Tabla de contenidos para July 2024 en Prima UK

My mum volunteers in a Cancer Research charity shop and I would like to do some volunteering, too. What I didn’t think about – until reading our feature on page 30 – was of the more unusual outdoor volunteering opportunities you can do. I was interested in reading about the woman who cleans the war graves. I love history, so I found something really special about this simple way of emotionally connecting with the past. I also loved the idea of training a hearing dog to help deaf people. Dougie the cocker spaniel in our feature reminded me of my own dog, Scamper, when he was young – although I can’t say I’ve trained him very well! I know many of you do so much for others already, but I…

MY MOST SHOWBIZ MOMENT WAS… when I was in EastEnders, Kenny Goss brought George Michael to the set as a birthday present, and he was in a scene sitting in the Queen Vic. That was quite cool. I know everyone always says this about him, but he was so nice. MY MOST STARSTRUCK MOMENT WAS… meeting Billy Connolly. I actually went mute. He was like a proper childhood crush, so funny and effervescent, and I loved his way with words. It was the night his wife Pamela [Stephenson] was knocked out of Strictly and I went over to tell her I really enjoyed what she did on the show. He was standing there and all I wanted to do was tell him I loved him, but I ended up not…

Globetrotter Beach chic…

On holiday in Italy in 2019, I basked in the sunshine, feeling blessed. At 36, I had a gorgeous husband, a two-year-old daughter and a career as a solicitor with a music company. We lived near my parents in a pretty village close to where I’d grown up. Johnnie and I wanted another baby, thinking that then we’d have everything. Although sitting there that day, I did wonder: ‘Life feels so perfect now. Should we just keep it that way in case anything changes?’ My head didn’t stand a chance against my heart and I was soon pregnant. At seven weeks, I paid a scan because I couldn’t wait any longer to see my baby. And the moment I did, I felt love surge through my body. ‘I will always…

OVAL If your face is longer than it is wide and your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, you’re likely to have an oval face. You may have a curved jawline that is slightly narrower than your forehead. ‘Oval is the most common shape with balanced facial features. Most frame shapes will suit you, so you can be as adventurous as you like,’ says Andrew. SQUARE If your face is as long as it is wide and your forehead and jawline are roughly the same width, then you have a square face. ‘Your defined jawline means you have a great face structure for angular frames,’ says Andrew. ‘I’d recommend oval frame styles or go bold with cat-eye!’ Frames that are narrower soften your strong, angular features. HEART-SHAPED Your…

❤ LOVE BOMBING Over-the-top declarations of love and using terms of endearment early on. ❤ SOB STORIES such as being widowed or cheated on; it’s to lull you into a false sense of security and make you think they’re the vulnerable one. ❤ WORKING ABROAD Being a doctor, in the armed services, top-secret work, oil rigs or engineers gives them an excuse not to meet in person, along with an inability to do video calls or needing cash in a hurry. ❤ SMALL FAVOURS By them asking for a tiny favour first, you’re psychologically prepared to help them when they’re in need of a large favour. ❤ SUDDEN CRISES such as a bereavement in their family, so they need help urgently. ❤ CHANGING PHONE NUMBERS This is a sign that…

Over the past 15 years, I’ve written and commissioned hundreds of stories for Prima. But there’s one story I’ve been longing to tell – my own. It all started when I gave up my job in London aged 30 and went travelling. I flew to India with a friend, and after an exhausting six months of exploring, I arrived in Thailand ready for a bit of R&R. I fell in love with the country straight away, and the warmth of the sun was matched by that of its people, but what I hadn’t countered for was actually falling in love. On a white sand beach on the (then) unspoiled island of Koh Pha Ngan, I met Sit Sinotok, who was running a restaurant. Despite language and cultural barriers, we found…

BAD MANNERS Q My new partner has terrible table A ‘No, it’s not,’ says etiquette expert A Laura Akano (polishedmanners.co.uk). ‘There are still expected standards of table behaviour, which include chewing with your mouth closed, elbows off the table and not speaking with food in your mouth. You can raise your concerns by having a tactful conversation with your partner and offering some guidance. Or you could suggest you both attend a dining etiquette class together. Search online for details.’ MOTH MENACE Q How can I stop moths from eating my cardigans? A ‘Moths like to hide in a wardrobe full of clothes,’ says Robert Collins at trade matching site myjobquote.co.uk. ‘Only hang up the pieces you’re currently using; regularly shake clothing; and store seasonal items in vacuum-sealed bags. If…

Every issue of Country Living is filled with a unique blend of stories on country home style, sustainable gardening, artisan crafts, British food producers, UK travel and more – offering you a joyous escape from the everyday. Plus, our new Country Living app includes access to our full library and special-edition guides on gardening, interiors and food to read wherever you are. Subscribe with our special reader offer and start reading today. OUR BEST OFFER GREAT REASONS to SUBSCRIBE • OUR BEST OFFER Just £19.99 for a year (saving 80%)• INCLUDES free UK delivery direct to your door• READ the digital edition on your smartphone or tablet• ACCESS our new improved app• DAILY editions of the Daily Mail and i newspapers via the app• TRY IT NOW You can cancel…

Not too tricky Size Width: 37cm. Length: 42cm. Strap length: 70cm. Materials ● 3 x 50g balls each Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK in Marine Blue 434 (A) and Washed Teal 433 (B); 2 x 50g balls in Macaron Green 470 (C).● Pair 5mm knitting needles.● Narrow ribbon or tape, optional. Tension 19 sts and 40 rows to 10cm square over pattern using 5mm needles. Abbreviations cm centimetre; cont continue; g gram; k knit; mm millimetre; p purl; patt pattern; RS right side; sl1p slip 1 stitch purlwise; st(s) stitch(es); WS wrong side; wyib with yarn at back of work; wyif with yarn at front of work; tbl through back loop; [] repeat the instructions within the brackets as many times as directed. Bag Note: Pattern is worked double stranded throughout,…

Born in Edinburgh, Patrick Grant, 52, grew up around people in the textile business. His grandfather worked in the woollen industry in the Scottish Borders and Patrick spent his childhood holidays in mill towns and saw the effect of the decline of the textile industry in the community. After studying materials science and engineering at university, he bought and revived Savile Row tailors Norton & Sons before relaunching British ready-towear designer brand E Tautz. In 2016, he transformed an ailing Blackburn factory into his social enterprise Community Clothing, which aims to make quality everyday clothes in British factories. Since 2013, Patrick has been a judge on the BBC show The Great British Sewing Bee and has now written Less, which focuses on how owning fewer things can make us happier.…

Crocantella di patate CRISPY POTATO ‘FOCACCIA’ This unleavened focaccia-type bread is really simple and quick to prepare. You can enjoy it as a snack at any time or as part of an antipasto with cured meats and cheese. It can be made in advance and reheated just before serving so that it retains its delicious crispiness. SERVES 4-8 • Extra virgin olive oil, to drizzle, plus extra to grease• Fine polenta, to dust• 1 onion, finely sliced• 3 small rosemary sprigs, needles removed• 270g potatoes (any kind) peeled and very thinly sliced• 220g ‘00’ pasta or plain flour• 290ml water, at room temperature 1 Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Lightly grease a 28cm round cake tin with olive oil and dust with fine polenta. 2 Heat a…

Outdoor/indoor Alfresco living has elevated its style game, mirroring the comforts of home outside. With an impressive array of fabrics, solar lights, waterproof rugs and distinctive furniture, transforming your garden into a snug extension of your living space has never been simpler. Dive into a treasure trove of colours, patterns and styles to curate a space that reflects your personality and is always primed for every occasion. Pretty parasols If you love soaking up every moment of sunshine in your garden, you’ll know how important it is to find shade during the midday heat. One solution that not only provides relief but also adds charm to your outdoor oasis is a well-designed parasol. For added style, look for plenty of fringing, scalloped edges and beautiful unique prints. Stylish seating If…

Theatre break in London Multi-Olivier and BAFTA-winning Imelda Staunton stars in Hello, Dolly!, coming to The London Palladium for a limited 10-week season from 6 July. Socialite-turned-matchmaker Dolly Levi travels to New York, to find a match for the miserly ‘half-amillionaire’ Horace Vandergelder, but everything changes when she realises that the next match she needs to make is for herself! One reader will win tickets to the show, plus an overnight stay for two at grade II-listed The Clermont Charing Cross (theclermont.co.uk), where you’ll find period charm, modern comforts and exceptional hospitality, including afternoon tea with bubbly and breakfast. Visit hellodollyldn.com for more information about the show. Enter for free at prima.co.uk/treatsjul24. Call 0905 789 1001 (80p per min plus your network access charge)*. Text PRIMAPRIZE1 to 88833 (£1.50 plus…

£50 star letter On the rebound Your Jump Into Spring feature (May) moved me to share my life hack – rebounding on my mini trampoline. It’s the best medicine to keep my 65-year-old body and mind fit, I’d been going to the local gym but this is so much easier to keep up. I fall out of bed and get moving before my awake brain puts its oar in! It takes me from Eeyore to Tigger in seconds. Carole Hawkins Look what we’ve made… Super crafter This is a crochet jacket from your April issue. I added an extra stripe. Maureen Maddock Learning new skills I knitted this jumper from your February issue. I’d never used circular needles (quite a challenge!) and I blocked the garment after I’d finished it, which I’ve never…

Perfect for updating your warm-weather wardrobe, the latest stylish, sustainable collection from Aspiga, the award-winning ethical independent B-Corp brand, is a one-stop shop for summer chic and holiday style. New pieces for this season include a stunning range of block-print organic cotton dresses, a new collection of easy-to-wear cheesecloth pieces, fabulous frocks for all your summer occasions and, if you’re heading to the beach, there’s also a range of figure-flattering sustainable swimwear and accessories. HOW TO CLAIM To receive your exclusive 20% discount at aspiga.com, use code 20% OFF at the checkout between 17 May and 26 June 2024. TERMS & CONDITIONS Offer is valid from 17 May to 26 June 2024. Offer applies to full-priced products only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No substitutions…

‘These little donkeys spread joy everywhere they go’ A very personal experience led Georgina Beale, 48, from Ipswich, to discover the magic of some rather special animals. ‘Watching my beloved dad, Christopher, stroking Millie, the adorable brown mini donkey that had come into his care home, he lit up like a firework. He had advanced vascular dementia and it was hard to reach him, but the smile on his face on that day – just six weeks before he died – gave me a memory I’ll always treasure. That was the first time I came across the Norfolk community venture Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing, a social enterprise that I now know as Minidonks. After Dad’s death in January 2022, I sponsored Millie and went to events, instantly feeling at home…

DO REVERSE IMAGE SEARCHES using Google or a website such as PimEyes. Upload a photograph or take a photo with your mobile of the person you want to check about. You will then get a list of results showing where the image has appeared, along with how often the picture has been used. STAY ON THE DATING APP Most scammers will try to get you off the app as quickly as possible because the apps have built-in security. If you do go on to another platform to message, choose a social media platform, then you can check if their profile is active. If they don’t have social media, then ask yourself why – more than 80%* of people in the UK do have an account. GET A SECOND OPINION Talk…

As a child I was always bandaging up my dolls’ arms, but I didn’t dare dream of becoming a doctor. I came from a low-income family in Glasgow; Mum was a cleaner and Dad worked on the railways. More than once Mum said: ‘We’ll have to turn the lights off so we can pay for milk.’ But I did make it to university, one of only three out of hundreds in my school year, making my parents very proud. After gaining a degree in psychology, I worked as a speech therapist in a hospital setting. Working alongside doctors rekindled my interest in medicine. They weren’t the godlike creatures I’d envisioned and I thought maybe I could be one, too. But I was turned down for medical school in my mid-30s,…

BED FRAMES From slatted and divan designs to ottomans with savvy storage, these are our top-rated bed frames. All prices shown are for a UK double. BEST BED FRAME Madison Ottoman Storage Bed (Dusk, £599) Added storage means ottoman frames can be expensive, but this is more affordable than most. A slatted wooden base provides support throughout the night and the tall headboard (in velvet or bouclé) makes a real statement. BEST DIVAN BED Nectar Divan Bed (Nectar Sleep, £820) The wheels on the base of this divan bed make positioning it in the room easier. Our panel said mattresses fitted well on top and it had a comfortable, creak-free frame. BEST BUDGET BUY Lynton Bed Frame (Dunelm, £249) This minimalist design is available in a range of colours, including…

Q SINCE THE MENOPAUSE, Q I’VE LOST SO MUCH HAIR. WHAT’S HAPPENING AND CAN ANY MEDICATIONS HELP? A After the menopause, most women find that their scalp hair is finer and thinner than in their youth. This is partly due to changes in hair follicles, a tendency for them to stay in their resting phase for longer and a slower rate of hair growth. These changes are partly age-related, partly genetic and partly due to changes in hormone balance with a loss of oestrogen and a relative increase in the influence of the ‘male’ hormone, testosterone. If you are able to take HRT to replace oestrogen, this will help, as it’s been shown to slow down or even stop hair loss in some women. Alternatively, aim to increase your intake…

COLOUR & GLOW BEST MASCARA MAYBELLINE SKY HIGH MASCARA, £11.99 Volume, length and separation? This high-street favourite delivers on all counts, grabbing every lash for a fanned-out finish. BEST LIPSTICK E.L.F. O FACE SATIN LIPSTICK, £9 Comfortable colour in a range of great shades. Both the rich textures and magnetic click of the lid make this lipstick feel far more expensive than it is. BEST FOR EYEBROWS MAX FACTOR 2000 CALORIE BROW SCULPT GEL, £9.99 With its nifty precision brush, this gel makes sparse brows look fuller and more shapely, all while taming wiry hairs and setting them into place. BEST FOUNDATION WITH ANTI-AGEING BENEFITS MAX FACTOR MIRACLE PURE SKIN IMPROVING SPF30 FOUNDATION, £14.99 A luminous foundation (so particularly good for dry skin) made up of high-spec skincare ingredients, including…

THIS MONTH… Our craft section is extra packed with not just gorgeous makes but an interview with Sewing Bee’s Patrick Grant and we meet a very special maker who creates beautiful knits with her fingers! Happy crafting and do send photos of your makes to prima.uk@hearst.co.uk and we’ll publish as many as we can – turn to page 155 for your latest creations. See over the page for our fab 20-PAGE MAKES SECTION…

This is one of my favourite makes – it’s so much fun and absolutely screams summer. When I was little, I loved making pompoms. It’s really simple (and even easier with a pompom maker!) and you can explore different colour combinations. So, if you have little ones to entertain over the holidays, this is a great project to get stuck into together – with the kids choosing ice cream colours and helping to make the pompoms and the grown-ups building the cones (keeping little fingers away from the hot glue gun). Decorate your next BBQ or garden get-together in style! You will need ✽ Wool ✽ Pompom makers set ✽ Scissors ✽ Paper or card ✽ Tape ✽ Pencil ✽ Kraft card ✽ Glue gun ✽ Darning needle ✽ String…

TREND WATCH BARGELLO If you love cross stitch and embroidery, try bargello. It’s the sister-craft of needlepoint and involves working bold stitch patterns into plastic or fabric. You don’t need previous experience. There are many projects you can work bargello in to, such as plant pot covers, wall hangings and cushions. Check out the beginners’ guide at prima.co.uk/bargello, or buy a kit from The Edinburgh Craft Club. 3 of the BEST Pottery kits What I’m making this month I love to light a scented candle in the evening, but they can be pricey. I thought I’d try making my own at home. If you’re a beginner like me, you can buy a candle-making kit (I got mine from Hobbycraft), which comes with soya wax flakes for melting, wicks, a thermometer and…

‘Knitting for little ones brings moments to slow down and create pieces that will be cherished for generations to come,’ says Amy Philip, author of a new book Knitting For Babies And Toddlers. ‘From knitting for my own babies and working at my local yarn store to designing knitwear that little ones have worn all over the world, I’ve included patterns in my book that are a culmination of everything I’ve learned along the way and it’s a joy to share two of them here with you.’ STRIPED SUMMER SHORTS Sweet cotton shorts for summer outdoor adventures, ready for sandy knees and endless play. They are worked in the round, beginning with a twisted rib stitch waistband, and then moving to stockinette (stocking) stitch in a classic, wide stripe pattern. The work…

SUMMER SIP My sound of the summer is cubes of ice clinking in a glass of something fizzy. It’s even better when what follows is a sip of the new deliciously zesty Sicilian Blood Orange Lemonade from Belvoir Farm. Best known for its elderflower cordials and pressés, Belvoir has taken a more citrussy approach for its latest launch, which balances home-made lemonade freshness with a slightly fancier hint of bitter blood orange. It’s low on sugar, too – great news if you’re watching your intake. Supper sorted I love a handy paste to amp up the flavour in a simple meal, and my pick of new products is Belazu’s Flavour Hacks – in particular the Roasted Garlic paste. Made with grilled Spanish garlic cloves, it’s magic stirred through slow-roasted tomatoes…

Amazing experiences MILAN Vintage shopping Milan is dominated by fashion. Posters for Italian fashion houses from Prada to Versace are splashed across entire buildings. The city excels in vintage fashion shops, and one of the most affordable is Humana Vintage (humanavintage.it). I picked up a pair of cool tweed trousers for €19 and a leather handbag for €22 at its branch on Via Edmondo de Amicis. If you have a larger budget, head to nearby Cavalli e Nastri (cavallienastri.com) and Bivio Milano (biviomilano.it), where you can pick up a pair of leather Miu Miu slingbacks for €180. If you don’t want to go it alone, Avani Palazzo Moscova (avanihotels.com) offers a guided vintage shopping tour from £50pp. Duomo sunset Sometimes the obvious tourist attractions are the best. Milan’s Duomo (cathedral)…

THREE NIGHTS FROM ONLY £899PP WITH FLIGHTS INCLUDED! Spectacular mountain scenery, dramatic railway journeys and awe-inspiring views… This break will show you some of the best landscapes in Switzerland. A highlight will be a ride on board the legendary Glacier Express from Chur to St. Moritz. This wonderful train is known as ‘the slowest express train in the world’ and its leisurely pace allows you to soak in the beauty of the Swiss Alps. In operation since 1930, the train boasts comfortable carriages with panoramic views. You’ll spend three nights in Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, where you’ll be based in a warm and welcoming hotel in a central location. Your ride on the Glacier Express takes you from enchanting Chur to the chic alpine town of St. Moritz,…

My book of the month The End Of Summer by Charlotte Philby (The Borough Press, £16.99) So brilliant I stayed up into the early hours to finish it! Judy knows her past is catching up with her when the phone rings in her home in France, with news that there are journalists on her daughter’s doorstep making accusations. Now her daughter wants to know who her mother really is. Was anything she told her family real? A clever thriller with superb pacing and storytelling. 20 June Follow Nina on X (formerly Twitter) @matineegirl for news and giveaways. Sandwich by Catherine Newman (Doubleday, £16.99) I so adored this author’s debut novel, We All Want Impossible Things, I made it one of my books of the year for 2023. The author has such an…

This summer is going to be the last when we have a school holiday in the family. My youngest has just finished year 12, or, as we used to call it, lower 6th, and in September, she’ll be entering her final school year before starting further education. I know everyone says time goes so fast, but now I really do feel that. That isn’t meant to sound a downbeat thing, it’s just we all need reminding to make the most of every single moment and not wish our days away. For instance, we have a family summer holiday booked and we’re all looking forward to it, but the other day, I realised that by saying, ‘It’s only 20 days till we go away,’ I wasn’t thinking about the moment. So,…

Sunny outlook Sun, sea and stripes… a perfect holiday combo wherever in the world you travel. If you fancy a change from classic nautical vibes, we suggest bold deckchair stripes for a fun holiday look. Pair with a neutral vest or slouchy linen shirt for an easy elegance, and accessorise with a must-have straw hat. See the sights A striking skirt is a versatile buy for your holiday wardrobe: change the top and you have a whole new outfit. Add accessories and your look is transformed from day to night. This one from L.K. Bennett gives Riviera vibes but will look equally as glamorous if you’re on staycation. Short & chic Double up on summer style points and invest in a tailored shirt and shorts combo – the matching pattern…

The UK is home to some of the most stunning works of art in the world, and there can be nothing more pleasurable than visiting a gallery to view some of them. Last year, more than three million people visited the National Gallery in London’s Trafalgar Square, which houses some 2,300 paintings, including works by famous names such as Titian, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and Monet. It’s not surprising so many of us like visiting art galleries. When we look at a work of art we think is beautiful, there’s an instantaneous release of the brain chemical dopamine, which is linked to feelings of pleasure. ‘There’s nothing like actually seeing the real thing up close,’ says art expert Richard Fitzwilliams. ‘If you look at a picture of a in…

Anyone who wears glasses knows that deciding what ones suit you best is never easy. With so much choice, it can be tempting to go with the style you’ve always worn, especially as it’s not uncommon for a partner to lose interest when they come along to help (‘Those look fine!’ or ‘They’re the same as the other ones!’). And that’s without the added issue of not being able to see what you look like – precisely because you’re not wearing your glasses… But choosing the right pair needn’t be a headache, says Andrew Williams from Boots Opticians. ‘Making sure glasses are comfortable and fit well is the main priority, but it’s also important that they make you feel good. Knowing the shape of your face gives you an advantage,…

If you’re looking for love online, remember people aren’t always all they seem… ‘I allowed my heart to rule my head, I so wanted it to be true’ When Mary Chater looks back on her short two-month ‘romance’ with a fraudster, she still finds it baffling that she fell for the scam. It started with an innocuous comment, from a man calling himself Dani on a post she’d put up on Facebook showing some mince pies she’d baked. Within days they were chatting constantly, there followed video calls, lengthy phone conversations – and eventually Mary being scammed out of £1,000. Mary, 65, an actor from Brighton, explains, ‘When my husband Julian died in June 2020, it was devastating. I missed everything about him; the laughter, having someone to chat to…

Report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 1232 040 or going online at actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime. This will help the police crack down on criminals and could prevent the same thing happening again. Tell your bank if you’ve lost money as soon as possible so they can protect your account and help you to get your money back. Tell any other relevant organisations whose name was used falsely in the fraud, for example an energy provider, and report it to the platform involved, such as a dating website. To be on the safe side, change all your online passwords. Try to confide in close friends and family who will support you – remember that you’re a victim of crime and have nothing to feel ashamed about.…

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When it comes to crafting standout aromas, Lords Fragrance House excels. Inspired by different locations – from sandy Cornish beaches to the cloud forests of Costa Rica – each scent from this smart new beauty brand celebrates nature and nostalgia, and the Prima beauty desk is seriously impressed. Meet the products worth stocking up on with our exclusive 20% discount. HOME, SWEET HOME Whether in a big or small space, both the jar candles and tall pillars create a wonderful ambience. The Oxfordshire candle, £34 (right), is a real crowd-pleaser; richly perfumed with blackcurrant buds, moss and sweet geranium, it’s reminiscent of lush country garden walks. Prima’s beauty team was surprised by how much punch the brand’s Room and Linen Sprays, from £15 each, pack, too. Just a spritz makes…

Enjoy sewing the perfect cover-up this summer to help you go effortlessly from the beach to the bar in style. Our open-collar, oversized beach shirt comes in two lengths, with side vents, a flattering curved hem and optional pockets to complete the look. Or use this pattern to create a versatile classic shirt, perfect to dress up with trousers and a top for evening. Need to know SIZES 6-24 Sew a loose-fit shirt with button detail, dipped hem, optional patch pockets and two length and sleeve length options. FABRICS We used Lise Tailor Lemonade viscose from Lamazi Fabrics for Option A, Cousette textured cotton from Lamazi Fabrics for Option B and a tropical printed georgette from Dream Fabrics for Option C. OPTION A OPTION B OPTION C Subscribe to Prima…

Not too tricky CROCHET VEST TOP Measurements To fit chest: 71-86(91-112:117-137)cm. Actual width: 47.5(60:72.5)cm. Full length: (approximately) 51cm. Materials ● 10(13:15) 50g balls MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran in Oat (228).● 5.5mm and 4.5mm crochet hook. Tension Each granny square measures 12.5cm x 12.5cm. 13 sts and 8 rows to 10cm square over treble crochet using a 5.5mm hook. Abbreviations bptr back post treble crochet; ch chain; chsp chain space; cont continue; dc double crochet; dtr double treble crochet; flo front loop; fptr front post 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; [] repeat the instructions within the brackets as many times as directed. Special…

Quick to stitch Measurements Width: 29cm. Height: 18cm. Depth: 5cm. Strap length: 92cm (all approximate). Materials ● 1 x 100g ball Wool and the Gang Ra-Ra Raffia in Desert Palm.● 3.5mm crochet hook or size needed to obtain tension.● Stitch marker (optional).● Blunt-ended darning needle.● Matching sewing thread.● Sewing needle.● 30cm zip.● 50cm lining fabric (optional). Abbreviations ch chain; dc double crochet; rep repeat; sl st slip stitch; st(s) stitch(es); RS right-side; tr treble crochet. Tension 18 sts x 17 rows in double-crochet stitch to 10 x 10cm. Sides (make 2) Foundation row: Using 3.5mm hook, make a magic ring and work [1ch (does not count as st), 4dc] into ring. Turn and tighten for next row. (4 sts). Row 1 (RS): 1ch, (does not count as st), 2dc in…

GOOEY RASPBERRY CAKE A classic, gorgeously moist sponge covered with a small mountain of raspberries and a slightly crisp, but super gooey topping: the result is a marriage of really happy flavours and textures. Cosy and comforting in all the right ways. SERVES 8 PREP 15min COOK about 45min • 120g butter, melted, plus extra to grease• 165g granulated sugar• 1 medium egg• 2tbsp milk• 170g plain flour• 1tsp baking powder FOR THE TOPPING • 180g full-fat cream cheese• 1 medium egg• 400g icing sugar, plus extra to dust• 150g raspberries 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6 and grease a 23cm round cake tin with butter (I use one with a removable base for extra ease when it comes to turning out the cake). 2 In…

Summer dreams Get a holiday vibe at home with a rich terracotta paint, reminiscent of sunny Mediterranean countries. Team with natural coir fibres and matching bed linen. Spotlight on… ANYDAY John Lewis & Partners Great prices and great products, all part of the Anyday range COLOURFUL CORNER Bring tropical vibes and splashes of bold colour to a corner of your home with these bright geometric cushions and rug. Complete the look with a fun ‘bar’ sign and tropical drinks. Cheers! 3 of the BEST Lanterns Light up your garden or patio with a new lamp. Genius idea This easy-to-assemble rack can be adjusted to fit your shoe and boot collection. STYLE IT FOR £10 & UNDER Enjoy this month’s bargain finds…

Go it alone Discover The World has launched its first dedicated solo travel collection, to suit those in search of real adventure. The collection is full of ideas for the Nordics, New Zealand and Australia. A new special female-only polar bear adventure in Canada has a focus on photography in the Arctic tundra. Or how about a five-night Thorsmork Hiking Adventure in Iceland this summer from £1,735pp (excluding flights); discover-the-world.com. THE BUY TO BAG! Look to Marks & Spencer for your holiday wardrobe Holiday book club The Covenant Of Water by Abraham Verghese won the Viking Award for Fiction with a Sense of Place at the The Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards 2024. This tale of love, faith and medicine set in India is the perfect holiday read. £10.99; stanfords.co.uk.…

STAR OF THE MONTH CANCER 23 June to 23 July The New Moon in your sign this month is the perfect time for you to start all over again in any part of your life that you want or need to. The good news is that any changes you make now are likely to be long-lasting and constructive. It’s the ideal time for a makeover; the new you is now ready to emerge! LEO 24 July to 23 August Be careful what you’re worrying about. Better to deal with it than to ruminate endlessly, especially if you’re concerned about work. Be prepared for some big changes this month, and don’t let your fears get in your way. Dig a little deeper for that famous Leo confidence. VIRGO 24 August to…

Once the youngest presenter of Blue Peter, Yvette Fielding is now best known for her television show Most Haunted. A prolific writer, she has already penned a series of children’s books and non-fiction tales, and now television’s ‘first lady of the paranormal’ is telling the story of her own life in Scream Queen. An avid reader, she has been obsessed with books from a young age. ‘Every house I’ve ever lived in has had boxes and boxes of books. I am completely captivated with bookshelves,’ she says. ‘To be able to escape into somebody else’s mind and world is just wonderful.’ The book that shaped my childhood is… The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe by CS Lewis I read this book for the first time when I was nine…