Tabla de contenidos para February 2024 en Prima UK

Firstly, may I wish you all a very happy 2024. A new year is always exciting because of all the possibilities it can offer and Prima will be bringing you the latest new trends to try, ideas and expert advice to keep you inspired. We’ve kicked it off in this issue with our Live Longer, Live Well section, aimed at helping us all feel great for as long as possible. Luckily, it doesn’t mean we have to suddenly run a marathon or climb a mountain, but our experts show how small lifestyle tweaks, those all-important stretches and believing in ourselves can go a long way to helping our overall wellbeing. I’m certainly going to give the suggestions a try. I did manage to up my step count in 2023, so…

This exclusive collection of stunning contemporary bed frames has been designed with both style and comfort in mind. Opulently upholstered in super-soft velvet-feel fabric or on-trend bouclé, each beautiful bed features key design and comfort elements, such as deeply padded, supremely supportive headboards, sprung slats and detail stitching. As well as looking and feeling gorgeous, these bed frames offer masses of hidden storage, too. Chloe, Jay and Grove all feature capacious end-opening ottomans big enough to hold spare bedding, duvets, pillows and more. Each bed frame comes in double, king and super king sizes, with free delivery included on every order. FREE DELIVERY INCLUDED ON EVERY ORDER! See more in-store and online at dreams.co.uk/house-beautiful…

She’s been dishing out advice on her friend Graham Norton’s weekend radio shows (first on BBC Radio 2 and now on Virgin Radio) for more than a decade, learning a thing or two along the way. And now, the 66-year-old broadcaster and actor, who has credits as diverse as The Fast Show and Killing Eve to her name, has released a memoir of all the highs and lows of a life lived to the full. Maria says: ‘We don’t ever tend to stop and reflect, so it’s good to reinforce the thought that, yes, I was here, I occupied my space on the planet and I tried to be kind. I also tried not to mess up too much – although that’s unavoidable because, in every life, a little rain must…

‘AMAZING PRODUCTS AND FANTASTIC VALUE FOR MONEY. I BOUGHT ONE FOR A GIFT – THEN HAD TO BUY ONE FOR MYSELF!’…

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED IF YOU DECIDE ON SLEEP SEPARATION Rachel Zar, a relationship and sex therapist, says: Sharing a bed with a partner can be wonderful in so many ways but, although this is still the default for couples, the numbers sleeping in separate rooms are on the rise. In fact, almost one in four couples* chooses this arrangement. The term ‘sleep divorce’ has a negative connotation but, for some couples, sleeping separately can actually lead to increased closeness. Good-quality sleep has been shown to be an important indicator of relationship health, and one study, by Ohio State University, showed it could improve communication and reduce conflict and irritability over time. If sharing a bed with your partner is making it hard for you to get enough restful hours…

Skin wins When I’m filming, I wear a lot of makeup for long periods, so I’m diligent about prep and removal. I use Weleda Skin Food, £14.95, and Simple Kind To Skin Soothing Eye Balm, £5, as pre-makeup fixes. Then, afterwards, I cleanse with Bioderma Sensibio H2 O Make-up Removing Micelle Solution, £11, followed by a lovely hydrating cleanser, such as Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil, £33. Keeping calm I’ve tried hypnotherapy to help with the anxiety that emerged as a symptom of menopause. It was a brand-new feeling for me; obviously I’d been anxious before in my life, but this roving, roaming anxiety, seemingly about nothing, was different. It felt horrible – like a constant churning in my gut. So I started doing some clinical hypnotherapy, which is a bit…

Measurements To fit chest: 81-86(91-97: 102-107:112-117:122-127)cm. Actual chest: 105(114.5:125:134.5:145)cm. Full length: (approximately): 60(61:62.5:63.5:65)cm. Sleeve length: 45cm. Materials ● 4(5:5:6:6) 100g balls Prima DK Acrylic Wool in Speckled Grey (A). ● One set 3.25mm double pointed needles or small 3.25mm circular needle. ● 3.25mm circular needle 30cm long; 3.25mm circular needle 80cm long; 4mm circular needle 30cm long; 4mm circular needle 80cm long. ● 4 stitch markers. ● Optional colours for embroidery: 1 x 100g ball Prima DK Acrylic Wool each in Mustard (B); Off White (C); Iris (D). Tension 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm square over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Not too tricky Turn the page for full instructions Abbreviations beg beginning; cm centimetre; cont continue; dec decrease; dpn double pointed needle(s); g gram; k knit; kfb…

PULLED PORK CHILLI Melt-in-the-mouth pulled pork takes this easy chilli recipe to the next level. Bulked out with vegetables and beans so the small joint of pork goes a long way, this is great when you’re watching your pennies as well as your calories. It’s well worth batch-cooking and stashing away the leftovers for a rainy day. SERVES 6 PREP 20min COOK about 3hr 15min • 1tbsp mild chilli powder• 1tsp ground cumin• 1tsp dried oregano• 1tsp smoked paprika• 600g pork shoulder joint, weight after rind and all visible fat removed• Low-calorie cooking spray• 1 onion, sliced• 3 garlic cloves, crushed• 2 peppers (any colour), deseeded and sliced• 2 carrots, peeled and diced• 1 eating apple, peeled, cored and cut into small dice• 400g tin chopped tomatoes• 1 chicken or…

DELIVERED TO YOU Having a stash of quality meals in the freezer is such a wonderful thing, bringing peace of mind that, on days when you’re running on empty, you can still have a nutritious dinner without effort. Dovebrook Kitchen delivers award-winning plant-based meals, all individually frozen. Food packaging is plastic-free and home compostable, delivery packaging is recyclable or returnable, and with your first order you receive a beautiful mini glass casserole, designed to perfectly fit your Dovebrook meals for cooking straight from the freezer. Meals are produced in the Cotswolds, and the brand is committed to using local and ethically minded suppliers. Most importantly, all the meals are delicious – I particularly rate the Tom Yum Soup and Casarecce Carbonara. 3 of the BEST GLOBETROTTING SIDE DISHES In the…

Emma Merry, colour consultant and founder of Home Milk, aims to increase people’s confidence when it comes to using colour in their homes. Through home tours, colour consultations and online courses, Emma’s goal is to inspire people to infuse their lives with joy through colour. Here, in an extract from her book The New Colourful Home, Emma showcases three women using bold colourways. BOLD CHOICES Natalie Lee wears many hats: she’s an author, course creator, content producer and devoted mother. Her kids may voice their opinions on the colours used in their home but, she admits, ‘They often try to talk me out of things, so I ignore them.’ Her approach to making bold colour choices stems from her insistence that it’s just paint, and can easily be changed. Natalie’s…

ALL £25 & UNDER Winter wonder!…

WINTER BLUES This seriously stylish top and skirt combo in mood-boosting blue will instantly elevate your day-to-day wardrobe as well as your spirits. We’ll be wearing this sleek and chic duo with sporty socks and bold colour-pop trainers. KEEP IT CASUAL One item you can wear on repeat is a relaxed-fit jumpsuit. A flattering one-piece that’s both ageless and easy to dress up or down, this is a laid-back wardrobe essential designed to take life in its stride. COOL COMFORT Bring on the frosty forecast this new year and wrap yourself up in a duvet-style puffa coat. Keep things pale and interesting and try winter white for a luxe alternative to classic black. Throw on effortlessly over your workout gear and add tan accessories for a polished finish. GOOD SPORT…

The House Beautiful Collection of blinds and shutters offers stylish and affordable designs for modern living. These impressive blinds are crafted from bamboo, which is fast-growing and self-generates from the roots, and have been specially designed to bring a contemporary and natural look to your home that will stand the test of time. Offering a chic, convenient way to control both light and privacy, natural bamboo Venetians are a great-value alternative to shutters, giving a clean, timeless finish to your windows. And with six on-trend shades in brushed and painted finishes, 15 tape colours and eight metal pulls to mix and match, you’re bound to find the ideal style solution for any room. To book a free in-home consultation, call 0800 587 6480 or visit hillarys.co.uk…

‘I work with people in their 60s, 70s and even 80s,’ says Rosaria, ‘and I’m constantly inspired by their attitude and achievements. They show me the true worth of exercise; keeping physically active and mentally strong is something they need to do, and they value that. The magic comes in the confidence it gives people at a time when self-belief can start to wane. That confidence leads to a better quality of life. No sport is out of bounds – people in their 90s run marathons. Even if you’ve not done exercise for years, there’s no reason not to start – just bear in mind that you need to build it up slowly. Daily movement is key. Walking for an hour every day is a great way to do this.…

Nearly all of us live with some degree of clutter. We may be hanging on to useless items for any number of reasons, or simply unable to even begin making headway on organising or tidying up the sheer volume of stuff we’ve accumulated over the years. Perhaps you have a penchant for keeping books, despite never intending to read them again, or have a wardrobe full of clothes that haven’t fitted you for years. Maybe it’s birthday cards you don’t have the heart to throw away and have stuffed into a drawer, never to be looked at again. Or numerous charging cables you’re positive will come in handy one day, if and when you discover what device they belong to. ‘The point is to unburden yourself from so much stuff…

PICTURE THIS Q Is it worth getting a dash cam for my car? A ‘A dash cam will make reporting evidence and resolving any claims with your insurer much easier, with many letting you send footage of illegal driving directly to the police,’ says Neil Greig of road safety charity iamroadsmart.com. ‘Prices range from around £40 to more than £300, and ideally you’d get it fitted professionally to ensure it’s not obscuring your view.’ ROOT OF THE PROBLEM Q Should I worry about the roots of a nearby tree disturbing my house’s foundations? A ‘If there’s no noticeable effect, such as large cracks in your walls, it’s unlikely to be a problem, but consider asking a tree surgeon if you are concerned,’ says property and construction expert Thomas Goodman at…

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STAGGER YOUR BEDTIMES Does one of you need lots of sleep, and the other little? Head to the bedroom early (say, 8pm) to unwind in front of a TV show together, read together, or chat about your day. Then, the needs-more-sleep partner can go to sleep within an hour or two while the other heads to another room to relax until their later bedtime. CONSIDER SEPARATE-BUT-SAME BEDS Too close for comfort? Space allowing, you could have separate single or double beds in the same room, or put twin beds up against one another. There are now also ‘zip and link’ beds with two mattresses attached, so you can have two different levels of firmness. And, of course, there’s also the option of a much bigger bed. Would an upgrade to…

‘My creative career has taken many different paths, but I am always drawn back to my love of paper and the endless possibilities of a material that is so readily available to us all,’ says Clare Youngs, author of Papercraft Art. ‘I’m a huge believer in using recycled materials. Keep scraps of used giftwrap and tear out the unused pages from old notebooks before they head off to the recyling bin. Don’t discard old magazines, food labels, or even junk mail. You will be amazed at what you can achieve and maybe you’ll come to love paper as much as I do.’ PAPER DAISIES Paper daisies are easy to make and look gorgeous grouped together in different sizes, bringing some spring sunshine into the home. You can reduce or enlarge…

Don’t forget to knit a tension square before you begin so that your project will be the right size. Yarn ● 1 x 50g (1¾ oz) ball (140m/153yd) Rowan Kid Classic (70% wool, 26% mohair, 4% nylon) worsted (Aran) yarn in 870 Rosewood (A). ● 1 x 50g (1¾ oz) ball (120m/131yd) Schachenmayr Merino Extrafine 120 (100% wool) light worsted (DK) yarn in 00120 Sonne (B). ● 1 x 25g (¾ oz) ball (200m/219yd) Valley Yarns Southampton (72% mohair, 28% silk) lace-weight yarn in 36 Butter (C). ● Small amounts of black and off-white light worsted (DK) yarns. Needles and equipment ● 5.5mm (US 9) knitting needles. ● Yarn sewing needle. ● Large-eyed embroidery needle. Tension (gauge) 17 sts and 20 rows in stocking (stockinette) stitch to a 10cm (4in)…

Size Finished toy measures approximately 41cm in length. Blanket measures approximately 43 x 43cm. Materials ● COLOURWAY 1: 1 x 100g ball each Prima DK Acrylic Wool in Latte (A); Baby Blue(B). COLOURWAY 2: 1 x 100g ball each Prima DK Acrylic Wool in Off White (A); Baby Pink (B). ● Small amount of black yarn or embroidery thread. ● 3.25mm and 4mm crochet hooks. ● Toy stuffing. Tension 22 sts and 21 rows to 10cm square over double crochet using a 3.25mm hook. 17 sts and 9 rows to 10cm square half treble crochet using a 4mm hook. Turn the page for full instructions Tension is not essential for this pattern, however it may result in a slightly smaller or larger toy and more yarn may be needed. Abbreviations…

White chocolate & raspberry mousse cake This stunning no-bake layered cake is as tasty to eat as it is pretty to look at. SERVES 12 PREP 30min, plus cooling and chilling COOK about 15min FOR THE BASE • 75g butter, melted, plus extra to grease• 125g digestive biscuits FOR THE WHITE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE LAYER • 3 sheets platinum-grade leaf gelatine, we used Dr. Oetker• 100g white chocolate, finely chopped• 250ml double cream, at room temperature• 1tsp vanilla bean paste FOR THE RASPBERRY MOUSSE LAYER • 200g fresh or frozen raspberries• 50g caster sugar• 3 sheets platinum-grade leaf gelatine• 250ml double cream TO DECORATE • 125g fresh raspberries• 25g white chocolate, melted 1 Grease and neatly line the base and sides of a 20.5cm round springform tin with baking parchment. For…

Art of display Freestanding shelves featuring drawers or cabinets can allow you to keep pretty pieces on show while the less attractive essentials are out of sight. Bring a hint of creativity to your organising and make the most of spare space on bookshelves and storage units – vases, ornaments and potted house plants can make a welcome addition to any shelf. If you have lots of books, why not arrange them by colour or height to create a focal point? Pretty and practical Hallway heroes An organised entrance corridor gives an excellent first impression. Having a dedicated spot for your handbag and keys will make mornings simpler, and walking through the door without tripping up over spare shoes will get your evenings off to a much smoother start. Look…

I’m sitting under an ancient oak tree on a mountainside above the Albanian Riviera, just south of Vlorë, glass of cinnamon-and-honey-infused raki in hand as the sun sets over the Adriatic Sea. Down the hillside, shepherd-farmer Sofo is herding his goats for milking, their hollow bells ringing out in the balmy evening air. As darkness falls and the flitting bats and stars come out, my fellow travellers and I follow Sofo as he strides back up the hillside with a huge container of fresh milk, taking it to his wife, Dhurata, who oversees their fecund kitchen garden and restaurant. Across the hillside is the ghost village of Tragjas, where time has stood still since the area was bombed during the Second World War. After we’ve listened to some melancholic flute…

Call The Midwife star Cliff, 63, lives near Saffron Walden with his wife, Tara Wyer, and their dog. He has four children. My ideal night in begins with… Getting comfy in my armchair and watching Bangers & Cash on the Yesterday channel with the fire going. I’ll invite along… My dog, a cavapoochon called Chief Inspector Pedro Sanchez. He’s so sweet and good-natured and always sits by my side. I’ll be eating… A Fray Bentos steak and kidney pie with mashed potato and marrowfat peas. If I’m still hungry, I’ll treat myself to a Bakewell tart with some custard. Bliss! And drinking… A nice cup of tea. I gave up drinking a year ago and it’s made a huge difference to how I feel. It’s also given me a lot of…

Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben (Century, £9.99) Michelle Keegan plays a grieving widow whose life is turned upside down by something she sees on her nanny cam. Based on Coben’s bestselling novel, this eight-part series hits Netflix in January. The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood (HQ, £8.99) Samantha Bond stars as the retired archaeologist in this TV adaptation by the writer of Death In Paradise. Bond’s character, Judith, teams up with neighbours to investigate a murder. Drama Channel (UKTV) Alex Cross Must Die by James Patterson (Little, Brown, £20) Alex Cross has featured in more than 30 books since 1993’s Along Came A Spider. Aldis Hodge plays the detective in Cross, described as a ‘complex, pulse-pounding and twisted thriller’. Amazon Prime…

STAR OF THE MONTH AQUARIUS 21 January to 19 February There will be many times when it will be amazing to have Pluto in your sign, but this planetary passage won’t be without challenges. This month, if you can’t control your temper, you won’t be able to control your life, so disagree carefully! PISCES 20 February to 20 March Ask yourself, what am I actually scared of? It’s time for serious self-reflection and the benefits will be worth it. Getting to the bottom of whichever problems are currently spoiling your fun is crucial for your peace of mind. ARIES 21 March to 20 April Watch out if a relationship with a friend is tricky – things could get rather intense for you both this month. In fact, if you get…

As we launch into that post-Christmas time when the days feel short and spring seems an age away, there’s still lots we can do to keep ourselves feeling bright. Why not start each morning by looking in the mirror and smiling at yourself? It cheers you up straight away. And please don’t berate yourself for not beginning the year with a new workout regime – this is something I feel particularly strongly about, because all year is the right time to get healthier. Instead, start with a bit of self-care (let’s not call it a workout). Reach for the things on the top shelves in your kitchen to get your body stretching. Pick up two full water bottles (the reusable ones, of course) and start lifting them 10 times in…

ENERGISE RELAX…

The first time I saw Meg, she was upside down, doing a headstand in a yoga class. Chatting afterwards as we rolled up our mats, we hit it off straight away. I was 28, with a two-year-old son; she was 39, with a boy aged four and another on the way. I was soon a regular visitor to the house she shared with her partner, Garry, then 36, around the corner from where my partner and I lived in east London. We’d sit at the kitchen table, setting the world to rights. I was an antenatal teacher and Meg had been a midwife but, having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) six years earlier, she was retraining to be a psychotherapist. She was a good listener, smart and witty, with…

Facebook posts and Instagram photos Both owned by Meta, these have the same options: you can either remove or memorialise your loved one’s profile. Memorialising preserves a person’s shared posts and pictures, allowing friends and families to gather and share memories. The word ‘Remembering’ is shown next to their name, and no one will be able to log into the account, keeping it safe from potential hackers. To let Facebook know someone has passed away, you will need to prove your authority by sending them official documents, such as your power of attorney, their last will and testament, or their birth certificate for those under 18. You’ll also have to submit a document of proof that they have died, like an obituary or a memorial card. This will also allow…

BEST Cast Iron Perfect Pot (£150, Our Place) This Instagram-friendly dish heated up quickly on both gas and ceramic hobs, searing meat evenly and locking in moisture. It’s easy to clean, and the slip-on silicone handle covers make it a cinch to move. It also comes with a lifetime warranty. RUNNER-UP Signature Cast Iron Round Casserole, 24cm (£285, Le Creuset) This brand’s casserole dishes are iconic for a reason. Our runner-up warmed up quickly and distributed heat evenly. It also retained moisture, thanks to a secure self-basting lid. BUDGET BUY Foundry 24cm Round Cast Iron Casserole, (£59.99, Barbary & Oak) A reliable pick. It spread heat evenly, delivering well-cooked and evenly seared meat and veg. Results were mixed when it came to moisture retention, so it will require a little…

Choose a colour-pop coat Make a stand against the dull weather in a technicolour topper. Nothing will give your outfits, and your mood, a lift quite like pulling on a colourful coat. Flattering and feelgood, they’ll give your jeans and jumpers an instant pick-me-up. Why not go all-out and up the saturation levels on the rest of your outfit, too? MEET OUR READERS GINA HOLLANDS 43, from Worthing, is a fiction author and PR Consultant. TANYA VINCENT-TOMLINSON 49, from Ashford, works as an IT, Finance and Operations Manager. NATALIE O’NEILL 49, from London, works as a Licensing Specialist. Set the tone Don’t feel confident mixing contrasting shades? Colour yourself happy in varying hues from one palette. It’s a great way to play around with tones you haven’t tried before. Think…

WHAT CAUSES THEM? The lens doesn’t contain any blood vessels but must obtain oxygen and nutrients by diffusion from the eye fluids in which it is suspended. However, this leaves it vulnerable to attack from free radicals, which are generated by exposure to, for example, smoke and excess alcohol, as well as environmental pollutants, X-rays and UVA sunlight. Your body’s own metabolic reactions can also trigger free radicals, especially if you have a health condition such as diabetes. Eye injuries, certain medications like paracetamol and antibiotics, and genes can also play a role in some cases. And, of course, ageing is another key factor. SEE IT? FIX IT Cataracts progress at different rates. For some, vision may deteriorate within a year, while others may experience slow progression over decades. Some…

This loose-fitting smock and dress pattern is great for mixing and matching prints or broderies to create some beautiful daytime outfits ready for those brighter spring days to come. The pretty blouson top has an on-trend scalloped hem, or mix and match checks and ginghams on the knee-length dress. For a more fitted style, choose the midi dress, with an elasticated waist, and make a statement in an eye-catching print. FREE* FOR PRIMA READERS NORMAL PRICE £2.99 Need to know SIZES 6-24 Sew a smock top, knee-length dress or midi dress with yoke detail and either embroidered hems or an elasticated-cuff detail. FABRICS We used a neutral linen with navy embroidered hem from lamazifabrics.com for the top; Ochre double-sided gingham in double gauze from higgsandhiggs.com for the knee-length dress; and…

These coasters look just as good on their own as they do when they come together to form a gorgeous heart! The marbling technique used in this project is so satisfying. The pink and red tones make them a great gift for girlfriends or for that someone special, and they will love knowing that they’re one of a kind! love xxx You will need ✽ 4 x blank unglazed ceramic coasters ✽ Low tack tape ✽ Acrylic paints – white and any other colours that you like ✽ Cocktail sticks ✽ Drying rack ✽ Tray or something you don’t mind getting paint on ✽ Craft knife ✽ Paintbrush ✽ Spray varnish To create ❶ Take two of the blank coasters and use the low tack tape to mask the top…

TREND WATCH WHAT’S NEW TO TRY… BEADED EMBROIDERY Think embroidery, but 3D and stitched with beads, rather than traditional floss. Spearheaded by crafters such as Imogen Melissa (imogenmelissa.com), beaded embroidery is such a soothing way to get stitching. Start with a kit to master the basics. 3 of the BEST Craft subscription boxes What I’m making this month I can’t stop making crochet cushions – my flat is covered in them! My current obsession is a waffle stitch cushion in Prima DK acrylic wool from The Works – it’s such a lovely texture and looks perfect (even if I say so myself) on my favourite armchair in the living room. HANDMADE WARDROBE If you craft one thing to wear this month, make it a cute knitted vest – they’re set…

Bring the countryside into your home with Country Living. Enjoy seasonal recipes, fascinating features and delightful ideas for your home and garden. Get your first six issues for just £6 in our Winter Sale, and join more than 500,000 readers escaping to the country with Country Living. £1 PER MONTH “I just love the variety of topics that are covered. Great ideas for the home, recipes and environmental issues, as well as artisanal goods” Mrs Smillie Country Living subscriber EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE Visit hearstmagazines.co.uk/cl-mag Call 01858 438423‡ and quote 1CL12530 Scan the QR code TERMS & CONDITIONS Offer valid for new subscriptions only, to UK delivery addresses. After the first six months your subscription will renew at £29.99 every six months. Subscription offer closes 31 January 2024. For subscription enquiries please…

PRETTY AS A PICTURE Prestigious Textiles’ Poetry fabric collection of prints, jacquards and embroideries embraces the folklore trend, with a nod to the Arts and Crafts movement. Spotlight on… MANGO HOME Mango’s online homeware range is inspired by laid-back Mediterranean style. 3 of the BEST FAUX PLANTS Bring a touch of greenery to even the dimmest of rooms. Genius idea What’s not to like about this bar cart with a clever dedicated place for ice? BEDROOM UPDATE Get set for spring by investing in new bed linen. Opt for a lighter, fresher colour scheme, such as pretty pastel shades – clay pink and yellow tones, for instance, will add warmth to a room while making it feel light and airy. STYLE IT FOR £10 & UNDER Small change, big difference!…

ALL NEW FOR SANDALS Be the first to holiday at Sandals Saint Vincent and The Grenadines when it opens its door on 27 March. The resort includes many firsts for this adult-only brand, including two-storey overwater villas with rooftop outdoor lounges. And from the open-air lobby, you can enjoy a 300ft linear pool that appears to meet the horizon. Seven nights at the all-inclusive resort from £3,050pp, including return Virgin Atlantic flights and transfers. sandals.co.uk 3 of the BEST WALKING HOLIDAYS WALK AND CYCLE Take the road less travelled with The Slow Cyclist’s new exploration by bike and foot of the rural patchwork landscapes of Poland’s Lower Silesia region, which borders Germany and northern Czechia. theslowcyclist.com NEW DESTINATIONS Inghams’ 2024 walking brochure has landed, with early booking offers across Europe…

My book of the month The Woman On The Ledge by Ruth Mancini (Century, £14.99) Wow, wow, wow… what a superb read! This is a really clever and meaty thriller with such a meticulous plot. Tate Kinsella is temping at a London bank when she is arrested for murder; a woman has fallen from the 25th floor and Tate was the last to see her. But how do they know each other? And is Tate telling the truth? I’m certain this will be one of my favourite thrillers of 2024 already! 4 January Follow Nina on X (formerly Twitter) @matineegirl for news and giveaways. The House Of Broken Bricks by Fiona Williams (Faber, £14.99) A stunning and beautifully written debut, with elegant prose and a dreamlike quality to the writing that had…

£50 star letter Who you gonna call?! I wanted to show you our take on the Prima jumpsuit pattern from October 2018, which my friend Julie and I turned into Ghostbusters outfits for a fancy dress party! Actually, we’re going to make them again for everyday outfits, as they’re so comfy and cool to wear. We hadn’t made anything for years, but this has inspired us! Pamela B Caught on camera Your feature about CCTV cameras both shocked and comforted me. However we feel about it, being captured on camera is here to stay. We just need to be vigilant of the ways they can be used. Esther Chilton Teddy bear surprise I was astonished when I saw a photo of my daughter’s teddy in the October issue of Prima…