Tabla de contenidos para April 2024 en Prima UK

When we did our cover shoot with the fabulous Sarah Beeny, it was one of those gorgeous days when the sun shone in a perfectly blue sky. It gave us the chance to take all the photographs outside in the glorious countryside, and it made me look forward to the imminent arrival of spring, with its sense of new beginnings and optimism. For me, spring means being able to get outside for a morning walk with my dog, Scamper, without needing a torch and his light-up collar; it means looking at my back garden and marvelling at how the plants bounce back to life despite the fact I’m such a terrible gardener; it’s about being able to hear the birds singing with their infectiously cheery songs. The change in season…

I’ve been writing novels for 20 years. In those two decades, I’ve written 18 books, consumed enough coffee to fill an Olympic swimming pool several times over, and lost count of the people who’ve said, once they find out what I do for a living, ‘Oh, I’d love to write a book.’ So what’s stopping them? Fear is a biggie. Getting those ideas down and forming them into a story is a deeply personal business. What will your friends and family think? Should you really be doing this when there’s laundry to sort, dinner to cook and you’re being called on to watch that last episode of a boxset? But hang on a sec. You want to write a novel – it’s burning inside you – which means you’re in…

KIDS’ CLASSIC Officially the first programme shown on BBC Two, on 21 April 1964, Play School was broadcast each weekday morning. Children were invited to look through the round, arched or square window by presenters including Johnny Ball, Eric Thompson (actress Emma Thompson’s dad), Brian Cant and Floella Benjamin. But the real stars of the 24-year run were their toy pals, Jemima, Hamble, Big Ted, Little Ted and, of course, Humpty. BBC Two didn’t get off to the best start. On its opening night, 20 April 1964, a fire at Battersea Power Station wiped out transmissions from BBC Television Centre and no shows were broadcast at all. But the channel, which launched with the aim of broadcasting more serious programmes than BBC One, has more than made up for that false start.…

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT Looking for a new wardrobe icon? Waistcoats are still big style news and they’re much more wearable than you’d think. Slip this amazing outfit transformer over shirts and dresses for a fashion-forward update, style it with a trouser suit to add a modern edge, or keep it simple and wear it as a top, as Pam does here. Step out of your comfort zone and feel your fashion confidence soar! COLOUR YOURSELF GORGEOUS Up your saturation levels to give your mood, and wardrobe, a brighter attitude for spring. This glorious technicolour dress is guaranteed to give you big dose of dopamine. Simply slip it on and head out for maximum impact with minimal effort. (And did we mention it has pockets?!) BRING ON THE SMILES No wardrobe…

It was a beautiful evening in June last year, and I was happy to be out with my running club. I wasn’t very speedy, but I went twice a week and enjoyed the social side as much as the exercise. Tonight, as we ran towards Kendal Castle, I was chatting to Karen, a friend who’d recently recovered from breast cancer. ‘Being diagnosed early saved me,’ she said. ‘It’s so important to know your body and get checked out if you notice any changes. I am telling everyone!’ What she was saying was so heartfelt, it made me think I should see the doctor about my cough, which I’d had for a while. With four daughters and a full-time job at a further education college, I tended not to prioritise my…

DAFFODIL CUPS These treat-filled flowers are perfect for children to make as gifts. You will need ✿ Pencil ✿ Medium-weight yellow card ✿ Scissors ✿ Glue stick ✿ Yellow cupcake cases ✿ Selection of small sweets To make ❶ Using the template, draw the petal shape on to pieces of yellow card. Cut out as many as you need. ❷ Glue a cupcake case to the centre of each set of petals. ❸ Fill with sweets and small Easter chocolate and sugar eggs. FRAGRANT FLOURISH Arrange cut flowers and foliage in painted pots for a charming spring display. You will need ✿ Terracotta pots ✿ Paintbrush ✿ Paint tester pots (water- or clay-based emulsion) ✿ Drinking glass ✿ Grasses and flowers ✿ Scissors ✿ Miniature eggs (e.g. blown quail’s eggs)…

Measurements To fit chest: 81-86(91-97:102-107: 112-117:122-127)cm. Actual chest: 121(131:141:151:161)cm. Full length (approximately): 52cm. Sleeve length: 39cm. Materials 5(6:7:8:9) x 100g balls Prima DK Acrylic Wool in Oatmeal (A); 1 x 100g ball each in Pure White (B) and Iris (C). 4.5mm crochet hook. 4 stitch markers. Tension Each granny square measures 13 x 13cm. 19 sts and 8 rows to 10cm square over treble crochet eyelet pattern using a 4.5mm hook. Abbreviations blo back loop only; ch chain; chsp chain space; cont continue; dc double crochet; dtr double treble crochet; htr half treble crochet; mm millimetre; patt pattern; rep repeat; RS right side; sl st slip stitch; st(s) stitch(es); tog together; tr treble crochet; WS wrong side; yo yarn over hook. Not too tricky Turn the page for full instructions Special…

A new book, Radiant Raffia, by Olga Panagopoulou delights in using raffia to create both pretty fashion accessories and homewares. ‘The material itself is a joy to work with – warm to the touch, pliable and raw,’ says Olga. ‘I was born in Athens, where I lived and practised law for many years. Then, one day, I realised that what I wanted more than anything was to live closer to nature, and to spend my time crocheting. I followed my heart and now live happily on the dreamy Cycladic island of Syros, crocheting all day long. I want to share my happiness and creativity with you. When making this pattern, I hope you can imagine my island’s skies, beaches and breezes.’ Here, Olga shows how to make a fabulous net…

Set the scene Create a welcoming sitting room by layering up your sofa with floral-print cushions and pastel-hued throws. Pretty posies will add instant cheer but to make a big difference, consider a bright new window dressing – a pop of yellow is perfect at this time of year. ARRANGE BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS From colourful tulips to cheerful narcissi, spring flowers were made to be shown off. Display them in pretty jugs (try Emma Bridgewater for suitably floral designs) and vases (on the right, we’ve picked some of our favourites from the high street). The more, the merrier! To keep bouquets looking their best, refresh the water regularly and remove wilting stems as and when they appear. Make your entrance Whether you try your hand at making your own (Hobbycraft has…

This is what I use in my garden. Vintage galvanised metal is usually thicker and more long lasting than newly made, thin-sided zinc pots. OVAL TIN BATH Suitable for bulb lasagnes (where bulbs are planted in layers, when in spring, they will flower together or in succession) of two layers, violas, wallflowers and all herbs. Honesty, cosmos, pelargoniums, salvias, borage, linaria, Cerinthe major, geums, Panicum capillare ‘Sparkling Fountain’ and Chasmanthium latifolium. CATTLE TROUGH Suitable for salvias and all herbs, lavenders, cardoons and artichokes, cornus, bay, bulb lasagnes of 2-3 layers, lilies, cosmos, hawthorn and bird-attracting hedges, figs and pelargoniums. OLD DOLLY TUB OR OLD DUSTBIN Both dolly tubs and dustbins are suitable for wigwams of sweet peas, pumpkins, runner beans, cosmos, dahlias, figs, roses with accompanying salvias, three-layered bulb lasagnes, sunflowers…

TV presenter and author Chris Packham, 62, lives in the New Forest with his two miniature poodles, Sid and Nancy. My ideal night in begins with… Barbecue Popchips, which I share with Sid and Nancy. I’ll invite along… Charlotte [Chris’s partner] might be there, but the evening is very different if she is. I’ll be eating… If Charlotte’s in, she’ll make a vegan meal, like tofu butter curry. If not, I’ll microwave something from the freezer. And drinking… White wine or ginger cordial. Top of my party playlist is… Killing Joke or M83 on my record player. My best-ever dinner party was… I don’t have dinner parties. If I go to someone’s house, it’s to see them, not socialise with other people, so I don’t put that on others. My…

STAR OF THE MONTH ARIES 21 March to 20 April You have two choices: allow your fears to derail you or break free from the past and embrace a whole new way of being. There’s an eclipse in your sign, a rare opportunity for you to walk away from the past and on to a different future. Eclipses have a fearsome reputation but they’re chances to leap into a new life! TAURUS 21 April to 21 May Watch how you behave around your friends. You owe some of them a lot for the way they’ve supported you through life’s ups and downs recently. If you find yourself being impatient with them, it could be due to your own fears. This is the month to work on resolving whatever is keeping…

Step into brighter days with Damart’s latest collection. You’ll find vibrant hues, feelgood prints and timeless neutrals, all in flattering fits with beautiful details to elevate your look. For effortless style, opt for one of the modern trouser suits: in bold or pastel shades with three-quarter-sleeve jackets and tapered or wide-leg trousers, they’ll take you from a lunch date to evening drinks. And Damart’s range of knits and spring coats will have you covered, whatever the weather. For quality you’ll love and with styles available in sizes 10 to 28, Damart will help you feel as fabulous as you look. HOW TO CLAIM To claim your exclusive 20% discount at Damart, visit damart.co.uk and enter the code 92713 at the checkout between 19 February and 27 March 2024. TERMS &…

If there’s one thing that brightens our mornings, it’s easy-to-apply makeup that enhances our features with very little effort. Enter Sculpted by Aimee, the much-beloved brand created by Irish makeup artist Aimee Connolly that launched in 2016 with the mission of making daily makeup routines that bit less complicated. Being a pro, she has an eye for colour (there’s never a dud shade in her inclusive range) and a feel for beautiful textures that practically apply themselves. Fellow makeup artists have fallen head over heels for her skin-first makeup, as have Prima’s beauty team. Discover a few of our favourites that are guaranteed to leave you looking and feeling fresh-faced for the new season… All-rounder The Bare Basics Spring Summer Palette, £34, is a handbag staple, featuring beautifully wearable hues.…

The day loomed large on my calendar: 10 December. A month away, a week away, three days away… As everyone around me shopped for Christmas, enjoyed frosty walks and drank too much at office parties, I was preparing for the first anniversary of my son’s death. And by ‘preparing’, I mean slipping deeper into the grief that had consumed me for most of the last year. Ask any bereaved person and they’ll tell you it’s the anniversaries that hurt the most. There are other painful days, of course – birthdays, family gatherings, the holiday of a lifetime you always thought you’d take together – but the anniversaries hit hard. They’re a reminder that you’ve spent another year without the person you loved; that you’ve stumbled through another 12 months, living…

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, as Jay, Grove and Chloe all feature capacious end-opening ottomans, big enough to hold spare bedding, duvets, pillows and more. Each bed frame comes in double, king or 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…

As we think about giving our homes a good spring clean, the obvious questions are: how does all this dust and dirt build up in the first place and where does it all come from? But while it may look nondescript to the naked eye, if you saw your domestic dirt under a microscope, you’d see that it’s a busy ecosystem humming all around you. Manal Mohammed PhD, senior lecturer in medical microbiology at the University of Westminster, says: ‘Dust is a hodgepodge of all sorts of other components, such as dust mites, insect body parts, moulds, bacteria, viruses, pollen, hair…’ Indeed, your home will have its own unique makeup of dust based on many factors, including where you live and how many people live there, as well your cooking,…

Our feet are two of the hardest working parts of our body; if you walk 5,000 steps a day, you’ll clock up around 55,000 miles during your lifetime – the equivalent of walking more than twice around the equator! On top of the natural wear and tear this causes, many of us are guilty of choosing shoes for style rather than comfort (yes, high heels with pointy toes, we’re talking about you). Little wonder that women are four times more likely than men to develop foot problems, such as corns and bunions. Keeping our feet healthy is vital – not just to reduce pain, but also so we can stay active and stride out with confidence. Here are some common problems and how to take steps to manage them… PLANTAR…

Kids and adults alike love the comfort and ease of a floaty dress, and this is a great style that suits all ages. Choose a fabric with a scalloped edge, such as the beautiful chambray we found, or try a lofty linen stripe for a laid-back, holiday vibe. Whatever you choose, it will team perfectly with wedges or chunky sandals. FREE* FOR PRIMA READERS NORMAL PRICE £2.99 Prima stars! Prima’s wonderful contributing patterns editor Becky Perry and her daughter Edie, six, were our models for these gorgeous dresses – and don’t they look fabulous! Need to know WOMEN’S SIZES 6-24; GIRLS’ SIZES 4-10 Sew a loose-fitting dress with a square neckline in a choice of lengths, including sleeves. FABRICS We used blue chambray with embroidered scalloped edges from Guthrie &…

Measurements Sizes: xs(s:m:l). Approximate UK shoe size: 3-4(5-6:7-8:9-10). Foot width: 17(18:20:22)cm. Foot length: 23.5(25.5:27:28) cm. Materials 1 x 100g ball each Prima DK Acrylic Wool in Sage (A) and Lilac (B). 3.5mm circular needle. Set of 3.5mm double pointed needles, 25cm long. 3 stitch markers. Stitch holder. Tension 24 sts and 34 rows to 10cm square over stocking stitch using 3.5mm needles. Abbreviations beg beginning; cm centimetre; cont continue; dpn double pointed needle(s); g gram; k knit; mm millimetre; p purl; pm place marker; rem remaining; rep repeat; RS right side; ssk slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit these 2 stitches together through back loops (single left-leaning decrease); sl1 slip 1 stitch; sm slip marker; st(s) stitch(es); st st stocking stitch; tog together; WS wrong side; [] repeat instructions within brackets.…

Serves 8 Bedevilled eggs Tinged with nostalgia, these eggs will certainly set the seasonal scene. MAKES 16 PREP 15min, plus cooling COOK about 12min • 8 medium eggs• 1tsp Dijon mustard• 4tbsp mayonnaise• 1tsp white wine vinegar• 2 pinches paprika, plus extra to garnish• 1tbsp freshly chopped chives, plus extra to garnish 1 Put the eggs in a medium pan and pour over cold water to just cover them. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 7min. Drain and quickly run under cold water to cool. 2 Peel the eggs and halve each lengthways. Use a teaspoon to scoop the yolks carefully into a medium sized bowl and arrange the whites hole-side up on a platter. 3 Mash the yolks with a fork, then mix in…

In a small sandstone valley in the Surrey Hills, the village of Chiddingfold offers visitors a charming little surprise: a cluster of ironstone cottages that were built following the discovery of a small seam of iron here in the 17th century. With its chequerboard stonework, red-brick window detail and red pantile roof, Cherfold Cottage is one of these. It immediately appealed to Caroline Oleron when she first saw it some 20 years ago, despite its run-down state. ‘I love historic houses and the stories of their pasts,’ she says. ‘I am drawn to places that tell a tale of their locality and have character.’ She put in an offer immediately and moved in with her husband and three sons in 2009. It would take 16 months of major building work…

SUPER STYLING The Porto V-neck swimsuit by Boden is so very flattering. Brave women Head to the National Maritime Museum for its new exhibition, Women Of The RNLI, marking the bicentenary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. This inspiring display celebrates the vital role that women have played in saving lives at sea via evocative photography, recorded oral histories and video footage; rmg.co.uk. NEW PLACES TO TRY… Walks Worldwide has introduced group guided hiking tours in North Macedonia this May and September, and the new route visits UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Eight-night tours cost from £2,689pp, including flights, transfers, half-board, four lunches and a private guide; walksworldwide.com. With new direct flights from London Gatwick this summer, you can book an eight-day ‘Walking Inside Volcanoes’ trip to the Azores with Regent…

My book of the month Meet Me When My Heart Stops by Becky Hunter (Corvus, £16.99) Utter joy! Emery is born with a heart condition that means her heart can stop at any moment. Each time it does, she meets Nick – that is, until she’s pulled back to life. She builds a bond with Nick but knows that each time she sees him, she might not make it back to the living world. A beautiful, heartwarming, uplifting story that I loved. This author has a lustrous career ahead of her. 21 March Follow Nina on X (formerly Twitter) @matineegirl for news and giveaways. The Trade Off by Sandie Jones (Pan, £9.99) Wow! What a read, and what an insight into the cut-throat world of tabloid journalism. Stella is deputy editor of…

This month, I’m going to do things by four! If you’re thinking, ‘What is she on about?’ all will be revealed below… Instead of wondering how we could be hurtling towards April (fourth month of the year), how about just taking a few minutes? Yes, I’m asking you to trust me and take four minutes out of your day. How about right after reading this, you just sit and breathe? I know when someone says ‘just breathe’ it makes you slightly panic and think that there is no way you’re going to be able to switch off, you have so much to do. Guess what? You CAN take four. That’s all you need to do to reset your minds. ‘Take four minutes out of your day’ I’m sure, like me,…

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When I was 16, I saw an apparition of my grandfather, who’d died two years before. He was standing at the end of my bed and I sensed he wanted me to tell my family that he was all right. My family was used to hearing about my spirit messages and they were pleased to hear I’d had contact with him. But the apparitions scared me, so when I saw another a few months later, I asked the spirit world not to show them to me any more. I found I was able to block out my spiritual side. Instead I focused on the real world. By the time my daughter Chloe was eight, I was a single mum. I wanted to give her a good life, so in 2002,…

Makeup magic Sitting in the makeup chair at Strictly makes me feel like a princess. I trust the team 100% – they know my face and what works for me. It’s so cool to walk in with a bare face and then, by the end, think, ‘Gosh, I’m a new person’. Colour DIY I always dye my hair at home. I used to be a hairdresser, but it’s easy and doesn’t need doing as often as people think. I like switching up the tone: vibrant for summer and deeper for winter. Garnier Good Permanent Hair Colour in Turmeric Copper, £12, is one I’ve used and liked. Time-saving tech It sounds like a rocket taking off, but the ghd Duet Style, £379, is such a brilliant gadget. I can leave my…

TREND WATCH If you’ve not tried the pretty floral craft of decoupage before, then spring is the perfect season to start. It’s a beautiful way to decorate and personalise anything in your home – from a glass vase to a wooden table. Simply cut out pieces of tissue paper, glue them to an object and varnish. You’ll just need some PVA glue and decoupage or tissue paper to start. See our Beginners’ Guide to Decoupage at prima.co.uk/decoupage and an Easter project on page 85. What I’m making this month Crochet is one of my all-time favourite crafts, and this month, I’ve been crocheting pieces for my handmade wardrobe. I loved stitching this vest using Prima DK yarn from The Works (in shades Sage and Teal). It’s perfect with jeans and…

Spring has sprung, the sun is starting to occasionally make an appearance and it’s the perfect time to refresh your home decor! Easter is an egg-cellent opportunity to have some fun with your decorations so, this year, why not have a go at making your own? This project is super simple – there are no fiddly bits or stitching needed and at the end you’ll have rustic bunny to brighten your home. Why not personalise the ribbon colours to match your Easter theme? love xxx You will need ✽ Pencil ✽ Plate (we used a side plate) ✽ Two pieces of hessian ✽ Bowl (smaller than the plate) ✽ Card ✽ Scissors ✽ Wadding ✽ Glue gun ✽ Ribbon, in two different widths ✽ Raffia or twine (optional) ✽ Faux…

Toasted pecan fudge Sea salt and toasted nuts really elevate this classic vanilla fudge. MAKES 36 SQUARES PREP 35min, plus cooling and setting COOK about 30min • 115g unsalted butter, plus extra to grease• 100g pecans• 397g tin condensed milk• 150ml whole milk• 425g light brown soft sugar• 1tsp vanilla bean paste• ½ tsp flaked sea salt• 150g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), chopped YOU WILL ALSO NEED • A sugar thermometer 1 Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4 and lightly grease and line a 20.5cm square tin with baking parchment. Spread the pecans out on a separate baking tray and toast in the oven for 8min, or until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool. 2 Mix the condensed milk, whole milk, sugar, butter and vanilla in a…

‘Pots are good for your mental health,’ says my neighbour Charlotte. She loves her pots despite having a big garden because, as she puts it, the work is immediately done, either by emptying and replanting, or by preening the existing plants; it gives instant gratification. I suppose I could portray my pots that way, as they have certainly witnessed enough of it. The actual magic of pots is that, regardless of what you might have in them, you can move them or completely rearrange them to look like a posh garden centre’s entrance foyer, if you want to. You can’t do that with a herbaceous border, or if you do start digging it up, it’s often a year’s wait before you can see whether your meddling has paid off. With…

Sitting room update For a quick, easy spring revamp, we love these new Primark cushions. Try rearranging your surfaces, too, with candles, a diffuser and fun items, such as this elephant lamp. Spotlight on… THE ORIGINAL FACTORY SHOP For an amazing bargain, head to one of The Original Factory Shop’s stores or check online. GATHER ROUND If you have friends and family coming over, why not treat them to afternoon tea? Set the scene with pretty linen and china, then add your favourite bakes. Try a good mix of colour, pattern and shape – we love these smart placemats! 3 of the BEST MUGS Make coffee time extra special with a new mug. Genius idea When space is tight, compact furniture, such as this leaning desk, is a godsend. STYLE…

Long-distance reader I’m a Canadian Brit and have spent much of my life in the UK, but I currently reside in Vancouver. I’ve subscribed to Prima for many years and have been buying it since 1987. Here is a photo of me with one of my earliest editions of the magazine. I haven’t met any other Prima readers in Vancouver, so I love getting back to my friends in the UK. Meribeth Fleetham Knitting to give back Reading about Sarah Holmes knitting socks for end-of-life patients (January), I wanted to let you know I knit ‘twiddle muffs’ for people with dementia and socks for animals at the vets (as they come round after surgery, they have socks put on as their paws get cold). I don’t think I’m as good…