Table of contents for 36-2023 in Best

It’s Second-hand September, a time when we are being asked to donate, re-wear, re-use and re-style our clothes to reduce waste. So, one of my favourite stories in this week’s issue is Caroline Jones (page 26), who has worn hand-me-downs and shopped in charity shops for most of her life. I don’t know her, but I was surprised to find out she lives in my village where there are several charity shops, including the Oxfam she mentions, that I will now pop in to, if not to buy then certainly to donate. I’m not good at finding charity shops bargains but I do have one friend (that’s you, Denise Degroot) who often finds me rifling through her charity bags as she has amazing taste. Buying ‘preloved’ or holding a Swap…

We’ve all got at least one ‘flaky friend’ – the pal who always seems keen to meet up but cancels plans at the last minute. You may love them to bits – but it can be incredibly annoying. And ‘flakies’ were the hot debate on a recent episode of Loose Women, where Ruth Langsford was joined by Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter and Brenda Edwards, as they discussed how to deal with friends who can’t be trusted when it comes to dates in the diary! ‘If you genuinely promise and something happens that’s OK, it’s the people that I call flakies… we’ve all got a flaky friend,’ Ruth commented, ‘and they say: “Yeah, yeah, yeah let’s do that,” and in the back of your mind, you’re thinking: “They’re not going to.”…

Q My lips are fast losing volume and definition. How can I make them look youthful again? DR AAMER SAYS: Just like our faces, lips also lose volume and, for many, will start shrinking after the age of 40, mostly due to the natural degradation of collagen and elastin, though genetics, sun damage and smoking will accelerate the process. Fortunately, treating the lips is no longer just about adding volume, but improving the entire mouth area by correcting the visible signs of ageing, including the shape and the lack of definition. For a subtle enhancement, there are also now a number of new hyaluronic acid fillers designed to restore shape without adding fullness. Hyabell Lips, for instance, will volumise and re-shape mouths gently, as well as lift the lip corners.…

MAKE MINE A MARGARITA Keep hold of that Summer feeling a little longer with the help of Mango Margarita from Tapp’d Cocktails. The combo of mango purée, zesty lime juice and hit of tequila has quite a kick without being overly sweet. We enjoyed it served icy cold, in a saltrimmed glass with a wedge of lime on the side. Pick up a pack of six for £21.99 from tappd.co.uk. LET’S DO LUNCH! Say goodbye to boring or soggy sandwiches! Asda has just introduced 47 new products into its food-to-gorange, including a delicious variety of deli-style sandwiches. The Chicken, Mozzarella and Slow-Roasted Tomato Deli Sandwich, £3.50, comes highly recommended along with the Pastrami & Emmental New York-Style Deli Sandwich. All new products in the range can be bought in the…

BACK TO TOURING After months of lolling at home, the new tour suddenly looms very large indeed, and I have that sudden ‘back to school’ feeling which is a mixture of excitement and dread. Let’s get the dread bit over first, there are many things I love about touring, but as I get older, certain aspects take their toll – but fret not, I’m braced. The biggest drag is traffic, sometimes it can take two hours just to get out of London, basically I could do with a helicopter. I deal with long car journeys by boring my tour manager about my life, sucking on a Werther’s and getting on with my latest tapestry. Thanks to touring, my sofa and my sibling’s sofas are littered with cushion covers made whilst…

CORONATION STREET Max lies to Lauren, making out he’s in college all day before heading to the precinct with Sabrina. A deflated Lauren watches from a distance. As Sabrina heads off, Gav urges Max to stop messing about and ask Sabrina out, as it’s obvious he fancies her… EASTENDERS Jack is emotional when Ricky reveals that he’s changing his last name from Mitchell to Branning. Elsewhere, Ian reassures Cindy after her run-in at The Vic and promises her a new business to woo Gina and Anna. Later, Peter persuades Ian to try to make amends with Kathy, but Rocky isn’t buying it… EMMERDALE Belle feels insecure when Tom says he’s looking for a new place – possibly away from the village! Meanwhile, as a guilty Charles packs his bag to…

SEARCH ME! Can you find the words in the grid? They will be placed only once and may be either horizontal, vertical or diagonal and go either forwards or backwards. There is one word listed that isn’t in the grid – can you work out which one it is? ARAZA BEARBERRY BLACKBERRY BLACKCURRANT BLUEBERRY BOYSENBERRY CAMU CAMU CHILEAN GUAVA CLOUDBERRY CRANBERRY DEWBERRY ELDERBERRY GRAPE HONEYSUCKLE KOKUM LIMEBERRY RASPBERRY REDCURRANT STRAWBERRY WOLFBERRY SUDOK-GO! Fill the grid using the numbers from 1 to 9 only. Each number must appear once in every column, row and 3x3 square. Now, off you sudok-go! WORD WHEEL Find as many words of three or more letters in the wheel as you can. Each word must use the central letter and a selection from the outer wheel…

On the gorgeous North Devon coastline, nestles a perfect escape for seaside lovers and their four-legged friends… BEST TRAVEL WRITER DEIRDRE O’BRIEN AND MURPHY THE DOG TRAVEL SNAPSHOT They say that life’s a beach, and indeed, in beautiful Westward Ho!, in North Devon, the golden sands are the heart of this truly traditional seaside resort. The vast expanse of sandy beach is the perfect paradise for swimmers, surfers, rockpoolers, paddlers, walkers and their four-legged friends – indeed, Westward Ho! seems to be something of a haven for hounds, with dogs appearing to outnumber humans! Falling into an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for cleanliness, and dogs are allowed on distinct areas of the beach all year round. Murphy certainly enjoyed himself racing…

1 PUPTURE PERFECT DJ Sara Cox posted this hilarious snap of her three pooches (Dolly, Daisy and Pip), while working from home last week. The 48-year-old mum-of-two captioned her Instagram post, ‘And yes, I’m supposed to be editing my book, that’s why I’m baking pitta and doing dog photo shoots.’ To be fair, if these were our adorable dogs, we’d be pretty distracted, too! 2 Who wowed the crowd? If we can look as good as these when it comes to colour blocking, we’re in! Actor Michelle Keegan, 36, looks stunning in a co-ord set from her Very collection, while presenter Gaby Roslin, 59, looked radiant in a ME+EM jumpsuit and actor Marcia Cross, 61, resembled the style of her Desperate Housewives character. You won’t be left feeling blue, judging…

As the Royal family gathered for their Summer break at Balmoral, marking the tradition upheld by the late Queen Elizabeth – around the time of the poignant first anniversary of her death – there was a glimpse of what could be a breakthrough in the strained relations between some of the wider Windsor clan. Last month, Prince William was spotted at the wheel of a car driving from Balmoral to attend church on Sunday morning. By his side, in the passenger seat, was none other than his uncle, Prince Andrew – with Kate, the Princess of Wales, in the back seat. As public shows of togetherness go, it was very clear that it was a deliberate move on behalf of William to show that relations between himself and Andrew have…

It had been 20 minutes or so since the hydrophone had slipped beneath the rippling water and sunk out of sight, possibly down a whopping 40 feet below the surface of surely the world’s most famous loch. Soon after, Alan Mckenna, founder of voluntary research group Loch Ness Exploration, helped me clamp headphones on, and I tuned in to myriad mysterious blips, bumps and echoes reaching my ears. Our special cruise aboard research boat Deepscan was part of The Quest, a weekend of events last week that represented the biggest Loch Ness Monster watch in more than 50 years. What kind of noise might Nessie make exactly, I mused as time ticked by – a hiss, a gurgle, a growl, maybe a purr? That would be nice… After all, Nessie…

Got the post-Summer break blues? Shorefield is giving best readers the chance to enjoy a scenic British escape. One best reader can win a luxury break for up to six guests in one of Shorefield’s Superior+ Hot Tub Lodges at Oakdene Forest Park in Dorset. Set within 55 acres of scenic open space on the edge of the Hurn & Avon Forest, the park borders unspoilt river meadows and woodlands. The lucky winner has the chance to enjoy a long weekend (three nights), or a four-night weekday stay at Oakdene. The surrounding forest provides a stunning backdrop with access to scenic pet-friendly walks. Sandy beaches are also right on the doorstep, and the wide range of Go Active+ sessions available on-site means there’s never a dull moment. Shorefield Holidays is…

1 WILL YOU GET PENSION CREDIT? Up to two in five older people entitled to Pension Credit are missing out on up to £3,300 a year that has been set aside for them. If you’re 66 and above, and eligible, not only will you receive an additional income, but you’ll be able to access a host of other benefits, including help with housing costs and council tax, vouchers towards glasses and contact lenses, and you’ll receive Cold Weather Payments and the Warm Home Discount Scheme in the Winter. Apply via the DWP claim line, 0800 99 1234, or check eligibility via Independent Age’s helpline on 0800 319 6789 or independentage.org 2 CLAIM EVERYTHING Many people aren’t receiving the financial help they should be. If you have a long-term health condition…

Since the early days of Sex And The City, there have been rumours of tension between Sarah Jessica Parker (who plays lead Carrie Bradshaw) and Kim Cattrall (aka feisty, sex-mad Samantha Jones). Speculation only heightened with Kim’s noticeable absence from the reprise, And Just Like That… about Carrie, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), and Charlotte (Kristin Davis). Here, we delve into the details of Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker’s rumoured spat… We’d all love to think that the four original Sex And The City stars – SJP, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis and Kim Cattrall, were just as inseparable off-screen, as they are on it. But unfortunately, it’s far from true… In 2004, British-Canadian actress Kim, now 67, appeared on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, and admitted that money was part of…

Digital creator, Rebecca, keeps her 105,000 followers via her @ rebecca_anchorban_house Instagram account on their toes, with constant homely updates! FIRESIDE Nothing beats a real fire, especially heading into the colder seasons… It looks like Rebecca’s fur baby, Oscar, thinks so too! For accesories such as these cosy gingham blankets, the Laura Ashley Dylan throw is available at Next for £55. It would look perfect on any sofa (or by the fire, of course!) FAB FRONTDOOR What an entrance! Wouldn’t this be a lovely place to call home?! COSY CONSERVATORY Rebecca’s stunning conservatory screams cosy country style. The wicker-style tables can be found at affordable places like The Range in various shapes and sizes. As for the gorgeous crochet blankets, visit etsy.co.uk for inspiration. COUNTRY KITCHEN It doesn’t get more…

There are gripping thrillers on telly everywhere you look – but this one involves an intriguing family dynamic that makes it stand out from the pack. The Inheritance follows the story of three siblings, Daniel, Sian and Chloe, who are left reeling after the unexpected death of their father, Dennis (played by Gavin & Stacey’s Larry Lamb). When it turns out they are not left anything in the will, they embark on a dangerous journey to figure out whether his death was truly a tragic accident, or whether it was, in fact, murder… Here, Leeds actress and mum-of-two Gaynor Faye, 52, who plays eldest daughter Sian, tells us more - including filming in Ireland’s Kilkenny… Gaynor, What first appealed to you about The Inheritance? Families are so complex, and I like…

It’s the final week of Celebrity MasterChef heats and the five celebrities up for the culinary challenge are actors Amy Walsh and Michael Praed, rapper and philanthropist Apl.de.Ap, professional dancer Dianne Buswell and reality star Luca Bish. Here, Strictly star Dianne, 34, tells us more… What made you want to do Celebrity MasterChef? I love cooking but I wanted to get better at it. My family are all very good cooks and I want to go home and say to my mum ‘I think I’m a better cook than my brothers now!’ That is the aim of the game. How have you prepared for the series? I have been extremely busy, so actually, my prep has been little to none, which does terrify me a little bit hearing how much…

AUTUMN COLOUR: HEAVER CASTLE, 1 OCTOBER Pack your walking boots or wellies and head to Hever Castle, Kent to enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot and spectacular Autumn tints. The Castle is arguably at its romantic best in the Autumn, when the Boston Ivy adorning the front of the Castle turns a vivid shade of red! For booking info, visit hevercastle.co.uk/visit/hever-castle-tickets/ CASTLE OF LIGHT: MAGIC AND MYSTERY, EDINBURGH CASTLE 24 & 25 NOVEMBER Edinburgh Castle transforms this November as Castle of Light returns for a fourth fantastic year. Delve into ‘Magic and Mystery’, as a tapestry of all-new projections dances across the walls. Let immersive illuminations and enchanting installations guide you through the grounds in a sea of twinkling lights and colourful displays. Children under 7 go free! For more…

A dating show with a difference, My Mum, Your Dad – with possibly the most passionate host in the world, Davina McCall, at the helm – follows a group of single parents nominated by their grown-up kids. Follow them as they live together at a country house retreat with one objective: true love. But unbeknownst to the parents, their kids are watching them from the surveillance room – and get to play matchmaker and decide their fate. Davina, who’s had her own rollercoaster experiences in love, tears up discussing how much the show and its participants mean to her… Davina, My Mum, Your Dad explores love in middle age, doesn’t it? Yes, I wanted to see mid-lifers represented in dating–this second-time round thing which happens in your 40s and 50s,…

TOP TIP! Strong colours and bold accessories are a great way to transform your room in seconds.…

When NHS nurse Lucy Letby was handed a whole life term for killing seven innocent babies and trying to murder six others, she became one of the most prolific child killers in modern British history. She’d carried out the attacks by – amongst other methods – injecting air or insulin into defenceless babies while working on the neonatal ward at the Countess of Chester Hospital, between June 2015 and June 2016. Letby, 33, denied all charges at Manchester Crown Court, but was found guilty and will spend the rest of her life in prison. Her actions shocked and appalled the world, yet, tragically, she isn’t the first British nurse to have cruelly taken innocent lives. And it begs the question… how did this happen again? Over 30 years ago, nurse…

Joanna Lumley – fun, enthusiastic, good humoured – so much so that being in her company feels rather like being bathed in sunlight! We caught up and had a chat with Joanna – who lives with her classical musician husband Stephen Barlow, is mother to photographer son Jamie Lumley, and proud grandma to two teenage granddaughters – at the premiere of her new short film. Here, she opens up on making every second count and the importance of kindness… Joanna, tell us about your film, My Week with Maisy? It’s a short film, supported by the wonderful Create Health Foundation, and is the story of Mrs Foster, a retired, buttoned-up, somewhat bigoted and negative-minded lady who is starting chemotherapy for cancer and is understandably anxious. The last thing she thinks…

1 Sort Your Life Out With Stacey Solomon THURSDAY, BBC ONE 8PM NEW SERIES Stacey and her team of exerts help more more families de-clutter their homes, beginning with Tom and Chloe Watling and their two daughters. All their possessions are packed up and laid out in a giant warehouse, including 459 books and magazines, 326 pieces of baking equipment, 39 unopened travel-sized jars of jam and 1,672 toys. Back at the house, carpenter Rob sorts out Tom’s new office and the girls’ playroom, cleaner Iwan gives the home a supersize spring clean, and Dilly meticulously organises their extended kitchen and resurrects the neglected bakery. 2 Gogglebox FRIDAY, CHANNEL 4 9PM NEW SERIES Guess who’s back! The famous armchair critics share their opinions on what they have been watching during…

WIN 1 X £ 200, 2 X £100 OR 3 X £50 PRIZES ACROSS 1 Guarantee (6) 4 Take into custody (6) 9 Liked by many people (7) 10 One more (7) 11 Transport by hand (5) 12 Not containing anything (5) 14 Send someone to a medical specialist (5) 15 Cut a joint of meat (5) 17 Essential (5) 18 Extend an arm or leg (7) 20 One event in a sequence (7) 21 A distinguishing symbol; type of pen (6) 22 Protective headgear (6) DOWN 1 Characteristic (6) 2 Higher in rank (8) 3 Exchange of tennis strokes (5) 5 Regain strength (7) 6 Every (4) 7 A score plus ten (6) 8 A parent’s Dad (11) 13 Raised horizontal surface (8) 14 Reinstate (7) 15 Tradition (6)…

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