Home/Women's Lifestyle/Prima UK/August 2018/In This Issue
Prima UK|August 2018NEW BEGINNINGS – go for it!What a thrill it is to say hello to you all as I step into my new role as Executive Editor. And what luck, that on my very first assignment I was able to meet our cover star, the fantastic Fern Britton (page 8). I’ve always been a fan – right back to when I was on maternity leave with my now-teenage son, and I’d give him his mid-morning bottle watching This Morning. I loved her sense of fun then and, believe me, she’s still got it in bucket-loads! Talking about facing new challenges, Fern says in our exclusive interview, ‘Take a jump and don’t look down – go for it!’ Now that’s one bit of brilliant advice that certainly resonates with me.But then shouldn’t life always be about taking…2 min
Prima UK|August 2018Oh those summer nightsFrom dusk ’til dawnA loose-fitting sequin blazer is the ultimate in easy elegance. Simple wrap styles look great belted with a pretty scarf, or opt for a wide leather belt to nip you in at the waist. Team with wide-legged trousers for a look that’s grownup and glamorous (watching the sun rise – optional!).Kaftan queenStay cool in embroidered cotton tunics for versatile, getaway style. For day, pop on over swimwear and pair with oversize sunnies and a beach tote. Then add simple strappy sandals and a pair of crystal earrings – all you need for dancing the night away.Beach goddessStunning investment dresses are to be worn and loved, so it’s definitely worth taking one on holiday. Pleated styles roll up and pack well, so they won’t take up much room…3 min
Prima UK|August 2018Now that’s ANIMAL MAGIC!‘Elephants helped me to find a deeper happiness’Naomi Dymond, 37, from North Devon, had always had a passion for elephants, but actually working with them gave her a strength she never realised she had.‘Standing in the hot Thai sun, bathing an elephant for the first time and looking into its beautiful soulful eyes, I’d never felt happier.I’d always loved elephants, and my dream was to volunteer overseas for an elephant sanctuary. Then the break-up of a long-term relationship gave me the nudge I needed. In 2013, I headed out to Thailand, and since then I’ve visited elephant sanctuaries in the Knysna Elephant Park in South Africa, and volunteered with Wildlife SOS at the Elephant Conservation and Care Center in India. Each experience has been as brilliant as the last, and…9 min
Prima UK|August 2018Permission to do NOTHING this summer!Picture this: you’re sitting in the garden, the sun warms your face and you close your eyes as peace descends. Suddenly, you remember you need to empty the washing machine. You get up, knowing you won’t be able to relax until the job is done.For many of us, doing ‘nothing’ can seem like an alien concept. Life admin piles up in our minds – and switching off becomes almost impossible.But here’s the thing: doing nothing can actually be good for us! As author and clinical psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibberd (drjessamy.com) says, ‘We’re not machines. Rest and recovery are essential parts of a healthy and happy life. It’s important to build in time to sit back and take everything in.’Want to know how? Then read on…FREE YOUR MINDRemember: not all time…5 min
Prima UK|August 2018The golden rules of TANNINGMake sure you use enough!To get your sunniest glow on, Garnier’s lead dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk advises you ‘squeeze a line about the thickness of your little finger from the shoulder to the middle knuckle on each arm, then one from your hip to your toes, and a good handful for your chest and tummy’. We also recommend you build it up in several thin layers for your best protection, as well as applying it naked – so you don’t miss an inch!Choose a formula you’ll loveFind your cream too gloopy, white and unspreadable? The wrong texture can be a real deal-breaker when it comes to proper use. The good news is that this year there are clear sun-care mists that spread like a dream and contain skin-friendly ingredients such…4 min
Prima UK|August 2018Bring ON THE brights!THOMASIN NEWTON, 45, from Colchester is a personal stylist. Working in fashion, Thomasin loves how colour can transform outfits from everyday to extraordinary.Paper-bag waists are big style news for autumn, too!CHOOSE ONE HERO PIECEIf you’re feeling colour shy, find your confidence by taking it one step at a time. A pair of bold-as-can-be trousers will lift your outfits (and your spirits!). Tone them down by teaming with a crisp, white cotton shirt.GO FOR MAXIMUM IMPACTWe love this showstopping investment dress! If you’re not comfortable clashing colours, this dress does all of the hard work for you, and in a bright blue hue, it will complement most skin tones.PINK IS THE NEW BLACKBored with black suits? Break the rules with a pink power suit and give your workwear the wow-factor. Mix…4 min
Prima UK|August 2018HAPPY 70 th BIRTHDAY TO OUR amazing NHS!I started my career as a junior hospital doctor over 30 years ago, and I have seen a lot of changes in that time. The National Health Service was rightly celebrated at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and on 5 July this year, had its 70th anniversary. While it often comes in for criticism, I think it’s worth focusing on how it’s transformed lives and, in particular, women’s health, since it began in 1948…Freedom and choiceThe oral contraceptive pill was made available on the NHS in 1961. For the first six years, it was only available to married women but, by the end of the so-called Swinging Sixties, around one million of us were ‘on the Pill’.Since then, a range of options has given women freedom by letting them choose…5 min
Prima UK|August 2018In my caseA quarter of young travellers admit to getting on a moped or quad bike without checking if their insurance covers them*.‘We warned her not to go on a moped’Louise Rodgers, 57, from London, had been worried about her daughter going travelling, then she got the call every mother dreads…‘Our daughter Tarn was 18 and had been travelling for three months when her Skype call came through. “Mum, I’ve got something to tell you…” she said. My mind shot to the one thing I’d begged her not to do. “You’ve got a tattoo!” I gasped. “Well, yes,” she replied. “But I’ve also had a moped accident.” Suddenly the tattoo wasn’t so important.Tarn is the eldest of my two children. Although her dad and I had split up when they were young,…2 min
Prima UK|August 2018Out of the BLUEWhen Roz Robinson and her husband Simon were searching for a new home, they had a clear objective – finding somewhere close to a good school for their two girls, Lyra and Cassie. The couple searched property websites and came across this five-bedroom barn conversion in Nutfield, Surrey, but the property was originally out of reach. ‘It was over our budget and I wasn’t convinced the layout was right,’ Roz says. ‘But then, I noticed it was still on the market several months later and when we viewed the property we knew it was the one.’The interior had been refurbished up to certain point, and walls had been removed to create an open-plan space downstairs. ‘There were some contemporary additions, such as the oak and glass staircase, which I loved,’…5 min
Prima UK|August 201820% off Garden TradingCreate a warm, inviting atmosphere with a fire pit, which is a stunning focal pointEnjoy the summer months with an alfresco drink and a good bookAdd a splash of colour with the vibrant Keswick enamel dining collection, from just £4.50.The Garden Trading collection embraces a clean, practical and uncluttered lifestyle. Combining classic materials with innovative designs, the range of contemporary lighting and furniture for the home and garden adds distinctive style in any setting.Take advantage of this exclusive 20% off to give your garden a refresh this summer. The stylish furniture collection will transform your garden into a comfortable place to relax and entertain. Inspired by Parisian dining culture, the Garden Trading bistro set adds some instant elegance to your outdoor space. Available in three classic colours and a variety…1 min
Prima UK|August 2018SO CUTE COVER-UPAn EXCLUSIVE design for PrimaMEASUREMENTSTo fit bust 81-86(92-97:102-107)cm Finished measurements Bust 90(102:111)cm Length to back neck 44(45:47)cmMATERIALS7(8:9) 50g balls of erika knight gossypium cotton in Milk 500. 3.75mm knitting needles.TENSION22 sts and 31 rows to 10cm square over st-st using 3.75mm needles.ABBREVIATIONSbeg beginning; cm centimetres; cont continue; foll following; inc increase; k knit; m1 make one st by picking up and working into back of loop lying between st just worked and next st; p purl; patt pattern; rem remaining; rep repeat; RS right side; ssk [slip 1] twice, insert tip of left hand needle from left to right through the fronts of both slipped sts and work 2 tog; st(s) stitch(es); st-st stocking stitch; tog together; yf yarn forward to make one st between k sts; WS wrong side.Not…5 min
Prima UK|August 2018Your time off time outAn evening out at the moviesMAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAINTen years since the first one, the original cast – including Meryl Streep, Julie Walters and Colin Firth – couldn’t wait to get back on the Aegean-bound plane. This time they’re joined by a host of youthful actors, with Lily James as the younger version of Meryl’s character, Donna – while the story shows how past romances shaped the present. Out 20 JulyPIN CUSHIONThere’s a powerful message about the destructive nature of bullying in this tender but often funny story of Lyn, an eccentric mother, (Joanna Scanlan) and her naive, awkward teenage daughter, Iona (Lily Newmark). The fiercely close duo move to a new town hoping for a fresh start, but both struggle to be accepted. Out 13 JulyMISSION IMPOSSIBLE:…6 min
Prima UK|August 2018HOLIDAY LIKE RoyaltyCheck out our royal rating Out of 5Luxury break castlesTURRETS AND TOWERSOne of England’s most impressive castles could be yours for the night when you book the Maiden’s Tower at Leeds Castle in Kent. Or how about a spot of Knight’s Glamping in a turreted striped pavilion in the castle grounds? You can cook your dinner on a cast-iron griddle over an open fire just as medieval knights would have done.SPENDING THE ROYAL COFFERSA small double in the Maiden’s Tower costs from £110 a night with breakfast. Knight’s Glamping costs from £150 a night for two. Prices include access to Leeds Castle and grounds. leeds-castle.comPERFECT FOR A PARTYFor a special-occasion getaway, you won’t find a more regal venue than Roch Castle in Pembrokeshire. This 12th-century Norman castle is available for…7 min
Prima UK|August 2018SEA the WORLDTop tipWhen comparing cruise prices, check what’s included. Internet, excursions and bottled water are among the costliest extras.Doorstep DutchWith Eurostar’s new twice-daily direct service from St Pancras to Amsterdam, anyone planning a river cruise taking in the Dutch bulbfields, or embarking on a longer cruise along the Danube, will find getting there much easier (eurostar.com).Qll aboard THE DURRELL WILDLIFE EXPEDITIONJoin a unique private charter aboard the Silver Discoverer with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. This one-off voyage visits the remote Andaman archipelago, sailing down the Irrawaddy from Yangon (Rangoon) and exploring the Ganges delta and India’s Eastern Ghats, finishing in Chennai (Madras). Casting off on 4 February 2019, you’ll sail with experts and local guides, taking in deserted beaches and possible sightings of Bengal tigers. 16 days from £9,745pp excluding…1 min
Prima UK|August 2018READER SHORT STORY Sweet temptationWIN £100‘One pound on. Can you think of any reason for that? Anything different you’ve done this week?’ ‘I know why I’ve gained,’ Tracy said, as she stepped off the scales and put her shoes, cardigan and watch back on. ‘It was someone’s birthday at work and they’d brought in a box of cakes from that new bakery in town. Oh, Michelle, the cakes must be about a billion units each, but they’re gorgeous!’Michelle jotted Tracy’s weight in a booklet and handed it back to her.Okay, just don’t beat yourself up about it. One bad week doesn’t have to spoil how well you’ve done so far. Just get back on the plan tomorrow, right?’Michelle had been a group leader at Star Slimmers for three years. She loved it, and the…5 min
Prima UK|August 2018prima LOVESBRIGHT BLOOMSSunny shades make an eye-catching bouquet.FROM THE SEAUse this fun piece as a jug or vase for fresh blooms.WHAT A LEMONThis white chocolate has a hint of citrus.STORE IN STYLETry putting two or three of these baskets under a bench in the hallway for attractive storage.CITRUS CHICThese lovely espadrilles will add zest to pretty summer sundresses.EASY EXFOLIATIONGet super-smooth skin with this oil-based scrub.INTO THE BLUEThese bowls have a unique glazed look, but the resilient material makes them perfect for picnics.IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILThrow on over your swimsuit for elegant beach-to-bar dressing.ALFRESCO!Brighten your table with these napkins, perfect as a finishing touch at parties and barbecues.WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONSPour refreshing drinks for your guests from this bright jug.SWEET AS A NUTThese ‘olives’ are actually sugared almonds.OPEN UP!This fun…2 min
Prima UK|August 2018YOUR HOLIDAY WARDBROBE sorted!Travel in styleSnazzy separates are guaranteed to nail airport chic. A classic striped dress is a holiday hero – wear over trousers to travel in, then on its own (with sneakers or sandals) for soaking up the sun.3 of the best beach bagsDon’t scrimp on size – choose big basket styles that will carry all your holiday essentials from beach to bar and back again.Holiday blingLayer fine gold bangles, bracelets and necklaces for a bit of boho chic on holiday. Plus, they look great with a tan.Smart upgradeAdd oh-so-cute travel accessories for first-class style.Yes, you can wear shortsA smart pair works well for all-day style. With these, you can pick the length (4in, 6in or 9in).Instant glamAlways take along a pair of statement earrings for a pop of colour and…3 min
Prima UK|August 2018‘I learnt to FACE my FEARS ’Emilia, 43, has played forensic pathologist Dr Nikki Alexander in the BBC crime drama Silent Witness for 20 years. She has a seven-year-old daughter, Rose, and lives in London. Her mother is actress Joanna David, and her father is actor Edward Fox.Growing up I never had a little voice telling me to be an actor – in fact, it was quite the opposite! The voice in my head said, ‘Don’t do it!’ My fear was that a lot of my family were doing it – and were successful. I didn’t want to do the same thing in case it didn’t go well. I also wanted to find my own path.In the end, I became an actor slightly by default – because I was a terrible waitress. While I was studying…5 min
Prima UK|August 2018We got our inspiration from THE SEASIDE‘I’ve combined my two loves: art and the seaside’‘I bring seahorses, fish and crabs to life with paint’Artist Debby Mason, 55, lives in Plymouth, Devon, and finds that the seaside is a treasure trove of ideas.‘Perched on a stone warmed by the summer sun, I quickly sketch a crab as it makes its way across the bottom of a rock pool. When it disappears beneath the seaweed, I flick through my sketchbook which is filled with seaside-inspired illustrations. Satisfied with my day’s work, I head back to my studio and begin to turn my pencil drawings into prints that I’ll later sell.My art is inspired by the seaside because it’s my happy place, and always has been. I grew up on the Devon coast, and as a child I was…9 min
Prima UK|August 2018Be a summer scene stealer!5 ways to HOLIDAY-PROOF your hair1 Like skin, hair gets sunburnt, too. You just can’t feel it. The only foolproof way to protect it is to cover it up during the day. I always opt for a Panama hat, tucking all my hair underneath, and adding shades and lipgloss for a look that works just as well in the city as it does by the pool!2 Hair dries out in the sun, which leads to crispier ends and less manageability. Always have your hair cut before a holiday to ensure it looks healthy and dries naturally with a good, bouncy shape. Meanwhile, sun, seawater and chlorine kill your colour, so make sure to leave that till you return. I make my colour appointment for a day or two after I…4 min
Prima UK|August 2018GIVE YOUR BONES a boostAs kids, we took tumbles and bounced back, but having a fall in adult life can be far more serious.One in two women over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Society (NOS), and most fractures are due to falls.So why do we become vulnerable post-50? The drop in hormone levels means we lose bone density more rapidly after the menopause, and as we age, the balance between bone building and bone loss alters.Several other factors, including genes and diet, influence your bone structure, but it’s never too late to make a change. Sarah Leyland, nurse consultant at the NOS, says building muscle strength and improving balance, agility and co-ordination make a difference.‘The menopause is a good time to reassess and do a few…6 min
Prima UK|August 2018Stay STRONGOsteocare Original is the UK’s no.1 bone health formula and has been scientifically developed on the basis of the very latest research. It provides 100% NRV (Nutrient Reference Value) of calcium carefully combined with co-factors including vitamin D, zinc and magnesium, which help to maintain normal bone health. Ensuring an adequate intake of calcium is vital for men and women of all ages, as evidence suggests that healthy practices early in life – including the adequate consumption of calcium and trace elements – contribute to normal bone health and optimal bone mineralisation. This Original formula is also available in a chewable tablet for those who have difficulty with swallowing tablets.Osteocare Original, £9.15 for 90 tablets, is available from osteocare.com…1 min
Prima UK|August 2018Your essential GETAWAY GADGETSCOOL POOL KITIf you’re taking your phone to the pool, play safe with a waterproof case. The Aquapac (£20, Amazon) protects phones to a depth of 30ft. If reading is one of your main pleasures, you’ll want a dedicated e-reader. The basic Kindle (£59.99) will suit most people and the battery lasts for weeks. If your reading position of choice is on a lilo, you may want to splash out on the Oasis version (£229.99), which is waterproof to 2m. As discreet as a clutch bag, the Libratone One Style speaker (£159, Libratone) even has a wrist strap. Stream your music or use it as a speakerphone to take calls. This splash-proof portable speaker has brilliantly clear sound.MINI BEAUTY GADGETSNo bigger than a cotton pad, the Foreo Luna Go (£85,…2 min
Prima UK|August 2018A garden scent from HEAVENGet the lookKeep the layout simple to set an informal style. Curved borders and wavy paths look better than straight lines.Get the lookIf you have a south-facing front garden like Margaret, choose sun-loving plants such as dahlias and lupins.Push open the white picket gate at the home of Margaret and Peter Hargreaves and you’ll step into a flower-packed garden brimming with colour, where the heady scents of old-fashioned roses and sweet peas fill the air. In this little corner of the Staffordshire countryside, the couple have not only managed to recreate a magical cottage garden, but one that captures a feeling of nostalgia, too. Yet, when Margaret and Peter bought Grafton Cottage more than 40 years ago, the garden had little more going for it than an apple tree, a…5 min
Prima UK|August 2018Style it, do it, love it!Inspiring ideas from homes and gardens editor Carolyn BaileyGOOD BOOKSFancy a bit of summer DIY? Check out these books for inspiration…High-street findAccessorize has collaborated with online store The Rug Seller.Dining alfrescoBring on the picnic season with these bright new buys.GETTING FRUITYAdd a tropical touch with this season’s must-have accessories.Fly awayA trend for birds is emerging and it’s the perfect way to bring a holiday feel to your home.…1 min
Prima UK|August 2018Sweet sensationsRaspberry bellini jellyThis co*cktail-inspired jelly is the ultimate party centrepiece.SERVES 8-10PREP 15min, plus chilling and overnight setting COOK about 5min• 10 sheets leaf gelatine, we used Costa Fine Leaf Quick Dissolving Gelatine• 250ml (9fl oz) elderflower cordial• 200ml bottle Prosecco• Sunflower oil, to brush• 150g (5oz) raspberries• 1 nectarine, halved, de-stoned and sliced• Edible flowers (optional), to serve (make sure they are safe to eat and unsprayed)1 Soak gelatine in a small bowl of cold water for 5min. In a large jug, mix cordial with 450ml (¾ pint) cold water. In a small pan, gently warm 200ml (7fl oz) of cordial mixture until just simmering. Squeeze out excess water from the gelatine, then add to the pan. Stir until completely dissolved.2 Pour Prosecco into the jug with the remaining elderflower…12 min
Prima UK|August 2018BESIDE THE SEASIDE…Beach chic!LET THERE BE LIGHTAdd pretty shell and starfish designs to a glass lantern for alfresco summer eveningsYOU WILL NEED• Stencil acetate and pen• Cutting board• Craft knife• Glass lantern• Masking tape• Scissors• Stencil brush• Glass paint (or chalk paint and soft finishing wax)TO MAKE1 Use ready-made stencils (from The Stencil Library) or create your own by downloading shell and starfish templates. Trace the designs on to stencil acetate with a pen, then carefully cut out with a craft knife.2 Position the stencils on the lantern and fix in place with masking tape. Use the stencil brush to apply the paint – the brush should be fairly dry to prevent the paint bleeding.3 Leave to dry, then carefully peel off the stencils to reveal the design. If you have used…4 min
Prima UK|August 2018IN THE LOOPUse your skillsMEASUREMENTSTo fit bust 81-86(91-97:102-107: 112-117:122-127)cm. Finished measurements Bust 90(99:113:122:131)cm; Length 57(59:61:63:65)cmMATERIALS5(6:6:7:7) 50g balls of Rowan Summerlite 4 Ply in Washed Linen 418. 3mm crochet hook.TENSION4 patt reps to 9cm and 16 rows to 10cm measured over patt using 3mm crochet hook.ABBREVIATIONS*beg beginning; ch chain; ch-sp chain space; cm centimetres; cont continue; crab st (dc worked from left to right, instead of right to left); dc double crochet; dtr double treble; patt pattern; prev previous; rep(s) repeat(s); RS right side; ss slip stitch; st(s) stitch(es).BACKFirst shoulder section With 3mm crochet hook, make 42(47:52:57:62) ch. Row 1 (RS) 1dc into 2nd ch from hook, 1dc into each ch to end, turn. 41(46:51:56:61) sts. Row 2 1ch (does not count as st), 1dc into each of first 2dc, * 5ch, miss…6 min
Prima UK|August 2018Get into GOOD BOOKS this summerSUNLOUNGER SAGASTHE POSSIBLE WORLD by Liese O’Halloran Schwarz (Hutchinson, £12.99) The lives of six-year-old Ben who has escaped from a tragic ordeal, Lucy, his doctor who is battling the end of her marriage and elderly Clare, who has a lifetime of secrets, begin to merge in this beautifully entwined story of three extraordinary characters. Out 12 JulyTHE WIVES by Lauren Weisberger (HarperCollins, £12.99) Emily is back, though this time she’s saving ‘celebrities’ from their indiscretions and mistakes. When a US senator dumps his wife who’s an old friend of Emily’s, she fights her corner, determined to bring him down. There’s no messing with her. Out 12 JulyTHE HOPE FAULT by Tracy Farr (Aardvark Bureau, £8.99) Iris and her extended family – her ex-husband, his wife and their new baby, her…4 min
Prima UK|August 2018Take 5… eco retreatsAt one with natureFIVELEMENTS, BALISurrounded by fragrant gardens, this eco-wellness centre by Bali’s Ayung River is 15 minutes from the town of Ubud. You’ll stay in stylish flower-framed suites with open-air bathrooms and dine at the impressive Sakti restaurant, which is built of bamboo and serves vegan, sugar-free, sustainable dishes prepared with local ingredients. The hotel offers a wide range of packages, so you can get the most out of your stay.CHECK IT OUT:Double rooms from £197 a night. Visit fivelements.org/en/.Luxury in the USA1 HOTELS, NEW YORKIt’s declared itself the world’s first mission-driven luxury hotel brand, with sites built from reclaimed materials and upcycled furnishings. The chain’s two New York hotels also employ staff from the local area and take part in helping the community.CHECK IT OUT: Double rooms from…2 min
Prima UK|August 2018It’s so easy to win!WORTH £539!VIP tickets to Kirstie Allsopp’s The Handmade Fair PLUS a Janome sewing machine!The Handmade Fair, the creative day brought to you by Kirstie Allsopp, returns to Hampton Court Palace from 14-16 September.To celebrate, one reader will win a pair of VIP tickets worth £95 each plus a Janome M50QDC Sewing Machine, worth £539 – the model used at the fair’s workshops. One runner-up will win a pair of VIP tickets†. To find out more, visit thehandmadefair.com/hamptoncourt. Call 0905 789 1005 (80ppm)*. Text PRIMAGIVE1 to 84915 (£1.50)**. Leave your full name and address when entering. Write to Prima/TheHandmadeFair GVPRAL18241***.60 PAIRS TO BE WON!Stylish new sunglassesHoliday packing isn’t complete without sunnies! Foster Grant’s new collection includes on-trend styles to suit all tastes, from slinky cat-eye shapes through to redefined aviators, bold…2 min
Prima UK|August 2018TREAT YOURSELFNICOLA JANELingerie and swimwear styles designed to help restore confidence and femininity after breast surgery. Whether you have had a mastectomy, a lumpectomy or a reconstruction, the Nicola Jane 2018 post-surgery collection combines comfort and practicality with on-trend, fashionable styles. Free returns and shops throughout the UK. Call 0345 265 7595 or visit www.nicolajane.com. Quote PRA07 for 10% off your first order.NO MORE SUMMER CHAFINGEmbrace the season without the discomfort of burning thighs. The Big Bloomers Company’s Anti Chafing Slip Shorts are the ultimate summer solution. Designed in Britain and made in Italy using seamless technology, they’re extremely soft, lightweight and breathable – so much so, you’ll barely know you’ve got them on. Sizes UK 12-36. Call 01326 373268 or order securely online at www.thebigbloomerscompany.co.ukSARESS® – CLOSING DOWN SALE PRICE…2 min
Prima UK|August 2018Your Stars for AugustAries21 March - 20 AprilAt the start of the month, Venus in your relationship skies promises affection, fun times and romance. Look out for passion on the 8th, and an invitation soon after. Taking the helm at work isn’t always easy, but it puts you in charge – and puts money in the bank, too.Taurus21 April - 20 MayNow that you’re wiser, you won’t fall into the same trap that ensnared you last year. This month, you’re back on track and heading for a fresh turnaround at home. Mid-month, you’ll be retracing your steps, and the 19th brings romantic enchantment.Gemini21 May - 21 JuneDespite the sluggish wait for developments, when you eventually get going, things happen fast. There’s a lot to do, people to see and decisions to make at…3 min
Prima UK|August 2018‘I’m not scared any more – I like a challenge!’‘There’s so much life beyond big birthdays if you just take a deep breath and jump’As far as recoveries go, it’s fair to say Fern Britton’s has been nothing short of miraculous. The author and TV presenter has thrown herself back into life, living each moment to its fullest since being struck down with sepsis two years ago, which was almost fatal.Now she’s set to have her busiest year yet – working on her eighth novel, starring in a new Gary Barlow-penned stage production of Calendar Girls, and on the brink of reinventing herself as a businesswoman, as she unveils her new venture – The Original Cornish Beach Robe Co.Fern, 61, lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband Phil Vickery, 57, and their daughter Winnie, 17. Fern also has twin sons,…10 min
Prima UK|August 2018Our Mamma Mia dreams came true!‘I went island hopping and never looked back’When her children had grown up and moved away, Sarah Westlake realised that she could make her long-held dream come true.‘Sitting at the airport waiting for my flight, with all I owned in two suitcases, I felt terrified. I was leaving my life in England to live on a Greek island where all I had was a temporary apartment with no real plans. Then, by chance, a friend rang to wish me luck. Hearing her voice telling me that I was doing the right thing, I realised I had to go through with it. If I didn’t, I’d regret it.I’d talked about moving to a Greek island for years – ever since I’d first visited Greece, aged 19. I fell in love with…7 min
Prima UK|August 2018ROLL BACK the yearsFillers, freezers, lasers and more – still feeling nervous about trusting your lines and sags to them? Don’t be! New minimally invasive, done-in-minutes treatments can roll back the years for, well, years! We’ve picked eight of the quickest and least invasive facial treatments for that subtle, younger-looking tweak. Newbies sign up here.Contour your cheeks… WITH A SUBTLE REFILLThe cheeks are often the first place to show signs of ageing (bet you thought it was the eyes), and losing that curvy padding can add years.SUITS YOU? Cheek contouring is a real youth fix if it’s done correctly. ‘The key is not to over-treat,’ says dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams. ‘When subtly done, fillers look really natural. The aim is to turn the bottom-heavy triangle of age into an upward, youthful heart shape…7 min
Prima UK|August 2018FINANCIALLY FabulousGuaranteed to help you manage your money better!SIGN UP to our new fortnightly newsletter at prima.co.uk/ffnewsletter for tips, vlogs and brilliant advice!And win one of three financial makeovers – each worth £500 – when you sign up.All new Financially Fabulous subscribers from across Hearst UK will automatically be included in a draw to win £500 worth of time with an independent financial adviser in their area. The competition is in association with Unbiased.co.uk. Winners will be notified by 3 September 2018. Prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative.…1 min
Prima UK|August 2018How to keep your teen safe abroad this summerThe Foreign Office had to deal with 23,000 cases of Brits getting arrested while overseas in 2016/17*.A foreign adventure with mates is a rite of passage for many teens and those in their early 20s. And while it’s great fun for them, it can leave us parents terrified. After all, if your child can’t even pick up their grubby socks at home, how will they cope with the hazards of international travel?Well, worry no more. With top advice from travel experts, we’ve put together a simple seven-step plan that will ensure your not-so-little-one stays as safe as possible. As Julia Longbottom, foreign and commonwealth office consular director – and mum of three globetrotting children in their 20s – says, ‘The more you help them think ahead, the more initiative they…5 min
Prima UK|August 2018Save cash on your HOLIDAYSBEFORE YOU GOQ Excursions – is it cheaper to prebook or buy at the resort?A If you book excursions at a resort, you could save money, but you won’t get the same safeguards as when prebooking with a UK tour operator, with whom you are protected by UK and EU law. ‘Local operators may have appealing offers, but bear in mind no one has checked to make sure that what the vendor is offering is safe (or enjoyable) – real cowboy territory,’ warns Derek Moore, chairman of Association of Independent Tour Operators.TRAVEL INSURANCEDon’t delay. Buy it as soon as possible once you’ve booked your holiday, so you’ll be covered in case of cancellations, weather problems or if the company goes bust. Avoid taking out deals offered by travel agents, airlines…5 min
Prima UK|August 2018Take a fresh look at saladsCook’s tipServe this with grilled lamb cutlets – goats’ cheese and lamb go well together.Pistachio-crumbed goats’ cheese saladLook out for different varieties of raw beetroot, such as candy or golden beetroot, to add colour to your salad.SERVES 4 PREP 10min• 2 raw beetroot, trimmed and peeled• 3 cooked beetroot (from a vacuum pack)• Juice 1 lemon• Pinch sugar• 50g (2oz) pistachios, chopped• 2 x 150g logs soft (rindless) goats’ cheese• 2 carrots, peeled into ribbons• 100g (3½oz) lamb’s lettuce• 3tbsp extra-virgin olive oil• 2tbsp balsamic glaze1 With a mandolin (or sharp knife) thinly slice raw and cooked beetroot; keep separate. In a bowl, mix raw beetroot with the lemon juice and sugar. Set aside.2 Scatter half the pistachios over a plate. Roll the outside of the cheese logs in pistachios…10 min
Prima UK|August 2018Cook it, eat it, love it!All the latest foodie news and kitchen shortcuts from ALISON WALKERVeggie RESCUELimp or dull veg languishing in your fridge? Don’t throw them away – they can still be revived with these tricks.• Floppy celery, carrots, spring onions or soft radishes: submerge in iced water, leave for 20min and they’ll firm up.• Limp salad: discard any brown leaves and soak the rest in iced water for 20-30min. Drain well.• Browning mushrooms: peel off the outer layer and discard dry stalks. To keep pre-packed mushrooms fresh for longer, discard the plastic wrapping to allow air to circulate around them and help prevent any ‘sweating’. Store in the fridge.Waste lessWONKY BUT TASTYBritish farmers often throw away edible fruit and veg because supermarkets prefer flawless-looking produce. But Morrisons is adding to its wonky range…2 min
Prima UK|August 2018LISA COMFORT CUSTOMISES IT!FIX SLEEVE TIES TO A TOPYOU WILL NEED:• Plain jersey with long or ¾-length sleeves• Iron• Scissors• Sewing machine • 6-8 small buttons• Tape measure• Pins• 50cm, 5mm ribbon• Needle and threadTHE STEPS1 Put your top flat, right-side round, on to an ironing board and iron in a light crease down the top of the sleeves.2 From the sleeve hem, cut along this crease; stop just before the shoulder seam.3 Turn the top inside out. Iron over the cut edges of the sleeve to make a narrow hem, about 5mm. Use the sewing machine to stitch the hem. At the shoulder seam, you will have to grade the hem out.4 To work out where to place the buttons and loops, use a tape measure to divide the sleeve into even…2 min
Prima UK|August 2018sew it, makes it, love it!Get creative with SUE McNEILL, editor of Prima MakesPacked WITH FUNKids will love this holiday treat, and it’s bound to keep them happy while travelling. The drawstring bags are full of great ideas, such as a roll of colouring paper, alphabet colouring cards, stickers, crayons and a surprise gift. Play’n’ Pack bag,£24.95, olliella.comForever FlowersFaux flowers have come a long way, and these would fool anyone into thinking they are real. They’re not cheap, but will look beautiful for years to come. From £84 for a posy, oliveandthefox.co.ukDATES FOR YOUR DIARY4-10 AugustWood Engraving short courseWest Dean College Nr Chichester westdean.org.uk5 AugustDressmaking workshopThe Makery, Bath themakery.co.uk24-27 AugustPhotography weekendDovedale, Derbyshire hfholidays.co.ukTotally tropical!This colourful tape is only 50p, so why not use it to decorate plastic glasses for a drinks party in the garden?…1 min
Prima UK|August 2018YOUR FAVOURITE page-turnersYou say:‘Engaging, and really entertaining’Big Book – the nationwide search to find the best new novels being published in the UK right now – is on! Thousands of readers of magazines including Prima Red, Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping have been busy selecting their favourite reads in categories from thrillers to memoirs. They were joined by editors and guest judges – including bestselling authors Lynda La Plante, food expert Tom Parker Bowles and founder of Not On The High Street, Holly Tucker – to draw up a list of must-read fiction and non-fiction. Of all the fantastic titles submitted to Prima’s page-turner category, we’ve whittled them down to a shortlist of four. Each provides something different but they all guarantee an unputdownable read that will have you glued until the end.…4 min
Prima UK|August 2018YOUR SAFER GUIDE TO EQUITY RELEASETo find out how much you could receive, or to request a FREE guide to equity release, call 0808 2525 245 quoting reference code PRI011851. USE AN APPROVED PROVIDERAny proposal should include a ‘no-negative equity’ guarantee and the assurance that you will maintain ownership of your property for life – these are standard with an Equity Release Council-approved provider – so don’t be sold these safeguards as added-on extras.2. ASK FOR A LIFETIME MORTGAGEIt’s a long-term loan secured against your property and can provide a number of flexible options to suit you.3. KNOW YOUR GOALSThink about what you want to achieve with your money and know the costs involved.4. PROTECT YOUR EQUITYSome plans will allow you to put aside some of the equity release for you to dip into at…1 min
Prima UK|August 2018Over to youWhat you’ve told us this monthDEAR PRIMA…STAR LETTERThe three writers’ moving tributes to their fathers in the June issue of Prima shows there’s no bond quite like the one shared between father and daughter. I know my father’s influence in my life has shaped my self-esteem, self-image, confidence and opinions of men, and our love only grows stronger with time. A heartwarming article. Daisy TrubyKEEPING BUSY COUNTSThe account of loneliness in the May issue of Prima was very timely. It’s so important to join clubs and societies; I have been a member of my Townswomen’s Guild for many years and it has really helped with both mine and other members’ loneliness, because there’s always something going on. Joyce MajorHead restI really loved the article Give Your Brain A Workout in…2 min
Prima UK|August 2018Puzzles for you to enjoy Five pages of fun – with cash prizes to win!ACROSS3 First name that connects broadcaster Evans, film star Pratt and Coldplay singer Martin (5)6 Health resort (3)7 I can’t make head nor ___ of it, saying (4)8 Female character who sings I’d Do Anything in the musical Oliver! (5)10 Country in which Manchego cheese originated (5)11 Is fond of – a thumbs-up on Facebook? (5)12 Queen of Pop who turns 60 this August (7)14 Nerd (US slang) (5)17 Fooled, tricked (5)20 Greek goddess of the hunt (7)23 Official name of Ayers Rock (5)24 Head of a tribe (5)25 Blankety ___, classic British game show (5)26 Icon, god (4)27 Sense of self (3)28 Vote into power (5)DOWN1 Assumed, supposed to be true (8)2 Notes From A Small ___, humorous book on Great Britain by Bill Bryson (6)3 ___ and Ball,…4 min
Prima UK|August 2018Summer fetes are home-made heaven!Nothing makes me happier than a summer fete. My heart flutters like gingham bunting shaken by a buffeting breeze at the very thought of it.This year, as every year, I endeavour to attend at least one fete. I’m happiest if it’s on a village green, but anywhere will do because, whatever the location, there will be trestle tables groaning with handmade goodies, Victoria sponges and locally produced honey. Nowadays, of course, more diverse culinary offerings, like sweet chilli sauces and curry pastes, happily snuggle up to doily-clad cupcakes and traditional pork pies. It’s home-made heaven!It’s a chance to bag a bargain of the crafty type, too, all the talents of the neighbourhood, hidden away during the winter months, are brought out into the sunshine.I’m always bowled over by the sheer…2 min
