Tabla de contenidos para February 2026 en Prima UK

Firstly, may I wish you all a very happy new year. Spring sunshine might feel a long way off, but we’ve packed this issue with as much positivity as possible so that 2026 can be all you want it to be. Our New Year, New Challenge! feature (page 37) highlights why continuing to learn and get involved is so good for our mental wellbeing. We also have some lovely stories from readers revealing how taking up new interests really helped them. I’m especially excited about Prima’s partnership with Learning With Experts, an inspiring online community offering courses in everything from bread-making and flower arranging to upcycling and cake baking. See page 40 for how you can get involved. And if you’re thinking about your finances – as so many of…

Available in all major retailers Get £2 off in-store with this exclusive voucher offer for Prima readers TERMS AND CONDITIONS: To the consumer: Please hand this voucher to your retailer at the time of purchase to receive £2 off the cover price of Prima Health Recharge Your Life (New Year, New You! issue). ONE voucher per household. This offer is valid from the 30 December 2025 to 27 January 2026. This voucher may only be redeemed against a single copy of Prima Health Recharge Your Life (New Year, New You! issue). Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Vouchers are not transferable and are not valid outside the UK. Standard cover price may be subject to regional variations. Offer available at participating WH Smith Travel, TGJones, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda,…

YOUR CLASSIC MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES ★ A FREE PRIMA SEWING PATTERN with every issue Worth £8.99 ★ 10 PUZZLES refreshed daily on the Prima app ★ COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS to the digital edition of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday or The i newspapers Worth over £12.99 a month ★ REWARDS, TREATS, COMPETITIONS AND MORE… ★ EARLY-BIRD ACCESS/DISCOUNTS to Prima events ★ TRY 6 MONTHS FOR (£45.99) £6, or join for a year for £29.99 and receive a Pattern bundle, with three super-stylish additions to their winter-through-to-spring wardrobe ‘For me, this magazine is perfect as it includes a bit of everything, from recipes to arts and crafts, and articles about people’Mrs Gilmour, Prima Classic member IT’S ALL SO EASY TO ENJOY… ★ THE PRINT MAGAZINE DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR, and on…

‘Inside, I feel like a 19-year-old’ SUE LANGLEY, 74, from Kidderminster, had always longed to perform, but it took the support of others to find her voice ‘Looking at the beaming faces front of me as I sang Make Me Smile at my 70th birthday bash, I had to pinch myself. Until a few years earlier, I’d been scared stiff of singing in front of others, but finally, as I welcomed my eighth decade, I was in the spotlight – and it felt fantastic. I grew up as the only child of two performers. My mother was a brilliant mezzo-soprano, while my father was a professional pianist. I spent years thinking I couldn’t live up to their talents. But after retiring from my job in the construction industry, I joined the…

My mam, Rita, was the doer in our family – the one who cooked and cared, who made sure our lives were smooth and full of love. She helped my dad, Keith, with his car dealership, too – the source of our endless supply of old Volvos – and somehow always found time for everyone else. She’d lost her own mum when she was just 38, so nurturing others was in her veins. Mam understood me like no one else. I was a timid, anxious child; after a boisterous school day, she knew I needed calm. While other kids raced off to Brownies or football, I longed for tea and ginger thins at home, with an episode of Countdown. Afterwards, Mam would staple together sheets of paper for me to…

IT’S A GREAT MONTH TO… Brush up your upcycling skills We throw away more than 22 million small furniture items each year in the UK, when most could be renewed, refurbished and loved again. And anyone can give it a go, says repair expert Ally Booker. ‘I’m a professional restorer now, but it began as a hobby. Start small – a lick of paint on a tired chair, new handles on a cabinet. Once you start, you’ll be hooked.’ So many things are repairable – it’s just knowing where to begin. Ask yourself: ‘Can this be repaired? Could I do it? And if not, who could help me?’ Ally, co-founder of We Are Repairs (wearerepairs.com) – a directory of trusted repair and restoration companies – says: ‘Lots of the businesses…

Women and their hearts 3 things you need to know For years, we assumed women’s heart health was the same as men’s. That’s because, historically, women were under-represented in studies, despite the fact that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women globally. Now new studies are telling us more about the heart-health gender gap. 1 How you live every day can have a real impact on heart health. New research from the American College of Cardiology found that traditional risk factors – diet, smoking, blood pressure and exercise – are more strongly linked to cardiovascular disease outcomes in women than in men. But there is good news: a UK Biobank study revealed that women cut their risk of heart disease by about 30% with just 35 minutes of…

‘Great hair doesn’t start with the strands you can see on the top of your head. Healthy, glossy hair begins at the scalp. You’ll find plenty of tips in the coming pages to help you care for both, but an easy switch to make is trading in your hairbrush for something designed to treat your scalp as a living, breathing foundation. We’re impressed with Beauty Pie Super Healthy Hair Smoothing Paddle Brush, £29. The clever bristles stimulate circulation, loosen product build-up and gently exfoliate dead cells, to create a healthier environment for stronger roots. It’s the daily habit that will quietly transform your hair over time – no extra steps, no complicated routine, just a very good brush.…

Turning 60 HER NEW LOOK Helen mentioned to us that although she enjoys shopping for clothes, she tends to reach for the same colours and styles every time. We set out to find more elevated versions of the pieces she already loves, and raided our rails for glam separates and one-and-done dresses and jumpsuits. We kept Helen’s hair and makeup polished yet low-key with gentle curls, soft, pink tones and a creamy blush. Helen says: ‘I liked trying on outfits that I would never have thought to try on in the shops. Now I can see the potential that being out of my comfort zone brings! The makeup and hair were amazing – they worked miracles. I almost didn’t recognise myself!’ JUMP-START Why complicate matters when a one-piece can work…

We’re delighted to bring you the five fabulous winners of our Craft Your Cat competition. In the November issue of Prima we partnered with the charity Cats Protection for a competition asking readers to craft a replica of their pet cat. We had so many fabulous entries, with people recreating their furry friends in paint, clay, felt, crayon, needlework and more. It was a tough competition to judge but Prima editor-in-chief Jo Checkley finally selected these five winning pictures. ‘I just loved looking at all the different crafted cats,’ says Jo. ‘Each entry had a picture of the real cat and then the owner’s interpretation of that cat through some form of craft. It didn’t matter what craft they used to make their cat, the idea was just to capture…

To fit chest: 81-92 (92-102:107-117: 122-132:138-148)cm. Actual chest: 113 (124:136:147:158)cm. Length (approximately): 54 (56:58:60:62)cm. Sleeve length: 46cm. MATERIALS ● Yarnsmiths Merino DK superwash heathers in shade Frosted Aqua (H3640) 14 (16:17:18:20) x 50g balls.● 3.5mm crochet hook.● 1 stitch marker. TENSION 18 sts and 10 rows to 10cm square over treble crochet using a 3.5mm hook. ABBREVIATIONS Ch chain; chsp chain space; blo back loop; bptr back post treble crochet; ch chain; dec decrease; fptr front post treble crochet; htr half treble; patt pattern; rep repeat; sl st slip stitch; st(s) stitch(es); tr treble crochet; tog together; [] repeat instructions within brackets. PATTERN NOTE Top is worked from the top down in the round. COLLAR Using 3.5mm hook, ch120 (126:132:138:144), sl st in furthest chain from hook to make a…

YOU WILL NEED ● 300g air-dry clay ● Needle tool ● String, cord or chain ● Sponge ● Water, for smoothing ● Paintbrushes ● Acrylic paint (optional) ● Clear gloss varnish ● Clasps for the closure (optional) TO CREATE ❶ PREPARE YOUR CLAY Knead and condition your clay until it’s smooth and pliable. ❷ SHAPE THE BEADS Roll small pieces of clay to form round beads. For chunky beads (like the ones pictured), use around 8g of clay per bead. For smaller, more delicate beads, use around 2g to 4g of clay. ❸ CREATE HOLES Use the needle tool to pierce a hole through each bead. Check the hole is large enough to fit your chosen string, cord or chain. Gently rotate the tool as you pull it out to prevent…

Gochujang chicken pasta This is one of those fusion dishes you can’t believe tastes as good as it does. I really recommend ensuring you get hold of authentic Korean gochujang paste rather than supermarket-own brands, as the taste does vary greatly. You can usually find it in the world food aisle. Start with the listed amount and increase as needed to suit your spice palate. 533 CALS PER PORTION SERVES 2 PROTEIN 43.5g FAT 14.2g CARBS: 51.8g • 200g skinless chicken breast, cut into 2.5cm cubes• 1tsp onion granules• 1tsp garlic granules• ½tsp paprika• Olive oil spray• 120g dried rigatoni• 1 shallot, finely diced• 2tsp chopped garlic• 15g gochujang paste (I use Daesang)• 1tbsp tomato purée• 120ml reduced-fat single cream alternative (I use Elmlea; see note*)• 30g Parmesan, grated• Salt…

BEST FOR THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED INNTRAVEL Why it’s so good: With over 40 years of self-guided walking-holiday experience, Inntravel is renowned for shining a light on little-known communities and lesser-explored landscapes. The company doesn’t just take you down the popular paths, it finds the most tantalising trails and the most gorgeous vistas, whether that’s the rolling hills of Italy or Norway’s mighty fjords. You set your own pace, with hotel-to-hotel luggage transfers. Inntravel offers holidays in 20 European countries and has B Corp status. Standout walk: Walk the tranquil Camino Ingles, the lesser-known ‘English Way’ of the Camino de Santiago, and discover both Galicia’s rugged coast and unspoilt rural interior. Stay in pre-booked boutique boltholes and charming farmhouses. From the maritime city of Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela, this…

‘Event tourism is a growing trend in travel. It’s basically building a holiday around something happening, such as a concert or sporting event taking place in a different part of the country or abroad – and it’s what I found myself doing recently, by accident. My friend and I are huge fans of American poet and singer Patti Smith, who recently rereleased her iconic Horses album to mark its 50th anniversary. She also took to the road and went on tour aged 78. I mean, what an incredible woman! Finding London tickets were all sold out, we took a chance and booked to see her live in Bergamo, northern Italy. The tickets cost less money than those that had been on sale in London and we decided to build a…

Welcome to your fabulous Prima treats! Each month, we’ll bring you top discounts, competitions and giveaways from great brands, especially for our Prima members. If you have a Prima subscription, that automatically makes you a Prima member. Welcome to the club! This month’s highlights include the chance to win a luxury stay for two in Dublin, a personal horoscope chart and oracle cards, and an at-home massager. These are just three of the rewards and competitions we have for members – we update them all the time so do take a look. All the details on how to check into the app or find them on your laptop are on the right. There are some brilliant prizes to be won! HOW TO FIND YOUR PRIMA TREATS Go to primamembers.co.uk and…

ALL LESS THAN £25…

I’m not one for making New Year’s resolutions but my intentions for 2026 are to focus on fitness and exercise. Whether it’s revisiting Couch to 5K, making time for my weekly Pilates class or trying something completely new – hello, strength training – I want to find a routine that is challenging, doable and, most importantly, something I’ll enjoy! With this renewed enthusiasm comes the perfect opportunity to refresh my collection of activewear. Out go the faded T-shirts and lacklustre leggings; it’s time for proper performance wear – breathable pieces that sculpt, support and flatter. The good news is the high street has a wealth of activewear launches about to arrive. F+F’s Active Collection has gone big on performance-led sportswear, while H&M introduces Sculptmove, a range focusing on comfort and…

‘On the fourth date, he asked me to marry him’ After her marriage ended, Prima’s resident doctor, Sarah Brewer, 66, from Guernsey, could never have foreseen the happiness that lay ahead for her… ‘When I married Tony last summer, my two sons gave me away, my daughter was a bridesmaid and my elderly mother was able to attend. It was a magical wedding in a Cornish hotel in Padstow, overlooking the estuary, and I couldn’t have been happier. If you’d told me just five years ago that I’d feel this content, I never would’ve believed it. Back then, I’d discovered that my husband of 25 years had been having an affair. The betrayal was devastating. I fell into a depression and barely ate or slept for months, but I threw…

‘There is a wealth of evidence to support the use of light boxes, not only for people who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – depression linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days – but for anyone who spends much of their day indoors. You can use one in the morning to help keep your body clock synchronised and to boost your mood and alertness upon waking. Ideally, sit next to it while having breakfast or getting ready – but even having it on in the room while you’re moving about will increase the light environment and help. You can also have one in the office, placed next to your computer to increase light levels.’…

‘I created Learning With Experts after changing my own career,’ says founder and CEO Elspeth Briscoe. ‘I had spent years in exciting and innovative environments at eBay and Skype, but in midlife I decided to retrain as a landscape gardener. I enrolled in horticulture courses, expecting a modern digital experience, but what I found was that adult education was years behind other sectors. I realised learning needed to be better designed for people like me: adults with curiosity, ambition and busy lives. That inspired me to build Learning With Experts.’ It’s is a digital classroom platform built on a simple belief: people learn better together. Each course connects around 20 people in a small online classroom. You learn from world-class experts through beautifully shot lessons, then share your progress, questions…

Thirty people 30 people.That’s all it can be.The funeral director tellsus, as he shuffles on ourposh sofa awkwardly. Our heads bow down.The thought of it makes us sad.This whole situation is crazy.I’m upset, in shock and really mad. Later that day we start to make a list.Only 30 people thegovernment insists.Where do we start whenour family is so big?Never mind all the friends.71 years, how on earth do we pick? Feels like a kick in the teeth.This surely can’t be real.She lived a full life, knewso many people. It seems so unfair.She deserved more than this.A whole life lived.She’s more than a miss. We’ve drawn up our listand let everyone know.We’re sorry to the people,who we said couldn’t go.The day of the funeral,those not able to come,lined our street and…

SCAM ALERT! Protect yourself from parking fee cons From fake texts about unpaid tickets to car park machines tampered with to steal your card details, parking fee scams are on the rise. Here’s what to watch for. FAKE QR CODES Fraudsters stick fake QR codes on parking signs or payment machines. When scanned, these codes direct you to fraudulent websites that look legit. If you enter your payment details, the information can be stolen and used for unauthorised transactions. Some scam QR codes can lead you to download a fake parking app, which may expose your device to malware or result in payments being diverted to scammers. ‘Be cautious of anything that appears unusual, such as a QR code that seems out of place on a parking sign,’ says Sarah…

With more than 75% of over-50s experiencing some hearing loss, protecting your ears is more important than ever. FIRST, TAKE THIS QUIZ ● Do you have to keep turning up the TV, phone or radio to hear it properly? ● Do people ask you to turn the sound down? ● Do you find it difficult following a conversation when there’s background noise, such as in a restaurant? ● When you’re having a conversation, do people’s voices seem muffled? ● Do you keep asking people to repeat themselves? ● Do you experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or a sensation of fullness? If you answer yes to any of these questions, it’s worth booking a hearing test (see top of p61). And don’t worry, you’re not alone. Having difficulty hearing is…

RULE 1 Get ahead of hair loss ‘We tend to notice hair loss only once we’ve lost quite a bit of hair,’ says trichologist Mark Blake. ‘There are exceptions to the rule, but for most of us, some thinning is inevitable as we age. Cells don’t regenerate as quickly, we don’t absorb vitamins as well and our sleep patterns change, giving our bodies less chance to repair overnight.’ His solution? Use a thickening shampoo and conditioner with every wash (look out for ingredients such as caffeine and niacinamide), apply a growth-stimulating scalp serum once a week and make sure your vitamin D levels are optimal. ‘It’s about covering your bases – it’s far easier to maintain what you already have than to bring back density once it’s gone.’ 2 Dry low…

Looking to refresh your wardrobe for the new year? Prima has partnered with British heritage fashion brand Cotton Traders to offer readers 20% off site-wide when you spend a minimum of £35. Cotton Traders’ new athleisure collection, CT Active, combines chic yet comfortable leisurewear pieces designed for wellness and everyday elegance. Whether you’re spending your day filled with Pilates, brunch with friends or heading for a walk into town, the collection combines essential pieces for everyday moments, with everything from comfortable sweatshirts to soft leggings and joggers. The CT Active collection, which launches on 28 December, is available exclusively online and focuses on premium fabrics, comfortable fits and elevated details (in women’s sizes 8-22 and men’s sizes s-xxxl), so you can prioritise comfort and feel confident, wherever your day takes…

When Sonia Jackson channelled her love of the water into her crafting, her business, Sundowner Studio, creating lino prints, was born. Here, she tells Imogen Cooper about the meditative process of creating her own printing blocks and shares her top tips for getting started with lino printing. How did you discover lino printing? When I was at college in the 1990s, I did an art course and one of the modules was lino printing. We only did it for a couple of weeks, but I loved it. During Covid, like so many people, I thought about what I could do to keep my mind occupied and rediscovered lino printing. I bought a starter kit and got going, and it’s grown from there – now I have my own online shop and…

‘There’s nothing I love more than a clever craft that turns a handful of simple materials into something gorgeous. And this one is an absolute treat! We’re taking classic pompom-making and giving it a fabulous twist to create a heart-shaped topiary that makes a perfect gift for someone you love or decoration to brighten up a corner of your home. So roll up your sleeves, grab your wool and your glue gun, and let’s get crafting!’ YOU WILL NEED ● Pompom maker or cardboard ● Wool ● Scissors ● Wooden dowel ● Mini saw* ● Glue gun* and glue sticks ● Terracotta pot ● Recycled packing paper ● Faux moss ● Green ribbon TO CREATE ❶ Create a red wool pompom using either a pompom maker or the classic cardboard-circle…

YOU WILL NEED ● 250g to 850g air-dry clay, depending on the size of photo you are framing ● Rolling pin ● Needle tool ● Water, for smoothing ● Ruler ● Sandpaper ● Paintbrushes ● Acrylic paint ● Clear gloss varnish ● Strong glue ● A photo frame (with removable glass panel and sturdy cardboard backing, size to match your chosen picture) OPTIONAL MATERIALS ● Picture to frame ● Wooden stamps or other textured objects ● Large darning or tapestry needle ● Yarn ● Stand or self-adhesive hooks TO CREATE ❶ PREPARE YOUR CLAY Knead and condition your clay until it’s smooth and pliable. Roll it into a neat, even ball. ❷ ROLL OUT THE SLAB Place the clay ball on a flat, non-stick work surface and use a rolling pin…

‘We all know sourdough has been the bread du jour for some time now – but did you know the humble rye bread is packed with goodness, too? Namely high in fibre, vitamin B and magnesium. That’s why Biona Organic is inviting you to swap Dry January for Rye January, to see if you notice the benefits. Meanwhile, rye tones are having a moment in the homes scene, too, with paint brands including Benjamin Moore and Little Greene all naming red-brown paints as their colour of 2026.’…

Pickled beetroot tart with goat’s cheese If you have a food processor, making shortcrust pastry is a simple process. And the results are far nicer than shop-bought. Plus, when you make your own pastry, you can play around with the flavours and sorts of flour you use – rye flour and caraway seeds complement the pickled beetroot in this recipe. MAKES 1 LARGE TART • 1tsp olive or vegetable oil• 3 large red onions, finely sliced• 100ml balsamic vinegar• 100ml beetroot pickle brine• 200g ricotta• 75g sharp hard goat’s cheese, plus extra to finish• 2tsp chopped fresh thyme• 75g soft goat’s cheese log• 250g borscht-style pickled beetroot, cut into small cubes• 1 egg• Salt and freshly ground black pepper FOR THE PASTRY • 200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting•…

NOSTALGIC PUDDING A new item I’ve been adding to my basket is Pudding Rice (£3 for 500g) by Tilda, which is so creamy and delicious. I cook it the usual way (add melted butter, sugar and milk to rice, continuously stir while bringing to a simmer, then bake), but at the end I sprinkle it with coconut shavings and raspberries for a sweet – and pretty – topping. Moreish winter fuel with a small price tag. HOT HARDWARE It’s often the thing we consider least, but hardware is having a big moment, with homeware designers giving the small-but-mighty detail their undivided attention. It’s just one simple way to bring a lot more character and charm to everyday spaces. Try Plank for pieces that are equal parts timeless and fun. SUPERMARKET…

STREAM Bridgerton Season Four Season four of Bridgerton turns its gaze to Benedict (Luke Thompson) and newcomer Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) in a lavish, Cinderella-inspired love story filled with masked balls, scandal and slow-burn romance. Tune in for more steamy chemistry and high-society scheming. Part one on Netflix from 29 January, part two on 26 February AWARDS Baftas and Brits Awards season peaks with two nights of unmissable moments. The EE Bafta Film Awards returns with Hamnet – a period drama inspired by Maggie O’Farrell’s novel – as a frontrunner for best film, while the Brit Awards promise big performances. Could Oasis bring their historic comeback home to Manchester? The Baftas air on BBC One on 22 February; the Brits follow on ITV and ITVX on 28 February THEATRE Woman…

Previously an NHS A&E doctor, Dr Alex George now focuses on helping people to live a full and meaningful life through his bestselling books, social media channels and TV appearances. ‘I loved books as a kid, especially anything that felt like an escape,’ he says. These days, though, he finds himself more drawn to non-fiction: ‘I gravitate towards books that help me understand people – memoirs, wellbeing books and anything that explores the mind or human behaviour.’ An author himself, his latest book, Am I Normal?, was inspired by his recent ADHD diagnosis, ‘but it’s about more than neurodiversity. It explores the everyday challenges we label as “normal”, from drinking and gambling to social pressure, and the way we’re expected to live and grieve. It asks whether those norms are…

STAR OF THE MONTH AQUARIUS 21 January to 19 February A New Moon eclipse in Aquarius mid-month brings a powerful chance for a fresh start – and not just because it’s early in the year. Let the past go and focus on the life you truly want to create. It’s never too late to begin again, no matter what anyone says. PISCES 20 February to 20 March You are finally out of the woods. It’s been a long walk through them and you are likely feeling rather worse for wear. However, hopefully you can see that all the efforts you made to get through the past few years have made you a wiser and more stable and secure person. Be grateful for those not-so-small mercies. ARIES 21 March to 20…

Sitting in the studio at Radio Wimborne, I reach for the bank of fader switches and bring in the jingle for my radio show, smiling as I say, ‘Welcome to the Monday Magazine Show.’ When the first of the tunes I have preloaded – Maroon 5’s Moves Like Jagger – starts to play, I bop along in my desk chair, feeling so lucky to be indulging my lifelong love of music. I’ve worked as an optometrist for nearly 30 years, but music has always been my passion. Growing up with three much older siblings, the Top 40 was always playing at home. Once I was old enough, I spent every penny on gigs – Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Queen… You name it, I’ve seen them. I met my husband, Rob,…

MORNING: Getting outside as soon as possible after you wake up will help set your body clock for the rest of the day. Although it’s not always possible (if you commute to work in the dark, for example), 30 minutes outside in the morning will help to wake you up and give your brain and body a boost. LUNCHTIME: If you can get out at lunchtime for at least 30 minutes, it will help to recharge your energy, lift your mood and keep you focused in the afternoon. If the weather is bad, spend your break in as naturally bright an environment as possible, such as sitting next to a large window, to increase your light exposure.…

When was the last time you felt a touch of regret after treating yourself, or avoided checking your bank balance because you weren’t sure you wanted to know? You’re not alone. Research shows that nearly two-thirds of UK adults worry about money, and more than half say it affects their mental wellbeing. Of course, for those who are struggling to make ends meet, more income can make a huge difference. But for many of us, our sense of financial wellbeing – that feeling of being in control and able to enjoy what we have – can be less about how much money we have, and more about how we think about it, says financial psychotherapist Vicky Reynal, author of Money On Your Mind. According to Vicky, and how we feel…

It’s that time of year – the days are brutally short and the sun is conspicuous by its absence… which can only mean it’s time to start thinking about planning your next trip. A group of friends and I have booked a six-day walking holiday along the Camino de Santiago in June – one couple and three single ladies who all agree that we’re no longer in the market for sharing rooms. I love them dearly, but I don’t want to inflict my nocturnal habits – at least two visits to the loo and a strong possibility of snoring – on any of them. But, blimey, can we talk about single-person supplements? Let me get this straight, I’ll be given a room the size of a monk’s cell in the…

1 FIND THOSE SUNNY MOMENTS! In the morning, open your curtains, and before you say, ‘Oh no, it’s grey again!’ how about looking straight up at the sky and saying, ‘Look, I can see some light and this day is going to have some sunny moments, even without the sun actually being out.’ It’s the way we pop an idea into our minds to reframe the day. Reframing means doing a small thought manoeuvre and switching your mindset. And by reframing the little things, it can help us deal with the bigger stuff. You can also try saying, ‘It could turn out okay today,’ as opposed to, ‘What if it doesn’t turn out okay?’ It’s just a very small twist, but please try it because it really does work. 2…

For beauty that starts from the inside out, look to Perfectil by Vitabiotics. The unique formula in the Perfectil Platinum Radiance Range combines bio-marine collagen and botanical extracts with specially selected micronutrients such as biotin, which supports normal skin. It also contains vitamin C, which contributes to collagen formation for the normal function of skin, plus lycopene, green tea extract and grape seed. Don’t miss the Perfectil Platinum Collagen Skin Drink, which provides biotin and zinc to support normal skin, plus 7000mg Peptan marine collagen peptides. Perfectil Platinum Collagen Hair Drink is a great-tasting, specifically targeted supplement, which contains zinc to support normal hair. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 20% discount on the Perfectil Platinum range (Perfectil Platinum Collagen Hair Drink, Perfectil Platinum Collagen Skin Drink and Perfectil Platinum Radiance Tablets) will…

With Google searches for ‘bob hairstyles’ up by 39% since last year, there’s a reason the look is one of the internet’s most-searched-for hairstyles. ‘A well-cut bob just falls into place, so the styling is easy,’ says Bobby Collier, stylist at Larry King. ‘It cn make hair look thicker and fuller, too.’ Low-maintenance and flattering: what’s not to love? However, if you’ve had the same style for years, that love might have started to wane. The great news is that with a few simple tricks, your bob can feel brand new. Add a wave WHY IT WORKS: ‘Sometimes, a bob can feel flat or predictable, especially if you wear it poker-straight every day,’ says Samantha Cusick, GHD ambassador. ‘Adding texture with heated tools is an easy way to make it feel…

Denim is always a fabric winner and our easy pattern offers three style options to help you choose a look to complement your favourite outfits. Choose a regular fit transitional style with optional gentle scalloped hem, and either a sleeved option or a trendy sleeveless version, which is great for layering. NEED TO KNOW WOMEN’S SIZES – 6-24 Sew a semi-fitted jacket with denim stud buttons, optional scalloped hem and sleeves. We love both printed and indigo denim this season – there are some great options to choose from. FABRICS We used a dark indigo denim from Fabrics Galore for Option A, a printed denim from Fabric Godmother for Option B, and a washed denim striped twill from Higgs & Higgs for Option C. OPTION A OPTION B OPTION C…

MORE INSPIRATION AT… prima.co.uk SIZES: NECK SCARF Length: (after blocking) 108cm MITTENS Size: S (M:L) Circumference: 18 (19:20) cm Length: 23 (24:25)cm MATERIALS (FOR BOTH) ● Drops Lima in shades A – Red (3609) 2 x 50g balls. B – Magenta (9028) 2 x 50g balls.● 3.5mm needles.● 1 stitch holder.● 2 buttons (14mm). TENSION 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm square over stocking stitch using 3.5mm needles. 22 sts and 44 rows to 10cm square over garter stitch using 3.5mm needles. ABBREVIATIONS cm centimetre; cont continue; g gram; k knit; kfb knit into front and back of next st; m1 make 1 stitch; mm millimetre; p purl; patt pattern; rep repeat; RS right side; sm slip marker; sl1 slip 1 stitch; st-st stocking stitch; st(s) stitch(es); tog together;…

Air-dry clay is such a fabulous and fun material to work with. In her brilliant new book, ceramicist Lolita Olympia takes you through the simple techniques you need to learn so you can fill your home with cute trinkets and useful pieces. Then it’s totally up to you how you personalise and customise your clay projects. Clay dust can be harmful if inhaled. Always sand in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask or face covering to protect yourself from fine dust particles. HOW TO KNEAD AND CONDITION YOUR CLAY Kneading and conditioning are essential steps to prepare air-dry clay for crafting. Kneading involves pressing, folding and rolling the clay to make it soft, pliable and free of air bubbles. Conditioning the clay means warming it up in your hands…

YOU WILL NEED ● 150g air-dry clay ● Water, for smoothing ● Damp sponge or fine sandpaper ● Pencil ● Paintbrushes ● Acrylic paint ● Clear gloss varnish TO CREATE ❶ PREPARE YOUR CLAY Knead and condition your clay until it’s smooth and pliable. Roll it into a neat, even ball. ❷ SHAPE THE DISH Here you are using the pinch-pot technique. Hold the clay ball in one hand, press your other thumb into the centre, stopping about 2cm from the bottom to avoid piercing it. Gently pinch the clay between your thumb and fingers while rotating it in your hand. Continue pinching and pulling the walls out until it resembles a shallow bowl. ❸ FLATTEN THE BASE Between pinches, tap the dish on to your work surface to ensure the base is…

CRISPY SALT & PEPPER BEEF Serve the beef alongside the egg-fried rice, with a scattering of spring onion and some Chinese curry sauce for dipping or drizzling. SERVES 2 PREP 5min COOK about 12-14min • 400g lean rump steak, at room temperature• 4tsp soy sauce• 2tsp five-spice powder• 1 egg, whisked• 25g cornflour• Spray oil• ½ onion, finely diced• ½ green pepper, finely diced• ½ red pepper, finely diced• 1tsp granulated sugar or sweetener FOR THE EGG-FRIED RICE • Spray oil• 60g onion, finely diced• 70g frozen peas• 1 egg, whisked• 130g cold cooked rice• 1tsp sesame oil• 2tsp dark soy sauce TO SERVE • 1 spring onion, sliced• Chinese curry sauce (I use the Goldfish brand) 1 Tenderise the steak with a tenderiser or cover with clingfilm and bash…

‘We all love a saving when it comes to booking a flight and I recently discovered the best-value places to fly to this year. The super-handy travel search engine Skyscanner (skyscanner.net) has just released its travel trends report for 2026 and revealed that the best budget-friendly place with the biggest year-on-year flight price drop (a whopping 44%) is the German city of Cologne. And even better, February is a great month to visit, as it’s carnival time! The next biggest tumble in flight price is to Goa in India (down by 34%), followed by Kaunas in Lithuania (down 31%), Bergen in Norway (down 27%) and the Portuguese island of Madeira (down 26%). All five are well worth exploring in my book.’…

As we all know, weekends are precious. So travelling the 290 miles from London to Penrith sounded like a big adventure to fit into a few days. But with the promise of a relaxing break in the beautiful countryside, and the chance to meet up with my cousin Olivia, I was more than ready to pack a bag and head off. Here’s what we loved… THE LOCATION… The North Lakes hotel is 10 minutes from the historic market town of Penrith and close to the Lake District National Park, so it’s a great place to explore the surrounding countryside. It’s also easy to reach by car (it sits just off the A66 and isn’t far from the M6) and is close to Penrith railway station, which has a direct train…

Feeling the crisp winter air cool her cheeks as she opened her front door to the delivery driver, Natalie decided to take herself out for a stroll on Sunday. Placing the parcel in the hallway, she recalled a colleague’s advice from the hospital about the power of walking, and how listening to her footsteps along a path could help to silence the overwhelming thoughts that she constantly replayed in her mind. Work at the hospital was in full swing, with long shifts and the familiar grip of anxiety regularly holding her shoulders tight. The expectation of always being professional made every day a challenge, as she had to try her best not to show any emotion when sharing test results and the path of treatments for her patients. She breathed…