Tabla de contenidos para 1-2026 en Best

She’s the steely blonde we all love to watch on Dragons’ Den with her icy remarks – and a heart of gold. So, it’s surprising to learn that Deborah Meaden (whose net worth is consistently estimated around £40 to £50 million as of 2025) revealed life wasn’t always roses. Speaking in a previous interview with Hello, the 66-year-old said, ‘I think I was very lucky because when I was young, we didn’t have any money. My mum divorced when I was 18 months old, so for the first seven years of my life, we really lived hand to mouth. ‘I always felt safe and taken care of, but money wasn’t easy…’ Deborah went on to explain how her upbringing actually helped her in later life… ‘I think that’s a gift…

RESOLUTIONS I wish all my readers a very happy New Year but if you are thinking of making New Year resolutions, then I urge you to think again or, if you really must make an annual vow of self-improvement, keep it suitably vague. After all, if you are the type of virtuous creature who can keep steadily to a resolution for 12 whole months, then it is very unlikely you need to make such a promise at all. I long ago learned a little goes a long way when it comes to the January ritual. Let us suppose you want to manage your life better by keeping up to date. If you resolve to pay every bill within 24 hours, answer every email by return, bust the dust before you…

Many see the new year as an opportunity to imagine a better version of ourselves, if only we could stick to our resolutions. A whopping 40 million Brits have set intentions for 2026, but if these survive past Quitter’s Day, 80 per cent then crumble by mid-February. Why? Unrealistic expectations, ambitious goals and lack of motivation are usually to blame. But what if the secret to lasting change could be to simply, astonishingly, make happy our new default mode. When asked what they want most for their kids, many parents answer ‘happiness’. Yet our children are taught maths and English, not happiness. Governments measure success using Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a metric for evaluating economic output. For decades, Bhutan in Asia stood alone in prioritising wellbeing with its Gross National…

Snuggling up on the sofa last Christmas, I turned on the telly but my attention turned to the Lily O’Brien 22-chocolate dessert selection I had on my lap. I passed one to my husband, Mark, then had two for myself. This system suited us both and it wasn’t long until the box was empty and my tummy was so stuffed I felt sick. For the last 10 years, this was my normal. I thought nothing of demolishing enough chocolate to be shared by an entire family. I’d always struggled with my weight, but in 2014 I was fit and healthy enough and cycling regularly. Then I found a lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer. I sunk to a dark place and had the wrong attitude to health after that.…

It’s still the season to be jolly (for the last few days, at least) which means continuing to eat more chocolate than usual and inviting people you haven’t seen for a year into your living room to play a game around a table in one glorious communal shared purpose of... er, competing against each other. What could go wrong? This year’s game was rather tantalisingly called The Traitors – and we all took our seats before channelling our inner Alan Carr or more worrying, our outer Celia Imrie. None had the inclination to watch the video to show how to actually play the game, and as soon as the first set of instructions had been read out, I found myself wondering when I could get the Arctic roll out of…

Helen Skelton’s no stranger to TV that gets everyone talking - from Blue Peter to Morning Live. Now, the 42-year-old is excited to be bringing back her daytime show Lost and Found in the Lakes for a second series. The show sees Helen and a group of free divers, scuba divers and detectorists hunting in and around the Lake District waters for sentimental possessions that people feared they’d lost forever. But will they find them, or will it be over to the talented crafters to create something new for people to take home? Helen, who lives in the Lake District with her children Ernie, 10, Louis, eight, and Elsie, three, (her kids with her ex-husband Richie Myler), tells best about tears while filming, and why she’d love to still be…

Watson, the beautiful cocker spaniel with the biggest smile, actually saved my life twice. After life threw some huge challenges my way, I ended up in a dark, frightening place. By 2023, my doctor diagnosed PTSD. I had to give up work, which only made me feel like I’d lost my purpose. Then, one day a post from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People popped up on Facebook. The charity trains assistance dogs for people who are deaf or have hearing loss, helping to restore independence and confidence. They were looking for volunteer puppy trainers, people who could look after a pup in their own home from 12 weeks old for about a year, helping with early training before the dog was matched with their future partner. My partner Chris, 58,…

Cosy season is here, and whether you’re team New Look or team UGG, your toes are in for a treat! New Look’s £27.99 Faux Suede Boots with fluffy lining are the ultimate budget hug for your feet - soft, fleecy, and perfect for everything from the work commute to a quick coffee dash. Then there’s the UGG Classic Ultra Mini: the premium pick of winter boots. Made from genuine sheepskin with a lightweight sole and a clever pre-treated finish, it’s designed for lasting comfort and style. At £145, it’s definitely a splurge, but both deliver on warmth and cosiness – one’s a smart steal, the other’s a little everyday luxury.…

Claire Whitmore was positive ‘it’ had started. The life stage her late mum had always called ‘the change!’ Her regular-as-clockwork monthly visitor hadn’t come a-calling for a couple of months now. What’s more she was knackered, had brain fog and was experiencing hormonal moods that flared up and down like a dodgy Wi-Fi signal. It was the menopause. Or at least the warm-up ‘gig’. The ‘peri’ one. She was 46. Of course, it was the pausing of the menses. Her best mate Judy agreed and Judy was like a walking menopause helpline. ‘So, get yourself to the docs, pronto,’ Judy advised as they sat drinking Pinot one Friday evening. ‘Get yourself one of those Well Woman checks and get yourself put on HRT.’ ‘Good idea,’ Claire pondered. ‘I guess those…

PET OF THE WEEK Name: LanaOwner: Elizabeth, Whitley BayBreed: Pomeranian CALLING ALL PETS! From funny to cute, we’re looking for more pets to star in our ‘Day in the Life’ series. If you think your animal is the perfect match, email bestpets@hearst.co.uk with details of your pet, plus a series of snaps.*…

1 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRADLEY! Star of The Hangover and A Star Is Born (2018), Hollywood hunk Bradley Cooper, will be celebrating his birthday on 5 Jan! The American actor, who is currently dating model Gigi Hadid, (lucky man) will be turning 51, who knew? The 50s certainly look good on you, Bradders! 2 Who wowed the crowd? January may bring grey skies and a post-holiday lull, but fashion is refusing to hibernate. Soft pastels are stealing the spotlight, with Helena Christensen glowing in a silky Victoria Beckham design, Jessica Alba looking dreamy in Elie Saab and Juliette Binoche turning heads in a knockout Louis Vuitton number. Proof that even the dullest month can deliver a little style magic! Soft pastels are stealing the spotlight... even the dullest month…

Visiting temples in Japan and walking the Great Wall of China on our round the world trip, I often thought ‘pinch me’. It was Winter 2016 and my husband Jay and I had taken our sons Freddy, then 11, and Henry, then 14, out of school for four months for the adventure of a lifetime. We rented campervans then stayed in homes, hostels and hotels in other parts, taking in Japan, China, Australia, Fiji and the USA. Of course, the boys continued their schoolwork, but they also got a ‘world education’. We stayed in the Japanese Alps, conversing with our hosts using Google Translate, and experienced monsoon rain and landslides along the Pacific Highway in the States. We almost hadn’t gone – Jay had suggested waiting until 2020 because Japan…

Turning my key in the door, I held my breath, terrified of what awaited me. Most people would look forward to coming home after a long shift at work, but it was the place I dreaded the most. ‘You’re late,’ said my partner, John-Paul Davies, as I hung up my coat. I froze with fear, knowing what was coming next. ‘I’m sorry,’ I whispered. When we’d first met in 2014, John-Paul seemed so much fun. We’d swapped messages on social media before he invited me to a local music festival in Liverpool. We had a whirlwind weekend. He was gorgeous, funny and carefree. I felt myself carried along with him. I was 28, he was a year younger. ‘Come back to my place,’ he urged. ‘I don’t want to be…

NEW YOU RESOLUTIONS! New Year’s Resolutions are easy to make and even easier to break, so rather than setting yourself impossible challenges, just resolve to give yourself some more TLC in 2026 and you’ll reap the benefits all year long. January is the perfect month for making more time and space for self-care. Get into the habit of giving your feet a regular treat; pamper your hands with a luxurious hand cream or massage your face with a nutritious oil. Choose products with moisturising ingredients, such as shea butter and jojoba oil and comforting scents to bring warmth to cold, grey days. These all cost under £10 each and will help you stick with happy new habits and these might just be resolutions you can keep. 1 GET TO LOVE…

Cheat’s spinach & ricotta cannelloni Using fresh lasagne sheets, you can wrap up creamy ricotta and spinach to replicate cannelloni tubes for a meal that’s easy and quick to make at home. Of course, if you prefer, you can use dried cannelloni tubes, but personally I find it way too fiddly to stuff them when I want an easy meal, whereas with this simple method you can have them ready to go in the oven within 10 minutes. Serve this up with green salad or vegetables. Even though this is a pasta dish, it is fine to freeze it, as the change in texture once defrosted doesn’t matter so much here. Prep time: 10 minutesCook time: 25 minutes Serves: 4 200g (7oz) frozen spinach 400g (14oz) can of chopped tomatoes…

When I was a girl, there were plenty of people who didn’t know what to make of me. I had 11 brothers and sisters and no electricity in my home, yet I knew I was gonna be a star. I had a big, outgoing personality, and even then I dressed a little bit trashy – my grandfather, who was a Pentecostal preacher, told me I looked like Jezebel! Some people thought I was a freak, and I was sensitive. But I was always myself – they couldn’t beat it out of me, they couldn’t scare it out of me, they couldn’t scold it out of me. I just couldn’t help it! I didn’t know how else to be. Still don’t. I think that’s why I try to be accepting of…

It’s the wedding of the year in Coronation Street, as Debbie prepares to marry Ronnie in an extravagant ceremony this New Year. However, all is not well as her brothers Carl and Kevin continue to row over Abi – who has a revenge plan of her own. Sue Devaney tells us all about her character’s dream wedding… Hi Sue! How is Debbie feeling about her wedding? Oh, she wants a big extravaganza of a wedding – flowers, flamingos, big hair, peacocks, the works! She feels that this might be the last massive party that she has, so she wants to do it in style. Is she worried that Kevin and Carl will ruin her big day? She’s absolutely in crisis about it, because she wants everybody to be getting along.…

MEET OUR TESTER THEO MICHAELS TV presenter and former MasterChef contestant Theo is passionate about good quality food! He’s also an author of eight brilliant cookery books, including Canned, which helps transform store cupboard ingredients into delicious meals. Theo has joined best to put own-brand staples to the test to help you find the best Essentials without compromising on flavour. ORIGINAL PORRIDGE POT 65p, Sainsbury’s A total classic – 75 per cent oats, milk powder and nothing else. The consistency came out perfect following the instructions, with some nice big oats wallowing in our pot to keep some texture. Nothing more or less – a great porridge pot which delivers exactly what you want. PORRIDGE TRADITIONAL ROLLED OATS £1, M&S Such a close second! This was the only pot to…

ARIES 21 Mar-20 Apr LOVE Great news – the best way to find true happiness in love will become much clearer throughout this year. Being direct and upfront about what you want in your relationship – and what you really don’t – will pay off, and if you’re single, someone strongly independent and wise is worth a second chance. LIFE A sudden change of direction is likely at the start of the year, and it will take a lot of courage to do it. Whether that’s a new career, hobby, moving home, or just letting go of something, make it happen. Follow that urge in late summer to reflect on where you’re going, to avoid feeling burned out. MONEY Don’t rush into big financial decisions in the first half of…

A classic, colourful alternative to Spring bulbs we’ve been used to planting, calendula is a brilliant companion to vegetables as it helps ward off pests. WHAT: there are several stages in the year you can get going. January works, but you need to start them inside and keep seeds consistently warm. From March is a classic option for Summer blooms, while sowing a set in May to July gives you a crop from Autumn onwards. HOW: sow two or three to a medium sized pot and keep sheltered while they germinate. They benefit from a little and often approach to watering. Either transfer to a slightly larger pot or in the ground, positioned next to your prized produce, especially tomatoes! HARVEST: calendula are happy to thrive in the ground until…

It’s January, and our first recommended book for the New Year is a thought-provoking tale about new beginnings. It poses a difficult question – would you rewrite your destiny if it meant losing a part of your past? This unusual novel slips into the world of fantasy where a pawnshop lies on a Tokyo backstreet. However, it’s not your average pawnshop – and not everyone can find it. Most people will see only a cosy ramen restaurant, with just a select few – those who are lost – seeing the reality, somewhere to pawn their life choices and deepest regrets. The store’s new owner, Hana Ishikawa, wakes on her first day in charge to find it’s been ransacked and its most precious acquisition stolen. And her father is missing, too.…

TRAVEL SNAPSHOT Detroit gets all four seasons, warm Summers, blustery Autumns and snowy Winters. Head straight to Parc, a stylish spot overlooking Campus Martius, for a great first-night feast before getting some rest. Learn all about the rich history of Motown music and its artists at the Motown Museum. Remember the singing waiters? We had the singing tour guide in this homage to stars from Stevie Wonder to The Supremes. There’s even an original recording studio. Booking vital, from £15, and check on-line as it’s shut for refurbishment during 2026. INSIDER’S GUIDE The best way to explore the city is on foot but if your feet get tired, there’s a free train that loops around downtown. The Detroit People Mover operates a zero-fare pilot program, allowing passengers to ride for…

With five children to take care of, Pickle Cottage to maintain, and their careers to juggle, it’s easy to wonder how Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash always appear to be so loved up. The two are pretty candid about the realities of their relationship, which we get to see live in action on their BBC series, Stacey & Joe. The Essex couple met in 2010 on the set of I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here, but it wasn’t until six years later that they started dating. And from there, the rest was history. But now, as they approach the 10-year mark in their relationship, what is their secret to keeping the romance alive amongst the chaos? As it turns out, the answer lies in flouting convention. ‘I think…

TOP TIP If long brisk walks are top of your active list, make sure you invest in a waterproof cover-up.…

BONE BROTH – THE SECRET ELIXIR OF YOUTH? QUEEN OF HARLEY STREET LESLEY REYNOLDS SAYS… Bone broth. It’s not the sexiest name in beauty, is it? It sounds more like something your gran made for you when you had the flu. But in the world of wellness, bone broth has had a serious glow-up. It’s praised for its skin-plumping, gut-healing, and anti-ageing powers, but does sipping a mug of this liquid really smooth wrinkles? Or is it just another health fad dressed up as a miracle? As someone who’s been in the beauty business for over three decades, I’ve seen trends come and go but I’m also the first to get behind something if it actually works. So, let’s break it down. What is bone broth? It’s basically a richer,…

HOW IT WORKS Around 2.5 million of us in the UK are using weight-loss jabs but they can cost as much as £300 a month unless prescribed and, while you may slim down faster initially, some people have reported side effects including nausea, headaches and constipation. GLP-1 or Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 is the main hormone released when we eat. GLP-1 helps balance leptin, the ‘fullness hormone’ with ghrelin the ‘hungry hormone’. Fat jabs contain substances that mimic the effects of GLP-1 to slow digestion and reduce appetite. But while they can help reduce the ‘food noise’ that leads to cravings, they should also be combined with a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet. Not getting enough nutrients could lead to symptoms including loss of muscle and bone density, hair thinning and poor…

FILLIPO SANSOVINO PROSECCO ROSÉ (10.5%) £7.47 ASDA This fizz ticks all the boxes for a January wine treat that’ll keep your party spirit kindled! Lower in alcohol, packed full of easy summery fruitiness alongside impressive purity and richness, it’s a bottle that glows in colour as much as star quality. Stick it in the fridge for when you get home on a grey day and it’s just the ticket for a brighter moment whether with a few light bites, a more substantial Winter salad or even as a novel pairing for a cheeseboard. SPICED GRANOLA Store granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. Mix 400g (14oz) rolled oats, 50g (2oz) each chopped hazelnuts and almonds, 175g (6oz) smooth apple sauce, 1tsp ground cinnamon, 2tbsp…

‘So, here we are. The first issue of a brand-new year, 2026, and usually, I’d be repeating my same old new year’s resolutions, vowing to get fit, or some other unachievable, unrealistic goal like ‘stop procrastinating’ or ‘learn French’ or ‘finish my second book’, but I’ve given up doing that because it simply exacerbates feelings of failure so it’s going to be a little look back and a little peek forwards. 2025 has been a pretty good year although it felt like it flew by in about three months. Someone must have put it on fast-forward because I have no idea where it went. We had a few holidays, and a wonderful Summer in our house in France. Mark got a six-pack and I, er, didn’t. No close family got…

It was 2003 when Diana and Robin Garbutt moved to the beautiful, sleepy village of Melsonby, North Yorkshire. They were taking over the running of the Post Office, which was, for many, the hub and heart of the community. Melsonby was a place where people didn’t lock their doors, or their cars. Diana and Robin seemingly settled well into village life, making friends, going to the pub with neighbours and people stopping by to chat to them at work. They worked long hours; she was a pleasure to be around and Robin was a quiet man who it seemed made new friends easily. Diana had overcome some difficulties in her life and after the pair had met in 1999, they’d wanted to do everything together. They talked a lot and…

Interior designer and stylist - Nicola Smith, inspires her nearly 30,000 followers on her @thesmithinterior account! Here, we’ve picked out a few of our favourite snaps from her lovely home...…

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