Table of contents for May 2023 in Prima UK

The Coronation on 6 May is going to be so special. It will be the first one many of us have witnessed and another day when we can showcase the UK and its incredible traditions and pageantry. The weekend coincides with my husband’s birthday so we’ll be having a double celebration, and I’m looking forward to all the fun events that have been planned in our local community. I know it’s been said that King Charles has a hard act to follow after our Queen’s illustrious reign but, in many ways, he’s already established many great initiatives during his role as the Prince of Wales – some of which we’ve highlighted here in this issue. He looks set to bring in a very positive new era, so I’ll certainly be…

Lorraine, 63, lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, Steve Smith, and their border terrier, Angus. SOFA SECRETS If you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s absolutely true when it comes to Lorraine – and that’s why I’m still doing the show 13 years later. I just love the variety and we’re often the first to react to things that have happened overnight. It keeps me young in outlook, too, as I’m constantly learning about new bands and TV shows – and new ways of looking at the world. I’ve often thought of us morning telly lot as pioneers. We were the first to be talking about things such as gay marriage, trans rights, equality and men’s and women’s health. In fact, when…

Office elegance Tailored cargos tick both the smart and casual boxes. Dinner date Dress up a daytime jacket with a lace pencil skirt and heels. Weekend chic Utility gets a sophisticated spin with this feminine jumpsuit. 3 of the BEST daytime dresses Practical, pretty and stylish, these easy-to-wear dresses bear all the hallmarks of utility style but with a relaxed, spring-like feel. Everyday ease We love a twist on the classic khaki cargo jacket. Still with pockets aplenty, these versions are perfect for the new season. WEAR WITH… A stylish tote bag. Snazzy sliders Add colour and fun to every outfit.…

With her iconic red hair and boundless enthusiasm, pro dancer Dianne Buswell has been a recognisable and much-loved face on Strictly Come Dancing for six years. From her second-place triumph with Joe Sugg in 2018 to her memorable Charleston with Tyler West that gained them the first 10s of the 2022 series, her love of dance shines through in all she does. ‘Dance is pure joy,’ she says. ‘If I’m feeling under the weather, there’s nothing – no medicine or painkiller – that can fix me like dancing. It’s the ultimate full-body workout that boosts your mood, works every muscle in your body and helps brain function.’ In her new book, Move Yourself Happy: 21 Days To Make Joyful Movement A Habit, the Australian dancer and trained holistic reveals how…

One of our new King’s shining legacies from his time as Prince of Wales is The Prince’s Trust, a charity that helps young people aged 11 to 30 get into jobs, education and training. Founded in 1976 by the then Prince Charles, its aim was to help vulnerable young people get their lives on track. Since then, it’s given a helping hand to more than one million young people across the UK. Here are three personal stories… ‘The Princess of Wales wore my earrings’ Freya Rose Archer, 42, lives in Southsea, Hampshire, with her partner, Matt, and children, Johnnie, 12, and Willow, four. ‘I started my business at the same time as becoming a first-time mum 12 years ago. I was single, too, so combining raising my son with learning…

Getting our laundry done is one of those tasks we all have to do – but have you ever worried how much you spend each time you turn on your machine, or if you’re using too much water? Cleaning expert Laura Mountford has written a new book, Live, Laugh, Laundry, to show us how we can all do our washing so it’s that bit more eco-friendly and also to help us cut back on our energy bills. 1 Consider the drum size when buying a new washing machine. A larger drum may use more energy to run, but it could also save you money in the long run since you can wash more in one load. 12kg+ is great for a large, active family. 7kg is ideal for a couple,…

‘I have always had problems with varicose veins. They run in my family. Unfortunately, I had my veins “stripped” about 40 years ago when that was the only option. Sadly, as part of the healing process, these veins regrew but without valves, causing more problems. For me, that has meant suffering from venous eczema (the rough and itchy skin that develops on the legs). I know that if left untreated, the eczema can cause further skin damage or even leg ulcers. My symptoms were swollen ankles and itchy legs but it was the itching that was driving me mad. It got particularly bad last summer and I went to my GP, where a nurse prescribed a special moisturiser and knee-high compression hosiery – just what I needed in the heat!…

COLOUR PLAY Consider how your colour choice will look in photos, against the setting and next to your complexion. There’s no need to blend into the background. Stronger hues such as emerald, fuchsia and cobalt look stunning on most women. GO FOR GLAMOUR Understated not your style? Supercharge your outfit with colour, print and texture for a look that feels worthy of the special day. Opt for exquisite details such as premium fabrics, puffed sleeves and decorative accessories to take things up a notch. Style tip Embrace colour, print and texture to stand out for all the right reasons. PICK OF THE BUNCH When the event calls for a divine dress, say it with flowers! Grown-up yet playful, romantic roses and vintage-inspired blooms mean mums won’t put a foot wrong.…

It doesn’t feel that long ago that hyaluronic acid (HA) first burst on to the skincare scene. It’s a useful ingredient and also something that our bodies produce naturally. A molecule that’s capable of holding many times its own weight in water, HA plays a key role in moisture retention all over the body, including the skin, where it regulates hydration levels, keeps the surface looking plump and line-free, and helps keep sensitivity at bay. Levels naturally decline from the age of about 20, and what’s left isn’t helped by environmental factors, such as UV light or stress, which is why a good HA serum has become a smart buy for healthier skin. And now, HA is making its way into cleansers, eye cream, makeup and more. 1 Light-touch moisture…

PRETTY CHAIRBACKS Paper honeycomb decorations are an inexpensive way to bring some fun to the proceedings. You will need ✽ Paper honeycomb balls in a variety of sizes ✽ Paperclips ✽ Ribbon To make ❶ Choose a selection of paper honeycomb balls of varying sizes that work well together, about three to four are perfect. ❷ Unfold the honeycomb balls, fasten with paperclips and knot the hanging string on to a length of ribbon, making sure they all sit at different heights. ❸ Tie your ribbon on to the back of your chair. CELEBRATORY BUNTING What’s a royal celebration without bunting? Making your own is delightfully simple and a good way to use up scraps of fabric. You will need ✽ Cardboard ✽ Ruler ✽ Pencil ✽ Scissors ✽ Cotton…

Measurements To fit chest: 81-86(91-97:102-107:112-117: 122-127)cm. Actual chest: 104(112:124:132:144)cm. Full length: 56.5(58.5:60.5:61.5:62.5)cm. Sleeve length: 26cm. Materials ● 10(11:12:13:15) 50g balls Debbie Bliss Dulcie (47% Cotton, 47% Acrylic, 6% Nylon) in Duck Egg (11). ● Pair each of 6.5mm and 7mm straight knitting needles. ● 4 stitch holders. Tension 14 sts and 18 rows to 10cm square over stocking stitch/lace pattern using 7mm needles. Abbreviations beg beginning; cm centimetre; cont continue; g gram; k knit; m1 make one stitch; p purl; patt pattern; psso pass slipped stitch over; rem remaining; rep repeat; RS right side; sl 1 slip 1; ssk slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit these 2 stitches together through back loops; single left-leaning decrease; st(s) stitch(es); st st stocking stitch; tog together; tbl through back loop; WS wrong side; yo yarn…

We’re thrilled to bring you a brand-new collection of craft kits on sale exclusively at The Works. Everything you need is included in the box, so you can learn new skills, make beautiful keepsakes and even give your finished creations as gifts. The joy doesn’t stop there, as every kit includes clever ideas for upcycling the cardboard box, as well as links to further crafting inspiration online. PRODUCED WITH THE ENVIRONMENT IN MIND All our craft boxes are 100% FSC certified and fully recyclable, and we encourage you to reuse all the packaging, too, from the tissue paper to the cardboard box. We’ve also worked to reduce the number of plastic components in our crafts. Available in-store at The Works & online at theworks.co.uk Exclusively at Scan the QR code…

Mixed berry white chocolate celebration cake With a citrus-infused sponge and buttercream, and piled high with beautiful berries, this cake works equally well as a showstopping birthday bake or as a fruity pud to finish a special meal. The chocolate cigarillos make decorating easy – no need for fancy piping here! SERVES 20-24 PREP 45min, plus cooling COOK about 1hr 10min • 225g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra to grease• 225g caster sugar• 4 medium eggs, beaten• 100g plain flour, sifted• 225g self-raising flour, sifted• Finely grated zest and juice 1 large orange• 2tbsp apricot conserve• 2tbsp milk, if needed FOR THE SYRUP • 25g caster sugar• Juice 1 large orange FOR THE DECORATION • 125g unsalted butter, at room temperature• Finely grated zest 1 large orange• 225g icing sugar•…

1 Have a fluid design When updating a small bathroom, you should always think about the overall effect. With a simple design, including clean lines and contemporary features, your bathroom can be transformed into an elegant space to relax in. Opt for fitted bathroom furniture with a back-to-wall toilet and vanity unit to keep the look sleek and chic. Also, keep patterns to a minimum and choose neutral finishes, such as natural stone wall and floor tiles. 2 Maximise the natural light When natural light reflects off surfaces, it creates the illusion of a larger space. Maximise any natural light from windows or skylights by strategically hanging a mirror. If your bathroom has no windows, you can install lights to create interesting effects, or even add an illuminated mirror. The…

YOU’LL NEED ● A pot, half-barrel, old sink, metal washtub – basically, anything that’s watertight and strong enough to stand up to the elements. ● Silicone pond sealant or butyl liner. ● Some water-loving plants. Try dwarf water lilies and water hyacinths for surface cover; flowering rushes or Boston irises for marginals (taller plants that grow up and out of the water at the pond’s edge); and hornwort (pondweed) for oxygenation. ● Aquatic baskets and aquatic compost to contain the plants. ● Pebbles or gravel (to stop the compost floating away). WHAT TO DO 1 If your chosen container isn’t fully waterproof, fill any holes with silicone sealant or line with a sheet of butyl. 2 Fill the pond – to be really eco-friendly, leave it until it fills with…

The love boat! Princess Cruises invites guests to ‘feel the love’ with a nostalgic nod to 1970s TV series The Love Boat. This new look and feel offers some exciting features, including 360: An Extraordinary Experience, a dining event for just 20 guests at a time on board Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess. This 90-minute celebration of the senses showcases Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona and Provence through storytelling, imagery, scents and cuisine – no matter where you’re actually sailing. SAIL AWAY A seven-day Mediterranean cruise on Enchanted Princess from Barcelona to Gibraltar, Marseille, Genoa, Livorno and Rome costs from £949pp, departing 27 May. Excludes flights. Visit princess.com. All about adventure This summer sees Marella Cruises’ Voyager ship set sail from its home port in Mallorca. Marella Voyager will visit…

My book of the month Oh, Sister by Jodie Chapman (Michael Joseph, £16.99) I always get a little nervous reading book two when I’ve loved an author’s debut, but there was no need here, as this was brilliant – dare I say it, even better than Chapman’s debut, Another Life. We meet Jen, Isobel and Zelda, who have all been brought up in the same way in the same organised religion but now want different things. This is a powerful, eye-opening read that will spark discussions – a perfect book-club pick. 13 April In A Thousand Different Ways by Cecelia Ahern (HarperCollins, £20) Wow, what a book! Alice sees people’s emotions in the form of colours around them – if she gets too close, she absorbs their colours and feels their moods,…

STAR OF THE MONTH TAURUS 21 April to 21 May You know when life just seems to flow and you feel like you’re in good grace with the universe? You’re about to move into one of those periods. Everything should start to feel like it’s going in the right direction; at home, at work, with family and everywhere else. Enjoy! GEMINI 22 May to 22 June You’re known for being a very fun and loving sign, but right now the heavens are conspiring to bring out your more spiritual side. So, even if you just have an inkling of interest in yoga or meditation, give it a try – it could change your life for the better. CANCER 23 June to 23 July You’re moving into the most social time…

I’m super proud of Prima’s brand-new craft kit range that has just launched at The Works. We’ve been beavering away to come up with pretty and original ideas, such as these Bubble Candles and Felt Lion Wall Hangings (left). The kits start at just £6: see page 91 for more details. I’m also thrilled to announce Prima’s new yarn range, from £3, which, like the craft kits, is available in-store at The Works and online at theworks.co.uk. The wool has been produced with the environment in mind and all our craft kits come in recyclable boxes and use as little plastic as possible. The Works is a perfect partner for Prima because, just like us, it has value at its heart. I hope you pop into your local store to collect…

‘Beautiful flowers were just being binned’ URSULA STONE, 55, from London, has found a way to brighten up people’s lives. ‘Pulling the big flower display apart, I felt so sad. There were beautiful roses, lilies and anemones that were all fully in bloom – and going in the bin. I was helping out at a London florist’s and part of my job was to dismantle and bin flower displays that had been on show for just one day at an event. Throwing away thousands of pounds’ worth of flowers was so heartbreaking. I soon noticed that supermarkets were doing the same with flowers and plants that were nearing their sell-by date. This gave me an idea: what if these blooms could have a second life? I’d always enjoyed being surrounded…

FORWARD & SIDE KICKS The jive is energetic and full of clever footwork. We start with a kick step – a simple flicky kick out to the front and then the side. When doing this, always keep a slight bend in your standing leg and both knees soft. 1 Stand with your feet slightly less than hip-width apart and hop on to your left leg so your right foot is lifted off the floor and your right knee is bent (A). 2 Then, kick your right foot forward in a swift movement, pointing your toes (B), before drawing your right leg back up to its bent starting position. That’s a forward kick! 3 For a side kick, from the same starting position (C), simply kick your right foot out to…

Grief affects us all differently. While some welcome kind gestures and the chance to talk about the person they have lost, others may shy away from offers of help and grieve privately, so it can be hard to know what to say. Psychotherapist Jane Harris and documentary film editor and photographer Jimmy Edmonds know from first-hand experience that the complexities of grief are hard to navigate – both for the person grieving and those around them. In 2011, their son Josh, 22, died in a road accident in Vietnam. ‘Our lives felt shattered – but our grief has come with many lessons,’ they say. Here, they share their advice on how to approach conversations with those who are grieving. 1 DON’T JUDGE OR MAKE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT HOW LONG WE SHOULD…

In 2013, King Charles III (as the then Prince of Wales) launched the Coronation Meadows project to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. Since then, 90 new meadows covering over 1,000 acres have been created. ‘My Coronation Meadows idea came to me when I realised just how many wildflower meadows had been lost over the past 60 years,’ says The King. The figures are indeed shocking: since the 1930s, the UK has lost a massive 97% of its wildflower meadows. King Charles had a vision for 60 new wildflower meadows – one for each year of the late Queen’s reign at that point. His hope was that this would help rare and precious plants and pollinators to spread across the country. Thanks to The King’s…

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When we think about blood sugar, it’s often in relation to diabetes, as high levels can cause the disease. But maintaining a normal blood sugar level is vital for everyone. Blood sugar provides crucial energy for all body cells, especially your brain, so if you’ve ever felt sleepy a couple of hours after lunch, it may be that your blood sugar fell too low. But blood sugar also has an impact on your mood, ability to shift weight and ward off disease. And new research is revealing more about how blood sugar works. A large study called PREDICT – a collaboration between personalised nutrition company Zoe, King’s College London and American researchers – has found that everyone handles sugar in a unique way. It also found that the gut plays…

1 Don’t leave it to the last minute. Shop at least three months before to allow time to try lots on, order alternative sizes and arrange any necessary tailoring. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be afraid to seek expert help. Try the mother-of-the-bride section at your local bridal boutique, or enlist a personal shopper on the high street at John Lewis & Partners, Hobbs or Phase Eight. 2 Consider the demands of the day. You’re likely to be on your feet all day: greeting guests, having pictures taken and then maybe hitting the dancefloor. Choose a heel height that works for you and pack plasters in case your footwear starts rubbing. When trying it on, put your outfit through its paces and ensure it doesn’t need frequent adjusting or attention – you’ll enjoy the…

Born out of a mother’s desire for better care and awareness surrounding children’s skin issues, Childs Farm believes everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their own skin. One of the loveliest aspects of the brand is achieving this while including gorgeous, sensitive skin-kind scent combinations, such as zingy citruses and juicy berries. Committed to using 100% recycled Prevented Ocean Plastic in its bottles, Childs Farm is B Corp-certified and prioritises sensitive skincare. Kind to skin, kind to planet and kind to people; what’s not to love? Sweetest dreams Combining care for skin with wellbeing, Childs Farm’s SlumberTime range creates dreamy bedtimes with an easy three-step routine with the help of scientifically backed sleep-enhancing fragrance technology DreamScentz. Simply bathe with SlumberTime Bath Soak, £6.50, massage with SlumberTime Calming Massage Lotion, £7.50,…

Approximately 150cm in length. Materials ● 1 x 50g ball each of Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton) in Royal Blue 441, Pillar Red 415, Paper White 401 and Glorious Gold 466. ● 3.5mm crochet hook. Abbreviations ch chain; ch-sp chain space; dc double crochet; htr half treble crochet; pm place marker; RS right side; sl st slip stitch; st(s) stitch(es); tr treble crochet; WS wrong side; * repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed; [] repeat instructions within the brackets as directed. Bunting ROSES Make 3 in red, 3 in blue and 3 in white. Using 3.5mm crochet hook, ch42. Row 1 (WS): Starting in second ch from hook, dc, [ch2, skip next ch, 1dc in next ch] rep to end, turn. (21dc.) Row 2 (RS): Ch1, [3htr, ch1,…

Pesto chicken bites Sun-dried tomato pesto gives these a lovely sunshine flavour, but you could try green basil pesto or Thai or Indian curry pastes instead to make these easy canapés. MAKES 21 PREP 15min COOK about 8min In a food processor, whizz 3 skinless chicken breasts with 5tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto and plenty of seasoning until well combined and fairly smooth. With wet hands (or 2 spoons), shape mixture into 21 small patties. Heat 1tsp vegetable oil in a large frying pan and fry the patties for 8min, turning once, until golden and cooked through. Meanwhile, stir together 5tbsp natural yogurt, finely grated zest 1 lemon and some seasoning, and scrape into a small serving bowl. Serve the bites with cocktail sticks and the yogurt dip alongside. GET AHEAD…

Cookbook of the month One for slightly more adventurous or experienced bakers, this book is full of truly innovative and exciting flavour pairings and ideas to take your bakes to the next level, be they savoury or sweet, teatime treats or showstopper affairs such as the Olive Oil, Mascarpone and Fennel Layer Cake (right). • More Than Cake: 100 Baking Recipes Built For Pleasure And Community (Workman Publishing) by Natasha Pickowicz is out 11 April TOP TIPPLE Gin, rum, tequila… they’ve all had their moment in the sun and now it’s the turn of Swedish schnapps. These are some of the most-praised flavoured spirits I’ve given my tasting panel, with a herbal note and clean, sweet (but not cloying) flavours. Serve alone, well chilled. Flävar Salted Caramel Schnapps, £19.99 for…

Floral fantasy Embrace maximalism with full-on pattern. Start with the walls, then continue it throughout the room. Spotlight on… Dunelm Give your home the wow factor. EASY LIVING Create a relaxed, timeless look with the new Emerald Living range from Habitat. 3 of the BEST ABSTRACT CUSHIONS Add bold pattern to a sofa. Genius idea This tidy is the perfect place to display and store objects in a very narrow area, such as a hall. STYLE IT FOR £10 & UNDER Well priced and fabulous.…

CAMP IT UP Campsited (campsited.com) is an easy-to-use online platform that offers affordable camping and camper-van holidays in Europe. It’s partnered with Direct Ferries to get you the best ferry crossing prices, and offers ‘Weather Protection’, refunding you 50% per day if it rains for more than two hours and the full amount for more than four hours. Research reveals Croatia is the best European country for van life, followed by the Netherlands, though France has the most caravan parks and campsites. BEST BUY I’m in love with bumbags (or waistbags) this spring. So great for your travels. Bag your holiday style Inspired by the shore’s edge and deckchair stripes, Seasalt Cornwall’s Valley Roam Dress, £65, 8-28, is perfect for your seaside holiday wardrobe (seasaltcornwall.com). SECRETS OF THE SOUK The…

Jessica, 41, lives in London with her husband, Ben Wilson, and their two sons, Frank, six, and Arthur, four. My ideal night in begins with… A pre-party bath. I can spend such a long time daydreaming in there. Sometimes I even learn my lines in the bath. I’ll invite along… My best pals. I have an excellent gang of mates from university, plus a few add-ons who are basically like family after all these years. I’ll be eating… Crab linguine. I really perfected it while I was filming Doc Martin in Cornwall over the years, because I could go and buy delicious fresh crab in Port Isaac. And drinking… I’m a big fan of a classic margarita. My best-ever dinner party was… I think the sign of a good dinner…

NICOLA BARRON, 46 Gran to one. ‘People are kind enough to say I look great as a gran and mum of four, and I reply jokingly, “I don’t feel it!”’ GILLIAN TOWERS, 71, AND DAUGHTER JENNY TAPLIN, 42 Gillian is a great-gran to one and a gran to three. Jenny is a gran to one. ‘I’m so proud of Jenny. This is her at a fancy-dress party with her husband, Ian,’ says Gillian. WENDY HANNANT, 71 Gran to two. ‘My grandkids live in California, but I’ve visited a lot since they were born. I stay up to date with their lives and feel this, together with owning my own style and the smiles I see at Arrivals, makes me a glam gran.’ CHRISTINE LUKASZEWSKI, 63 Gran to eight. ‘My husband…

Here is a sentence I didn’t know I was going to write… I love a rooftop! A very old friend of mine who’s coming to London asked if I was around to get together and I told him that would be wonderful and suggested a couple of rooftop ideas. He then asked me what my penchant for rooftops was all about, as that’s where we last met a couple of years ago. I think it’s the excitement of being above the buildings and looking out far and wide that makes me so happy. The UK is packed with such glorious views, from the beautiful Cornish coastline to the Yorkshire Dales and, of course, the stunning Highlands of Scotland. It makes me realise how lucky we are. We all spend so…

ALL £25 & UNDER…

Aged 51, divorced and with my daughter Scarlett happily through university in London, I decided it was time to follow my dreams and move to the West Sussex coast to focus on writing novels. I joined a local employment agency to find a part-time job to keep me ticking over. When I was offered a short-term admin role at the local police station working in Victim Contact – keeping victims updated on their cases – I jumped at it. I’d always been interested in justice, and my novels were all about crime. It was perfect! The role was supposed to be temporary, but once my contract ended, I was asked to work on the ‘Wanted’ and ‘Absconders’ database. The police needed help with the mountains of paperwork and trying to…

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I felt sick with shock. It was October 2017 and I was getting ready to celebrate my 40th birthday, but as I was styling my hair, my fingers felt a bald patch above my ear. Looking at it intently, tears rolled down my face. In my heart, I knew what it was, as the same thing had happened to my father earlier in his life. It was alopecia. Despite the fact it was a milestone birthday, I can barely remember the rest of that evening. I know I cried in my husband’s arms before he helped me put my long, curly hair into a ponytail to hide the bald spot. Then, I slapped a fake smile on my face and made it through…

New and old King Charles III’s Coronation – only the seventh in 200 years – will be pared back compared to his mother’s nearly 70 years ago, with the ceremony expected to take just half the amount of time. The Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal (who was in charge of the ceremony surrounding the late Queen’s funeral), has been tasked with leading the arrangements. Order of service The ceremony will be divided up into sections: the recognition and the oath, followed by the anointing and investiture before the crowning takes place. Afterwards, a closing procession will round off the Coronation. According to the Palace, the service will be solemn, religious and forward-facing, but the Coronation will also be rooted in long-standing traditions, pageantry and celebration. Royal wardrobe During the recognition…

SELFHEAL Prunella vulgaris Its violet flowers provide a nectar source for bees and wasps. BIRD’S-FOOT TREFOIL Lotus corniculatus This has small, egg-yolk yellow flowers, reddish buds and downy leaves. OXEYE DAISY Leucanthemum vulgare Its white flowers are so bright they appear to ‘glow’ in the evening. GREAT BURNET Sanguisorba officinalis Egg-shaped, crimson flower heads give this plant the look of a lollipop. RED CLOVER Trifolium pratense With trefoil leaves and red, rounded flower heads, this is sought after by bees. YELLOW RATTLE Rhinanthus minor Brush through a wildflower meadow in summer and you’ll hear its seeds rattling in their pods, hence its name. BETONY Betonica officinalis This has spikes of striking purple flowers and distinctive saw-toothed leaves. COWSLIP Primula veris One of our most familiar spring flowers with its cheery yellow,…

‘I’m pretty robust, but there’s something about veins that makes me feel light-headed’ Between 30 and 40% of the population have varicose veins or hidden varicose veins. The visible ones are those lumpy, bumpy, bulging ones. The ‘hidden’ ones are, as the name suggests, slightly deeper under the skin but cause the same medical problems if left alone. And forget the old wives’ tales that they’re caused by hot baths or crossing your legs. The key reason for varicose veins is a strong familial history. For example, if your mother has them, then you have a 45% chance of getting them, too. This risk rises to 90% if both parents have them. The problems occur because the valves inside the veins stop working, causing blood to flow backwards and pool…

We’ve all heard our share of health-related ‘facts’ that actually aren’t facts at all – from the idea that you should tip your head back to stop a nosebleed (which can cause blood to pool in your throat and make you vomit and worsen your bleeding) to the blanket advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, when individual daily hydration needs are actually based on a variety of factors. Here, we reveal the truth behind some of the most common health myths. MYTH: Vegetarian diets are always healthier than ones with meat THE VERDICT While there’s loads of evidence that fruit and veggies are good for you, and plenty of studies show that a diet high in meat can up the risk of heart disease and cancers such as…

● Your headpiece should enhance your whole look, so take your outfit when you try them on. ● Consider the proportions of your outfit. If you’ve chosen a 1950s-style flared dress or skirt, mirror the fullness with a wider brim or statement shape. If your outfit is neat and chic, a structured beret or pillbox will work well. ● Bear in mind how a headpiece will look from all angles. During the service it’ll be seen from behind, during the breakfast, from the front. Wide brims can cause shadows across the face that will affect how you look in photos. ● Think about your hair. With a hat you’re likely to get ‘hat hair’, so if you’ll take it off later in the day opt for a style that won’t get…

If you’re celebrating The King’s Coronation with a quintessentially British party, you must have a go at making this beautiful floral crown. Not only does it create the perfect party showstopper to take centre stage on your table, but it is also super easy to make! And the best part is that you’re using recycled cardboard from old packages to create something gorgeous. You will need ✽ Pencil ✽ Strong cardboard (you can recycle a used packaging box for this!) ✽ Ruler ✽ Scissors ✽ Glue gun and glue sticks ✽ Card ✽ Gold acrylic paint ✽ Colorista paint markers in red, white and blue ✽ Flower foam ✽ Dried/artificial flowers ✽ Wire cutters (optional) To create ❶ Using a pencil, draw out a crown shape measuring 17.5 (at base)…

NEW IN! Prima Craft Kits Prima is thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new crafting collection at The Works, with prices starting at just £6. Choose from one of 10 adult craft kits with beautiful makes, such as stylish candles, jewellery, macramé or decoupage shells, all designed to give you that bit of me-time in your day. Or pick one of the 15 Make With Me kits and get crafting with the little ones in your life. Fun air-dry clay mermaids, a bug house for the garden, matching mugs and pebble art are just some of the projects available. And, best of all, the kits have been designed with fully recyclable boxes and as little plastic as possible. When you’ve completed your craft, why not share pictures of your…

Frozen strawberry daiquiri Keep a stash of strawberries in the freezer so you can whip up this gorgeous boozy treat. Buy or pick them when they’re abundant; wash, hull and dry carefully; then freeze on open trays until firm before transferring to sealed freezer bags. Whizz 400g frozen, hulled strawberries in a blender with 75-100ml white rum, 4tbsp caster sugar and the zest and juice of 1 lime until slushy but still frozen, then pour into two large glasses and serve immediately.…

Step by step For a bold look, painted stairs are really fun and can be a great way of adding a dose of colour to your hallway. Make sure you use paint with a durable formula that is designed for high-traffic areas. Dressing the stairs Make your entranceway cosy with a stair runner. Choose a design that is cohesive with the rest of your interiors or, if you’d like this area to stand out, pick out a contrasting pattern. Jute carpets are on trend and super hardwearing, making them ideal for stairs. Carpet 101 Opting for a stair carpet is a great pick for warmth underfoot. A low-pile polyester carpet is the best option as it is naturally more hardwearing and stain-resistant. Standout wallpaper Want to use wallpaper in your…

WHY YOU NEED ONE THEY LOOK GORGEOUS A well-maintained water feature or pond is a thing of beauty. Whether you have a reflecting-pool-style feature with no interference from plants or fish, or you plant it up with flowers, ferns, water lilies and more, it will quickly become your go-to place for botanical bliss. And as water features change seasonally, there will always be something different to capture your attention – fresh buds and frogspawn in the springtime, followed by glorious water-lily blooms in summer, through to glittering ice crystals during the cold months (just remember to use a floating de-icer to help to oxygenate your pond if you have any fish in there). THEY’RE GOOD FOR YOU Water is life… It covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and…

A class of its own When we heard about a new cruise ship called Prima, we couldn’t wait to step on board! With room for 3,099 guests, the ship is the first of six Prima Class ships from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), all designed to bring you many ‘firsts at sea’. There’s the dry slide, The Drop, (which is terrifying – the floor beneath you falls away and you fall with it, tumbling down a transparent tube on the outside of the ship feet-first); Prima Speedway, the world’s first three-level go-kart racetrack at sea (zipping around the ship’s funnel is another pinch-yourself moment) and the eco-friendly Metropolitan Bar, where you can order zero-waste cocktails made with surplus ingredients such as banana peel and pineapple rind (surprisingly delicious). There’s also the…

Globally bestselling author Cecelia Ahern has 20 books to her name, and her mind-bending collection Roar was recently adapted for TV by Nicole Kidman. Her latest novel, In A Thousand Different Ways, is released in April. An unforgettable coming-of-age story, it explores what it is to belong and how we treat those who don’t. ‘What I love about reading is the escape it brings,’ she says. ‘I love to see the world through other people’s eyes – books give us that chance.’ Here, Cecelia, who lives near Dublin with her husband, David, and their three children, shares some of her favourite reads… The book that shaped my childhood… The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. At an early age, I loved the escapism that this magical tree in an enchanted…

£50 star letter It was with great sadness that I read your article ‘Please Come Back To Me’ (March) about a woman estranged from her grown-up daughter. I have an adult son who is estranged from his family and the emotional pain is horrific. It’s also a very taboo subject. It took me over a year before I told any of my friends. I have since found a support group, Stand Alone (standalone.org.uk), and I wanted to share that with other readers who may be suffering. It’s given me a better understanding of what may have gone wrong and what to expect in the future. Name withheld Coronation memories I’m so looking forward to watching King Charles’s Coronation. It’s bringing back memories of The Queen’s Coronation; I watched it on…