Tabla de contenidos para February 2023 en Prima UK

There have been quite a few changes in my house recently, with both my boys starting the next stages in their lives. Edward, my older son, has graduated and moved out to begin his new job, and younger brother Ben, 18, has started a degree apprenticeship, which is certainly keeping him busy. Suddenly, my husband and I are finding it’s often just the two of us (and a dog!) sitting watching TV together in the evening. This is, of course, lovely, but it does feel like a life shift, as if my own purpose and goals aren’t so family-led any more. I have my job, which is fantastic, but there is certainly a feeling that I have room in my life for something else. Apparently, this is called the ‘Third…

The song that gets me on my feet… You To Me Are Everything by The Real Thing. It’s a great, feelgood song. My ultimate feelgood film… Either Bridget Jones’s Diary or Home Alone. The TV show I can’t get enough of… I like watching reruns of Frasier and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. My foodie weakness… Cheese – I absolutely love it. My most treasured possession… All my Archie keepsakes. Polly, David and Emilie buy me feathers and angels that mean something about Archie. My perfect date night… Normally, I’d say dinner and the cinema, but at the moment it would be feet up on the couch, a pizza and a glass of wine! My top tip for self-care… I’m terrible when it comes to self-care – I’m the last person I think about.…

Exercise leggings Wearing leggings outside the gym may seem daunting, but they’re more versatile than you think. Tracksuit No longer limited to your Pilates class or park run, the comfy co-ord is transformed from casual to cool. Sports top How to make a functional top look fashionable? Sling a tailored blazer over it, and voilà!…

‘Divorce opened up a new world’ Tracey Barr, 58, from London, found herself single and setting off on a big adventure. ‘If I look back on my old life – the one I thought I wanted – I shake my head in disbelief. On the outside it seemed I had a perfect set-up: loving husband, big house, regular golf sessions, several holidays a year… textbook happy coupledom. Now, I look at photos of myself back then and cringe – I see a frumpy woman wearing old-fashioned trouser suits and a tired smile. At the time I thought I was happy; now I look at those images and realise happiness was something I had forgotten. That woman is like a greyed-out version of who I am today. ‘I’d just turned 50…

‘I’ve probably spent more time with my children than most parents. I home-schooled them ‘I’ve for eight years, so the three of us were together every day. My husband, Ram, and I hadn’t intended to educate them at home, but our son Shiva is autistic and school just wasn’t working out for him. Eventually, when he was 10, I took him and his younger sister Sahara out, figuring that if I was going to home-school, it may as well be both of them. Before becoming a mum, I’d worked in drug and alcohol services, but I had no training in teaching. It sounds daunting, but I taught myself the syllabus – maths, physics, chemistry. I was thrilled when they both did well. Shiva had grades way beyond what he’d been…

If I’m honest, when the email dropped in my inbox telling me I had a place in the London Marathon, my heart sank. Just a week before, I’d been due to run in a 10k race, but had downgraded to the 5k because I wasn’t feeling fit enough. And now I was due to run over 26 miles in just six months’ time! I’d only entered because I’d turned 50 and wanted to prove myself. ‘I’ll show everyone I’m not past it yet,’ I told my husband Bruce. But in truth, with only a 4% chance of winning a place in the ballot, I didn’t think it would come to anything. Bruce and our kids – Tom, who was then 15, and Sally, 13 – told me I could do…

For my 60th birthday party last year, I had a dress made in an orange Georgette fabric with a flamenco drape collar and it felt totally me. I’m not a loud person, but I am open, friendly and optimistic, so I think my love of orange reflects that. In fact, I don’t remember a time when orange wasn’t my favourite colour. Aged five, I had an orange dress, swimsuit and bucket and spade. For me, it summed up so many happy things like holidays, sunshine and my favourite fruit. As an adult, it became my trademark colour, and I filled my wardrobe with clothes, shoes, bags and jewellery all in that one shade. I even bought orange underwear to match! My husband has joined me by wearing Hawaiian shirts with…

We all store a lot of personal information on our phones and tablets, so it’s important to remove this from your device before you send it to be recycled or donated. Start by removing your SIM card and microSD card if there is one. Then, if you have an iPhone or iPad, make sure you sign out of iCloud (in Settings), as you’re probably using this to store photos, documents, emails and other personal information. All devices should have a Factory Reset tool that will wipe all of your documents and contacts from your device. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, General, and then scroll down to Reset. Then tap Erase All Content and Settings. If you have an Android phone or tablet, open Settings, tap System and then Advanced.…

BEST ELECTRIC BLANKET Dreamland Anti-Bacterial Heated Underblanket, £55, Argos The most energy-efficient blanket we tested, this used a mere 2.7p of electricity to run on its lowest setting for eight hours, so you can enjoy a toasty night’s sleep for less. It heated evenly in only 10 minutes, and felt soft to sleep on. BEST ELECTRIC THROW Beurer Cosy HD75 Heated Blanket, £83.99, Amazon One to keep you warm on the sofa, this offers great heat distribution and easy-to-use controls. Plugging it in for three hours at a time will add just 4.4p to your energy bill, based on our testing. It also washed well and dried quickly. BEST DUAL-CONTROL ELECTRIC BLANKET Silentnight Yours & Mine Dual Control Electric Blanket, £55, Argos Separate heat zones mean you and your partner…

HIGH-TECH HEARTS Researchers in Edinburgh have developed an algorithm using artificial intelligence (AI) that can diagnose heart attacks with more accuracy. The tool (CoDE-ACS) combines patient information with blood test results to produce a heart attack ‘score’. Studies, funded by the British Heart Foundation, found it can rule out a heart attack with 99.5% accuracy, compared with 49.4% with current tests – and its performance is consistent in men and women. Women who have heart attacks are 50% more likely than men to receive a wrong initial diagnosis, so this could help close the ‘gender gap’. It’s scheduled for roll-out in emergency departments across Scotland by mid-2023, with the rest of the UK to follow. Another AI tool, expected to be adopted in NHS locations this year, can detect heart…

Your liver is a multitasking maestro. Sitting on the right side of your body, just under the ribs, it’s your largest internal organ, weighing around 1.5kg. The immune system, digestive tract, kidneys, neurological and cardiovascular systems are all reliant on a well-functioning liver. ‘It performs more than 500 important functions,’ says Pamela Healy, CEO of the British Liver Trust. As well as being responsible for processing, altering, detoxifying, then disposing of toxic substances, such as alcohol and medications, the liver breaks down food, converts it into energy and stores it ready for use. It also stores vitamins, fat and minerals, deploying them as needed; plays a vital role in fighting infection; breaks down old or damaged blood cells; and helps regulate hormones and body temperature. CARE NEEDED ‘We take our…

Not too tricky Materials ● 11(12:13:14:16) 50g hanks Debbie Bliss Paloma (60% Baby Alpaca 40% Merino Wool) in Terracotta (46). ● One pair each of 9mm and 10mm straight knitting needles. ● 10mm circular needle, at least 80cm long for larger sizes. ● 4 stitch markers. Measurements To fit chest: 81-86(91-97: 102-107:112-117:122-127)cm. Actual chest: 106(116:126:136: 146)cm. Full length: 47(49:51:53:55)cm. Sleeve length: 45cm. CHUNKY JUMPER Tension 12 sts and 14 rows to 10cm square over stocking stitch using 10mm needles. Abbreviations Beg beginning; cm centimetre; cont continue; foll follow; g gram; k knit; p purl; pfb purl through front and back; rem remaining; rep repeat; RS right side; ssk slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit these 2 stitches together through back loops (single left-leaning decrease); st stitch; tbl through back loop; tog…

Cookbook of the month If you’re looking for flavour, freshness and excitement, then Southeast Asian cuisine could be just the ticket. Malaysian chef Norman Musa’s tempting array of salads, curries and stir-fries pack a punch, and includes recipes such as Ceviche-style Plaice Salad Bowl; Wok-fried Sweet Potato & Beans In Satay Sauce and Honey & Chilli Grilled Chicken With Cucumber & Mango Ribbons (above right). • Bowlful: Fresh And Vibrant Dishes From Southeast Asia (Pavilion Books) by Norman Musa is out now DELIVERED TO YOU Vegan, vegetarian, keto, lower-carb, pescetarian and flexitarian, this recipe meal kit service has it all. Just input your dietary preference, pick your nutritionist-approved recipes and all the ingredients are delivered fresh to your door, ready to cook. Recipe box subscription, from £37.50 a week (3…

Abby Laing, art editor and co-founder of personalised prints company @alittlebrushuk, lives with her husband, Matt, a project manager, and their two-year-old daughter, Luna, and six-month-old son, Ruben, in a Victorian semi in Ware, Hertfordshire. ‘The kitchen hadn’t been updated since the 1970s,’ says Abby. ‘It was cramped and dark, with wooden panelling and patterned tiles up to the ceiling. The dark brown worktops never felt clean and the cabinets were falling apart. We’d lived with the kitchen for more than two years and were desperate to update it. What kind of look were you aiming for? Our main priority was to open up the kitchen by knocking out the doorway between it and the dining room to make the space feel brighter. We wanted a kitchen that was modern but…

● ‘All-inclusives with no hidden extras have seen a marked increase and make up nearly 70% of the bookings for 2023,’ says Richard Sofer, TUI’s commercial director. ‘And the two-week holiday is no longer the norm – 10-night bookings are up nearly 25% on pre-pandemic levels,’ he adds. ● According to Travel Republic, 38% of all bookings made are for all-inclusive, marking a 10% increase since 2019. Top destinations include Turkey, Egypt, Mallorca, Benidorm, the Canary Islands, Greek islands, Maldives, Mexico and the Caribbean. Turkey, Greece, Barbados and Bulgaria have seen the biggest growth in all-inclusive bookings. ● Katie Flynn, head of customer experience at Luxtripper, says: ‘It’s worth remembering that all-inclusive doesn’t just mean food and drink. It can also include spa treatments, watersports and excursions, so it can…

DAY 1 Southampton DAYS 2, 3 & 4 At sea DAY 5 Seyðisfjörður, Iceland DAY 6 Akureyri, Iceland DAY 7 Ísafjörður, Iceland DAYS 8 & 9 Reykjavík, Iceland DAY 10 At sea DAY 11 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands DAYS 12 & 13 At sea DAY 14 Arrive back in Southampton YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO… ● Visit Reykjavík with Carol Kirkwood and hear a talk and Q&A session by Carol. ● See the best of Iceland, including fjords and wildlife. ● Stay in a comfortable, stylish cabin or suite with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, a fridge and air-con. ● Indulge in five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and more. ● Enjoy unlimited self-service tea and coffee at selected venues, complimentary…

MEET YOUR SPECIAL GUEST Dr Lucy Worsley is chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces and the author of many books. She has presented a number of shows for the BBC, Channel 4 and History. Norfolk is the perfect place to unwind and included in this wonderful short break are no fewer than three railway journeys and a cruise on a paddle steamer. What turns this five-day tour from special to extraordinary is the chance to meet the brilliant historian Lucy Worsley. Lucy will give an exclusive talk about Sandringham, before joining you on a visit to the estate. ARENA RAIL HOLIDAYS (a trading name used by Leger Holidays Ltd) is one of the UK’s leading special-interest holiday companies.…

● Hear antiques shopping tips from Paul Martin. ● Spend three nights half-board at The Old Hall Hotel. ● Enjoy a cream tea on arrival and evening welcome reception. ● Relax over three delicious dinners at the hotel, including two nights with wine included. ● Visit five stately homes in the Peak District. ● Benefit from coach transfers and a tour manager, talks, guided tours and admissions all included. PRICE: From £795pp* DATES: 25 to 28 April 2023 TO BOOK, CALL 020 8131 5493, quoting PRIMA ANTIQUES FEB23 VISIT prima.co.uk/paulmartin for more details and to see the full itinerary *From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £75.…

DAY 1 Depart from Southampton DAY 2 At sea DAY 3 Getxo for Bilbao DAY 4 La Coruña DAY 5 At sea DAY 6 Arrive back in Southampton YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO… ● Receive a £100pp discount exclusive to Prima readers. ● See the best of northern Spain. ● Spend five nights in a stylish cabin on Bolette. ● Dine on a tempting choice of cuisine served on board – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, and late-night snacks all included. ● Have unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24 hours a day and complimentary afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes, plus in-room sandwiches and snacks. ● Enjoy a full programme of evening entertainment, with cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music. ●…

Christopher, 64, lives in Yorkshire with his partner, Karen Barber. My ideal night in begins with… A snowy night and a log fire, sitting around with best friends, a nice glass of red wine and a roast cooking in the oven. I’ll invite along… My partner, Karen, and some Dancing On Ice friends. I’ll be eating… A roast chicken with all the trimmings. And drinking… A glass of smooth red wine. My best-ever dinner party was… I haven’t thrown it yet! My worst dinner party was… A long, long time ago, before I ever really cooked, I invited Jayne [Torvill, Christopher’s skating partner] over for dinner. I messed up the length of time needed, so we ended up eating at 11.30pm! The music on my dinner-party playlist is… The Beatles…

The Cloisters by Katy Hays (Bantam, £14.99) Inspired by the author’s trip to The Met Cloisters museum, this follows Ann Stilwell, who finds herself working at the museum over summer. There, she finds a lost deck of 15th-century tarot cards. Where will this discovery lead her? 19 January The Witches Of Vardo by Anya Bergman (Manilla Press, £14.99) Based on a true story, this is set in Norway in 1662, at a fortress in Vardo where women are held captive, accused of witchcraft. Blending historical fiction and magical realism, the story follows the lives of two prisoners. 5 January Needless Alley by Natalie Marlow (Baskerville Press, £14.99) Set in Birmingham in 1933, this follows William Garrett, a private investigator specialising in catching adulterous women. When he falls in love with…

WIN £50 For £50, see if Oprah Winfrey can help you work out the number code for each letter of the alphabet. We’ve placed the O, now you do the same with the Ps and Rs, and also the As and Hs, and on you go. When you’re done, use your key grid to find out the prize word. Enter for FREE online at prima.co.uk/primapuzzles to be in with a chance to win the £50 prize. Alternatively, you can call our hotline. For all the details on HOW TO ENTER, see below. Enter online at prima.co.uk/primapuzzles GENERAL COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS Open to UK residents aged 18 and over. To enter, see details of how to enter on each competition page. Entries in the incorrect format will not be considered. Answers…

Asquith, the ‘original ethical active wear brand’, puts people and our planet at the forefront of everything it does. Asquith’s collection is made with emphasis on using natural, plant-based fabrics, including bamboo and organic cotton, so every piece feels amazing against your skin, is naturally breathable and very comfortable to wear. Sizes range from xs-xxl and trousers also come in a variety of leg lengths: short, regular and long. The latest collection is available online at asquithlondon.com. TERMS & CONDITIONS Code valid on full-priced Asquith items only from 16 December 2022 to 1 February 2023. Single-use only. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. HOW TO CLAIM To receive your exclusive 20% discount code, visit prima.co.uk/offersfeb23 and follow the instructions. You can redeem your discount at asquithlondon.com from 16…

Making a major life change is daunting at the best of times, but never more so than as a woman aged 50 or over. This is a time of change anyway, as you watch children fly the nest and nurse parents through their final years, all while dealing with everything the menopause can bring. But it’s also a time to seize fresh opportunities and put yourself centre-stage. This is something Frances Edmonds recognises well. She was in her early 60s when a gardening programme on TV changed her outlook. ‘Holding up a miserable-looking plant, the presenter announced, “Unless it’s repotted soon, it will choke itself to death.”’ ‘I thought, “That’s me!” For some time, I’d had a nagging feeling that my efforts to flourish were going around in circles. I’d…

‘I’m hoping this “Third Act” will be the best of all. I volunteer, I have time for my hobbies and I enjoy meeting up with friends. My children have left home and my husband and I are enjoying it just being the two of us again.’Amanda ‘If you’re struggling to navigate this time, try to meet people by attending adult education classes, joining a book group or volunteering. You’ll learn new things and meet new people without having to make a huge effort.’ Ruby ‘You have to give yourself time to adapt to the new situation.’Elizabeth ‘Be kind to yourself. Take time for you and do what you have always wanted to do. Life is so short, so don’t sweat the small stuff.’ Arlene ‘When I retired, I moved back to London.…

She’s the godmother of yoga, having spent five decades teaching it, and now aged 80, Barbara Currie says that, thanks to the meditative exercise, she still feels as fit as ever. ‘I’m still doing the same exercises I did in my 30s. I wouldn’t say I haven’t got wrinkles – I have! – but body-wise, I’m still the exact same shape.’ After originally training as a nurse, Barbara worked as an air stewardess for British Airways for five years, but by the time she married her husband, Gordon, and had children, Lysanne and Mark, in 1968 and 1970, the family had moved to Milngavie, a small town in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland. ‘It was lovely, but I didn’t know anyone at all,’ she recalls. ‘I wanted to make some friends while…

‘I thought I wasn’t confident enough to wear colour’ Janette Miller, 49, is a personal stylist from Bromley, Kent. She has two sons, Dominic, 26, and Christian, 13. I am an introvert by nature, so for 20 years, I used to wear neutral colours such camel and beige; but then, when I hit my mid-40s, I gradually stopped caring what other people thought of me. It was around the same time that I also fell out of love with my job in property management and found myself wondering what else I wanted to do with my life. My father was a bespoke tailor who owned several menswear shops, so fashion was in my background. Even though I lacked confidence in myself and played it safe with colours, I loved clothes and…

● COLOUR MAKES THE BIGGEST SINGLE IMPACT when it comes to choosing what we wear. It also has the greatest power to transform. The right colour will lift your complexion and take years off you. Your eyes will sparkle, and any dark circles or fine lines will diminish. On the other hand, the wrong colour can leave you looking ruddy or sallow, it can age you or just make you look tired. ● WHILE THERE ARE MANY METHODS TO FINDING YOUR COLOUR, the first step is to work out whether your skin undertone (the base colour of your complexion, which affects its overall hue) is warm or cool. ● ONE WAY IS TO LOOK AT THE VEINS ON THE INSIDE OF YOUR WRISTS. If they look greener through your skin,…

TOILETRIES SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER Trichologist Dawn Hilton (trichologyspecialist.co.uk) says to wet hair thoroughly before squeezing a 50p size amount of shampoo into your hand. For a second wash, use no more than a 20p size. Then get your fingers under the hair and really massage your scalp for a deep clean. Squeeze out excess water after rinsing, so you don’t dilute your conditioner. Apply a 5p or 10p size amount from the mid-lengths to ends, then step out of the shower to give it time to work while combing your hair – this will save on water usage, too. PERFUME Keep your perfumes in their boxes and don’t store them in the bathroom, as sunlight and dampness can make them deteriorate. Perfumier Michelle Leivars (thesoap spongecompany.co.uk) says: ‘Apply perfume immediately…

‘A staggering 17.5bn pieces of junk mail are produced in the UK every year, using 550,000 tonnes of paper, and it’s estimated that at least half ends up in landfill, taking up to six weeks to decompose,’ says Timothy Holman of energy auditing agency TEAM Energy. ‘Reduce the amount of junk mail you receive by registering online with schemes such as Your Choice and the Mailing Preference Service. You can also contact Royal Mail to ask it to stop delivering leaflets. And don’t consent to third-party contact when online shopping. Finally, make sure you pop unwanted mail in the recycling so it doesn’t end up in landfill.’…

The word comes from the idea of breaking the night’s fast, and for years, we’ve been told that it’s the most important meal of the day. But new research reveals that the reality is not as clear cut as we might think. A HISTORY OF THE FRY-UP: The tradition of the full English began as early as the 14th century with the gentry, who wanted to fuel up with a big early morning meal before a day’s hunting. As well as ingredients we still eat today, such as pork sausages and bacon, they’d serve baked halibut steaks, fried whiting, stewed figs, pheasant legs, broiled kidneys and sheep’s tongues. It was the Edwardians who created the full English we recognise today – bacon, eggs, sausage, black pudding, baked beans, grilled tomato,…

‘Dear, Prima… I used to dress up more when I was younger, before I had my two daughters, and while I’m generally happy with my style, I sometimes feel like a frump! I would really like to inject a bit more glamour into my day-to-day if possible. Can you help?’ JUMP TO IT With just minutes to get ready for the school run, what could be easier to slip on than a jumpsuit? With its colourful leopard spots, this one stands out and the easy-fit makes it ready for anything. Styled with trainers or gold platforms, it’ll work wonders every time. Top tip Look for outfit elevating details such as exposed zips and waist-clinching belts. ‘To speak to Sophie’s creative side, we added bold brights’ THE RIGHT STRIPES Casual dressing…

FABRIC POTS These charming pots can be used for storing bits and bobs, or even as decorative plant pots. You will need ✽ Plain heavyweight linen ✽ Fabric scissors ✽ Patterned cotton fabric ✽ Interfacing ✽ Pins ✽ Needle and thread (or sewing machine) To make ❶ Cut a circle of linen for the base. ❷ Cut two rectangles, one in linen and one in the patterned fabric, long enough to fit round the diameter of the base, with a 2cm seam allowance. Cut out another rectangle from the interfacing to the same size. ❸ Place the fabric rectangles wrong sides together and put the interfacing on top; sew together around the edges leaving a gap on one side. Turn through to the right side, then stitch the gap to…

You will need ✽ Dinner plate ✽ Paper ✽ Pencil ✽ Scissors ✽ Pins ✽ 50 x 50cm outer fabric ✽ 30 x 30cm inner fabric ✽ Ruler ✽ Iron ✽ Sewing machine ✽ Needle ✽ 1m cord or ribbon ✽ Safety pin To make ❶ Using a dinner plate, draw a template on the paper. Cut out and pin on to the two fabrics (pin through both in one go to save time). Cut out. ❷ Fold the remaining outer fabric in half. You want the fold to be 45° from the selvedge or straight grain of the fabric. Press the fold. ❸ Open up the fabric and, using a ruler, draw a strip along the pressed fold line. This should be around 4-5cm wide, and long enough to…

Meet the maker Jennifer Sewell was working as a physiotherapist when she founded Trouvaille Stitch Kits in 2019 after falling back in love with cross stitch. She now runs it full time. How did you first get into craft? My gran, nana and great-grandma all taught me at a young age. I was four when my great-grandma first started teaching me to knit clothes for dolls. What led you to founding Trouvaille Stitch Kits? After picking up cross stitch again, I could find big landmarks and cities, but none of them represented me and my idea of home. So, I designed my first pattern, Sunny St Mary’s. I released this one in March 2020 and the idea very quickly took off, with many requests for other locations! Why did you…

Courgette & artichoke arroz Imagine cooking this over an open fire by the sea in Spain, as this is a take on a paella, using turmeric to echo the original’s characteristic saffron yellow colour at a fraction of the cost. Make sure you don’t stir the rice during cooking, as you want a crispy bottom. SERVES 4-6 • 2tbsp olive oil• 1 onion, finely sliced• 1 red pepper, finely sliced• 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced• 2 large courgettes, halved lengthways and cut into 1cm-thick half-moons• 2tbsp tomato purée• 1/2tsp ground turmeric• 250g paella rice (I use bomba)• 750ml hot vegan stock• 200g shop-bought chargrilled artichokes TO SERVE • Handful flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped• 1 lemon, cut into wedges 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Heat the…

STYLE IT FOR £10 & UNDER Introduce spring charm to your home. 3of the BOLD HUES Graham & Brown’s colour of the year is Alizarin, a rich auburn red, while Florenzia – a vivid floral design – is its pattern of the year. The company has also launched its first bed linen range. Spotlight on… B&M Well-priced accessories and furniture, available in-store and online. Coral crush Bring a burst of bright energy to any room with vivacious Raspberry Blush, paint company Benjamin Moore’s colour of the year.…

TREAD LIGHTLY IN GREECE Greece has launched a new green travel hub called Sustainable Greece (sustainablegreece.co.uk), shining a light on its eco initiatives. Paros is aiming to become the first plastic waste-free island in the Med, while visitors to Astypalaia can now use the Astybus electric van shuttle service or the AstyGo app to rent an electric car, e-bike or e-scooter. And Rhodes is carving out a sustainable tourism plan in collaboration with TUI, called The Rhodes Co-Lab. For breaks that support local conservation efforts, check out Responsible Travel’s choice of 250 trips to Greece, including its dolphin conservation holiday on Alonnisos (responsibletravel.com). WHEELY GOOD I love this Clifton polycarbonate suitcase in blush (from £159, antler.com). NEW AND AFFORDABLE ● The Avani+ Khao Lak Resort sits on the sandy shores…

Discover the Netherlands and indulge in your favourite hobby with this wonderful river cruise. You’ll join fellow quilting enthusiasts on this delightful journey through the Netherlands on the four-star MS Arena cruise ship. Sallieann Harrison, a designer and regular presenter on Sewing Street, will join you on board to host inspirational quilting workshops. As you sail, you’ll enjoy one full-day and one half-day workshop with Sallieann, and are sure to pick up crafty tips and tricks. MS Arena will take you to the world-class Keukenhof Gardens. Here, you’ll be wowed by the colourful displays at this 32-hectare garden. Your final stop will be The Hague, to check in at the four-star Babylon Hotel for a three-night stay. A highlight of your trip is sure to be the Patchwork and Quilt…

● Enjoy a talk, Q&A and Sandringham tour with Lucy Worsley. ● Spend four nights half-board at Holiday Inn Norwich North. ● Take steam train journeys on the Bure Valley Railway and the Poppy Line. ● Journey aboard the Bittern Line. ● Cruise on the Norfolk Broads aboard the Southern Comfort Mississippi paddle boat. PRICE: From £749pp* DATES: 8 to 12 May, 3 to 7 July, 4 to 8 September 2023 TO BOOK, CALL 01858 390 254, quoting PRIMALW23 VISIT prima.co.uk/lucyworsley for more details and to see the full itinerary *From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability and based on 8 May 2023 departure date. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £140. Deposit…

Andalucía is the warm and sunny land of Spanish fiestas, flamboyant flamenco dancers and historic Christian and Muslim influences, evident in the region’s art, architecture and food. Explore three parts of Andalucía over four days, starting with two nights in beautiful Seville. It’s Córdoba next, famous for the fine arches in the Mezquita, the town’s architectural showstopper. You’ll witness another Andalucían spectacle tonight – an impressive show in which horses dance in a legendary Spanish tradition. Your final stop is Ronda, a town perched in an extraordinary position high above a gorge. There are stories and legends to hear about this fascinating place, but you’ll also get to know modern-day Ronda as you learn how to cook local dishes in an open-air kitchen. There’s a wine tasting, too, where you’ll…

FIVE NIGHTS DAY 1 Check in DAY 2 Amalfi Coast tour** DAY 3 At leisure DAY 4 At leisure DAY 5 At leisure DAY 6 Departure SEVEN NIGHTS DAY 1 Check in DAY 2 Amalfi Coast tour** DAY 3 At leisure DAY 4 At leisure DAY 5 At leisure DAY 6 At leisure DAY 7 At leisure DAY 8 Depart YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO… ● Spend five or seven nights at the Grand Hotel Due Golfi in a room with a balcony. ● Enjoy breakfast each day.● Go on a full-day Amalfi Coast tour. ALSO INCLUDED Direct easyJet or Wizz Air flights from London Gatwick to Naples with 15kg hold baggage per person and private return transfers. HOW TO BOOK PRICE: From £649pp* (five nights); from £769pp* (seven nights)…

Sally started in theatre and stand-up, then got her first break in the BBC sitcom The Royle Family. She went on to work on ITV’s Coronation Street and Fat Friends, Channel 4’s Phoenix Nights and has also branched out into producing and writing. Most recently she has co-written and starred in Channel 5’s The Madame Blanc Mysteries. My earliest TV memory is… Learning to count by watching Play School in the 1970s. I also have very fond memories of Roobarb And Custard and Mr Benn. Children’s TV is so important for educating young people and shaping their early views about the world. I know it kept a lot of children going during the pandemic, and yet it’s still massively underfunded. The difference between TV then and now is… When I was…

Fill in the grid according to the arrows. When done, the shaded squares will reveal the answer to the following question: Which American novelist wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning bestseller featuring the Finch family? (6,3) WIN £50 Enter online at prima.co.uk/primapuzzles Enter for FREE online at prima.co.uk/primapuzzles to be in with a chance to win the £50 prize. Alternatively, you can call our hotline. See page 152 for the phone numbers and all the HOW TO ENTER details. HOW TO ENTER ONLINE Save money by entering online at prima.co.uk/primapuzzles. Once you have registered, please select the February issue cover, then submit the answer(s) of the puzzle(s) you want to enter. PHONE 0906 470 1007* for the Crossword, 0906 470 1009* for the Arrow-word, 0906 470 1008* for the Codeword, leaving your…

STAR OF THE MONTH AQUARIUS 21 January to 19 February The past few years have tested your limits. If you have felt under duress, the good news is that cycle is nearly over. This month marks a watershed moment for a very important relationship, with the opportunity to reach new levels of closeness. PISCES 20 February to 20 March February brings the New Moon in your sign, which heralds the annual opportunity to start over in every part of your life. Soon, the energies in your horoscope will change – what you sow now is what you will reap later! Use this month to get all your ducks in a row. ARIES 21 March to 20 April This month could bring you a spiritual awakening of sorts. You have a…

Your story Loving Barbara (December) about Scott Mitchell’s pain of losing his wife Barbara Windsor to Alzheimer’s brought back so many memories of my dear mum, Ruth, who passed away two years ago. Christmas is always a bittersweet time, when we remember loved ones who are no longer with us, but I believe publishing this piece will have brought comfort to many, as it reminds us all to celebrate their lives and focus on the positive impact they’ve made to our own. Karen Taylor Your poems SNOWDROP Snuggled in among the leaves Nestled in the grass Out of cold damp soil emerge Winter’s little stars. Dullest days are lit by this Reminder of the spring Overcoming winter blues Precious little thing. Julie Smith Recipe for success! After writing to Prima…

1 Don’t worry if you feel doubt or fear – this is normal at times of big change. 2 Don’t expect to know instantly whether something is right or wrong for you. 3 Hold on to a positive vision of your future and find focus and reassurance in working through the details of your plan. 4 Seek the support of good company. This really will make all the difference. 5 Be tolerant of others and realise the impact your growth may have on them. Treat them the way you would like to be treated yourself.…

‘Im 70, but I don’t feel it a bit. I think that’s partly the result of my second career and the fact ‘I’m that I have time to swim every day. Those things definitely put a bit of a spring in your step. With five children, ours was always a big, busy household. When my eldest daughter went to university, it felt as though the umbilical cord was snapping. It was something I hadn’t anticipated, and came as a real shock. But it also made me see that life was changing. When my second daughter went away, things seemed to open up more for me because my three boys were then a tight gang. At this point I felt I was less occupied – three is a lot less work…

From the moment I first learned the names of the different colours (aged just two), I would tell my parents that I liked purple the best. As I grew older, I’d ask for purple school bags and pencil cases; I even had a purple carpet in my bedroom. If there was a choice, I wanted purple! I can’t explain my love of it – its richness and depth just felt so calming to me. When I got to my teens and could buy my own clothes, I bought purple tops, scarves and gloves. It became so much a part of my identity that when I got married at 31, I skipped the white bridal gown and went for a purple ball dress instead. Then, I matched it with a tiara…

Two-thirds of Britons say they ‘regularly’ lose things, and we spend the equivalent of two months of our lives searching for the 7.9bn items we misplace every year*. So hurrah for the science of ‘findology’, which uses a range of research on the most efficient ways to track down those precious objects. Change your mindset Often, our minds go into panic mode when we mislay something, according to Michael Solomon, author of How To Find Lost Objects. ‘There are no missing objects,’ he says, ‘only unsystematic searchers.’ Rather than worrying about finding your missing item, tell yourself there’s a logical reason why you can’t see it. Take deep breaths to calm your nervous system so the analytical part of your mind, your prefrontal cortex, keeps working instead of being overwhelmed.…

CLOTHES YOU NO LONGER WEAR If you’re a My John Lewis member, you’ll get a £5 fashion and homeware voucher to use in store that day when you drop off five or more items of clothing and spend more than £20. Its FashionCycle scheme accepts most items, but not underwear, swimwear, baby vests, towels, bedding, footwear and nightwear. H&M allows you to hand in clothes from any brand in any condition to receive a £5 voucher to spend on your next purchase in store or online. Anyone can drop their old clothes into a Shwop box at Marks & Spencer, which will then be recycled through Oxfam. If you’re signed up to the Sparks scheme, you’ll get a reward when you donate. MAKEUP AND SKINCARE PACKAGING Old eyeshadow palettes and…

SHOW HOME Q WHAT ARE THE DOs AND DON’TS FOR SHOWING MY HOME OFF TO BUYERS? A‘Choose a great estate agent rather than the cheapest,’ says Jonathan Rolande, property valuer at housebuyfast.co.uk. ‘A good agent has a list of waiting buyers, and is more likely to get the sale to stick rather than falling through. Also, keep your property tidy and decluttered. Put rooms back to their intended use – so, if there’s a dusty home gym in bedroom three, get rid of it! And get some colour in the garden, even if it’s winter.’ DRYING TIMES Q I want to avoid using my tumble dryer; how can I dry clothes around the house? A ‘If you can afford the initial outlay, a heated clothes dryer (such as the John Lewis…

Subscribe to the digital edition of Prima magazine for instant access to advice on how to look and feel your best, time and money saving solutions, quick and easy food, beautiful homes and gardens, and above all everything you need to get the most out of life. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL EDITION Get instant access to the latest issue even when you’re on the move. Choose from the options below and enjoy a 30-day free trial of Prima for your iPad or iPhone. Your digital subscription starts with the most recent issue. GO DIGITAL AVAILABLE ON THESE DEVICES HEARSTMAGAZINES.CO.UK OR VISIT ANY OF THE THESE STORES…

Do you ever get unpleasant, creeping sensations in your lower legs when you try to relax at night, that can only be relieved by walking or movement? This has a formal name: Restless legs syndrome (also known as Willis-Ekbom disease). The annoying and uncontrollable urge to move your legs is sometimes accompanied by involuntary twitches, pins and needles or burning pain, and is something I’ve experienced on a number of occasions – most often before bed, or as a passenger on a long car journey. But if it happens to you often, it could be worth getting to the bottom of the cause – and finding a helpful solution. WHAT CAUSES IT? Although most people with restless legs have no associated underlying conditions, it is more common in those with…

I absolutely love creating new things for the house and this glue gun canvas project is no exception. I cannot stress how easy this project is – honestly, a glue gun is a crafter’s best friend – and the best part is you can’t make a mistake or go wrong, it just adds to the finished piece. Hope you enjoy it, too. You will need ✽ Glue gun ✽ Canvas ✽ Gold metallic paint marker To create ❶ Plug in your glue gun to heat up. ❷ Take the blank canvas and, using your glue gun, try to create some straight lines of glue, working out from the centre to the edges. ❸ Keep creating the lines from the centre; vary them in length as you work your way around…

Not too tricky Materials ● 6(7:7:8:9) 50g balls MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran (100% Merino wool) in Ochre 240 (A), 4(5:5:6:6) 50g balls in Oat 228; 3(3:3:4:4) 50g balls in Heirloom 250 (C). ● Pair each of 4.5mm and 5mm straight knitting needles. ● 4.5mm circular needle, at least 80cm long for border. ● 4 stitch markers. Measurements To fit chest: 81-86(91-97:102-107:112-117: 122-127)cm. Actual chest: 110(120:130:140:150)cm. Length: 56.5(58.5:60.5:62.5:64.5)cm. Sleeve length: 46cm. Tension 18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm square over stocking stitch using 5mm needles. COSY CARDI Abbreviations Beg beginning; cm centimetre; cont continue; dec decrease; foll follow; g gram; k knit; p purl; patt pattern; pfb purl into front and back of next stitch; rem remaining; rep repeat; RS right side; ssk slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit these 2…

Refresh paint The new year is a fabulous opportunity to revive your home with colour. Giving your walls a new lick of paint does wonders and can make a room feel brand new. Whether you want to be bold and change your colour scheme completely or simply want to touch up any wear and tear, a fresh-feeling space will instantly relax you and make you fall in love with your home again. Declutter your space The first step to making your home feel like a haven is making it clutter free. An organised space can directly impact how you feel when you come home after a long day. Start with smart storage solutions. Baskets are brilliant for storing bits and bobs and hidden storage pouffes are great for hiding extra…

DAY 1 Arrive in Amsterdam DAY 2 Keukenhof Gardens DAY 3 Arnhem and Nijmegen DAY 4 Rotterdam DAY 5 Delft DAY 6 Rijswijk Patchwork and Quilt Days festival DAY 7 Hand-sewing workshop DAY 8 Depart YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO… ● Enjoy a full day at the Patchwork and Quilt Days festival in Rijswijk. ● Take part in one full-day and two half-day workshops with Sallieann Harrison, with kit included. ● Visit the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens and Royal Delft Museum & Factory. ● Spend four nights on MS Arena on a full-board basis. ● Relax on board with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late evening snacks included. ● Stay for three nights at Hotel Babylon in The Hague on a B&B basis. ALSO INCLUDED Return flights from London…

DAYS 1 & 2 Arrive and Seville DAY 3 Córdoba DAY 4 Ronda DAY 5 Depart YOU WILL GET THE CHANCE TO… ● Stay for four nights with bed and breakfast, including two nights in Seville, a night in Córdoba and a night in Ronda. ● Receive one complimentary bottle of local wine, exclusively for Prima readers. ● Take part in an outdoor cookery class and wine tastings in Ronda. ● Watch a fabulous flamenco show in Seville. ● Visit the Mezquita in Córdoba. ● See an Andalucían horse show in Córdoba. ● Fly return from London to Seville; regional flights at a supplement. ALSO INCLUDED Transfers to and from Seville airport. HOW TO BOOK PRICE: From £1,045pp* DATES: 17 to 22 May, 21 to 26 June and 11 to 16…

Northern Spain is loved for its green landscapes, famed gastronomy, elegant cities and quaint villages, and long, golden beaches. It’s also packed with cultural attractions to explore, with art and architecture to discover at every turn. The luxury five-day summer cruise departs in August and will take you to some of the highlights of northern Spain as you sail in style on ship Bolette. While on board, you can indulge in a range of fabulous facilities, including the Atlantis Spa, a two-tiered entertainment theatre and a range of elegant dining venues. Even better, Prima readers will receive an exclusive £100pp discount on the trip. Your first stop will be Getxo, a charming port town in the beautiful Basque Country. You’ll have time to see some of the town’s spectacular beaches…

PRUE LEITH: NOTHING IN MODERATION 1 February to 6 April 2023; prue-leith.com Prue Leith takes her fascinating one-woman show nationwide. ANNIE THE MUSICAL TOUR 25 February to 25 November 2023; anniethemusicaltour.uk The beloved musical about a little orphan girl is hitting the road, with Craig Revel Horwood reprising the role of the evil Mrs Hannigan. THE MIND OF MORIARTY: ESCAPE ROOM EXPERIENCE From February 2023; thegameisnow.com Channel Sherlock Holmes as you take on Professor Moriarty in London, with clues left by cast members of the hit BBC series Sherlock. LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS 18 January to 1 April 2023; lemonstheplay.co.uk Head to London, Manchester or Brighton to catch Aidan Turner and Jenna Coleman in this play set in a dystopian world in which people are restricted to 140 words a day. JOHN LEGEND…

My book of the month We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman (Doubleday, £14.99) This is a novel I won’t forget. Beautiful and emotional, it tells the story of best friends Edi and Ash and how their lives are changed when Edi is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. After 40 years of friendship, Ash wants to do right by Edi with the time she has left. At times this is heartbreakingly sad, but also full of humour and ultimately about living and love. I will recommend this to everyone. 12 January Follow Nina on Twitter @matineegirl for news and giveaways The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett (Viper, £16.99) The author has garnered many fans since her debut book The Appeal in 2021 and this will delight…

I do understand this time of year can be tough for people. When we wake up to a dull, grey day, it can be tempting not to step outside unless we have to. My advice? Try to leave the house no matter what, and, when you do, look up at the sky, as it gives you that bigger perspective. I used to have one of those daylight lamps that help lift your mood, but I lost it when we moved house and, to be honest, I realised that getting out into the fresh air works just as well. Another thing I enjoy doing when I’m out is watching dogs run around in the park. I absolutely love dogs and my friend recently got a new puppy, which is the cutest, most…