mobile WHAT’S THE LATEST? Did you know? phones have their In March 2019, Apple The most used emoji is released a new and own designs, and you the Face With Tears Of Joy, improved emoji called can use them on text which is often used to the Memoji. This allows messages, as well as illustrate laughter. It was you to design a cartoon apps like WhatsApp, the Oxford Dictionaries image of yourself – with and social media like ‘Word’ of the Year hairstyle, eye shape and Facebook and Twitter. in 2015. skin tone options – which you can use in a variety of WHERE DID THEY different expressions. COME FROM? The emoji began with emoticons, which made their first appearance in an WHAT’S NEXT? American magazine as early as 1881 While some are concerned that emojis with brackets and colons being used to are destroying the English language, form different faces, for example :) academics are analysing how emojis looks like a happy face when you look reflect the future of language, with some at it sideways. But emojis, as we now university degree courses even covering know them, began in Japan in the late the craze. Experts say that where things 1990s. Artist Shigetaka Kurita created can often be lost in translation over a the first emoji (translated as ‘picture text message, emojis can mimic facial character’) for the mobile internet expressions and body language, which company he worked for. They were is actually a good thing. So it’s not all inspired by manga, a form of Japanese Crying Face Emoji after all!

42 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Not all emojis mean what you think Don’t get caught out! Here are some that have double meanings… PEACH The fruit is actually emoji-speak for the bottom – popularised by curvy Kim Kardashian. NARROW EYES Yes, it can be used for a moment of tension, but beware, it also means you find someone attractive. FISHING HOOK No, it’s not for the keen fisherman in your life, it’s for when you’ve made a joke, or wound someone up, and they’ve fallen for it hook, line and sinker! EXPLODING HEAD Used when you’re so overwhelmed by stuff, but also when you find something mind-blowingly fascinating. SNAKE This reptile is often used when someone has done something sly or sneaky. AUBERGINE Think saucy phallic symbol rather than a symbol for a yummy vegetarian meal.

Words Clare Stephenson, Arielle Tchiprout Photography Getty

From the heart eyes smiley to the saucy aubergine, emojis are now part of our everyday lives. But where did they come from and how do you use them?

On the road

In theDRIVING

seat

Wanting to get more environmentally friendly, Prima’s entertainment director Jen Crothers test-drives the Hyundai Kona, a new hybrid car

‘Can an eco car work for me?’ THE CHALLENGE I normally drive a small petrol car, but recently I’ve heard a lot about hybrid cars and how they’re much more eco-friendly. However, I’m confused; what does hybrid mean and will it really work as a car to ﬁt in with my busy life? To help me decide, I decided to test one for a weekend. Here’s what I found out…

WHAT EXACTLY IS A HYBRID?

back seats fold down if you need even more space. In fact, I put in an ironing board, large pot plant and broom along with my normal weekly shop, with no problem.

Basically, it means that the car is powered by both an electric motor and a petrol engine. It’s the greener option, as it emits less CO2. As well as being kinder to the environment than regular petrol or diesel vehicles, hybrid THE DRIVE cars tend to get better mileage, too. You can The car was excellent at stopping and pay less road tax in the first year, depending starting on the busy roads in London, on how much CO2 your vehicle emits and, if all while in electric mode. I then headed you live in London, it means you can avoid the to the Cotswolds for a weekend away. daily congestion charge, although this I reached up to 70mph with ease on is set to change after 2021. the M4, and the car switched to THE CAR... However, they tend to cost petrol to enable the faster I tested a Hyundai Kona slightly more than standard speeds. I filled up just once Hybrid Premium 1.6, a petrol or diesel cars to buy. and, after a 200-mile round small SUV (Sports Utility trip, I’d only used half a tank! Vehicle). It was white with HOW IT WORKS grey accents and sporty Electric mode can partially WHAT I LIKED 18-inch wheels. or wholly power the car; there’s It was very quiet and the a conventional engine alongside car handled the winding, an electric motor and battery, rain-soaked country roads which charges as you with ease. The electric/ drive, so there’s no need petrol transition was to find a charging point as seamless and required with a fully electric car. A no effort from me. The green ‘EV’ sign lights up on in-car entertainment was superb, with a huge 10.25-inch screen and parking-assistance the dashboard when the car is in electric camera, several USB ports as well as a mode, which I found was mostly when I was wireless pad for charging multiple phones. driving around near my home in London, where traffic is slow-moving.

I WAS LESS KEEN ON... GOOD FOR SPACE? This is a great car for a family or, if you don’t have passengers, for loading up with shopping. It’s big enough for ﬁve people to ﬁt into comfortably and it has a big boot; the

The in-car sat-nav system. I found it harder to use initially than Google Maps from my phone (which connected to the car screen easily through a USB port), but I'm sure this gets easier to use with time.

Jen and her new wheels

Ready to hit the

road

¬5[c YaOT OMZ 6 ³` UZ,

THE VERDICT Owning a hybrid would deﬁnitely work for me. Just knowing I’m doing my bit for the environment really makes driving more fun. O Price £24,295; hyundai.co.uk

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 43

Meet the UPSIZERS

Multi-generational living is on the rise – here, we talk to one family who invested in renovating their home to create enough space for their adult children and older parents

ith millennials ﬁnding it tougher to get on the housing ladder and an ageing population looking to avoid isolation, multi-generational living is becoming increasingly popular. It’s estimated that 1.8 million homes in the UK now house two or more adult generations, and it’s set to rise to 18.5 million by 2040. That means our homes are getting more crowded, so many of us are looking for ways to maximise square footage.

MAKING ROOM Joanne Geisler, 57, and husband Alex renovated their house in Hadley Wood, Hertfordshire, to ensure they had space for their family, at any age. ‘My youngest daughter, Liv, still lives with us – she has a room in the converted loft space,’ says Joanne. ‘My eldest, Stephanie, moved out a few years ago, but she’ll often come to stay for the weekend. We also had my late mum living here for a while when she wasn’t well. ‘When we ﬁrst moved here, the entrance and hallway were very narrow. I remember hosting Mum’s 70th birthday – everybody was in the living room and it was a really tight squeeze. So we opened up the entrance hallway,

created a big kitchen/dining area and transformed the loft space into a bedroom and a walk-in wardrobe. It’s made a huge difference.’

CREATING BOUNDARIES ‘It’s been immeasurably helpful being able to live with my parents longer,’ says 26-year-old Liv. ‘Of course, there are the perks of the company, the family pets and a full fridge, but there’s more to it than that. It’s so difficult to rent and buy in London. I’m fortunate that my family home is commutable to work, as so many young people I know have no choice but to rent, which then reduces their chances of saving up to buy. ‘Our family unit is incredibly close. I love spending time with them, but it’s also a real comfort at my age having my own space within the house. This relative separation also helps to keep my relationship with my parents healthy, as it creates boundaries – that is until I ﬁnd my mother “shopping” in my wardrobe!’

‘We transformed the loft space into a bedroom and a walk-in wardrobe’

in the kitchen/dining space. I’m no longer cut off when I’m cooking. Most of BRINGING THE the rooms face out on to the garden and FAMILY TOGETHER we have big double doors you can throw Joanne believes that the work they’ve open in the summer to get an even done on their home has had a huge greater feeling of space. It’s brought the impact on family life. ‘We’re not dotted around the house and we can all collect family together all the more.’

Prima promotion FUNDING HOME IMPROVEMENTS If you’re over 55* and looking to add space to your home but don’t have any spare savings, a Later Life mortgage from Nationwide Building Society could be an option. With a Lifetime Mortgage, you can use the equity built up in your home to release a lump sum. You don’t have to make monthly payments unless you choose to, and the mortgage is usually repaid when the last remaining borrower dies or goes into long-term care. You could also look at the other Later Life mortgages, with interest-only or capital and interest repayment options that allow you to borrow well into your 80s – again, the mortgage is usually repaid when the last remaining borrower dies or goes into long-term care. To ﬁnd out more about the Later Life products available at Nationwide, visit nationwide.co.uk/laterlife

Think carefully before securing other debts against your home. Your mortgage is secured on your home, which you could lose if you do not keep up your mortgage payments. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home, or if you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice.

Calculate the estimated cost of the loan over 20 and 30 years before releasing equity

UPSIZING YOUR SPACE Joanne shares her top tips… Look for the light. ‘Aim to bring in as much daylight as possible, whether that’s putting bifold or double doors at the back of the house or removing internal walls that block out light.’ Consider the traffic pattern. ‘Think about how guests will travel from one room to the other. That traffic ﬂow should be as logical and straightforward as possible to avoid crisscrossing.’ Check out the neighbours. ‘I got a few ideas from our next-door neighbours, as they did a very similar renovation.’ *To apply, you need to be a UK resident aged 55-84 (or 55-94 if you are an existing Nationwide mortgage member). Eligibility, property and borrowing purpose criteria apply. Lending limits and terms and conditions also apply

10 food bill

WAYS TO CUT YOUR

We’re all looking to save money at this time of year, so where better to start than with your weekly grocery shop?

CHANGE THE WAY YOU DO IT

Shopping when hungry can lead you to spend up to two-thirds more than usual, and not just on food! Also, if you tend to deviate from your shopping list, buy groceries online instead. This allows you to compare prices TIP and special offers more To help make fresh easily. If the total of the food last, check the groceries in your basket temperature of your isn’t enough to qualify fridge is below 5°C; any for free delivery, click and higher and bacteria collect from a store instead. can multiply.

You’re probably already a pro at spotting ‘yellow sticker’ food that’s been reduced because it’s near the use-by or best-before date. But it’s not always a great deal. ‘Yellow stickers can offer great discounts, but always look at the original price, too,’ says Reduced Grub food blogger, Emma Bradley. ‘Check for better reductions later in the day when 20p off can turn into 75% off. Just make sure it’s something you actually need.’

46 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

LOOK UP (AND DOWN)!

Whatever you’re buying, research shows that few of us opt for the most costly option on offer, or the very cheapest. We tend to go for a mid-range choice and

retailers know this! They stack their shelves with the most proﬁtable items at eye-level. So if you’re looking for cheaper options, look at the shelves above and below your line of vision – you’ll probably ﬁnd a better deal.

*Non-alcoholic drinks (source: ONS) **Source: Competition & Markets Authority

BEWARE OF FALSE BARGAINS

BAG A BESTBEFORE DATE BARGAIN

Approvedfood.co.uk sells groceries and household items for a lot less than the recommended retail price as products are near or past their best-before dates. The website claims most people save around 70% on their shop. It sells everything from alcohol to baby food and is best for stocking up cupboards rather than the fridge. Delivery costs from £3 for one 25kg box.

TIP A ‘use-by’ date means it’s not considered safe to eat after this time. Food that’s past a ‘best-before’ date just means it may not be at its best.

WHIP UP A BATCH

We all know that cooking from scratch saves you money, but it’s not always easy when you’re pushed for time. If you do focus on batch-cooking, though, you can ﬁll your freezer with home-cooked meals. Batch-cooking

DO THE MATHS

Around 40%** of the groceries we buy in the UK are sold as part of a promotion, but sometimes these deals don’t offer the savings we think they do. Multibuys can be misleading. A supermarket may increase the price of a single item just as the offer begins, so you might not be getting a discount. Work out what one item in the offer costs. Also, offers on branded items will almost always cost more than own-brand.

The average household spends £60.60 a week on food and drink*

Words Susanne Norris, Kara Gammell, Emilie Martin Photography Getty

USE YOUR FREEZER

Frozen food is often cheaper than fresh, so stock up. Frozen fruit is great for smoothies and frozen veg is good for bulking up hearty stews. As buying in bulk is better value, divide ﬁsh, meat and even hard cheese into smaller portions and freeze. ‘Look at the price per kg label on supermarket shelving. This makes it much easier to compare pricing like for like’, advises Prima’s Food Director, Alison Walker.

PORTION CONTROL

Planning meals in advance helps you buy exactly what you need. But working out the correct portion sizes to serve can help slash your grocery spend even further – around 30% of avoidable food waste in the UK is food we prepare but don’t eat. ‘Lovefoodhatewaste.com/portionplanner can help you work out how much of each ingredient you need, taking into account how many people you’re cooking for’, advises Prima’s Consumer Editor, Emilie Martin.

expert Sarah Mulholland has recipes and shopping lists on her blog (thebatchlady.com) that show you how to whip up 10 family meals in just one hour. ‘It’s easy to do and saves you a fortune, as you only buy exactly what’s needed so you don’t waste ingredients,’ she says. ‘I can make 10 meals for four people for £30! That’s 75p per person for a meal that’s full of veg with no preservatives – what’s not to love?’

SWAP TO OWNBRAND LABELS

Think supermarket versions could never taste as good as your big-brand favourites? Own-brand may actually taste better! In blind taste tests by the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI), these foods beat their pricier rivals: O Tesco Wheat Biscuits (£1.30 for a box of 24) O Lidl Choco Nussa chocolate spread (£1.09 for 400g) O M&S Crunchy Peanut Butter (£1.30 for 340g) O Co-op Irresistible Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice (£2.95 for 1ltr) O Tesco Grower’s Harvest Garden Peas (62p for 900g) O Lidl Straight Cut Oven Chips (90p for 1.5kg) O Asda Smartprice crisps (80p for a pack of 12). Opt for own-brand butter, ﬂour and pasta; then you’ll have money left for fresh items like meat, ﬁsh, eggs and dairy, where cheaper isn’t always better. In a recent GHI survey, Lidl’s clothes detergent, Formil (£1.99 for 888ml), scored better than the big-name brands.

SHOP OUT OF TOWN

It’s always best to support your high street and buy locally, but bear in mind that the bigger the supermarket, the more likely it is to have a range of own-brands, which are invariably cheaper.

Join our campaign at prima.co.uk/ffnewsletter and get your ﬁnances sorted with money-saving tips and brilliant advice PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 47

Drop a

WAIST SIZE Whittle your waistline and lose up to 10lbs in just one month with dietitian Juliette Kellow’s super-simple, super-effective diet and ﬁtness plan

f you’re struggling to do up your jeans, you’re not alone. Two-thirds of women aged 45 to 64 years are overweight – and unfortunately, waistbands are likely to become even tighter after the menopause. But it’s not just a problem for how we look, it’s a worry for our health, too. ‘The drop in oestrogen that occurs with the menopause means women are more likely to move from a pear to an apple shape, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers,’ says Dr Dawn Harper, GP and co-presenter of Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies. DO YOU MEASURE UP? ‘A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or more indicates that you’re overweight, but it’s also important to look at where excess fat is stored,’ says Dr Harper. ‘A healthy waist measurement for a woman should be below 80cm (31.5in) – above this and most women usually need to lose weight.’ Health Survey for England ﬁgures reveal that three-quarters of women in their mid-40s to mid-60s have waists that measure more than 80cm and would beneﬁt from losing weight. Juliette’s plan will help you lose up to 10lbs in a month. That’s usually enough to lose up to 2in from your waist, helping you drop a size – for example, from a size 18 to a size 16.

48 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

in 4 weeks!

How it works... It’s based on a Mediterranean diet – a way of eating that’s been linked to smaller waists. One Italian study found adults who ate Med-style were 9% less likely to have a big tum. Juliette’s plan is packed with foods typically seen in a traditional Med diet: fruit, veg, nuts, beans, ﬁsh, wholegrains and olive oil. It includes plenty of dairy. Many studies have found milk and yogurt, especially low-fat varieties, are linked to ﬂatter tums. Recent research found that the waists of adults with high dairy intakes were, on average, 1.1cm smaller than those with low intakes. It’s packed with plant foods. In addition to being overweight, many women suffer with bloated tums, which can be a sign of an unhappy gut. ‘We can make our guts happier by increasing the diversity

of our gut microbiota – the community of microbes that live there,’ explains Dr Megan Rossi, author of Eat Yourself Healthy. ‘Research shows that people who eat a wide range of plant-based and high-ﬁbre foods have a greater variety of microbes, such as bacteria, living in their gut.’ Exercise tips are targeted at tummy toning. A variety of experts gave their advice on the most effective and fun ways to get a ﬂatter stomach.

‘A healthy waist measurement for a woman should be below 80cm (31.5in)’

Slimmer you!

The diet Every day for one month, choose one breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack from our selection. In addition, have 300ml skimmed milk to use in drinks, and drink plenty of water. Herbal teas like fennel, peppermint, chamomile and ginger can help ease bloating. V is for vegetarian.

Breakfasts Choose 1 (around 300 calories each)

Q A

Why do I feel bloated just before my period? Dietitian Nigel Denby (nigeldenbydietitian.co.uk) explains: ‘Pre-menstrual bloating involves progesterone levels, which peak just before your period. This hormone relaxes the muscle across the stomach and distends it a little – it’s effectively helping the body get ready to accommodate a growing baby. If there’s no pregnancy, progesterone levels drop, triggering your period and the stomach returns to normal.’

TOAST WITH AVOCADO AND POACHED EGG V 1 slice rye toast topped with ½ mashed avocado and 1 poached egg. Plus 1 satsuma. MIDDLE EASTERN BREAKFAST BOWL V 1 banana, 1 fig and 3tbsp pomegranate seeds topped with 1 small pot fat-free Greek yogurt, 1tbsp toasted oats, 1tsp almonds, 1tsp honey. BERRY BREAKFAST SUNDAE V Layer 3 handfuls summer berries (defrosted, if frozen) with 1 small pot fat-free Greek yogurt in a glass. Top with 3tbsp branflakes and 1tbsp chopped hazelnuts. SCRAMBLED EGGS ON TOAST V Made with 2 eggs, 1 tomato, 1 slice wholegrain toast with 1tsp low-fat spread. Plus 1 orange. BANANA CRUNCH CEREAL V 2 Weetabix with skimmed milk, 1tsp chopped nuts and 1 banana. SPINACH AND FETA OMELETTE V Made with 2 eggs and filled with 30g feta cheese, 1 tomato and 2 handfuls steamed spinach. Plus 1 apple. FIGGY PORRIDGE V 4tbsp porridge oats and 275ml skimmed milk with 1 fig, 1tsp flaked almonds and some cinnamon.

➺

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 49

Lunches Choose 1 (around 400 calories each) COUSCOUS, PEPPER AND CHICKPEA SALAD V 6tbsp prepared couscous, ½ tin chickpeas (drained), ½ red pepper, ½ small red onion, cucumber, olives, coriander, parsley, 1tsp olive oil and lemon juice and zest to taste. HUMMUS, PITTA AND CRUDITÉS V 5tbsp reduced-fat hummus with 1 wholemeal pitta, 1 carrot and ½ red pepper. Plus 1 pear. TZATZIKI PRAWN JACKET POTATO 1 large jacket potato with 100g prawns mixed with 2tbsp tzatziki, and salad. Plus 1 apple. GREEK SALAD WRAP V 1 wholemeal wrap ﬁlled with 30g feta cheese, cucumber, ½ small red onion, ½ red pepper, 2 tomatoes, olives and 2tbsp tzatziki. Plus 1 slice cantaloupe melon. SPANISH OMELETTE V Made with 2 eggs, 1tsp olive oil, ½ courgette, ½ red onion, ½ red pepper, 1 boiled potato, 2tbsp grated reduced-fat Cheddar. Serve with salad. SARDINES WITH CRUSTY BREAD 10cm-piece wholegrain baguette ﬁlled with 1 small tin sardines in olive oil (drained), 1 tomato and rocket. CHICKEN PASTA SALAD 6tbsp cooked wholewheat pasta, 1 grilled skinless chicken breast, 6 cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, rocket and balsamic vinegar. Plus 1 satsuma.

Choose 1 (around 450 calories each) MED-STYLE VEGGIE WRAPS V 1 wholemeal wrap ﬁlled with 100g Quorn chicken-style strips, ½ small red onion, ½ each red and green pepper, and Italian seasoning, all fried in 2tsp olive oil. Serve with lettuce and 2tbsp tzatziki. Plus 1 apple. STEAK AND NEW POTATOES 1 grilled small lean rump steak, 3 new potatoes in skins, 1 grilled tomato, 1 big mushroom fried in 1tsp olive oil and steamed spinach. Plus 1 handful blueberries.

50 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

ROASTED VEG PASTA V 6tbsp wholewheat pasta mixed with ½ small ball reduced-fat mozzarella and ½ each red and green pepper, ½ small red onion, 1 courgette, 6 cherry tomatoes and ½ small aubergine, all roasted in 1tsp olive oil with herbs. LAMB KEBABS 100g lean lamb cubes, ½ courgette and ½ red pepper, grilled on skewers. Serve with 6tbsp cooked bulgur wheat, salad and 2tbsp tzatziki. Plus 1 satsuma. VEG BOLOGNESE V Bolognese made from 1tsp olive oil, 100g

meat-free mince, garlic to taste, ½ onion, 1 carrot, 1 handful mushrooms, ½ tin chopped tomatoes, 1tbsp tomato purée, mixed herbs and 2tbsp red wine. Serve with 125g wholewheat spaghetti, 1tbsp veggie Parmesan and salad. SALMON AND ROASTED POTATOES 1 grilled salmon steak, 3 new potatoes in their skins roasted in 1tsp olive oil, steamed beans and carrots. HALLOUMI, AUBERGINE AND PEPPER BURGER V 1 wholemeal roll ﬁlled with ½ red pepper, 2 slices aubergine, 2 thick slices halloumi (all brushed with oil and grilled) and 1tbsp tzatziki. Serve with salad. Plus 1 satsuma.

Photography Getty, DDP/Camera Press

Dinners

Slimmer you!

Snacks Choose 1 a day (around 100 calories each) ½ carton fresh toast with 1tsp vegetable soup. unsweetened peanut butter. Salad with 1 boiled egg. 4tbsp tzatziki with ½ red pepper to dip. 4 walnut halves or 1tbsp unsalted Small pot fat-free almonds. Greek yogurt with a handful summer Large bowl fruit fruits (defrosted if salad. 1 slice wholegrain frozen).

Q A

I’m slim, but my tummy is often bloated. What’s causing this to happen? lthough bloating is uncomfortable, it’s not usually caused by anything serious, especially if it follows a pattern of getting worse during the day, then improving overnight,’ says Dr Harper. ‘However, persistent bloating may be a sign of something more serious, so see your GP if it lasts for more than a couple of weeks.’

Beat the bloat Go slow at mealtimes Eating quickly, talking with a full mouth or munching on the move means swallowing extra air that ends up in your tummy. Chew well Insufficient chewing means that our gut has to work harder, creating gas as a by-product. Skip sugar-free gum It contains sweeteners like sorbitol, xylitol or mannitol, which can have a laxative effect, causing wind and bloating. Practise hara hachi bu This ancient Japanese tradition means eating until we’re 80% full. Eating until we’re stuffed means our digestive systems have to work harder, creating more gas. Phase out the ﬁzz Fizzy soft drinks and mixers, sparkling water and Prosecco are ﬁlled with carbon dioxide bubbles, which cause a gassy tummy. Stay upright after eating A Spanish study found adults retained 11 times more gas in their intestines when they lay down compared with staying upright. Gas was also expelled more quickly, when standing. So no more slouching on the couch after dinner!

Fit and fab

Strengthen your core muscles, and firm up tums with these fab tips from our fitness experts. MAKE IT FUN ‘If exercise is fun, you’re more likely to stick with it and achieve your goal,’ says Maxine Jones, dance aerobics fitness instructor whose clients include Lorraine Kelly. Maxine recommends 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day for best results, and says dance aerobic classes tick all the boxes. ‘They burn fat, tone muscles, improve coordination, release endorphins and strengthen your core to flatten your tummy.’ For a free one-week trial of Maxine’s classes via live stream, visit maxicise.tv. LET FITNESS FIT YOU Many activities are good for waist whittling. ‘It’s a case of finding ones that fit around your lifestyle,’ says Steven Virtue, fitness experience manager at Total Fitness (totalfitness.co.uk). ‘Pilates or yoga are both effective for a flatter stomach.’

ENJOY A FAB ABS WORKOUT For a quick 10-minute workout for a flatter tum, visit nhs.uk/exercise and click on ‘fitness guides’. PRACTISE THE PELVIC PULL Pulling your tummy in flattens the top of it, but also causes the bottom of it to protrude. ‘To flatten your whole stomach, place one hand on your lower abdomen, pull your pelvic floor muscles in and up (the ones that stop you going for a wee) and hold for 30 seconds. You should feel your lower stomach flatten,’ says physiotherapist Lucy Macdonald, director of the Octopus Clinic in London (octopusclinic.com). SWIM FOR A TRIM TUM Whatever the stroke, swimming engages your core muscles, say experts at Speedo (speedo. com). For best results, imagine you’re pulling your belly button towards your spine while swimming. Treading water is also good for your abs, or try this ab tightener: with your back against the pool wall, use your elbows to hold yourself up on the side. Slowly move your legs through the water from a standing to a sitting position; hold for 10 seconds, then repeat as often as you can.

A flatter tum – fast! ‘Good posture increases the space between your ribs and hips, so your tummy looks ﬂatter,’ says Lucy. ‘Whenever you have a spare minute, stand against a wall. Your shoulder blades and bottom should touch the wall, but there should be a gap between your lower back and the wall. Place the back of your head against the wall by tucking in your chin. Imagine a piece of string pulling up from the top of your head. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then keep this posture as you step away from the wall.’ PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 51

Love your locks

Boost YOUR HAIR confidence! Losing your hair is one of the biggest knocks you can have to your self-esteem. Why does it happen and what can you do about it?

t might be that you start noticing more hairs than usual on your brush, or that your ponytail feels less substantial than it used to. And, once you notice hair thinning or loss, it’s hard not to think about it every time you look in a mirror. Some hair loss is normal – we shed up to 100 hairs a day – but when it feels like a signiﬁcant amount, it gives our conﬁdence a good kicking because our crowning glory is so bound up with our femininity and identity. While hair thinning and loss can have many causes, and are often due to a combination of factors, it’s especially common as we hit midlife. It’s as if mother nature is smirking and saying, ‘Adolescence? Pregnancy? Pah! Let’s chuck in the menopause and see what you’re really made of!’ During the menopause, around 40% of women will experience hair loss or hair thinning, and suddenly, it can feel like every day is a bad hair day. Strike a chord? Here we shine a spotlight on four follicular foes and share expert tips to help.

WHAT KIND OF HAIR LOSS COULD YOU HAVE? Trichologist Anabel Kingsley reveals the most common types of hair loss suffered by the women she treats at her London and New York clinics. O Androgenetic

alopecia

This is a slow, gradual and progressive reduction in hair density whereby follicles get smaller and hairs become ﬁner with each passing growth cycle. This is mostly genetic and it’s best to seek help as soon as you notice changes, as the chances of improvement are higher then. O Telogen

effluvium (TE)

This is when a sudden and greater-than-normal number of

hairs are shed. It can be caused by poor health and lifestyle – for example, your thyroid might be over- or underactive, or your diet might not be balanced. The good news is that in cases of TE, hair loss should stop and grow back as before once the cause is found and addressed. O Frontal

ﬁbrosing

alopecia This is a type of scarring hair loss that affects your front hairline, caused by inﬂammation or destruction of the hair follicles. It occurs mainly in post-menopausal women and is thought to be linked to a faulty immune response.

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PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 53

ARE YOU STRESSED?

MENOPAUSAL MATTERS As our oestrogen levels drop, which happens during menopause, the effect of male hormones (androgens, which women also produce) can increase. A sensitivity to androgens causes the follicles to ‘miniaturise’ and die over time. WHAT TO TRY There are products that can help treat this topically: Plantur 39 Shampoo and Hair Tonic, £9.99 and £10.49, have a phyto-caffeine complex to ﬁght the effects of testosterone on the hair root, while Tricho 7 Scalp Drops by Philip Kingsley, £50, contain zinc sulphate, azelaic acid and vitamin B6 to help stop the conversion of testosterone. There are also anti-androgenic drugs ﬁnasteride and spironolactone, which a dermatologist can prescribe.

WHAT ARE YOU (NOT) EATING? WHICH FOODS According to Kate Delmar-Morgan, CONTAIN WHAT? a nutritional therapist, a balanced diet is key for hair health. She says, ‘Hair is O Omega-3 fatty acids Oily fish, effectively a protein filament and grows chia seeds and flaxseeds. from the follicle found in the skin, so O Protein Lean meat, poultry, fish, eating plenty of protein is key.’ She also eggs, yogurt, lentils, chickpeas and recommends eating foods soy products such as tofu. containing omega-3 fatty O Iron Leafy greens such TOP TIP acids, as they’re as kale, nuts and meat. Mindful eating – chewing essential in stimulating O Vitamin A Oily fish, well and eating slowly – protein synthesis. dairy, and red, enable digestive enzymes to Other major players green and yellow break down food properly. are iron, calcium, veg containing beta Fermented foods such as kefir, zinc, selenium, and carotene, which we sauerkraut and kimchee can vitamin A, plus silica convert to vitamin A. also help keep the gut – a mineral that helps O Biotin Salmon, egg environment healthy. improve circulation, yolk, liver and avocado. stimulating blood flow to the O Silica Whole grains scalp – and biotin, believed to such as brown rice, and jumbo protect follicles and prevent breakage. oats, bell peppers and bananas.

COULD IT BE YOUR THYROID? Thyroid function is important for your hair as it helps control the production of proteins and the body’s use of oxygen. If your thyroid is under- or overactive, it can cause problems such as hair loss, hair thinning or reduced growth. WHAT TO TRY If a blood test reveals that you do have thyroid problems, Anabel Kingsley suggests 54 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

working with a trichologist and your GP or endocrinologist to ensure you are given correct medication and specially prescribed hair treatments. At Philip Kingsley clinics, for example, they recommend Minoxidil drops, which you apply to your scalp. Minoxidil stimulates hair growth by prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle.

Many of us would probably say we regularly feel under pressure, but when it’s chronic, it’s worth knowing that it can raise our androgen levels – and may contribute to androgenetic alopecia. As most of us can attest, stressful periods often lead to skipping meals or reaching for comfort foods with little nutritional value, which can result in nutritional deﬁciencies – another common cause of hair loss. WHAT TO TRY Find a way of relaxing that works for you. Pilates and yoga are great for relieving anxiety and worries. Walking, meditation or using mindfulness apps such as Calm or Headspace are also good ways to chill out. Incorporate some form of stress-relieving activity into your day – even if it’s just 10 minutes.

SHOULD YOU TAKE A SUPPLEMENT? Kate says, ‘While food is the best way of obtaining vital nutrients for hair and health, taking supplements can be a way to obtain a higher concentration and, where there are nutritional deﬁciencies, might be a way of improving this status more quickly.’ PRIMA LOVES Viviscal Max Strength Tablets, £83.99, for a three-month supply (viviscal.co.uk) – actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon are among the brand’s legions of fans. And, if their ﬂowing tresses are anything to go by, the marine protein complex (Viviscal’s key ingredient) is doing its job well. Most of the Prima beauty team take it on a regular basis, too!

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Love your locks

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Stress can contribute to hair loss, so find a way of relaxing that works for youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Love your locks

ADD VA VA VOOM TO YOUR STYLE Getting the shape of a haircut right will make a dramatic difference to how thick it looks and will make styling quicker and simpler, according to hairdresser Michael Van Clarke. ‘If a lot of hair has been lost around the hairline, proper graduation and even a wide fringe may help,’ he says. Michael says less is more when it comes to teasing tresses, so keep heat to a minimum, use a heat-protective product and choose ﬁnger waves over styling Ask your hairdresser for a cut that creates the tools to give movement and texture. illusion of thickness

HAIR HELPERS O Michael Van Clarke 3 More

Inches Volumising Mousse, £12.50, incorporates cashmere proteins to naturally bulk up strands, giving extra body and bounce without the 1980s mousse crunch! O Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast, £25, transforms limp hair instantly – perfect for on-the-spot pump-ups during the day. O We can’t wait to try new Pantene Pro-V Miracles Go Longer Protein Reconstructor leave-in cream, £5, which combines Pro-V science with biotin and bamboo to help reduce hair loss and promote strength. It will be available at Superdrug this month.

HOW TO FAKE IT HAIR FIBRES If your parting is getting wider and your scalp shows through, using hair ﬁbres (a powder to sprinkle on to your hair) could help. They’re made of keratin protein and attach to even the spindliest of strands like tiny magnets to add bulk, density and fullness. Once you get the hang of using them, they’re very effective. 56 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

TRY WEARING EXTENSIONS We like Great Lengths Mini Strands and GL Tapes Minis (greatlengthshair.co.uk), available in 90 shades from Hershesons clip-in salons nationwide. These little extensions, from £30 wefts of human hair are designed to enhance volume rather than add lots of length – they’re great for amping up a sparse fringe, too. At home you could try clip-in extensions. Some of the best we’ve seen are from Hershesons (hershesons.com) who have a range of human hair of various Nanogen lengths and textures including Keratin Hair fringes and ponytails, starting Fibres, £18 from £30.

WHAT WORKED FOR US ‘I tried to disguise my hair loss by backcombing’ ‘It was a bit of a shock when I noticed my hair receding at the temples, as it had always been thick. I tried not to worry, hoping it was just temporary, and set about trying to disguise it by backcombing it into oblivion. It ruined the condition and didn’t help at all! When I realised it wasn’t growing back, I bought some Viviscal. It was a slow start, but I persevered with taking the supplements and, six months on, the difference is incredible. My hair is thick and full again and I’m having fun trying out new styles to show it off!’ Karen, 48, Oxfordshire

‘Losing my hair after cancer was so difficult’ ‘I wore a cold cap to try and stop my hair from falling out when I had chemotherapy for breast cancer, but it didn’t work. I felt I looked like a victim and hated it, I just wanted to look like me. Since then, my hair has grown back thicker and healthier with more of a curl than before. Watermans Shampoo and Conditioner seem to have given it more thickness and body than other products I’ve tried, and I always get Watermans Hair comments on its great Growth Shampoo condition.’ and Conditioner, Julie, 45, Leeds £30

Words Lisa Barrett Photography Jumpfoto

MYTH It’s a popular myth that daily hair-washing will make you lose hair faster. In fact, experts agree that frequent hair-washing encourages healthy hair – it stimulates the scalp and creates an optimum environment for healthy hair growth.

‘Fibres have given me confidence’ ‘As I got older, I kept noticing more and more hairs in my brush and my hair became so thin. I felt as if I couldn’t talk to anyone about it, even my husband, and I started turning down nights out with friends. My way of coping is to cover up with hats – I even have a dedicated hat drawer! When I don’t want to wear a hat, I use Nanogen ﬁbres, £18.95, which disguise my thinning hair really well and give me back the conﬁdence I used to have.’ Yasmine, 43, London PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 57

FRAGRANCE FAVOURITES I love Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Cologne, from £48, for evening, and Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense, from £78, for day and night.

WAKE-UP CALL

I do an early morning boxing or gym session; it really sets me up for the day. If I left my workout until the evening, I’d never actually do it!

My beauty SECRETS

KATIE PIPER

I feel really proud to be an ambassador for the haircare brand Pantene and to be authentically myself – no Photoshop! I look at my own recovery and think: ‘Ten years ago, if I’d opened up a magazine and seen someone like me, it would have really solidiﬁed in my head that it was okay to be who I am.’ Pantene is trying to encourage more women to have conﬁdence-boosting good hair days.

Katie, 36, suffered a horriﬁc acid attack in 2008 that caused major damage to her face. The author and philanthropist shares how she’s adapted her beauty regime to help her feel and look her best 58 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

BONDING TIME I use the nourishing Pantene Pro-V Gold Series on my daughter’s afro hair. We’ve been doing hair treatments together! The Pantene advert has opened up positive conversations and it’s changing her view of her hair.

Words Medina Azaldin Main image Getty. Katie Piper is part of the Pantene Power of Hair Power Squad. Pantene Smooth & Sleek range is available at Boots

A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

Beautiful you THE EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

SELF-CARE RITUAL

My go-to foundation is L’Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation, £9.99. For lips, I go for a matte nude, such as MAC Lipstick in Honeylove, £17.50.

I’m big on body-brushing. Use a body brush with a long handle so you can reach the bottom of your back and don’t miss any of those trickier areas. I tend to do it once a week and sometimes twice in the summer. I’m also a fan of Rituals Foaming Shower Gel, £8.50, and Body Cream, £18.50. They make your bathroom feel like a luxurious spa.

AT-HOME TREAT

SKINCARE STAPLE I use SPF 50+ all year round. I love La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios range.

Having children means getting gel nails done at home by a manicurist while my youngest is on my lap! I always go for nudes or black. Black is my signature colour.

ALWAYS IN MY MAKE-UP BAG… Cosmetic scissors to trim my eyebrows; they grow long after the transplant I had. Also, Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Dry Oil With Argan Oil, £6.90, for the ends of my hair, and Mario Badescu Facial Spray, £12, a fresh primer and toner.

THE KEY TO CONFIDENCE

Don’t compare yourself with others. Nobody feels confident in every area of their life. All you can do is work on the areas you lack and appreciate the areas in which you excel. And remember to celebrate your achievements.

MANE MUST-HAVE Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek range. On photoshoot days, I’ll apply the Smooth & Sleek Intensive Mask, £4.99, on my hair with a wide-toothed comb, put it up in a bun, go to work, then have it washed and blow-dried at the shoot so it looks really shiny.

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 59

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Alison now has the O[Z³PQZOQ `[ _T[c [RR TQ^ WZ[OW[a` ³Sa^Q

ALISON JAMES, 48, from north London, works in HR. Dress, £129, 8-18, The Pretty Dress Company. Earrings, £12, Jon Richard. Bracelet, £7.50, Matalan. Ring, stylist’s own. Shoes, £149, 3-8, Lisa Kay

Lost Lost

7st LIANNE KYLE, 33, from Stoke-on-Trent, is a translation coordinator. Jacket, £55, 4-16; trousers, £36, 4-16, both River Island. T-shirt, £12, s-l, Topshop. Earrings, £4.50, Matalan. Shoes, £169, 3-8, Lisa Kay

62 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

3st 4lb

NOW! These four readers have lost an amazing 24 stone between them. To celebrate their weight loss success, they share their stories – and we help them show off their gorgeous new ﬁgures!

Lost

7st 7lb

Reader makeovers

FRANCESCA STIFF, 43, from Northallerton in North Yorkshire, is a customer service assistant. Jacket, £25, 8-20, Peacocks. Blouse, £24.99, xs-xl, Reserved. Jeans, £28, 6-22, Next. Shoes, £195, 3-8, L.K.Bennett

LOUISE BENNETT, 56, from Worcestershire, is retired. Top, £30, 10-20, Roman. Trousers, £75, 6-22, Boden. Earrings, £3.50, Matalan. Shoes, Louise’s own

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Lost

6st 11lb

Louise is ready to turn heads in bold brights

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 63

‘Losing weight has been completely life-changing. I feel energised, younger and happier in myself ’ Feeling unhappy and unhealthy, mum-of-two Alison knew it was time for change. After losing an incredible 7st, she’s now inspiring her two daughters to embrace active, healthy lives, too. WHY I DECIDED TO LOSE WEIGHT After being prescribed medicine for high blood pressure and high cholesterol for four years, I knew I had to make changes. I was also desperate to be a good healthy role model for my two daughters, aged six and nine at the time, so I decided that a complete lifestyle change was the only way forward. HOW I ACHIEVED IT It was January 2018 when I started WW. I’d tried exercising but hadn’t been able to shift the pounds. I knew food was my downfall and that I needed to learn healthier eating habits. I chose WW because I wanted a lifestyle overhaul, and I found the points system very easy to follow. I never had a goal of how much I wanted to lose; I just wanted to be a size 16 – and also prove to my GP that I was motivated enough to lose weight and come off my medication. There are tons of recipes available on the WW mobile app, which has given me the opportunity to try new foods and a more varied diet. I didn’t want to have to cook separate food for my family, so I’ve adapted our meals to fit into the WW plan. I’ve even got my girls cooking more. The other day, my youngest made me breakfast in bed! She now watches YouTube food channels, and loves us to cook as a family. Now I’m committed to my new, healthier lifestyle, I’ve really got into fitness. I’ve found lots of things I like doing: walking, weight training, HIIT boxing and swimming classes. I recently ran a 5k, and next year I’m doing a 5k Swimathon with my family. And for my 50th, I’m hoping to complete a triathlon. HOW I FEEL NOW Losing weight has been completely life-changing: I feel energised, younger and happier in myself. Sometimes I bump into people I haven’t seen in a while and they don’t recognise me! I love trying on new clothes that I wouldn’t have dared wear before: fitted, more colour, more revealing. I also used to hate having my picture taken, but look at me now! 64 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

The smile says it all! Alison looks stunning

Lost 7st with WW (Weight Watchers)

Jumpsuit, £110, 8-18, Monsoon at debenhams.com. Earrings, £12; necklace, £16, both Jon Richard. Bangles, £7.99, New Look. Ring, stylist’s own. Shoes, £273, 3-8, Chie Mihara

Reader makeovers ‘I’m not hiding from the camera any more!’ After years of avoiding the camera, Lianne has lost over three stone – and she’s ready to step into the spotlight! WHY I DECIDED TO LOSE WEIGHT I’ve always suffered with my weight, but it got out of control when I had my son, Mason. I started eating convenience food to ﬁt round his sleep times and lost my routine. I then tried fad diets, but they didn’t work. The turning point came when I had a group photo taken at work and I thought, ‘I don’t want to look like this any more’.

a toddler. I’d been overeating, so it helped rein in my portion sizes and encouraged me to make healthy choices. As part of the plan, I received emails with lots of advice, which helped change my mentality around healthy eating. To track my weight loss, I started an Instagram account @loserlianne so I could share my journey with family and friends,

HOW I ACHIEVED IT Jane Plan’s ready-made meals were the best option for me while juggling a full-time job and

who have been really encouraging. After I lost my ﬁrst stone, I started doing Zumba, more exercise and lots of walking. Before that, I didn’t feel comfortable exercising in front of others. Even when I was at soft-play centres with Mason, I felt self-conscious, just in case people judged me or I felt out of breath. Now, I have bags of energy and can go where I like with Mason. Before my weight loss, I’d always hide in photos or be the one behind the camera. Now I love pictures with family and friends and I’m not hiding behind the camera any more! And if you’d told me a few years ago that I was going to have my pictures in a magazine, I’d have laughed in disbelief! HOW I FEEL NOW I’m much happier in myself. I used to hate shopping and spent my life hiding in baggy clothes. But now I love having the freedom to shop wherever I like – and I even feel brave enough to try lots of bright colours. I recently got engaged, which I’m so excited about, and it has made me feel even more motivated to maintain my weight loss for the wedding. I want to ﬁnd my dream dress!

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Lost 3st 4lb with Jane Plan

Shirt dress, £46, 6-18, River Island at next.co.uk. Earrings, £6.50, Matalan. Boots, £16, 3-8, Primark

Since her weight loss, Lianne is embracing beautiful brights

‘I’m so much more daring now. I can’t wait to see what the future brings’

After years of hiding in baggy layers, it’s fab to see Francesca embracing more ³``QP _`eXQ_

After dropping five dress sizes, fashion fan Francesca is wearing her favourite colourful, curve-hugging clothes with confidence again, and feeling like a new woman. WHY I DECIDED TO LOSE WEIGHT At my heaviest, I was deeply unhappy. My confidence was at an all-time low and my health was suffering: I’d get out of breath very easily, and it was tough keeping up with my children. My vice was comfort-eating chocolate, processed foods and sugary snacks. The more weight I put on, the unhappier I was, so the more I ate. Then, someone said: ‘It’s all well and good you being upset, but the only person who can do something about it is you.’ It was the light-bulb moment I needed. I was tired of feeling like this and knew I had to take back control. HOW I ACHIEVED IT A friend suggested that we both try Slimming World. I’d heard success stories, so I joined my local group. I was very nervous when I went to my first workshop, but the group, and Nikki my consultant, welcomed me. There was no judgement and I felt supported from the start. I was quite tearful when I had my initial weigh-in, but it motivated me to get going with my new lifestyle. I lost 5.5lb in my first week, which spurred me on. The group support was vital, and I still like to go now. My family has been brilliant, too; they’re so proud of me. We’ve all adopted healthier habits and it’s great to see my children making better diet choices. It’s also taught me how to cook more exciting food. After a year of weight loss, I joined the gym. I felt so anxious, but again there was no need to worry, they were all very supportive. HOW I FEEL NOW Losing weight has changed my life. I’ve gone from hiding at the back of fitness classes to heading straight for the front. I’ve even started burlesque dancing! I’ve also won several Slimming World awards, including Woman of the Year and Miss Slinky! My goal is to become a Slimming World consultant to help others achieve their weight-loss dreams. Before, I didn’t like going to the shops, because I just felt upset. Now, being size 12, I can go into any high-street shop I like, and wear what I want. I’m so much more daring now and, honestly, I’ve never felt happier in myself. I can’t wait to see what the future brings. 66 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Lost 6st 11lb with Slimming World

Jumper, £32, 6-18, River Island. Cord jeans, £26, 6-22, Dorothy Perkins. Shoes, £19.99, 3-8, New Look

Reader makeovers ‘It’s amazing to have gone from a size 22 to a 10. I feel 10 years younger!’

Lost 7st 7lb with LighterLife

Shirt, £28, 6-22, Next. Leather skirt, £199, 8-18, Marks & Spencer. Earrings, £3.50, Matalan. Bangles, £29, Next. Shoes, £19.99, 3-8, New Look

This body– hugging pencil skirt shows off Louise’s beautiful shape

Feature Helen Johnson Photography Liz McAulay Stylist Anne Hartnett Hair & make-up Anna Durston, Julie Read Styling assistant Corin Ripley Pink velvet chair with thanks to Wayfair

Fed up with being unable to fit into her favourite shoes and clothes, Louise was determined to lose weight. Now 7st 7lb lighter, she feels 10 years younger. WHY I DECIDED TO LOSE WEIGHT Being a bigger woman, I struggled to find clothes to fit my style and personality. Everything was so frumpy and plain, and the only part of my wardrobe I could enjoy was my shoes. Over the years, I’ve acquired over 200 pairs! Then came the time where I could no longer fit into my beautiful shoes, either. By 2017, I’d reached the point where I felt unwell, physically and mentally. I was starting to think, ‘I’m getting old, and I need to do something about this now.’ HOW I ACHIEVED IT I chose LighterLife because I’d heard that you could see results quickly, which I thought would help keep me motivated. I’d tried other diets in the past, but I realised I needed one with lots of structure. As part of the plan, you learn cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and transactional analysis [a psychological approach that helps explain why we act and feel the way we do], which helped unlock my bad eating habits. I plotted my goals on an Excel spreadsheet to make them achievable. It meant that I could be realistic if there were special occasions or holidays. It took around a year to achieve the weight I wanted. My mentor, Mandy, my husband and friends helped me on my way and I found the LighterLife groups really brilliant. Having the support of like-minded people is invaluable – and it keeps you on track. Losing the weight is hard, but it doesn’t end there – you have to maintain it. I still go along to the group and see the other members; it’s important for me. HOW I FEEL NOW It’s amazing to have gone from a size 22 to a 10. I feel 10 years younger, and so much healthier physically and mentally. I’m really enjoying shopping again, and I’m embracing colour, shapes and styles I wouldn’t have dared to try before. Being able to wear my high heels again has been the icing on the cake for me; they symbolise my achievement! My advice to anyone losing weight is to recognise that taking care of your mental health is a vital part of maintaining your weight loss. You have to work at it, you don’t get anything for nothing. But the rewards are fantastic! PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 67

Feel BETTER Want to make 2020 the year you master your health for good? Follow Dr Rangan Chatterjee’s easy new plan and you really can…

hen it comes to January health changes, we’ve pretty much tried them all. Dieting and cutting out food groups: check. Joining the gym: check. Going to yoga and meditation classes: double check. But while all these changes are certainly positive, they are incredibly hard to make stick. Sadly, statistics suggest that by the second Friday in January, our motivation has melted away. Doing what our bodies need seems so obvious, so why can’t we make it happen? According to Dr Rangan Chatterjee – GP, author, star of BBC One’s Doctor In The House and host of chart-topping podcast Feel Better, Live More – there is an effective way to create lasting health changes. And all it 68 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

TIP According to Dr Chatterjee, healthy habits need to be as simple as possible if you want to stick to them.

requires is ﬁve minutes of your time, three times a day. Yes, really. ‘Most new plans rely on motivational willpower, and this can run out very quickly, especially if the changes you’re making don’t ﬁt easily into your lifestyle,’ he says. ‘The way you change your life for good, not just for January, is by making small, easy changes.’

In Dr Chatterjee’s new book, Feel Better in 5, he focuses on what he believes are the three key areas of health: mind, body and heart. His plan recommends setting aside ﬁve minutes a day to nourish each of these, with simple, easy-to-implement tasks that he calls ‘health snacks’. That’s only 15 minutes of your time each day!

Best of health

in minutes Why five minutes is enough

FIVE MINUTES FOR YOUR MIND

works in exactly the same way as bad health – it all adds up and can have TURN ON YOUR BRAIN TAP amazing positive effects.’ Fed up of whirring thoughts? Take Sounds convincing. But why five them out of your head and on to minutes specifically? ‘After testing this a piece of paper. Write down every on my own patients and thought as it happens – it doesn’t finding out what works for matter if it comes out as complete them, I discovered that five gibberish because no one else needs minutes is the perfect to read it. This will help clear your balance of being simple, mind of all that mental clutter, so you but also effective,’ he says. can focus on the important stuff. ‘The best way to make real, WHEN As soon as you wake up, to long-lasting behavioural clear your mind for the day. Or do change is to set the bar it before bed, to help you sleep. really low and make it as MAKE IT STICK Keep a journal easy as possible.’ and pen next to your bed. The best part about Dr Chatterjee’s plan is that it can be completely FIND YOUR FLOW personalised. You only need to pick one If you struggle to switch off during ‘health snack’ each for mind, body and meditation, you’ll be pleased to know heart, and you can go for one that you can reap the same rewards from works for you, fits into your doing something creative. routine, and you know Spend five minutes each TIP you’ll find enjoyable. It day absorbing yourself in Focusing on mind, really is as easy as one, a pleasurable task, like body and heart two, three, four, five! colouring, knitting, reading gets to the root of or even doing jigsaw common problems, puzzles. Choose something including headaches hard enough that you have to and back pain. many different concentrate, but not so hard blood around the body,’ health issues, from that you feel like giving up. This he explains. ‘I’m talking diet and nutrition to will allow you to ‘find your flow’ and about connection with you can become completely absorbed. the people around us.’ So anxiety and physical pain. ‘For example, if your five minute task is WHEN In the morning, before you’re eating a lot of to talk to loved ones and or after breakfast. sugar, cutting it out isn’t interact positively with MAKE IT STICK always the answer – you the world around you. Leave your You might wonder how need to address those colouring cravings. It could be that these areas can actually book/knitting you’re feeling stressed, benefit your health, but needles/ or lonely, so if you target Dr Chatterjee says that jigsaws on the targeting several areas at mind, body and heart, kitchen table once is key to addressing the rest will follow.’ to jog your memory.

Setting aside these five-minute bursts, says Dr Chatterjee, can have a whole host of health benefits, including losing weight, reducing stress, improving sleep, as well as helping a range of common ailments, from headaches and digestion problems to aches and pains. Essentially, they will make you feel better. But can five minutes really make a difference? ‘Look at it this way,’ says Dr Chatterjee. ‘If I were to tell you to start smoking non-stop for five minutes, eat rich biscuits for five minutes, then drink as much sugary pop as you can for five minutes, every day, you wouldn’t be surprised that this would start changing your health. After a week or two, you’d feel worse. You’d have less energy, you’d crave more sugary foods, the shape of your body would change, and you might experience the first symptoms of more serious problems. Good health

Relax, move and connect Mind ‘health snacks’ are all about de-stressing and relaxing. For the body ‘health snacks’, you should spend ﬁve minutes exercising to work up a sweat. But the heart ‘health snacks’, says Dr Chatterjee, are arguably the most important and overlooked health factor. ‘I’m not talking about the organ that pumps

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PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 69

FIVE MINUTES FOR YOUR BODY DANCE IT OUT Don’t have time for a full-body workout and hate the gym? No problem! According to Dr Chatterjee, we’ve overcomplicated exercise. ‘All you need to do is move,’ he says. Put on your favourite songs and have a dance – either on your own or with your family. ‘It’ll get your TIP blood pumping, and make Exercise doesn’t have you feel great, too,’ he says. to be stressful – it can WHEN Just before dinner. make you feel free and MAKE IT STICK Create joyful. Try playing tag a playlist of your favourite with your kids for just feelgood songs. ﬁve minutes.

FIVE MINUTES FOR YOUR HEART PLAY THE GRATITUDE GAME

START A TEA RITUAL

Gratitude helps you to focus on positive things that happen every day; it also helps us connect with each other. ‘I play this game with my family around the table,’ says Dr Chatterjee. ‘Everyone has to answer the following questions: what have you done today to make someone else happy? What has someone else done to make you happy? What have you learned? What have you done to make yourself happy? How did it feel when you made someone else happy?’ WHEN In the evening/during a meal. MAKE IT STICK Write the questions up on a board or stick them on the fridge.

This ‘health snack’ involves sitting with a friend or partner and chatting attentively over a cup of tea for ﬁve minutes every day. Talk about each other’s days, listen carefully and don’t go on your phone. ‘I do this with my wife every evening after the kids are in bed, and we feel so much closer,’ says Dr Chatterjee. ‘We usually end up talking for more than ﬁve minutes because we enjoy it so much.’ WHEN In the evening with a relative, or during lunchbreak with a friend. MAKE IT STICK Buy your favourite tea and biscuits for your tea ritual.

HOP, SKIP AND JUMP ‘Skipping is one of the best ways to work out in a short period of time, and it helps with agility, balance and coordination, as well as cardiorespiratory ﬁtness,’ says Dr Chatterjee. Get yourself a skipping rope and start simple, then add in some more complex movements like criss-crossing arms, high knees and jumping jacks. WHEN Get skipping before you leave the house for the day. MAKE IT STICK Leave your skipping rope by the door where you can see it.

COMMIT TO ONE EACH Choose one for mind, one for body and one for heart – don’t try switching it up. ‘Although variety can be more interesting, it can lead to indecision and then procrastination,’ says Dr Chatterjee. ‘The simpler it is, the more consistent you’ll be.’

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ATTACH THEM TO EXISTING ROUTINES The best way to create new habits, says Dr Chatterjee, is to associate them with the things you already do every day. ‘Do them while you’re waiting for your coffee to brew, or just after you brush your teeth,’ he says.

CREATE TRIGGERS Give yourself prompts so that you don’t forget to do your ‘health snacks’. ‘I keep a small pair of dumbbells by the kettle, so that I remember to do a quick workout before making myself a cup of tea,’ says Dr Chatterjee.

HAVE FUN! Getting healthy doesn’t have to feel like hard work. Choose the ‘health snacks’ that appeal to you most, and get your friends and family involved. • Feel Better In 5 by Dr Rangan Chatterjee (Penguin Life) is out now

Words Arielle Tchiprout Photography Getty

How to make new habits stick

Best of health

SARAH’S SURGERY

5 SURPRISING WINTER HEALTH RISKS

Those chilly temperatures can affect our bodies in ways we may not realise, reveals Dr Sarah Brewer

DIABETES CONTROL

When you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood glucose levels as normal as possible to prevent long-term complications, such as hardening and furring up of the arteries. But you may need to be more vigilant during cold weather. A US study looking at glucose control in 285,705 veterans, most of whom had type 2 diabetes, found signiﬁcant seasonal effects after taking other factors into account, with glucose control consistently poorer in winter than in summer. It’s not certain why cold weather affects glucose control, but it might relate to changes in diet and lifestyle – you may exercise less during winter, for example, or turn to less healthy comfort foods.

BREATHING PROBLEMS

HEART HAZARDS

Top tip Keep an eye on your cholesterol levels, as these tend to be higher in winter.

Exposure to cold air can worsen respiratory conditions like allergic rhinitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Breathing it in constricts inflamed airways, so you cough, wheeze and become short of breath, with tightness in the chest. Even cold air on the face can trigger this response, so it’s worth wrapping up with a hat and scarf, as well as using your preventer inhaler regularly as prescribed. Low vitamin D levels in winter have also been linked with asthma flare-ups. Nine trials, involving almost 1,100 adults and children, found that taking vitamin D reduced the rate of a serious asthma exacerbation and the need for oral corticosteroids by 37%. This reduced the risk of having to go to hospital by a massive 61%. It’s thought that vitamin D increases immunity against respiratory infections, which can worsen asthma symptoms. It also suppresses inflammation and boosts response to inhaled corticosteroids.

The number of heart attacks and strokes spikes in winter, partly because the amount of circulating platelets (blood cell fragments) increases, which can lead to unwanted blood clots. Researchers have found that the colder months are associated with a 14% increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (clot on the lung), as well as ruptured aortic aneurysm and stroke. A number of factors are thought to create the ‘perfect storm’ for cardiovascular problems in winter, including changes in diet, reduced activity, unusual physical exertion, such as shovelling snow, higher blood pressure and increased blood stickiness. Other factors include complications of winter infections, such as ﬂu and raised cholesterol.

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How to stay healthy in winter O CUT BACK ON SALT to help keep

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Monitor, £25.99, Argos

RAISED BLOOD PRESSURE

POOR CIRCULATION

Cold weather causes blood Blood vessels can go into spasm pressure to increase, regardless of whether in cold weather, which can lead to it’s already high. A study involving more than chilblains: itchy, purple inflamed areas that 55,500 healthy people without high blood appear on fingers, toes and even ears pressure, for example, found that a day or two after prolonged exposure every 10°C fall in temperature to cold, damp conditions. It is thought Top tip increased blood pressure by that reduced blood flow triggers inflammation through lack of an average of 1.85/1.18 mmHg. Ginkgo biloba and oxygen and nutrients. Keeping Blood pressure may rise magnesium can your extremities warm and dry, in cold weather as part of help improve blood and stopping smoking (nicotine a survival mechanism that circulation, studies constricts small arteries) can increases secretion of stress show. resolve it in four out of five cases. hormones. This causes blood Raynaud’s syndrome is caused by small vessels to constrict to help conserve arteries constricting: fingers (and sometimes body temperature, but has the side-effect of toes) go white, with numbness and tingling. increasing blood pressure. Other factors are Again, self-help measures include keeping also involved, though, including falling levels hands and feet warm, stopping smoking and of vitamin D from reduced sun exposure, avoiding extreme temperature changes. thickening of blood and a tendency to stay indoors and take less exercise.

Photography Getty

SLEEP WELL

your blood pressure under control. O EAT PLENTY OF FRUIT, VEG AND WARMING SPICES. O EAT ONE OR TWO PORTIONS OF OILY FISH PER WEEK (such as salmon or mackerel), as their omega-3 oils help to reduce inflammation and thin the blood. If you don’t like fish, take an omega-3 fish oil supplement. O DRINK LOTS OF FLUIDS. O KEEP ALCOHOL INTAKE WITHIN RECOMMENDED LEVELS and, if you smoke, do your utmost to stop. O HAVE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED REGULARLY – accurate home monitors are relatively cheap. O TAKE A VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENT. O EXERCISE most days, but don’t overdo it. Omron M2 Basic Upper O WRAP UP WARM. Arm Blood Pressure

20 great

WELLBEING BUYS for 2020! We’ve rounded up all you need for the new year to keep you feeling tip-top

PICK A NEW BERRY

REV YOUR WALKING!

Berry powders are superfood biggies, chock-full of antioxidants. So what’s new? HASKAP BERRY POWDER The haskap berry has three times more antioxidants and eight times more anthocyanins (pigments that may reduce high blood pressure and the risk of heart disease) than blueberries. Try a few teaspoons in yogurt or porridge. £19.99 for 100g, haskapa.com

What makes a great walking shoe? Well… we like a curvy sole that gives you a nice roll as you walk. It has to be waterproof, cradle the foot nicely and, if at all possible, come in insanely bonkers colours to cheer us through the last of the winter gloom! GRUBS DISCOVER WALKING SHOES tick all those boxes and have been approved by Nordic Walking UK. Need we say more? Grubs Discover shoes, £119.95, grubswarehouse.com

TAILOR-MADE PROBIOTICS This year, expect to see lots of new, ﬁnely tuned probiotics in the shops. These nifty capsules of ‘good’ bacteria, plus extras, have been designed to aid a healthy disgestive system, cognitive function and weight loss. BIO-KULT MIGRÉA This smart probiotic has a mix of 14 strains of live bacteria, along with magnesium (which migraine sufferers can have low levels of), and vitamin B6 (which plays a key role in your metabolism). £19.94 for 60 capsules, bio-kult.com or boots.com PRO-VEN PROBIOTICS SHAPELINE In a large study on the effects of probiotics on weight loss, participants (taking one capsule daily for six months) saw a reduction in weight and waistline without reducing calories! £29.95 for 30 capsules, hollandandbarrett.com BIO-KULT MIND A new probiotic with added zinc and blueberry designed to naturally support cognitive function, as well as digestion and immunity. £19.94 for 60 capsules, biokult.com or boots.com

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SPOIL YOURSELF WITH OILS Our love affair with natural, skinloving facial oils shows no sign of slowing. Currently we love… BLACK SEED OIL The black seed in question is nigella, used for centuries to soothe problem skin. Blended with other seeds, as well as chamomile and lavender, it makes skin feel lush! Try Viridian Organic Repair 5 Serum, £17 for 50ml, viridian-nutrition.com PRICKLY PEAR OIL Sounds weird, but this unique oil is selling out as fast as it lands. Containing the highest amount of vitamin E of any beauty oil, it works like a dream and helps calm redness. A goodie for those with rosacea. Try Garden of Wisdom 100% Pure Prickly Pear Seed Oil, £20 for 30ml, victoriahealth.com

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Your wellbeing Life is sweet: make caring choices for you – and the planet

PIMP YOUR COFFEE!

REST ASSURED

Pukka’s new Organic Latte Night Time is the perfect bedtime drink. ‘Eeek! Coffee at bedtime?’ we hear you cry. ‘Are you insane?’ However, this delicious malty blend is seriously snoozy stuff with caffeine-free carob, ashwagandha root powder to help with stress, oats for nourishment, nutmeg to aid sleep and warming cinnamon. Simply stir into warm almond milk for a delicious ﬁx. £4.99 for 15 servings, hollandandbarrett.com, also available from some supermarkets and health stores

Do your bit for the planet with a reusable cup – and save your pennies, too. The big coffee chains are offering anything from 20-50p off if you bring a reusable cup. Enough said! A REUSABLE Ecoffee cups (above) are made from natural ﬁbres, corn starch and resin. We love their good looks and rocking patterns! Around £10.95, ecoffeecup.com A COLLAPSIBLE Small handbags call for a reusable cup that’s easy to stash. This one smooshes down to a neat disc – and no, it won’t fold when you drink! Stojo collapsible coffee cup, £10, Sainsbury’s, John Lewis & Partners and Whittard

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BE INSPIRED

KNOW ABOUT NOOTROPICS

How we love a motivating self-help book around this time of year! We’ve found two that could be life changing… A YEAR OF LIVING KINDFULLY by Anna Black (Cico Books). Yes, kindfulness is the new mindfulness. THE JOY OF LIVING WITH LESS by Mary Lambert (Cico Books). Declutter and get down to your vital 100 items!

15 16

Nootropics are natural or synthetic compounds that could help enhance brain function, or support memory as we age. There are lots of natural nootropics – ginkgo biloba, ashwagandha, L-Theanine, ﬁsh oils, B vitamins and more – but keep it simple with a natural blend that you can take long term. We like… LIMITLESS PLUS features patented nootropic extracts derived from the tomato plant and specially grown spearmint. A couple of capsules a day is all it takes. £32 for 60 capsules, victoriahealth.com

Suddenly, crystals are making a comeback as the healing therapy of the moment. Devotees swear by them for their special powers and energy. So if you want to get crystalsavvy, treat yourself to a book that unlocks their mystery (and gives you hours of relaxed reading), plus a crystal or two! CRYSTAL 365: CRYSTALS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE by Heather Askinosie (Hay House). Discover 52 crystals with fabulous colour pics! ROSE QUARTZ is a good starter crystal as it’s reckoned to calm, reassure and shoo away negativity. Rose Quartz Crystal Heart, £4.92, holisticshop.co.uk THE HEALING HEART FACIAL Indulge in this neat trio of two smooth rose quartz hearts and luxe skin oil. Warm the hearts in hot water or cool them in the fridge if your skin is overheated. Healing Heart Facial by Ila Spa, £29.50, victoriahealth.com

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PERK UP WITH A HERBAL POD We adore our energising herbal teas and now you can get them in coffee-style pods. Choose Rokit Matcha Green Tea for metabolism and concentration, Yerba Mate for energy and immunity and Turmeric Blend for inﬂammation and aches. ROKIT PODS from £7.99 for 10, £13.99 for 20, rokitpods.com, Wholefoods, As Nature Intended and Selfridges

Words Lynn Cardy Photography Getty. Consult your GP about any speciﬁc concerns and before following medical advice on this page

EMBRACE CRYSTALS

Your wellbeing FIND YOUR FOREST Forest bathing is the therapy of the moment – that’s time spent in the green outdoors to calm the mind, soothe the soul and improve wellbeing. If you don’t have the time – or the forest – you can still breathe in the beneﬁts of the outdoors. AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES FOREST THERAPY BATH & SHOWER OIL Massage over your body before slipping into your bath and inhaling the gorgeous scents. £49 for 55ml, aromatherapyassociates.com

GIVE SKIN A SOOTHING TREAT We’re very partial to a great herb, so ﬁnding one at the heart of a new wellbeing buy is super-exciting! O Dry skin, hair and nails? With its caffeine-free antioxidant hit, rooibos tea is a great choice. Now try this new super-light oil with rooibos extract – a plant that’s been known for its healing and soothing properties for centuries. AFRICAN EXTRACTS ROOIBOS TISSUE OIL with vitamin E and geranium is so versatile, you can use it for dryness all over. £11.99 for 125ml, africanextracts.co.uk O Dry and irritated skin? CBD oil is the supplement of the moment, so it’s worth noting that it’s super-soothing when used topically on dry and unhappy skin in balm or cream form. HEALTHSPAN CBD BALM has cannabidiol in the blend, as well as essential oils of eucalyptus, lavender and chamomile. £19.95 for 180mg, healthspan.co.uk

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 77

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HAPPY CRAFTING!

MAKE IT ✽ SEW IT ✽ KNIT IT ✽ GIVE IT ✽ LOVE IT

THIS MONTH… Get organised this winter with our colourful crafts, cosy coats and pretty knits. Plus, we introduce our new crafter Sara Davies, and Lisa Comfort turns her hand to upcycling.

See over the page for our fab 14-PAGE MAKES SECTION PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 79

LET’S GET

ORGANISED These colourful makes will help to get you sorted for the year ahead and are a great way to make use of old bits and bobs

You can use a different-coloured chalk pen for each family member.

MONTHLY PLA NNER Use paint colour cards to make a calendar; write the month and your appointments on the glass and wipe off at the end.

TO MAKE YOU WILL NEED ✽ Picture frame, approx 55 x 45cm ✽ White paper to ﬁt inside frame ✽ 31 paint sample cards or squares of coloured paper ✽ Glue ✽ Chalk pen for writing on glass

80 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

❶ Remove the back board from the picture frame and cover with the white paper. ❷ Trim off the paint names if using paint sample cards. Arrange cards/paper squares in a 4x8 grid, leaving a space for the month in the top left.

❸ Glue cards in place. Replace the glass and frame and secure. Use the chalk pen to write the month, dates and days of the week on the glass. Hang in a prominent place and get everyone organised!

Get making!

PLAITED FA BRIC BOWLS This traditional method of making bowls is a great way to use up any leftover fabric scraps from sewing projects. Alternatively, you could use the same process to make pretty placemats.

TO MAKE YOU WILL NEED ✽ Plenty of strips of fabric, approx.

4cm wide and as long as they can be. Thinner fabrics, such as cottons and linens, are best if sewing with a machine – unless you have a heavy-duty one! ✽ Sewing machine ✽ Needle ✽ Strong thread

❶ Take three strips of fabric and stitch together at the top to secure (stitch rather than tying a knot to make it easier on the sewing machine later). ❷ Tightly plait the strips together. If the strips are uneven lengths, don’t worry, simply add in another strip when one runs out. Mix and match the colours and patterns for a really joyful project. For a small bowl, you need a plait that is approximately 1m long. ❸ Take your long plait and, starting at one end, begin coiling it around itself. Sew a couple of stitches to secure. Place under the fork of the machine and, using a long zigzag stitch, begin slowly sewing, joining the coil together. As you sew, continue coiling the plait round, it will gradually begin curving up at the sides as you go. Keep sewing until you reach your desired size. If you are using thicker materials and you don’t think your machine can handle it, use a needle and thread to hand sew together with a simple overstitch.

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POCKET WA LL HA NGING Turn an old pair of jeans into cute little storage pockets, perfect for holding your useful knick-knacks.

YOU WILL NEED ✽ 20cm bamboo embroidery hoop ✽ 1cm-wide colourful Washi tape ✽ Scissors ✽ Pair of old jeans with pockets ✽ Needle ✽ Strong thread

TO MAKE

❶ Separate the embroidery hoop and use the Washi tape to decorate the edge of the outer hoop. Wrap the tape around the hoop and carefully fold it over the sides. Press firmly to secure. ❷ Cut the jeans along the inside leg seams and crotch and open out to enable them to lay flat. Place the hoop on top over pocketed area. Cut the jeans, leaving approximately 10cm of fabric around the hoop edge. ❸ Sandwich the jean fabric between the two parts of the embroidery hoop and secure the hoop shut by twisting the screw at the top. Use the needle and thread to sew a large running stitch around the edge of the fabric. Pull tight to gather the excess fabric behind the hoop so it lays flat against the wall.

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Get making!

Words Christine Leech Photography Joanna Henderson

Why not theme your pots to match your child’s bedroom or playroom?

DINOSAU R TRINKET JA RS These colourful lids elevate the simple jam jar into an ideal storage solution for your little one’s precious things.

TO MAKE YOU WILL NEED ✽ Clean jam jars and lids ✽ Small plastic toys ✽ Primer for plastic and coloured spray paints ✽ Superglue suitable for plastic and metal ✽ Pompoms, felt,

beads and wire, to decorate

❶ Remove lids from jars and glue one toy to each lid. Leave to dry. ❷ In a well-ventilated area, spray the lids and toys with primer (without primer, the colour spray paint may not dry properly and the toys will

always be slightly sticky!) ❸ When dry, spray again with your chosen paint colours. Leave to dry. Decorate the lids further by gluing small pompoms, felt accessories or chains of beads on wires to the toys.

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 83

NEW TO Prima ging ’m so excited to be brin n you my first ever colum en for Prima. I’ve always be family crafty and come from a d sugar of crafters. My mum di sew craft, my nana loved to d and my gran knitted an d say it’s crocheted, so you coul Now, definitely in the genes! g you every month, I’ll be givin I’ve a sneak peek into what mpany been up to with my co da Crafter’s Companion an I look project to try at home. quick forward to sharing my s with craft fixes and escapade onths! you over the coming m

love xxx

CRAFT CLUB

WITH SARA DAVIES She’s the newest Dragons’ Den investor, boss of the hugely successful crafting company Crafter’s Companion and a mum of two. Now, Sara’s joining forces with Prima to share her love of making and creating with us all… 84 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

JOY OF MAKING Crafting has transformed my life in so many ways, not only by giving me my day job but also by having such an impact on my mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s colouring, going for a walk, taking photos or painting, sometimes we need to do something because it brings us a bit of joy and a much-needed break. Here are my other top tips for making sure we look after ourselves: O Don’t be ashamed to say no. When you’re busy and struggling to organise things with friends, saying no to plans can cause instant guilt, but at the end of the day, friends will understand and you deserve that night in doing absolutely nothing. O Take a nice long bath. If you’re anything like me, having a bath with some candles and bubbles will make you feel instantly human again. O Cuddle up and watch a ﬁlm with someone. For me, there’s nothing better than putting on a ﬁlm and having a cuddle on the sofa with my boys.

Make and create

MA KE YOU R OWN HAPPINESS JA R!

Photography Andrew Farrington, Crafter’s Companion. Visit crafterscompanion.co.uk. *Only one entry per person. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash and no alternative product can be chosen. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer subject to availability. For general competition terms and conditions, see page 152

When something good happens, whether it’s something funny your child says or a work achievement, jot it down. Then, when you feel low, look at the lovely things that have happened. I’ve used a Crafter’s Companion subscription box to create this jar, as it had some pretty co-ordinating papers and a happiness stamp, but you can use whatever you fancy.

TO MAKE

YOU WILL NEED ✽ Glass jar with lid ✽ Scissors ✽ Crafter’s Companion September

2019 – Statement Word Edge’ables kit (decorative papers, ribbon, pearls and clear stamps), or use your own stash ✽ Crafter’s Companion Glue or Tape Pen ✽ Gift tag (I used 9 x 5cm) ✽ Black ink pad or pen

‘You’ll be amazed when you read all the things that have put a smile on your face!’

INSIDE THE DEN Being a new Dragon in the Den was a fantastic experience. Not only did I get to meet people who have inspired me greatly as an entrepreneur, but I was able to meet many brilliant people with innovative products and services. I have to admit, it was slightly daunting at ﬁrst, but after a few pitches, I was made to feel completely at ease and it was just like being back in a boardroom! I Sara on Dragons’ Den can’t wait for the next series!

WIN! 50

Win one of 50 fabulously compact and lightweight Gemini Minis courtesy of Crafter’s Companion. The Gemini Mini, worth £29.99, is ideal for making beautiful embossed backgrounds and perfectly cut embellishments for your cards and papercraft projects. Plus, as well as giving away 50 Gemini Minis, Crafter’s Companion is also offering a 20% discount across the fantastic Mini range of dies and embossing folders that work with the machine.

❶ To create a wrap for your jar, cut two strips of decorative paper long enough to wrap around it. Cut one piece of paper shorter in height than the other and fix the two strips together, creating even borders at the top and bottom. ❷ Apply some glue on to the back of your wrap and secure in place around the middle of your jar. ❸ Wrap a length of co-ordinating ribbon around the middle of the jar, cut to size and glue into place. Don’t worry if it’s a little too long, as you can always overlap at the back. ❹ For the gift tag topper, cut out a piece of paper to fit the size of the tag and glue into place. Cut a slightly smaller piece of co-ordinating paper and layer on top, leaving an equal border all the way around. ❺ Stamp your chosen sentiment on to the gift tag or write something yourself to give it a personal touch. ❻ Add some pretty gems or pearls to decorate as a finishing touch. ❼ Finally, cut a few sheets of paper into small strips and add some nice memories or thoughts, and you’re good to go!

GEMINI MINIS UP FOR GRABS

TO ENTER Visit prima.co.uk/febcomp20 between 20 Dec and 7 Feb 2020 to enter the competition and receive your exclusive 20% discount code*.

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 85

EXCLUSIVE PATTERN

WRAP IT UP!

Use wool coating for these quick-and-easy jackets and you’ll be snug for the whole season ❶ Our hooded coat is the ultimate in understated style. Ideal for layering over chunky jumpers and corduroy trousers, it will keep you feeling cosy and looking chic on cold days. Jumper, £32, xs-xl, Next. Trousers, £24.99, 4-18, H&M. Bag, £22, Dorothy Perkins. Socks, £6.99 for 3, Pringle at Sockshop. Boots, £55, 3-8, Dune

❷ Timeless and suitable

❸ For country walks or

for work or weekends, make room in your wardrobe for this classic coat. Style it for the office with a shift dress and brogues, or dress it down with a rollneck and trainers – so versatile!

chilly commutes, you’ll love this winter coat. With it’s relaxed ﬁt, it will work with everything from midi dresses to jeans. Style it with knee-high boots and tonal colours.

Rollneck, £12.90, xxs-xxl, Uniqlo. Trousers, £135, 8-16, Jaeger. Trainers, £75, 3-9, Boden

Dress, £99, 6-18, Phase Eight. Rollneck, £9.99, xs-xl, H&M. Bag, £98, Matt & Nat. Boots, £99, 3-8, Marks & Spencer

FRONT

BACK

NEED TO KNOW WOMEN’S SIZES 10-20 Our unlined, loose-ﬁtting coats in three lengths have pockets in the side seams and can be made with a hood or collar and revers. The press-stud fastening is optional. FABRICS We used winter white boiled wool from MacCulloch & Wallis**, and navy tweed and grey wool coating from Cloth House***. INSTRUCTIONS The pattern pieces, cutting layouts and sewing instructions are all on the Prima pattern.

86 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

FRONT

BACK

HOW TO ORDER THIS MONTH’S EXCLUSIVE PATTERN! Simply call 0900 140 1001* (or, from the Republic of Ireland, 1560 716 141*) If you’re a subscriber and have opted in, the Prima pattern will be included free every month with your copy of Prima.

*You must be over 18 to call. Calls cost £1.50 a minute from BT landlines (ROI €1.28 a minute) and should last no longer than two minutes. Network charges may vary. UK SP: Spoke, 0333 202 3390. ROI SP: Phonovation/Spoke, 0818 205403. Lines close midnight, 29 February 2020. PLEASE ALLOW 28 DAYS FOR DELIVERY. Data protection: We will use the information you provide to process your order. For our privacy notice, visit hearst.co.uk/privacy-notice

Feature Janet Palmer Photography Matt Monfredi Styling Helen Johnson Hair & make-up Julie Read Illustrations Terry Evans **macculloch-wallis.co.uk ***clothhouse.com

Make it your way

These elegant coats are cosy yet classy, adding a polished finish to any winter outfit.

Knitting pretty AN EXCLUSIVE DESIGN FOR PRIMA

WINTER WARMER Banish the cold with this snuggly rollneck sweater MEASUREMENTS To ďŹ t bust 81-86(92-97:102-107: 112-117)cm. Finished measurements Bust 106(115.5:124:133)cm; Length to shoulder 60(63:66:69)cm; Sleeve length 46(46:48:48)cm

MATERIALS

Not too tricky

4(4:5:5) 200g balls of Wendy Pure Wool Aran in Snowy Owl 5620. Pair each 4.5mm and 5mm knitting needles. 4.5mm and 5mm circular needles, both 40cm or 60cm long for collar

TENSION 18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm square over broken double moss st patt using 5mm needles.

ABBREVIATIONS

Not too tricky

beg beginning; cm centimetres; cont continue; foll following; inc increase; k knit; m1 make one st by picking up and working into back of loop lying between st just worked and next st; p purl; patt pattern; rem remaining; rep repeat; RS right side; st(s) stitch(es); st-st stocking stitch; WS wrong side

Turn the page for full instructions

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 89

ROLLNECK SWEATER BACK ** With 5mm needles, cast on 98(106:114:122) sts. 1st and 3rd rows (RS) K2, [p2, k2] to end. 2nd and every foll WS row P to end. 5th and 7th rows P2, [k2, p2] to end. 8th row P2, [k2, p2] to end. These 8 rows form the broken double moss st patt and are repeated twice more. 25th and 27th rows (RS) K38(42:46:50) sts, [p2, k2] 5 times, p2, k to end. Next and every foll WS row P to end. 29th and 31st rows K40(44:48:52), [p2, k2] 4 times, p2, k to end. 33rd and 35th rows K42(46:50:54), [p2, k2] 3 times, p2, k to end. 37th and 39th rows K44(48:52:56), [p2, k2] twice, p2, k to end. 41st and 43rd rows K46(50:54:58), p2, k2, p2, k to end. 45th and 47th rows K48(52:56:60), p2, k to end. Beg with a p row, work in st-st until back measures 42(44:46:48)cm from cast on edge, ending with a p row. Shape armholes Cast off 10(11:12:13) sts at beg of next 2 rows. 78(84:90:96) sts **. Cont straight until back measures 60(63:66:69)cm from cast on edge, ending with a p row. Shape shoulders Cast off 10(11:11:13) sts at beg of next 2 rows, then 9(11:12:13) sts at beg of foll 2 rows. Leave rem 40(40:44:44) sts on a holder for back neck.

Shape neck Next row (RS) K29(32:34:37) sts, turn and cont on these sts only, leave rem sts on a holder. Cast off 3(3:4:4) sts at beg (neck edge) of next row, 3 sts at beg of foll WS row, 2 sts at beg of next WS row, then 1 st at beg of foll 2 WS rows. 19(22:23:26) sts. Cont straight until front matches Back to shoulder shaping. Shape shoulder Cast off 10(11:11:13) sts at beg of next row, then rem 9(11:12:13) sts at beg of foll RS row. With RS facing, slip 20(20:22:22) sts at centre front on to a needle, rejoin yarn to rem 29(32:34:37) sts, k to end. P 1 row. Complete to match ďŹ rst side, reversing shaping.

SLEEVES With 4.5mm needles, cast on 38(38:42:46) sts. Work 16 rows in broken double moss st as given for Back. Change to 5mm needles. Beg with a k row, work 4 rows in st-st. Inc row (RS)

K2, m1, k to last 2 sts, m1, k2. Work 5 rows in st-st. Rep the last 6 rows until there are 66(68:72:76) sts. Cont in st-st until sleeve measures 46(46:48:48)cm ending with a WS row. Place a marker at each end of last row, then st-st a further 13(15:15:17) rows. Cast off.

COLLAR Join both shoulder seams. With RS facing and 4.5mm circular needle, beg at shoulder seam, pick up and k22(26:27:31) sts down left front neck, k across 20(20:22:22) sts at centre front, pick up and k22(26:27:31) sts up right front neck to shoulder, then k across 40(40:44:44) sts at centre back. 104(112:120:128) sts. Place a marker to show beg of rounds. 1st round P1, [k2, p2] to last 3 sts, k2, p1. Rep this round 11 times. Change to 5mm circular needle. Next and every foll alt round P to end. Next round As 1st round. Next 2 alt rounds K1, [p2, k2] to last 3 sts, p2, k1. Cont in this way, working broken double moss st on every alternate round, with 1 purl round between each patt round, until 24 rounds of double moss st have been worked. Cast off knitwise, loosely but evenly.

FRONT Work exactly as given for Back from ** to **. Cont in st-st until front measures 45(48:51:54)cm from cast on edge, ending with a p row. Now work in patt as follows: 1st and 3rd rows (RS) K38(41:44:47), p2, k to end. Next and every foll WS row P to end. 5th and 7th rows K36(39:42:45), p2, k2, p2, k to end. 9th and 11th rows K34(37:40:43), [p2, k2] twice, p2, k to end. 13th and 15th rows K32(35:38:41), [p2, k2] 3 times, p2, k to end. 16th row P to end.

90 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

TO MAKE UP With centre of cast off edge of sleeve to shoulder, sew sleeves into armholes, easing to ďŹ t and with row-ends above sleeve markers sewn to sts cast off at underarm. Join side and sleeve seams, matching welt pattern rows. Fold the collar over and catch-stitch the cast off edge in place at the shoulder seams.

Knitting pretty

PRETTY IN PINK

Turn the page for full instructions

A sweater this stylish will go with everything in your wardrobe!

Not too tricky

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 91

GA RTER STITCH SWEATER To ďŹ t bust 81-86(92-97:102-107: 112-117)cm. Finished measurements Bust 96(106:116:126)cm; Length to shoulder 59(60:61:62)cm; Sleeve length 46(46:48:48)cm

RS rows. 21(26:29:34) sts. Cont straight in patt until front matches Back to start of shoulder shaping, ending with the same RS row. Shape shoulder Cast off 7(8:9:10) sts at beg of next row and 7(9:10:12) sts at beg of 2 foll WS rows.

MATERIALS

SLEEVES

12(13:14:15) 50g balls of Debbie Bliss Rialto DK in Pale Pink 65. Pair each size 3.25mm and 3.75mm knitting needles.

With 3.25mm needles, cast on 46(46:48:48) sts and k 15 rows. Change to 3.75mm needles. Beg with a RS (k) row, work 6 rows in st-st. Inc row (RS) K2, m1, k to last 2 sts, m1, k2. Work 3 rows in st-st. Inc row (RS) K2, m1, k to last 2 sts, m1, k2. Work 5 rows in st-st. Rep the last 10 rows until there are 90(90:92:92) sts, at the same time, when sleeve measures 36(36:38:38)cm from cast on edge, ending with a RS row, change to work in garter st patt as given for Back, beg with a 1st patt row. Cont in patt until sleeve measures 46(46:48:48)cm ending with a WS row. Place a marker at each end of last row, then patt a further 13(15:17:19) rows. Shape sleeve top Next row (RS) K2, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. Patt 1 row. Rep the last 2 rows 4 times more. 80(80:82:82) sts. Cast off rem sts.

MEASUREMENTS

TENSIONS 24 sts and 40 rows over garter st patt and 23 sts and 30 rows over st-st, both to 10cm square using 3.75mm needles.

ABBREVIATIONS beg beginning; cm centimetres; cont continue; foll following; inc increase; k knit; m1 make one st by picking up and working into back of loop lying between st just worked and next st; p purl; patt pattern; rem remaining; rep repeat; RS right side; ssk [slip 1] twice, insert tip of left hand needle from left to right through the fronts of both slipped sts and work 2 tog; st(s) stitch(es); st-st stocking stitch; tog together; WS wrong side

BACK ** With 3.75mm needles, cast on 117(129:141:153) sts. K 19 rows. Beg with a RS (k) row, work in st-st until back measures 30(30:31:31)cm from cast on edge, ending with a k row. Now work in patt as follows: 1st row (WS) K to end. 2nd row K to end. 3rd row P to end. 4th row K to end. These 4 rows form the garter st patt and are repeated throughout. Cont in patt until back measures 41(42:42:43)cm from cast on edge, ending with a 1st patt row. Shape armholes Cast off 10(11:12:13) sts at beg of next 2 rows. 97(107:117:127) sts. Next row (RS) K2, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. Patt 1 row. Rep the last 2 rows 4 times more. 87(97:107:117) sts **. Cont in patt until back measures 59(60:61:62)cm from

92 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

cast on edge, ending with a WS row. Shape shoulders Cast off 7(8:9:10) sts at beg of next 2 rows and 7(9:10:12) sts at beg of foll 4 rows. Leave rem 45(45:49:49) sts on a holder for back neck.

FRONT Work exactly as given for Back from ** to **. Cont in patt until front measures 51(52:53:54)cm from cast on edge, ending with a WS row. Shape neck Next row (RS) K36(41:45:50), turn and cont on these sts only, leave rem sts on a spare needle. Cast off 4 sts at beg (neck edge) of next row, 3 sts at beg of foll WS row, 2 sts at beg of next 2 WS rows, then 1 st at beg of 4(4:5:5) foll WS rows. 21(26:29:34) sts. Cont straight in patt until front matches Back to start of shoulder shaping, ending with the same WS row. Shape shoulder Cast off 7(8:9:10) sts at beg of next row and 7(9:10:12) sts at beg of 2 foll RS rows. With RS facing, slip 15(15:17:17) sts at centre front on to a holder, rejoin yarn to rem sts, k to end. Patt 1 row. Cast off 4 sts at beg (neck edge) of next row, 3 sts at beg of foll RS row, 2 sts at beg of next 2 RS rows, then 1 st at beg of 4(4:5:5) foll

NECK EDGING Join right shoulder seam. With 3.25mm needles, pick up and k25 sts down left front neck, k across 15(15:17:17) sts at centre front, pick up and k25 sts up right front neck, then k across 45(45:49:49) sts at centre back. 110(110:116:116) sts. K 8 rows. Cast off loosely but evenly knitwise on WS.

TO MAKE UP Join left shoulder and neckband seam. With centre of cast off edge of sleeve to shoulder, sew sleeves into armholes, matching shaped edges of sleeve top and with row-ends above sleeve markers sewn to sts cast off at underarm. Join side and sleeve seams, matching garter st row-ends, leaving welt edges open.

Words Rosy Tucker Photography Matt Monfredi Styling Helen Johnson Hair & make-up Julie Read

Knitting pretty

FAIR LONDON 23 - 26 APRIL 2020

MAKE

GROW

SHOWCASING THE BEST OF BRITISH |ARTISAN PRODUCERS | MEET THE MAKERS

SUBSCRIBERS’ LOUNGE & BENEFITS | MEET THE EDITORS

CHAMPAGNE BAR + LUXE VIP LOUNGE + SHOPPING & GIFTS + POP-UP BARS LIVE MUSIC+CHEFS ON STAGE+STYLE ADVICE+CRAFTING WORKSHOPS V I N TAG E V I L L AG E | A F T E R N O O N T E A D I N I N G | GA R D E N C A F É | S H O W GA R D E N 25% OFF TICKETS * Q PRIMAUOTE: SPECIA L6

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TO BOOK TICKETS, CALL: 0844 209 7348 OR VISIT: COUNTRYLIVINGFAIR.COM *

Discount valid on advance adult tickets only. Not valid on VIP or add-on ticket options. A £2.20 booking fee applies per transaction. Calls cost 7p per minute plus network access charges. Quote PRIMASPECIAL6 to gain your discount. Offer expires 31 January 2020

LISA COMFORT

UPCYCLES… Give an old piece of furniture or bric-a-brac a new look

ou’ll all know Lisa Comfort as Prima’s expert to turn to when looking for a quick and easy way to customise clothes. Now, your ‘queen of craft’ is branching out in a new direction. As well as running her sewing company, Sew Over It, she’s also set up Lisa Comfort Home – the destination for upcycling (think recycling) tips and colourful, unique homewares, translating

her styling and dress-making skills into creating the perfect look for your home. She says, ‘To me, dressing a room is like dressing yourself: it’s a creative outlet, a way to express yourself and bring joy to those around you.’ Now, we’re delighted to say that, each month in Prima, Lisa will be showing you how to take a piece of furniture or bric-a-brac and give it a new lease of life. Here, she shows you her ﬁrst project…

Remember to haggle and you’ll get some great bargains AT THE MARKET Every month, I head to my local furniture and bric-a-brac market, the Sunbury Antiques Market. It opens at 6.30am and, believe me, you have to get there early to bag the best items! One of my favourite buys is a beautiful mirror from Rajasthan, India; it takes

94 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

pride of place in my kitchen and cost me just £100. This wooden spindle chair was a great ﬁnd, too. At ﬁrst glance, there’s nothing special about it – a kitchen chair we’ve all seen a million times before, but I had an idea. I paid £35 for it, took it home and got to work. Here’s what I did…

Give it a new look

At the distressing stage, I often find less is more – so sand a bit, then step back and have a look.

HOW TO DISTRESSPAINT A CHAIR YOU WILL NEED ✽ Wooden chair ✽ Sandpaper:

ﬁne, medium/ coarse ✽ Chalk Paint decorative paint

and Clear Wax by Annie Sloan ✽ Newspaper ✽ Brushes ✽ Hairdryer ✽ Cloth

STEP-BY-STEP

❶ Lightly sand the surface of the chair to remove any rough edges. One of the great things about the paint I like to use, Chalk Paint decorative paint by Annie Sloan, is that you don’t need to do a lot to prep your furniture before you use it.

you want, or you can keep them textured to add to the effect.

❹ Now take a piece of medium-tocoarse sandpaper and start sanding the edges of the chair. Focus on the top corners of the back, the front edges of the seat and parts of the legs. The idea is to sand off the paint where the chair would have worn naturally.

❸ Dry with a hairdryer or leave to

Photography Jesse Wild

❷ Protect work area with newspaper and begin painting the chair. Be generous with the paint but remember a little goes a long way, and you can always add another layer. There is no need to use primer. Don’t worry too much about brush strokes, you can sand them after to smooth them, if

dry naturally. Then paint a second coat and let dry. If you want to reduce the brush stroke texture, lightly sand with a ﬁne sand paper once dry.

❺ Finally, wax the whole chair with the Clear Wax using a brush or cloth. This seals the paint and stops it from transferring. It also prevents the chair from becoming damaged by scratches and marks. Then wipe off the excess wax.

For more, visit lisacomforthome.com, ﬁnd her on Instagram @lisacomforthome and watch her in action on YouTube PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 95

500

SIMPLE SUPPERS UNDER calories Delicious, nourishing recipes for all the family that are low-cal, too. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to love?

ONLY

262 cals

96 PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020

Low-cal meals

Lentil, chickpea & cauliflower dahl These huge ﬂavours are deeply moreish. The trick is to cook the lentils until they’re soft and meltingly tender.

ONLY

442 cals

SERVES 4 PREP 15min COOK about 50min • 1tbsp vegetable oil • 1 onion, finely sliced • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 5cm (2in) piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated • 1tsp each ground coriander, turmeric and garam masala • 2tsp ground cumin • 1-2 green chillies, to taste, deseeded and finely chopped • 150g (5oz) red lentils, well washed • 3 tomatoes, chopped • 250g (9oz) cauliflower florets • 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 100g (3½oz) baby leaf spinach • Handful fresh coriander, chopped, to serve • Dairy-free coconut yogurt, to serve, optional 1 Heat oil in a large pan and gently fry the onion for 10min until completely softened. Stir in the garlic, ginger, spices and chilli and cook for 1min, until very aromatic. 2 Add lentils, tomatoes and 600ml (1 pint) water and bring to the boil. Turn down heat and simmer for 35min, adding the cauliflower for the final 10min of cooking. The lentils should be fairly mushy. 3 Stir in the chickpeas and spinach to wilt. Check seasoning (it will take a fair amount of salt) and serve sprinkled with coriander and a spoonful of yogurt, if you like. PER SERVING: CALS 262; FAT 4G; SAT FAT 0G; CARBS 37G

Chicken & apricot tagine A chicken stew is the ultimate comfort food, and this tagine will revive the senses with warming spices and aromatic flavours. SERVES 4 PREP 15min COOK about 50min • 1tbsp oil • 2 onions, finely sliced • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 2.5cm (1in) piece fresh root ginger, grated • 1tsp ground cumin • 1½tsp ground cinnamon • 500g (1lb 2oz) chicken thigh fillets, roughly chopped • 400g tin chopped tomatoes • 250ml (9fl oz) chicken stock • 100g (3½oz) ready-to-eat dried apricots, halved • 1tbsp honey • 100g (3½oz) giant couscous

• Large handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped • 50g (2oz) ﬂaked almonds 1 In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat and gently fry onions until softened, about 8min. Add garlic, ginger and spices and cook for 1min, until fragrant. 2 Add chicken pieces to the pan and fry until browned, about 5min. 3 Add the tomatoes, stock, apricots and honey and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat to simmer, cover pan with a lid and cook for 30min, stirring occasionally. 4 Stir in the couscous and simmer for 6min, until tender. Check seasoning. Scatter over coriander and almonds. Serve immediately with ﬂatbreads and yogurt, if you like. PER SERVING: CALS 442; FAT 20G; SAT FAT 4G; CARBS 33G

➺

PRIMA.CO.UK | February 2020 97