2022-03-01 Good Housekeeping UK

g n er r les From the kitchen being
tart o dimini , the centre for domestic
duties, it is now a space
o dt en for socialising and fun
fo rate s es
‘One major shift in how we use our homes

between the 1920s and now was caused

by central heating,’ says Louis Platman,

curator at the Museum of the Home.

‘Instead of the family gathering around

a fireplace in the sitting room, every room

in the house could be heated.’

From more relaxed lifestyles to open-plan pa

layouts, the boundaries between many of Many changes have been led by technology that has
allowed the kitchen to become a place for culinary
the spaces in our homes haven’t so much creativity and socialising rather than just domestic
work. ‘Electricity has changed a lot,’ explains Louis
blurred as completely disappeared. While Platman. ‘When the National Grid opened in the 1930s,
electricity turned from a luxury into a necessity and
the traditional dining room still exists in hundreds of mod cons, most of which are still used in
some form today, burst on to the market.’ Research by the Institute of
some British homes, its prominence has Refrigeration has shown that, even as late as 1959, only 13% of homes in the UK
owned a fridge. Throughout the 1960s, Good Housekeeping ran advertisements
dwindled. ‘The space was historically the for the ‘English fresh and freeze’ and by 1970, nearly 60% of households owned one.

male domain,’ Whereas a subscriber in the 1920s may have had a live-in housemaid, mid-century
readers saw advertisements for dishwashers and read articles that explained how
explains Hannah these new creations could pick up the slack. ‘Life without washing machines and
vacuums soon became unthinkable,’ says Louis. Rosie Clarke, product training
Armstrong from manager at Miele, says: ‘Appliances today are centred on user convenience, but
they are ever-evolving. Smart home technology will progress even further, making
Heal’s. ‘Women appliances operate in more economical ways for consumers and the planet.’

were served tea

in the drawing

room, but as

Dining rooms used gender roles
to be formal spaces started to
diminish, so

too did the need for separate spaces.’

Throughout the 20th century, the dining

room was still a pillar of middle-class

Britain and sets of dining tables and chairs

were bought with pride. ‘There is more

reluctance to buying a set today, with Today’s all-in-one
laptops have largely
consumers preferring to experiment. replaced the home Home offices in the
offices of the 1990s 1990s housed the
Dining benches, for example, show our family computer

more relaxed approach,’ Hannah explains.

Today, our kitchens have largely taken

over as the dedicated dining space. ‘The

concept of open-plan living evolved over

the decades and helped growing families

to be practical,’ says Hannah. While most

GH readers 100 years ago would have

been horrified at a family spending so

much time, and even entertaining guests,

in their kitchens, for many of us today,

it is where daily life is lived. Sales of desk chairs
have skyrocketed
ut of

Open-plan living today While many people had desks in their homes when the pandemic struck, the
means the kitchen is working-from-home guidance meant that they took the spotlight in a way they
the heart of the home never had before. Sales of desk chairs increased by 346% at Heal’s in the past year
alone! Historically a room used exclusively by men, over the decades the home
office has changed its function from being a dark study with wood panelling to
a place that housed the shared family computer, and later became the office for
millions of people who found themselves working remotely. We can video call with
colleagues from around the world at the click of a button, while the fax machines,
bulky monitors and endless wires that were once the height of innovation have
been replaced by sleek laptops that can be carried around the house, perched on
a kitchen table and used easily on the move. Research by the Office for National
Statistics shows that job adverts that mention homeworking have increased
threefold since February 2020, so the trend looks set to continue.

51MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Talking point The traditional stylish Water conservation
roll-top bath has will inspire future
Luxurious spa and boutique stood the test of time bathroom design
hotel styles have influenced
our own bathrooms Soak it up

‘The past 100 years have seen a revolution in home hygiene, and it
was only in the middle of the last century that most houses had an
indoor bathroom,’ explains Louis Platman. Since Good Housekeeping
has been published, its homes pages have charted the rise (and fall)
of the avocado bathroom suite, recommended tiles to cover every
surface and advised on how to create the perfect spa surroundings.
Today, we’ve moved on from the colourful bathrooms of the 1970s
and are inspired by the understated luxury of bathrooms in boutique
hotels. We yearn for a five-star experience in our own at-home
suites – showers that can, for example, mimic the sensation of rainfall and luxurious
freestanding bathtubs. The traditional claw-foot and roll-top shape remains the last
word in good taste and has been since it was first made popular in the Victorian era.
Our bathrooms in the future are likely to be built with water conservation and
sustainability in mind, as the way we live at home changes to support the climate.

Time for bed Duvets are now the Neutral shades,
standard for sleep especially grey, are
While we spend a lot of time in our popular for beds
bedrooms, for most of it we are asleep. on. The Good Housekeeping Institute,
For much of the 20th century, this was this magazine’s testing laboratory, grow.’ He explains that, ‘A century ago,
in beds that were made with layers of assesses them and gives them a seal our gardens were changing from a
sheets, blankets and quilts. Making the of approval so shoppers know which formal Victorian approach into a more
bed was a task that took a sizeable are worth their buck. This year’s best? naturalistic look, and more recently,
chunk out of the morning. Change Silentnight’s Eco Comfort Breathe Pocket this trend toward natural gardens with
came in 1964, when Sir Terence Conran 1200 features a microclimate sleep system grasses and wildflowers is emerging
popularised duvets and began selling and is made with 150 recycled bottles. once again.’ During the Second World
them in Habitat, his groundbreaking War, the Dig For Victory campaign
chain that sought to democratise good Grass is greener saw Britons growing food throughout
design. Fluffy, warm and, crucially, easy, rationing, and the ‘grow your own’ trend
using them was marketed as a simpler Our gardens are not just an outside is on the up once more. Barter predicts
way to sleep. While Brits were initially space, but rather an extension of our this is part of a wider movement, and
reluctant to part with their sheets and homes. We sit outside at the first signs says: ‘Sustainable gardening will be
blankets, the duvet soon became the of sunshine, use them as a hub for on the rise – especially growing food
most popular way to dress a bed. entertaining throughout the summer crops, cut flowers and plants that don’t
months and get toasty by fire pits late need fertiliser – alongside a return to
Today, our duvets are clad with covers into the night. From rockeries and bolder planting choices.’ The country’s
in neutral shades – research by Essential Zen water features to the explosion in favourite flower is the rose, which tops
Living shows that shades of grey pip popularity of decking throughout the the queries that around 580,000 RHS
classic white to the post as Britain’s 1990s, garden trends come and go as members ask the organisation.
favourite bedding colour. Crisp cotton much as they do in interiors. Whether
remains the go-to choice for sheets, there’s acres of room or just a balcony,
although linen fabrics have seen a recent the space also gives us the opportunity
surge in popularity. More important, to flex our green fingers. Guy Barter,
though, has to be the mattress we sleep chief horticultural advisor at the
Royal Horticultural Society, says: ‘Our
Layers of sheets, climate in Britain has long allowed
blankets and quilts a wide range of plants and flowers to
used to be popular

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

5 Look for bold patterns
in natural colours

Mid-century
pieces, such as
George Nelson’s
iconic Sunburst
clock, are still
popular today

We like to mix the TRENDS
old with the new in TO GET
our homes today EXCITED
ABOUT
Times change
COLOUR AND
The past century has seen huge progress and innovations in
the way we use our homes. However, we sit on sofas and sleep PATTERN Natural
in beds that, although they might look and feel a little different,
someone from a century ago would still recognise for what they hues are a timeless
are. As time moves forward, our houses become a mishmash of
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALAMY, GETTY, EM FITZGERALD/THE MUSEUM OF THE HOME. eras, looks and whims – many of us blend our up-to-date furniture choice – at the moment, they are taking a turn
PRODUCTS FEATURED FROM BATHROOM MOUNTAIN, BUSTER + PUNCH, with older pieces and display trinkets that have been collected
CULLIFORDS, NEPTUNE, HEAL’S, VITRA AT JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS, over decades. We bring contemporary pieces into rooms with towards more richly pigmented shades. Expect
LITTLE GREENE, ROWEN & WREN, PEPPER SQUARE LTD, SHARPS period features such as panelling, cornicing and original
fireplaces. Vintage furniture has never been more sought after, dark greens and blues as well as more uplifting
with antiques fairs and online marketplaces seeing high demand
for traditional Victorian furniture, mid-century modern and 1970s shades of yellow, all balanced with a resurgence
pieces. While interior design trends come and go, the most
important thing is to experiment – your home is a place to get of pure brilliant white. Keep an eye out for unusual
creative with colour, pattern and design. After all, ‘There should be
no drudgery in the house,’ as this magazine’s very first issue insisted. combinations. Abstract prints will earn their place

beside florals, stripes and checks as a pillar in

fabric design.

Windows will LIGHT The
play a more connection
prominent between natural
role in light and
architecture

wellbeing has

caused an

increase in bigger,

brighter window

structures in

residential properties. Think glass walls instead of

French doors to look out on to your garden and

smart floor-to-ceiling windows that can be turned

‘on’ and ‘off’ for privacy.

SUSTAINABILITY Already emerging as a very

important trend, planet-friendly interior design will

dominate the decorating landscape in the decade

ahead. Natural materials and soothing shades of

eco-friendly paint will feature prominently.

‘Grow your own’ SHAPE Furniture design is likely to take on more
began during the
Second World War tailored proportions as new-build houses slowly

become smaller. Expect to see a return to classic,

low-armed sofas and chairs to make pieces feel

bigger than they are. Curves and arches look set to

feature in architecture as another way to bring an

organic feel into our spaces.

CONNECTIVITY We already use voice-activated

assistants to check the weather, wi-fi-connected

light switches to control every bulb in a single room

and smart doorbells to see (and speak to) whoever

We entertain in our The rose is the UK’s is at the front door. Expect to see an explosion of
gardens at the first favourite flower
sign of sun this technology in the decades ahead as home life

becomes even more automated.

53MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

See the full
Good Housekeeping collection

at dfs.co.uk/gh100

Introducing the stylish
new GH100 collection
from DFS, created to
celebrate a century of
Good Housekeeping

The new GH100 collection of sofas, chairs and accessories, exclusively available at DFS, combines
comfort, style and functionality with the latest in fabric technology.

Designed in collaboration with the experts at Good Housekeeping, this innovative range puts modern
family life firmly at the heart of its design. The sofas feature clever side-arm storage, along with hidden
charging ports for smart devices – some styles even offer powered footrests for the ultimate in comfort.

The sofas are upholstered in cutting-edge fabric that’s luxurious yet incredibly hardwearing. Most stains,
even wine and chocolate, can be wiped away with nothing more than water, leaving you free to get on with
the important things in life. We’re thrilled that the GH100 collection carries the GHI Approved stamp of quality.

‘It’s time to put

Although the potential impact of climate change is
catastrophic, science and nature broadcaster Liz Bonnin

says the solutions are already within our grasp – and
we can all take steps today to make a difference

Illustration SEAN LONGMORE

Humankind is facing the most support system. We’re waking up to the
urgent existential crisis in fact that it’s the responsibility of all sectors
history and, by now, we of society to live in a way that works with
should all be acutely aware nature instead of against it – from science

of our environmental and to economics, business to transport, and

sustainability challenges, and of the construction to education – and that

gravity of what’s at stake. But as serious we’ve all got to work together to support

as these problems are, as hard as it might the planet, with every decision we make.

sometimes be to face them head-on, CHANGING SYSTEMS
especially after everything we’ve been

through these past two years, we already Ecosystems are wondrous environments,

have all the solutions to fix this. with myriad animal, plant and insect

I believe the key to change (and this species that each play a crucial role in

is already beginning to happen in some keeping our water clean, the air pure, soils

parts of the world) starts with putting fertile, the global climate regulated, food

nature at the heart of everything we pollinated – the list goes on. All these

do when it comes to how we live on this ecosystems are interconnected and

planet – as individuals, as communities, interdependent: if something happens to

in business and industry, and with respect the Amazon rainforest, or to polar bears

to policy and governance. in the Arctic, it will affect everything else

As a student of wild on Earth, including us.

animal biology, I used If something Our reliance on the
to think that taking care natural world, our

of the planet, looking happens to the need to protect it

after wildlife and tackling and reciprocate for
such crises as climate Amazon rainforest, all that it gives to us

change was the or to polar bears is very well understood
province of scientists, by indigenous
conservationists and
in the Arctic, it will communities, but it’s

environmentalists. It affect everything something that we in
the global north seem
wasn’t that long ago that else on Earth to have forgotten for

ecological health was the

main area of focus when centuries now.

it came to protecting Instead, we blindly

nature – making sure that wild places follow outdated measures of success,

stayed in as good a condition as possible. such as gross domestic product, and

But about a decade ago, another prioritise infinite growth above the

discipline, that of planetary health, wellbeing of society – often overlooking

changed everything. Research revealed the importance of education, social

that the health of our planet is equity, gender equality, political voice

inextricably linked to human health and and even such basic human needs as

prosperity, that we need a thriving natural food, water and housing.

world for us to be able to survive, but that But the good news is that now many

the way we live is threatening our very life economists are saying that we can do

56 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Future gazing

NATURE FIRST’

goodhousekeeping.com/uk better: we can absolutely transform our
economy into one that is circular and
regenerative – where the waste product
of one industry becomes the raw
material for another, where nothing is
thrown out, and no more finite resources
like fossil fuels (whose emissions are the
dominant cause of global warming) are
extracted from the Earth. This system
would allow the basic needs of society
to be met without overshooting
planetary boundaries so that air
pollution, biodiversity loss, and
climate change is prevented.

If this all sounds far too complicated
and pie in the sky, places such as Costa
Rica, Amsterdam and Copenhagen
are already embracing this new
model, and that gives me great
hope. Behavioural scientists will tell
you that some of the biggest changes
can happen when people see others
doing things in a different way and,
in turn, are inspired to follow suit.

HOW WE CAN MAKE
A DIFFERENCE

This new way of doing things doesn’t
mean going back to the Dark Ages,
as those who lobby to maintain the
status quo might argue. We can be
ambitious, prosper and use fantastic
new technologies and scientific
advances to create a thriving, healthy
world – all the while supporting nature.
It requires long-term thinking as
opposed to short-term ‘monetary gains’
thinking, but it’s entirely in our grasp;
we just need the collective will to do
it – working together as one global
species and drawing on some of our
best traits: camaraderie, solidarity,
empathy and our ability to collaborate.

It can be easy to think: ‘These problems
are so huge, they’re about governments,
and the way the world economy is run.
How can I possibly have any impact to
influence change at that level?’ But as
individuals we can make an enormous
difference. The truth is we have a lot more
clout than we’ve been led to believe.
We just need to know how to use it.

57MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Future gazing

happening to the planet). I also take

part in conferences remotely and

take holidays at home or that are a train

ride away. I haven’t owned a car in over

20 years. Again, if we all make some

changes to our lifestyles, it really does

add up. But we also do need support

from our leaders. The hard truth is that

it cost around £135 for a one-way train

ticket to Glasgow for the COP26 Climate

Change Conference last November,

but only £25 to fly there – so we clearly

need to make our voices heard when it

comes to transport in this country.

Since COP26 last autumn, I think a lot

of people are feeling quite despondent,

wondering how it’s come to this, and

why we didn’t realise the severity of

the climate crisis sooner. But what I’ve

learned from all the incredible humans

I’ve met who are fighting for the planet

is that the antidote to despair is action,

and that there is so much we can do to

help create a better future for ourselves,

our children and grandchildren.

As much as younger generations are

far more aware and informed about

Here are some of the most impactful resolve ongoing issues what needs to happen
things I’ve learned we can do: every little
change can make a big difference if each that prevent us from Every little now, I do feel a sense of
one of us makes them – such as turning securing a sustainable responsibility, since it is us
down your thermostat a degree or two;
swapping your plastic dental floss for a future. For example, change can make adults who have created
biodegradable one; turning off the tap ask your MP to stop a big difference this uncertain future and
when you brush your teeth; not wasting the UK from exporting I don’t believe we should
food with a bit more meal planning;
eating far less meat and only buying it plastic waste to if each one of us pass the buck and rely
from non-industrially farmed, locally bred countries such as makes them on them to solve it. In
sources; taking part in car-share schemes Turkey and Romania any case, we don’t have
and walking more.
– we’re continuing the time to wait for them
But there’s a lot that can make an even
bigger difference: find out which banks to use countries with to take over from us – we
invest in fossil fuels or petrochemical
industries and move your money to inadequate waste infrastructure as need to act now, as a matter of urgency.
one that doesn’t; check out who your
pension is with and move to a fund that dumping grounds for our dirty plastic But I also know that if we can right
doesn’t invest in anything that damages
the planet [turn to page 112 for expert instead of dealing with it ourselves, our wrongs together, future generations
advice on how to do this]; find out about
your energy company and investigate despite what we know about the will be the leaders the planet deserves.
if it provides 100% renewable energy.
All these changes take a bit of time plastic-pollution crisis. With their future at stake, young people
to sort out, but once done they send
a very clear message to leaders that we THE ANTIDOTE TO have come to understand just how
no longer accept polluting industries DESPAIR IS ACTION important it is to be responsible
and corporations, and that has a huge custodians of our precious home.
impact up the chain.
When it comes to air travel, it’s important And this also gives me great hope
Another big impact we can have is by
making our voices heard at the political to know that 1% of our global population for the future.
level. Write to your MP pressing them to
is responsible for half of all aviation We can do this; we have it in us to

emissions – the so-called frequent-flyer be better. But we can’t stick our heads

elite, many of whom travel extensively in the sand. We need to lean in, feel

by private jet. That said, we all need to the discomfort of what’s ahead, and

be more responsible with the flights we let those emotions put a fire in our

do take, and when possible, take trains bellies to be the change our planet

and travel closer to home. I travelled needs. Just imagine what, together,

a lot for my job, but have markedly we could achieve.

cut down from around eight filming y Liz Bonnin hosts Planet Earth II Live

trips a year to three or four (and I feel in Concert, which tours the UK and

these trips are justified because of the Ireland from 18-27 March 2022

role we play in reporting on what is (planetearth2live.uk)

58 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk



How to look on the

BRIGHT SIDE
of life…

‘Stay positive!’ We often throw this mantra around
and yet the power of positivity is psychologically proven,
says hypnotherapist Paul McKenna. Here, he explains how
we can train ourselves to have a brighter outlook on life

Words ELLA DOVE

A re you a glass-half-full or Paul describes himself as a positive INCREASE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY: URBANLIP.COM/KRISTIANE VEY/TWINKLE IMAGES
half-empty person? Often, and optimistic person. However, CONFIDENCE
we categorise ourselves in this mindset is something he too
one of two ways: optimist has learned to cultivate over time. ‘I Just as most people are not born innately
or pessimist. However, suffered depression years ago,’ he says, negative, no one is born unconfident.
according to leading hypnotherapist ‘so I know what it’s like to see no point Confidence is a habit. Self-belief is a
and bestselling author of new book in anything. I can now go to the edge positive state of mind and body where
Positivity Paul McKenna, this isn’t of the abyss with people and gently we usually make good decisions and
actually the case. Positivity, he believes, show them a path back because are in the flow of life where we can
can be learned by all of us. I understand. Being able to help gives maximise opportunities and potential.
me a massive sense of meaning.’
‘We are all born a particular way, but However, Paul says, ‘Some people find
that doesn’t mean the way we are is Paul coped during the pandemic by it difficult to imagine themselves as more
fixed,’ he says. ‘In fact, our genetics can starting a new routine. ‘I’m a creature confident. If this is the case, the easiest
be altered through psychology. Your of habit,’ he says, ‘so I knew I needed way to find your self-belief is to borrow
frame of mind and brain chemistry are to use that and focus on little daily from the confidence of others. This is
linked, so if you think about something milestones: walking the dog, making how human beings naturally learn – just
stressful, you will immediately feel some lunch and doing my gratitude list.’ like watching someone else drive a car.’
differently to how you would if you Paul’s technique: Picture someone
thought about someone who makes In developing positivity, Paul believes whose confidence and charisma you
you feel good. We are all shaped by there are four main factors: increasing wish to emulate. Think of a time when
life, but it’s the way you interpret life’s confidence, reducing stress, boosting they exhibited the skill you wish to learn,
events that determines who you are.’ resilience and finding motivation. and run through that memory several
When combined, he says, this creates times. Now imagine yourself floating
The trigger for turning his attention ‘a system to help you design a better into your role model’s body. Synchronise
to positivity was, he says, the life – to keep calm under pressure, have with their posture, see through their
pandemic. ‘We’ve experienced more self-control, feel motivated and eyes and feel how confident they feel.
uncertainty, overwhelming stress and optimistic, and choose your responses Run through the memory of them
loss of hope at times. The world has while maintaining perspective and performing the skill again, this time from
changed and a shift towards positivity feeling powerfully confident.’ Read on the inside. Do this several times, until
is more important than ever.’ to find out how to develop them… you begin to inhabit this confidence.

60 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Inner you

keep doing this downward stroking
motion again and again.
M As you carry on stroking your arms,
imagine you are walking on a beautiful
beach. With each footstep you take in
the sand, count out loud from one to 20.
M Keeping your head still, while
continuing to stroke your arms, move
your eyes laterally to the left and
laterally to the right 10 times.
M Still stroking your arms, imagine
you are walking outside in a beautiful
garden. With each footstep you take in
the grass, count out loud from 1 to 20.
M Open your eyes and check on your
scale if the stressful feelings have
lowered. Repeat the technique until
you feel your stress reducing.

REDUCE YOUR STRESS found most often in babies and FIND YOUR MOTIVATION
children. The Havening technique is
In our everyday lives, there are lots of a psychosensory therapy that uses Once we are feeling confident and
things that cause what psychologists touch to stimulate delta wave activity: resilient, we need to decide what it
call ‘background stress’, such as being M Pay attention to any stress you wish to is that’s important in life. ‘Far too
late for a meeting or stuck in traffic. remove and rate its strength on a scale of often, people tell me what they don’t
These little stresses add up and the one to 10, where 10 is the most powerful. want – they don’t want to be overweight,
response to that collective feeling is the M Clear your mind, cross your arms, they don’t want to procrastinate – rather
fight-or-flight reaction, which can lead place your hands on the tops of your than what they do want,’ says Paul.
to anxiety. It’s virtually impossible to feel shoulders and close your eyes.
positive in this state of high alert. M Stroke your hands down the sides Most people spend more time making
of your arms from the top of your a list for what they want from the
To reduce our background stress, we shoulders down to your elbows, and supermarket each week than on what
need to increase our brain’s delta waves, they really want to achieve in the next
the slowest form of human brainwave, five years. But by working out what we
value most, we can find motivation to
BOOST YOUR RESILIENCE go for what it is that we truly want.
Paul’s technique: Imagine we travel to
Resilience is more than just being able to tough it out when challenges arise. It’s the future, a few years before the end of
about adaptability, creativity and resourceful thinking. If you’re able to adapt your life, and you never took the action
to a changing environment, you’ll have control of your destiny – and you can you needed to create the changes you
actively choose positivity. Paul suggests visualising this with a success collage: wanted. How do you feel? What does it
M Think about something you feel needy or desperate about. Notice the inspire you to do, or not do, now?
pictures, sounds and negative self-talk you have associated with this situation.
M Draw out a nine-square grid. Leave the bottom middle box free, but in the Whatever your experience of that was,
others, write or draw the good things you have in your life, or happy memories. come fully back into the present. Now
M In the empty bottom middle box, fill the space with a tiny black and white imagine going into the future again, but
representation of whatever it is you used to feel needy or desperate about. this time you know exactly what you
M In the future, you will always think about this thing in the context of all the wanted and you have taken action every
other positive things you already have in your life. single day to make your life the way you
want it. How is this future different? How
do you feel? What does living in this
way inspire you to do, or not do, now?

Take the time to really think through
the changes you could make, even if
they’re only tiny adjustments, to get you
on the road to living life as you want.
y Positivity: Confidence,
Resilience, Motivation
(Welbeck) by Paul
McKenna is out now.
Paul’s Positivity UK Tour
is from 12 to 26 March
(mindbodyspirit.co.uk)

goodhousekeeping.com/uk 61MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING



GH BEAUTY

BEAUTY THAT WORKS FROM THOSE WHO KNOW

ADDITIONAL WORDS: MEDINA AZALDIN. GHI WORDS: CHARLOTTE BITMEAD. This month’s FLORAL FANCIES
TESTING: ORLA BADGER. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY good advice
from beauty z A low-maintenance lip colour is my go-to
director for looking instantly fresh and polished.
Eve Cameron
Dolce & Gabbana Sheerlips, £33, feels as good
Skin SOS as it looks. It comes in four shades, including

I believe less is more when it Spring Peony (left) and Joyful Sunflower (below).
comes to skincare, but (and this z Perfect for dry (and busy) hands, L’Occitane
is partly because it’s my job to Delicate Shea Light Hand Cream, £21.50, contains
test products) I rarely follow my hydrating shea butter and glycerine in a whipped
advice. So, when my skin went
into meltdown recently (sensitive, texture to nourish without stickiness. The
spotty, dull), I did strip everything gentle scent of violets is a nice touch, too.
out of my routine, bar gentle z More than just a beautiful treat, Jo Malone’s
cleansers and new-to-the-UK charity candles are a force for good, with 75%
Biologi serums. This Aussie brand of the retail price donated to charity partners
uses a method that extracts including Black Minds Matter and St Mungo’s
all the actives, nutrients and to provide support for those struggling with
minerals from a plant and mental health. The latest addition, Elderflower

bottles them. No & Gooseberry, £50, is zingy and bright.
need for moisturiser,
as the serums are TRIED & TESTED
hydrating as well as
anti-ageing/redness- HAIR MASKS
reducing/brightening,
depending on the plant A treatment mask can transform
used. I found the Bqk your hair in minutes, but which one is
Radiance Morning, right for you? The GHI investigated…
Bm Regenerate and Bd
Luminosity serums (from Best for reviving dry hair, scoring
£12.96 for a trial size at an impressive 90/100, was Percy
& Reed Bye Bye Dry Hydrating
lookfantastic.com) totally TLC Mask, £22. It left 93% of our
transformative, delivering testers with healthier-looking
calmer, healthier-looking ends and 87% with more shine,
skin within weeks. Do try smoother texture and less frizz.
them and tell me what you think! Fine hair? Try Kérastase Nutritive
And, a rediscovery: Hydrafacial. Masquintense Fine, £34.30,
I had forgotten just how brilliant 85/100. Testers’ hair felt soft yet
these deep-cleansing facials are not weighed down, and there
until I had one with dermatology was no oily residue. Bouclème
nurse Verity Wilby at Dr Sophie Intensive Moisture Treatment, £26, 87/100,
Shotter’s clinic at Ten Harley Street. was the best performer on curly hair. Kinks
Relaxing it’s not, but skin looks and waves felt nourished and bouncy, and
extraordinarily clear and glowing 86% of our panel reported smoother hair.
afterwards and, unlike many facials,
the results really do last. £195 with 7 HOW WE TESTED 681 testers with a variety of hair types tried 39 hydrating hair masks over a fortnight. Our panel
Verity; from £130 nationwide.
noted whether their hair looked and felt healthier after use, alongside any difference to texture or frizz. In the lab, our team
goodhousekeeping.com/uk used a Dia-Stron machine to assess the smoothness of hair swatches before and after treatment.

63MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

The

TRUTH

about
tweakments

Curious about nips and jabs? Health and beauty writer
Alice Hart-Davis was (and still is). Having tried scores of

them, here she reveals the tweakments she rates

If I look better than I did 20 years ago, it’s they may have great genes and healthy lifestyles, but
not by accident. It helps that I’m no longer no one escapes the natural process of physiological
grappling with three small children, so I don’t ageing, even if they have amazing bone structure
get woken up multiple times a night, and and look fab with grey hair.
that I’ve grown my hair.
But mostly, any improvement in my looks is Faces lose their youthful fat pads and bone mass
because my job as a health and beauty writer led with age. If there’s no sign of this, or sagging skin, or
me into the world of tweakments – you know, age spots, here’s the thing: they have had help, even
non-surgical cosmetic procedures if few feel able to admit it. The tweakments industry
like Botox and fillers, which were
very new at the turn of the century. is routinely slammed for being full
Along with reporting on them, of cowboys and barely regulated,
I soon started trying them out. and that’s true, but it is also true
that there is a lot of excellent work
I know these procedures aren’t around, if you know where to look.
everyone’s cup of tea, yet I also
know that people are very curious I’ve had the privilege of trying
about them – what they are, what the best treatments from the best
they do and whether they’re worth experts and now run an online
it. As to whether they work, how do content platform to help other
you think all those gorgeous celebs people find their way through the
and actresses who are now in their jungle of what’s available. I’m now
50s and 60s still look 35? For sure, approaching 59 and I’d say it’s
working just fine for me. Here’s what
I’ve tried and what I think is worth it…

64 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good looks

Alice today and
left, 20 years ago

Botox

After a bad first experience in 2004
(my forehead was totally frozen
and I had a fringe cut to hide the
evidence), I’ve had Botox once or twice
a year ever since and have learned to
tell practitioners that I want to soften,
but not eradicate, the expression lines
on my forehead and around my eyes.
It’s all about the dose.
WHO IT’S GOOD FOR: If you have
the sort of face that looks cross, sad
or grumpy when you’re not.
PAIN: Minimal (the needles are tiny).
DOWNTIME: Plan a quiet evening.
You may have marks on your face,
which will be gone by the morning,
and bruising is always possible
when needles are involved.

Botox takes seven
to 10 days to take

full effect, so
don’t judge the
result too soon

COST: While Botox can cost from as Find an expert fillers contain anaesthetic), some
little as £100 per area of the face, busy, practitioner for temporary swelling, stiffness and
high-profile doctors charge a good deal best results, possible bruising afterwards.
more, especially in Harley Street; my says Alice DOWNTIME: Minimal, unless you’ve had
latest treatment cost £1,350. No, I don’t your lips done as they tend to swell a lot
have any more areas in my face than Fillers in protest at having needles stuck in them
you do, but the price also reflects and may take a few days to calm down.
the quantity used – and I had it People are terrified of fillers because COST: From £500, depending on the
everywhere from my neck we’ve all seen enough awful results amount of filler required and the
and jaw muscles (to stop me – overinflated lips, hamster cheeks, experience and skill of the practitioner.
grinding my teeth) to my chin puffy pillow faces – to put us off for life. NEED TO KNOW: You may want to start
and crow’s feet as well as my But that’s down to bad work and I’ve with just a tiny amount of filler and be
forehead. It lasts for two to six never had any of these issues. startled if a practitioner suggests you
months, depending on how big WHO IT’S GOOD FOR: We all lose bone
a dose you have in each area. mass from our faces as we age, as well
NEED TO KNOW: Botox takes as the fat pads that lend youthful volume.
seven to 10 days to take full In the right hands, filler helps give a face
effect, so don’t judge the result back its structure (sharpening the jawline,
too soon. It damps down muscle for example) and softens gauntness.
activity, so it only softens lines PAIN: Minimal pain on injection (many
caused by overactive muscles.
I always book in for a quick
appointment two weeks
afterwards in case the result
needs adjusting.

66 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good looks

Microneedling and radiofrequency

With a clinical device, microneedling is a great treatment (or, for Profound RF, local anaesthetic), then it’s fine.
for creating a smoother, firmer, fresher-looking face, DOWNTIME: Your face will be bright red for the rest
as the skin races to repair the thousands of tiny puncture of the day; longer if the treatment was more aggressive.
wounds by creating more collagen. Radiofrequency (RF) Profound RF produces marked facial swelling for
treatment, which heats the collagen layer within the up to a week.
skin enough to damage it (cue more collagen repair), COST: Around £1,000 per session (you will need three)
is also an impressive treatment. Combining the two, using technologies such as Cutera Secret RF, InMode
by firing the RF energy out of the tips of the needles Morpheus8, CynoSure UK Potenza and Lynton Focus
while they’re deep in the skin, makes for a very effective Dual, or £3,500 for a one-off Profound RF.
treatment indeed. When I tried Profound RF, which NEED TO KNOW: One thing this treatment doesn’t
is up to four times more powerful than its competitors, do is clear pigmentation, as some people mistakenly
the tightening, contouring effect was visible across believe it does, perhaps because of Judy Murray’s
my whole lower face. impressive transformation in 2020. She talked
WHO IT’S GOOD FOR: Great for visibly tightening extensively about trying RF microneedling, which
sagging middle-aged jawlines and necks. Also good tightened and smoothed her skin, but it was the
for smoothing acne scarring. tough-but-transformative Obagi skincare regime
PAIN: You need serious amounts of anaesthetic cream her doctor gave her that cleared her age spots.

Lasers also get great results on darker skin. AND FOR THE BODY...
PAIN: It all depends on how intense
Brilliant for clearing the patchy a treatment you’re given. With CoolSculpting
pigmentation we all get with age numbing cream, even a serious
from a lifetime of exposure to session of fractional laser, which The best-known brand of fat-freezing,
daylight, and for creating fresher, burns microchannels of damage in this has been a hugely popular way of
smoother skin. I also loved the way the skin to kick-start skin repair, is reducing recalcitrant areas of fat for
laser treatment wiped out broken very tolerable, though your face will the past decade, though as we have all
capillaries and toned down the feel as if it’s on fire for a couple of learned since model Linda Evangelista
redness in my skin. hours afterwards. went public with her intention to sue
WHO IT’S GOOD FOR: Most DOWNTIME: After a light treatment, the company behind the technology, it
practitioners are cautious about you could go straight back to work doesn’t always work. Linda experienced
treating darker skin tones because a rare complication called paradoxical
of the potential risk of creating I loved the way laser adipose hyperplasia, or PAH, where
hyperpigmentation – where skin treatment wiped out the treated area of fat enlarges and
gets darker after treatment – but hardens, rather than melts away, which
more specialised practitioners can broken capillaries happens to around one in 2,500 people.
and redness More common complications include
might need quite a bit – but for the best short-term discomfort and bruising after
results, your practitioner should look at or out for the evening. After an treatment. I’ve tried it several times over
treating your whole face, rather than just intense treatment, you’ll look the past decade and had no problems
‘trouble spots’. To use a house-building scorched, and probably swollen, and decent results.
analogy, it’s like repairing the window for a few days. WHO IT’S GOOD FOR: It’s best for
frames without looking at the COST: From £500, depending on people who already have a healthy
foundations of the building. Also, cheap the type of laser and treatment. lifestyle and need help sculpting areas
treatment is a false economy and the NEED TO KNOW: Not suitable that diet and exercise won’t shift.
skill of the person wielding the needle is for treating pigmentation It’s not a weight-loss treatment.
paramount. No good practitioner is from melasma, which is COST: From £800 per treatment session.
cheap and bad work is hugely obvious, hormonally driven. NEED TO KNOW: As with any
which brings an emotional as well as procedure, your practitioner should
potential financial cost to correct it. talk you through all potential
complications at consultation
goodhousekeeping.com/uk stage. Tweakments are medical
procedures, albeit cosmetic ones.

67MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Good looks

MY SKINCARE MUST-HAVES

Alongside tweakments, these are the products I swear by

MEDIK8
CRYSTAL
RETINAL, £39
Retinal is a more
powerful cousin
of retinol and
works a treat at
smoothing and
strengthening the
skin. The brand
has a step-up
system, so as
your skin gets
used to it, you
can move up to
the next level.

ALBUS & FLORA ALTRIENT LIPOSOMAL
MULTI ACTIVE VITAMIN C, £44.50
BALM FOR ONE MONTH
SPF30, £16
Beautifully I was on a trial for this clinically
formulated to proven supplement four years
nourish, hydrate
and protect lips ago, which gave such
rather than just impressive results (better

smothering them hydrated, stronger,
with occlusive more bouncy skin)
waxes. Try it that I haven’t dared
and, like me,
stop taking
you’ll be hooked. it since.

TOTALLY DERMA BELGRAVIA
NUTRACEUTICAL SKIN DERMATOLOGY POTENT C

DRINK, £105 SKIN CARE SERUM, £65
A supplement to boost High-strength vitamin C
collagen, with small but serums brighten the skin and
fascinating clinical studies reduce excess pigmentation.
behind it. Plus, it’s great for This one also has hydrating
joints, hair and hydrating vitamin B5 and peptides
in the mix, which makes it
internal membranes. an effective all-rounder

for everyday use. PHOTOGRAPHY: HANNAH McCLUNE, OLIVER LIM

ALTRUIST SUNSCREEN SPF50, FROM £4
Wearing daily sunscreen does more for our current

and future skin health than anything else. This is
cheap as chips, works well on all skin tones and

gives money to charity with each purchase.

• Alice Hart-Davis is founder of thetweakmentsguide.com

68 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk

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goodhousekeeping.com/uk 69MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Mybliefeainuty

Straight-talking
aesthetician and author
Dija Ayodele reveals the
products that never let
her down and shares
the lessons she’s learned

Being a clinic owner, I’ve seen the
emotional labour that Black women
attach to skincare. It’s along the lines
of, ‘Is that really for me? I don’t see
myself in the advert. Do they really
know how to treat Black skin?’ Black
women really do feel their skin is so
different to a white woman’s. Technically,
there are some differences, but not that
great a difference. I aim to take away
that anxiety – and the legwork – in my
clinic and through my book.
Where does the anxiety come from?
I think you can answer that it comes
through history, through racism… both
have impacted how a Black woman
experiences the beauty industry. We are
now more diverse in the world of beauty,
but I don’t think we’re always inclusive.
I use the example that yes, you’ve invited
me to the party, but I’m vegan and you
haven’t provided any vegan food, so I’m
invited but not included. We can tick
boxes in adverts and campaigns – are
we showing an Indian woman, a Black
woman, a menopausal woman? Yes, but
are we really satisfying their true needs?
That’s what we need to work on.
My mum was general manager of
a hotel in Sierra Leone and she was
always dressed up, so well-groomed,
nails done. She even had a full face of
makeup when she gave birth to me! As
a teenager in the UK, academics were
my focus, but I still had to be presentable:
showered, lotioned, earrings on – that
was a big thing; my mum said you always
had to have earrings on.
When I think about it now, I guess she
set the standard. I always wear red
lipstick, even at home – either Maybelline
Superstay Matte Ink Liquid in Pioneer,

70 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022

Good looks

£9.99, or Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip by unprotected exposure to the sun, I also don’t have time for styling – I like
easy products that help my curls, such
Colour in Velvet Jazz, £26 (1) – and so sunscreen is important and it’s the as Aveda Nutriplenish Curl Gelée,
£26.50 (12). Although I have the ends
I always do my brows. I’ve used Rimmel cheapest way to protect the skin. If coloured, if I want to change my look,
I’ll wear a wig. I have about five on
London Professional Eyebrow Pencil, you can see daylight, you should be the go: a straight one, a curly one,
a short bob, a blonde one and one with
£4.49 (2), in Black Brown since I was 16, using sun protection. Diana Ross curls that’s super glam.
My greatest indulgence? Probably
and buy it in bulk. Finding a sunscreen you like is like kissing injectable treatments, namely Profhilo
and Botox. And having a personal trainer.
Put perfume on. Always. That’s another frogs; you’ll have to try a few. As well as I’m at a point in my life when I really
don’t have enough time to exercise,
thing I remember my mum saying to me Neostrata, I love Glossier Invisible Shield so I’m just doing what I can.
I also see a psychotherapist. The trigger
and I do find it puts a pep in my step and Sunscreen, £20 (5), Black Girl Sunscreen, was a combination of things – the
lockdowns and the stress of repeatedly
gives me confidence. I wear Parfums £19.99 (6), and Estée Lauder Perfectionist having to close my clinic, and also my
book deal. I had a sense of imposter
Caron Délire de Roses, from £140 (3), Pro Multi-Defense Aqua UV Gel, £36 (7). syndrome. While I signed the deal in
October 2020, I didn’t tell anyone until
which is rose-based, but it’s a dirty, gritty At night, I double cleanse. First I’ll use July 2021. And I didn’t know what the
blockage was, but I was scared of talking
rose; a delicate balance of an oil, such as DHC Deep about it. I’ve had a book deal in the
past that didn’t work out and was
being feminine and soft, Cleansing Oil, from £12.50 nervous that it would be withdrawn from
me again. I kept thinking, ‘Are they going
but also quite strong and If you can (8), or The Body Shop to say I’m not the right person? I’m not
street. Maybe I like it partly see daylight, Camomile Dissolve The good enough for this.’ I thought, it’s
because I grew up in Day Make-Up Cleansing better I speak to someone than not to,
and I’m in a much better place now.
you should useTottenham and needed to Oil, £10 (9), followed with This year, I intend to take more time
out from a personal wellness point
be strong and streetwise. something more potent of view: to keep up my mental
sun protectionMy skincare routine is very health, exercise a bit
– SkinBetter Science more, eat better, sleep
better. I’ve just taken
fast. It’s under four minutes Oxygen Infusion Wash, a month off work, so
that’s a good start!
at both ends of the day. In £35 (10), for example, y Black Skin (HQ) by
Dija Ayodele is out now
the morning, I wash my face with a light which contains lactic, glycolic and

lactic acid cleanser, currently Cosmedix salicylic acids. Then it’s a retinoid. I prefer

Purity Clean Exfoliating Cleanser, £37 an over-the-counter formula as my

(4). Next I apply a hyaluronic acid, philosophy is that prescription retinoids

such as Vichy Minéral 89, £25. I’ll use a should be for people who need them; if

serum for pigmentation, too, and Avène you have acneic skin for example. I might

moisturiser. I’ll choose a sunscreen use something like SkinBetter Science

depending on what I’m doing that day. AlphaRet Overnight Cream, £110 (11),

Neostrata has a mineral sunscreen that which also contains a little glycolic acid.

does leave a tinge of a white cast, but it Less is more. As consumers, we’re not

dries to a powder and acts as a primer. taught that not everything is for us. We’re

One beauty myth that really irritates me conditioned to be magpies and want

is that Black people don’t need to use everything new and shiny. I always say to

sunscreen. We don’t get skin cancers at my clients, let’s condense and make your

the same rates as white people because skincare as powerful as it can be without

of what I call the ‘melanin umbrella’ in adding more and more into your routine.

our skin, but it’s possible. However, lots Many Black women have a complicated

of the concerns we complain about relationship with their hair. That’s not

are around hyperpigmentation, and me. I’m cack-handed with my natural

any discolouration is made worse hair so I have it cut short and tapered.

AS TOLD TO EVE CAMERON. PHOTOGRAPHY: ELISABETH HOFF 4 7 11
1 8

3

9

5

6 12
10

2 71MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Research shows if you make
just one positive change to
your health, more will follow.
So here’s our easy, science-
backed plan to give yourself
a top-to-toe wellbeing reboot

Good health

E ver noticed that when you sleep better, you guidance, it can be just as powerful as some antidepressants.
eat better? And when you eat better, you move ‘Many aspects of our health and wellbeing are
more? And when you move more, you feel less
anxious? Research shows that this ‘domino interconnected, interwoven and interlocked, and we can’t
effect’, where one positive change has a always improve one area if we completely ignore another,’
knock-on impact on another is, in fact, one of the most says Dr Juliet McGrattan, author of Sorted: The Active
powerful health-improving tools we have. Woman’s Guide To Health.

Take sleep, for example. If you don’t get enough of it, your Yet, rather than recognising that movement, sleep, nutrition
appetite-regulating hormones can fluctuate, leading to weight and emotional wellness are intrinsically linked, many of us
gain (or loss) if your calorie intake changes as a result. And, still think of our health in isolation. So we asked the experts
while we all know that exercise is not just good for you which ‘domino effect’ changes they’d recommend for
physically but also mentally, according to the latest NHS an overall wellbeing reset. Think of it as the healthiest
‘buy one, get one free’ deal there is.

REBOOT YOUR SLEEP, BOOST YOUR DEFENCES

We know how important sleep is RESET YOUR SLEEP BY… bedtime. ‘Before bed, jot down worries
to our energy levels, but there are in a column called “concerns” and then,
other reasons experts want us to z ADJUSTING YOUR INNER CLOCK. in an adjacent column, write down
prioritise it. Research shows that Research has found that tapping into any potential solutions,’ she says. The
meeting your sleep needs has your body’s 24-hour circadian rhythm, solution could be a person you can
a profound impact on countless or internal clock, is key to ensuring ask for help, or a reminder that it’s not
other areas of your health, too. better sleep. This rhythm is influenced a big problem and will be fine. ‘Once
These include reducing the risk by environmental cues, especially light, done, physically and metaphorically
of heart disease, stroke and which is why it is tied to the cycle of day close the topic, reassuring yourself
chronic health conditions such as and night. As well as seeking out natural that you have a plan,’ she adds.
type 2 diabetes and high blood light early in the day (opening curtains z USING THE 4-7-8 BREATHING
pressure; maintaining the immune as soon as you wake up, for example), TECHNIQUE. Research shows that
system by enhancing the ability following a consistent sleep schedule is 20 minutes of conscious breathing
of T cells to destroy cells infected key. ‘Getting up at the same time each (noticing and controlling your breath)
by virus; keeping our body at a day, even on weekends, adjusts your helped insomniacs get to sleep faster,
healthy weight; and even lowering circadian rhythm so you fall asleep and wake less frequently in the night and
the risk of depression. wake easily,’ says Dr Hare. go back to sleep faster if they did wake
z PUTTING WORRIES TO BED. The up. It’s thought the technique helps
‘Sleep isn’t just a way to rest latest studies by YouGov suggest that your nervous system go into relaxation
when all our important work stress is the most common cause of a mode. Try the 4-7-8 technique: inhale
is done,’ says Dr Alanna Hare, a bad night’s sleep. Dr Hare recommends through the nose for 4 seconds, hold
consultant physician in sleep at the a technique called ‘constructive worrying’, your breath for 7 seconds, then breathe
Royal Brompton Hospital. ‘When designed to reduce intrusive thoughts at out through the nose for 8 seconds.
you’re sleeping, your brain does
not shut down. In fact, some areas
of the brain are more active during
sleep. Deficits in fundamental
aspects of sleep, either in duration,
continuity or quality, can have
profound health effects that
contribute to increased risks for
morbidity and all-cause mortality.’

There’s now evidence that short
sleep duration (less than seven
hours a night) is associated with
an increased risk of dementia. ‘The
brain’s waste removal system (the
glymphatic system) is significantly
more active during sleep than
during wakefulness, and the waste
products it removes are the same
waste products that build up in
dementia patients,’ adds Dr Hare.

goodhousekeeping.com/uk 73MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

For a healthier ‘The impact diet has on physical health
you, eat around is well known, but many people
underestimate how important a healthy,
30 different balanced, nutrient-rich diet is for other
plants a week areas of wellbeing,’ says award-winning
dietitian and TV presenter Priya Tew
(dietitianuk.co.uk). ‘If you don’t get
enough of the vitamins and minerals your
body needs to function well, this will have
a knock-on effect on everything from
your mood and sleep to energy levels
and brain function, to name just a few.’

RESET YOUR DIET BY…

z DIALLING UP THE DIVERSITY. Eating
a wider variety of plants ‘feeds’ your gut
– dubbed the ‘forgotten organ’ thanks to
its ability to influence many conditions,
including type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart
disease, IBS and more. Interest is also
growing in how gut flora interacts with
brain function (called the gut-brain axis),
and the way this can impact on

Regular exercise is a habit that can RESET YOUR MOVEMENT BY…
trigger widespread change for the
better in various aspects of your life. z USING THE FEELGOOD FACTOR AS means you’ll adopt lifelong habits.’
‘The physical health benefits of exercise FUEL. See the positives of exercise, for Looking for something new that’ll
are numerous – for instance, it lowers example, how yoga has reduced your easily fit into your life? Try the NHS
blood pressure and helps keep you back pain, or the friends you’ve made in 5-minute wake-up workout at nhs.uk.
in shape and at a healthy weight. But your class. ‘Focusing on how you’ll feel z GETTING PSYCHO-SOCIALLY FIT.
this can take time and patience and after you’ve exercised is great for getting Research by Sport Scotland says that
you may not see results for weeks or motivated,’ says Dr McGrattan. ‘If you team sports are particularly beneficial
months,’ says Dr Juliet McGrattan. ‘On dread exercise, this technique can for your mental health because they
the flipside, the endorphins (the body’s help you view exercise positively and make you feel more socially connected
own feelgood chemicals) released make you more likely to stick with it.’ and that, in turn, may protect you
when you exercise give you an instant z MAKING EASY CHANGES FIRST. ‘Set from feelings of depression, anxiety
lift, making you feel energised, less yourself up to succeed by starting with and stress. If you’re looking to try
stressed and sleep more soundly.’ something that’s achievable. That way, something new, the Back To Netball
you’ll create a positive spiral,’ says campaign (englandnetball.co.uk) has
A study of 1.2m people published Dr McGrattan. ‘So, walk a short distance reintroduced 110,000 people to the
in The Lancet found that those who rather than drive, or arrange to do sport and there’s a similar campaign
exercised had 40% better mental something active with a friend instead for Hockey (englandhockey.co.uk), too.
health than those who didn’t. Experts of meeting for a coffee. Once that’s But think about any team sport
believe exercise stimulates certain ingrained, make another lifestyle tweak. you once enjoyed and look locally
brain patterns that may also be related Viewing changes as rungs on a ladder for ways to get involved.
to disorders such as depression.

74 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good health

WORDS: NICOLA DOWN. PHOTOGRAPHY: KRISTIANE VEY/TWINKLE IMAGES/URBANLIP, GETTY, conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Reaching out to friends
depression. Aim to eat around 30 can improve our wellbeing
different plants a week (which isn’t and reduce stress
as daunting as it sounds because this
includes wholegrains, pulses, nuts, BOOST EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE,
seeds, fresh herbs and spices).
z FEELING THE F-FACTOR. Fibre is not REDUCE HEALTH CONCERNS
only vital for normal gut function, it’s
also associated with lower risk of heart Most of us have been understandably (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) for
disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and worried about our own health and that healthier thought patterns. So, Catch
bowel cancer. One study found that for of loved ones due to the pandemic. It: what negative thoughts are in your
every 1,000 people who switched from And while some stress is normal and head?; Check It: ask if the way you’re
a low-fibre diet to a high-fibre diet, 13 unavoidable, the amount we’ve thinking about things is worse than
deaths and six cases of heart disease endured lately is likely to have had a they are; Challenge it: is there any real
would be prevented. What’s more, we’re negative effect on our physical health. evidence to support these thoughts?;
only eating an average of 18g a day, not Change It: question if there’s a more
the recommended 30g. Up your intake ‘Mental and physical health balanced way of thinking.
of fruit and veg (including edible peel), problems often go hand in hand,’ says z USING THE POWER OF
replace white carbs with wholegrain, and Stephen Buckley, head of information CONNECTION. ‘There’s strong
bulk out meals with lentils, and beans. at mental health charity Mind. ‘Many evidence that feeling close to, and
z GETTING ENOUGH IRON. According symptoms of an anxiety disorder are being valued by, other people is a
to a National Diet and Nutrition Survey, physical, such as increased heart rate, fundamental human need and one that
almost a quarter of UK women are sweating and headaches, which contributes to our ability to function
deficient in iron – vital for making red happen as a result of the body’s “fight well,’ says Buckley. ‘So, reach out to
blood cells, which carry oxygen around or flight” response. You may also find friends and family and if you can’t
the body. If you develop iron-deficiency the first clues that you’re stressed are meet face to face, talk by phone or
anaemia, it can increase your risk of physical, such as tiredness or an upset video call, or send a voice message.
infections as well as heart and lung stomach.’ In fact, there’s increasing z KNOWING THE RED FLAGS.
complications. So if you eat little or no evidence of a relationship between the ‘Signs of mental health problems
meat, include lentils, kale and chickpeas brain and the digestive system – when include becoming withdrawn,
in your diet. If you think you might be one is unhappy, so is the other. irritable, hopeless or pessimistic,
iron deficient, see your GP. self-critical, eating or sleeping more
RESET YOUR or less, or losing interest in things that
Any exercise is EMOTIONAL usually bring pleasure,’ says Buckley.
a step forward, WELLBEING BY… ‘Talk to your GP if these feelings last
longer than two weeks.’ The NHS’s
and you’ll see z TRYING THE ‘CATCH IT, CHECK Every Mind Matters (nhs.uk/every-
physical and IT, CHALLENGE IT, CHANGE IT’ mind-matters) is a useful resource,
TECHNIQUE. How you react to a while mind.org.uk offers advice on
mental benefits problem can make all the difference. what’s available locally to you.
This approach uses the latest in CBT

75MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

HANG

on to your

BALANCE
Smtaoyvieny.goWusrteabsbahlleaarniescaeth,vewitbhaael ktsetevewepar-yyysootuuorngiamgfipetrnoevses

Maintaining stability isn’t just about standing
up straight. It’s also down to messages to
the brain from the eyes and inner ears, plus
sensation feedback from joints and muscles.
And balancing gets harder as we age.
‘Changes start a lot earlier than you might think,’ warns
Dawn Skelton, professor of ageing and health at Glasgow
Caledonian University. ‘The ageing process starts at around
25, when we move into a less active time and reactions start
to get slower, but we don’t really notice it,’ she says. ‘It’s only
if we are tested that we start to see these declines. In our
30s, balance continues to decline – the nervous system
(brain) doesn’t integrate the incoming senses so well.
Then, in our 40s and 50s, muscle loss starts.’

The less balanced we are, the more likely we are to fall,
and research from Age UK found that falling is one of our
top worries as we get older. But there’s good news: whatever
your age, you can improve your balance. The best way to do
it? Sit less and stand more, says Professor Skelton. To support
or recover our balance, we need physical activity that
challenges our stability and encourages our brain to pick
up on the information coming through. Balance-focused
exercises can help you feel younger for longer, alongside
helping your posture, enhancing confidence and, reassuringly,
lowering the risk of falls later in life. From at-home moves to
fun classes, here are the best ways to boost your balance…

76 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good health

CHECK YOURSELF SIT TO STAND

Assess your balance right now with this simple test. Stand Professor Skelton recommends this move to strengthen

next to your kitchen worktop (or a sturdy chair), with thighs and hips for enhanced steadiness:

fingers lightly on it, or hovering over it. Raise one knee z Sitting in a firm chair, bottom towards the front edge, place

and balance; you should be able to easily do 10 seconds. feet apart, heels flat on the floor and under your knees. Now

If you’re toppling sideways, start practising regularly push up to standing, without holding on (if you can’t do it

until you can do 30 or even 60 seconds. When it starts without holding on, do so lightly).

to feel easy, try doing it with your eyes closed. z With legs touching the chair behind you (don’t want to

TIP: You can also stick a length of masking tape along risk missing it!) sit down while pushing your bottom towards

the floor, then walk along the line, letting the back of the seat. Lower gently; don’t throw yourself or

your toe almost meet the heel in front drop down heavily.

as you go (use enough tape to z Repeat up to 10 times, powering up

do 12-15 steps.) Sounds easy, Home and lowering gently in a controlled way.
but it will quickly reveal how workout Always look ahead and avoid leaning
unbalanced you might be. forward to prevent toppling over.
Start off looking down Check out the Balance Let your legs do the work.
before lifting your gaze
and looking ahead. Practise Boost video series from
daily to get steady!
Vida Wellness: a free, four-
CHANGE SHOES
week programme packed with

easy balance movements that STRIKE A POSE

you can do at home. Yoga has everything we need to help

vidawellness.co.uk us stay stable. Balancing poses with

added arm moves are so beneficial, as

Research at the University of Liverpool revealed that they help proprioception (sensing your

by changing to wider-soled, minimal shoes instead of the body’s movement, action and location).

padded and supportive kind, balance could improve for Practising barefoot is another positive, as it helps the

middle-aged and older people. ‘For many people, less is more,’ mechanoreceptors in your feet feed movement

says Dr Kris D’Août from the university’s musculoskeletal sensations back to the brain, which is critical to

biology department. ‘The less we mess with the human foot maintaining posture and balance. Try these moves:

the better. A minimal shoe helps our feet to be used as they z MOUNTAIN POSE With feet together, spread

are meant to.’ See our shoe recommendation on the next page. your toes, bend your knees slightly and feel those front

thigh muscles working. Contract your lower abs to level

RAISE THE Improve your balance your hips, then your upper abs to pull in your ribs.
BARRE with ballet classes Lengthen your waist at the sides and ease
back your upper arms. It might help

Ballet moves are ace at to spread your fingers and let palms

keeping your stability on face forward. Now move into…

point. ‘In ballet training, z CHAIR POSE With feet still

the repetition of simple together, bend your knees 90° over

movements develops a your ankles, keeping your weight

kinaesthetic awareness distributed over your feet. Pull in

(how we sense our body your lower abs as you raise your

and the way it moves), arms up and pull them back, with

which, over time, results fingers spread and palms facing

in a mastery of balance,’ inwards. Hold for a couple of

says Dr Michelle Groves, director of education at the breaths. From there, try…

Royal Academy of Dance. Its Silver Swans classes for z TREE POSE Ground yourself

those aged 50+ are the perfect way to release your inner down through your left foot and

Darcey Bussell and encourage co-ordination, balance bend your right knee, bringing the

and memory. Under-50s could try barre classes that sole of your foot to your left ankle,

focus on body toning and shaping, as well as balance. left lower leg or thigh (whichever you

y See royalacademyofdance.org and barrecore.com can manage). Bring palms together

HOP ON BOARD! in front of your chest and hold for a Yoga poses,
couple of breaths. Feeling sturdy? Try such as Tree
For a fun approach, head to the swimming pool to try stretching your arms up to the sky. Hold Pose, are
a FloatFit Balance class. Your stability is constantly challenged for a couple of breaths, then swap sides. great for
y Find a yoga teacher near you at The improving
balance

as you aim to stay on the wobbly board, while you go through British Wheel Of Yoga: bwy.org.uk

sequences to tone and shape.

y Find a FloatFit class near you at aquaphysical.com

goodhousekeeping.com/uk 77MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Good health

TRAIN YOURSELF FEEL THE FLOW

‘A strong core and stable hips Studies show tai chi can help
and knees are essential to prevent falls by as much as 70%.
good balance,’ says Equinox ‘The sequences help build your
personal trainer Mel Rutherford confidence with slow, continuous
(equinox.com). ‘You can train movements, promoting relaxation,
in or out of the gym as it isn’t and practising rotation of all joints
about working up a sweat helps to avoid falls,’ says credited
but training brain-to-muscle instructor Emma Cooke
connection so the right (taichiforyou.co.uk). ‘Tai chi
muscles fire up when balance encourages a straightened spine,
is challenged. Think standing erect posture, awareness of your
on a bus without having to centre and how to move with your
hang on for dear life!’ Once weight through your legs and feet,
you’ve mastered that one-leg which all help to achieve stability.’
stand (from Check Yourself,
on previous page), try this… The technique is ideally learned
z STAND ON ONE LEG ON AN in a class, but Emma suggests
UNSTABLE SURFACE – a foam tai chi walking, a simple move
pad or the springy side of a we can all do every day.
Bosu ball will do the trick – you
can find these in any gym, or ‘Stand with a straight back,
buy your own at-home kit (see shoulders relaxed. Take a step
below). Try balancing until you forward, placing your foot empty
reach the magic 60 seconds. of weight, heel then toe, in front of
z NOW ADD WEIGHTS… go you (with weight predominantly
back to a stable surface, stand in the back leg and foot). Then
on your left leg, with right leg bend the knee of that forward
raised. Then, using a light dumbbell in your right hand, lift overhead leg no further than your toes and
shift your weight to the front foot,
8 to 10 times and repeat on the other side. before lifting the back and repeating. The secret
z GOOD AT THIS? Get back on the foam pad is in keeping the movement below your waist
or Bosu ball and repeat the 8 to 10 weight and becoming aware of placing your foot before
lifts for a real balance challenge! transferring the weight, while staying relaxed.’
z SAFETY TIP: Progress slowly. Have y Find tai chi teachers nationwide at
something next to you if you fear toppling. taichiforhealthinstitute.org

WELL-BALANCED BUYS

BALANCE TRAINER STEP BOARD WORDS: LYNN CARDY. PHOTOGRAPHY: URBANLIP.COM/KRISTIANE VEY/TWINKLE IMAGES, GETTY
Stand on the squidgy This height-adjustable
side or flip it over to step is a basic piece of kit
make a wobble board. but simple – and even
The Bosu Balance Trainer gentle – step up exercises
‘The Original’, £133, comes can help with balance.
with a pump, plus manual PhysioRoom Aerobics
Workout Step, £19.99,
and downloadable
workouts, Amazon physioroom.com

MINIMAL SHOES FOAM PAD
Foot-shaped rather Add extra challenge to
than shoe-shaped, a your standing balance
minimal shoe lets you
feel the ground and moves with this neat
may help your balance. block. It doubles as a
VivoBarefoot Primus support for yoga, too.
Nyamba Fitness Small
Lite III, £115, Balance Pad, £12.99,
vivobarefoot.com
decathlon.co.uk

78 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk



Lessons in

dementia

for everyone

When Wendy Mitchell was diagnosed with dementia aged 58, she thought her
life was over. Eight years on and still living a full and independent life, she’s
on a mission to break down the misconceptions that surround it

L ooking back, the signs were Finally, in 2014, I was diagnosed by a dementia at any opportunity: when
there for at least two years.
The falls when I was out neurologist with young-onset dementia. I could no longer tie the laces on my
running. The days when my
head felt as though it was I was 58 – no age at all. walking shoes a few years after my
stuffed with cotton wool. The meetings
at work when I forgot words as simple As I stumbled from the consultant’s diagnosis, I bought elasticated ones.
as ‘and’ or ‘the’.
room that day, images flooded my mind When cooking became too complicated,
The thought of ‘losing our minds’ is
a very real fear. We all become a little of white-haired old ladies in hospital I started making salads. When I was
forgetful as we get older, like when you
go upstairs and forget what you needed beds. I caught a glimpse of myself in forced to give up my job, I threw myself
there. But this was different. I couldn’t
do my job any more. I would arrive at a shop window on the way home and into research and training nurses in
the office I managed in the NHS earlier
and earlier, to cover the fact I hadn’t thought: ‘I don’t look like that.’ If your dementia care, visiting universities
completed my tasks from the day
before. On one particular day, I got up life has never been touched directly by and giving talks to graduates.
from my desk and didn’t recognise my
surroundings. I wandered along the dementia, perhaps you conjure up these Throughout my life, my motto
corridor before making it to the ladies’
loo, where I waited for the world to same images. I saw the end immediately. has been ‘there’s always a way’ and
come back into focus.
No life to be lived after my diagnosis. suddenly that became even more
When I first went to my GP in 2012
about the fogginess and lack of energy, In the weeks afterwards, I was important. Since then, I’ve
it was dismissed as the menopause,
like so many symptoms are in women devastated. I fell into a deep written a bestselling memoir,
of a certain age. I was referred to a
psychologist who asked me to do all sorts depression, focusing so There are more than Somebody I Used To
of tests: draw a clock face, remember
three words from the beginning of the much on what I wouldn’t 850,000 people living Know, done a tandem
conversation. I had to return a year later. be able to do any more.
with dementia in the UK, skydive, been awarded
What woke me from
this depression was and more than 42,000 two honorary doctorates
seeing how it was with young-onset and even walked on hot
affecting my daughters, dementia. coals! We mustn’t tell
people with dementia what

Sarah and Gemma, then aged they can’t do. Instead, we

34 and 31. After all, when I got the must show them how they can.

diagnosis, so did they. I reminded myself I’m 66 now and I still live alone and

that I was still the same person I’d been take walks around my East Yorkshire

the day before I found out. Yes, it wasn't village each morning and afternoon.

a diagnosis anyone wants, but it had a Dementia is a degenerative disease and

beginning and a middle, as well as an end, I don't know what the future has in store

and there was still so much life to be lived. for me, but I'm making the most of now.

I started adapting my life, rather than There are more than 850,000 people

giving up. I made it my mission to evade living with dementia in the UK, and

80 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good health

goodhousekeeping.com/uk 81MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Good health

Wendy now writes HALLUCINATIONS the time. I only know what I experience,
and lectures on ARE COMMON so talking to others gives a fresh view.
dementia to
promote better I once saw my dear old dad in I wish professionals would reconsider
understanding
my back garden in his ragged, their language, too. In check-ups, they
more than 42,000 with young-onset
dementia. Yet there is still so little that familiar cardigan. He looked love to say how much I’ve deteriorated.
people know about it. The biggest
misconception is that it only affects as real to me as the magazine We know dementia is a progressive
memory, but dementia is so much more
than that; it affects the way you walk, you’re holding in your hands. disease, but how much nicer would it be
what and how you eat, and even creates
hallucinations. The more understanding Thankfully, that wasn’t an if they said: ‘This area seems to be one
we have, the better we – and those we
care for and love – can live with it. Here’s unpleasant hallucination. But you’re finding more challenging; let’s see
what I think everyone should know…
there are many other types, if we can think how to make it easier?’
THE SENSES CHANGE
including olfactory ones – bad Positivity can make all the difference.
One unexpected symptom was the
change in my taste buds. Things I ate all smells that appear for no INDEPENDENCE IS KEY
the time (such as mushrooms and chillies) reason but can be extremely
are cardboard to me now. My tea, which
I loved like a friend, leaves me cold distressing; aural ones, such as People wonder how I manage living
– although I often drink a weak, black tea
just to feel the heat of the cup between thinking that you’ve heard a alone (I divorced in the 1980s), but in
my palms. My hearing also changed: I
would cover my ears when an ambulance knock at the door; or more many ways, it’s less stressful. I don’t
went by and eventually had to move out
of my York apartment as the sounds of frightening ones, such as a have someone constantly moving
the city became too much. Later, I was
diagnosed with hyperacusis, a sensitivity gunman on the loose outside. things or leaving trip hazards. It’s vital
to certain frequencies, common for
those living with dementia. You can get All very disorientating. If your for me to find a way to overcome the
specially programmed hearing aids and,
if your loved one is disturbed by noise, loved one experiences this, try challenges dementia throws at me.
I recommend spraying a handkerchief
with a comforting smell, such as their living in their world if they Often partners believe they’re being
partner’s perfume, so whenever they
feel overwhelmed, they can breathe can’t live in yours. Ask them kind by helping their loved one put on
into the handkerchief to relax them.
about what they’re seeing, their shoes or make tea. But once we

hearing or smelling. stop doing things, we forget how

Don’t say it doesn’t to. It’s best to help someone

exist, as for them, in that A person with stay as independent as

moment, it’s very real. dementia might they can, which can mean

WORDS MATTER be able to remember giving them time to work
every detail of their out how to tie their laces.
I hate the term dementia
‘sufferer’. No, I am living wedding, but not People often stop
with dementia. I have recall what they had talking to people with
good days and bad days. dementia, but although
for breakfast. we can’t answer like we

I used to say I was ‘living well’ once did, we don’t want

with dementia, but after a talk I’d to be invisible. Touch remains

delivered, a man told me that made him important – just hold our hands

feel like a failure, as he didn’t consider and let us know you’re there.

himself to be living well. So now I say, • What I Wish People Knew About

‘living as well as your circumstances Dementia (Bloomsbury) by Wendy

allow’. Changes in thinking happen all Mitchell is out now

Getting diagnosed AS TOLD TO: ANNA WHARTON. PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRE WOOD

Worried about yourself or a loved one? Wendy offers this advice…
z Often, family and friends notice the signs before the person with dementia
does. Early signs might be forgetting recent events, confusion, loss of confidence
and spatial awareness changes. Ideally, mention it to the person before seeking
a medical opinion. Try doing it in a caring manner, without criticism.
z Even if doctors are dismissive, be persistent if you think something isn’t
quite right. Early diagnosis enables you to put things in place while you’re
capable. Leave it too late and the moment may be gone.
z The process varies, but for most, your GP will do blood tests to rule out other
conditions before referring you to a memory clinic for scans and memory tests.
It can be demoralising, as it focuses so much on what you can’t do and how
little you score, so support loved ones with kindness.
z There are some positives to getting a diagnosis. It may allow you to access
financial help, reduced council tax and your care partner can go on the carers’
register to get support. You may even get a free bus pass.

82 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk



CHECKED FOR
ACCURACY BY

HEALTH
WATCH

body, cells in the ovaries can turn z Feeling full quickly on eating.
cancerous, and they can do so most z Persistent tummy or pelvic pain.
often after the menopause. z Needing to pass water more often.
z Bleeding after the menopause.
SPOT THE SIGNS Other symptoms, which may develop
later, include:
Ovarian cancer has been traditionally z Being put off your food.
called ‘the silent killer’, because so z Losing weight unexpectedly.
many women are diagnosed only at z Extreme tiredness.
an advanced stage. z Changes in your bowel habit.

In fact, research has shown that DON’T PUT IT OFF
many women do have early symptoms,
but they are often vague. So the key Early diagnosis and treatment is key to
is to know what these early symptoms survival where all cancers are concerned,
are and to seek medical help if any of and this is even more important for
them are persistent, severe, frequent ovarian cancer. Almost 19 in 20 women
or getting worse. diagnosed at stage 1 (cancer confined
to the ovaries) survive for at least five
Among women referred with possible years, compared to 14 in 20 at stage 2
ovarian cancer, certain key symptoms (spread confined to the pelvis), five
were seen more commonly in people in 20 at stage 3 (spread outside the
confirmed with ovarian cancer pelvis) and just three in 20 at stage 4
compared with those who had another (metastatic cancer, which has spread to
diagnosis. Key symptoms include: other organs such as the liver or lungs).
z Persistent bloating – not the kind that
comes and goes over the day.

84 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good health

GETTING A DIAGNOSIS cancer rises rapidly from your mid-40s,
with diagnosis being most likely in your

If your GP is strongly suspicious that you may have ovarian cancer, they will late 70s. But not smoking and keeping

refer you through the ‘two-week wait’ pathway to see a specialist. We have your body fat down (with diet and

heard much during the pandemic about long waiting times, but hospitals exercise) can help reduce risk.

are prioritising cancer referrals. HRT can transform your quality of life if

If they think another cause is more likely but want to rule out ovarian you have severe menopausal symptoms.

cancer, they will arrange blood tests (liver and kidney function, full blood But it does also increase your risk of

count and specifically a test for a tumour marker called CA125). They may ovarian cancer as well as breast cancer.

also send you for an ultrasound scan of your pelvis, which could be just In real terms, the risk is small – only

external or include a scan using a vaginal ultrasound probe. If results are about 4% of cases of ovarian cancer are

suspicious, you’ll be referred urgently to a specialist. linked to HRT. Your doctor can put the

risk and benefits into perspective.

Perhaps counterintuitively,

I have had all too many women put ovarian cancer who received the PARP another form of hormone therapy,

off seeing me because they assume inhibitor olaparib during treatment the combined oral contraceptive pill,

their symptoms are down to irritable remained disease free after five years. cuts your risk of being diagnosed

bowel syndrome (IBS). But while some Studies are still underway, but we’re with the disease, with the benefit

symptoms of ovarian cancer – tummy seeing promising results. increasing the longer you take it.

pain, bloating, wind, change in bowel KNOW YOUR RISKS Having children and breastfeeding
habit, loss of appetite – are similar to also protect against ovarian cancer,

those of IBS, there are key differences. We can’t change the biggest risk factor, possibly because all of these reduce

Firstly, IBS tends to start in your 20s. which is getting older. The risk of ovarian the number of times you ovulate.

You should never assume your symptoms

are down to IBS without consulting a COULD IT BE GENETIC?
doctor, but especially not if you develop

symptoms for the first time at a later age. In 2013, Hollywood actor Angelina You should speak to your doctor if you

Next, IBS rarely, if ever, causes pelvic Jolie shared the news that she carried have a history of cancer on one side

pain, urinary frequency or abnormal a faulty copy of the BRCA1 gene, of the family which includes any of:

vaginal bleeding. Feeling full quickly after which increased her risk of „ A ‘first-degree’ female relative

eating is also more common in ovarian developing both ovarian and breast (mother, sister, daughter) diagnosed

cancer. Finally, the bloating caused by cancer. Having lost her mother, aged with breast cancer below age 40.

ovarian cancer doesn’t come and go, as 56, to ovarian cancer, „ A male first-degree

it often does with IBS. The message is she made the decision relative (father or

simple – if in doubt, get checked out. to have her ovaries brother) diagnosed

TREATMENTS OF TODAY removed alongside a with breast cancer.
AND TOMORROW double mastectomy. „ A female
z About 1 in 1,000 first-degree relative

Treatment often includes surgery, people carries a copy with bilateral breast

chemotherapy and, less often, of this same faulty cancer, with the first

radiotherapy. Surgery usually involves BRCA1 gene, inherited diagnosis below 50.

removing your womb and fallopian from their parents. „ A female

tubes, as well as your ovaries. Your People who find this first-degree relative

surgeon will also check for cancer out from genetic with ovarian cancer

spread during the operation. testing often live and another with

The most commonly used with the burden of breast cancer.

chemotherapy drugs for ovarian cancer knowing that without Angelina Jolie „ Your GP can refer
are carboplatin, which interferes with treatment, they have chose surgery you for a genetic test
the development of DNA – the genetic a 40-60% chance of to decrease her to check if you carry
material in a cell, and paclitaxel, which developing ovarian a faulty BRCA1 or
cancer risk

works by stopping cancer cells from cancer and a 60-90% BRCA2 gene, and

separating into two new cells, thereby chance of developing breast cancer. preventive treatment can reduce your

blocking cancer growth. z In fact, while 85-95% of ovarian risk – and could also have implications

But the big advance in ovarian cancer cancers are nothing to do with for other family members. Your

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY has been the discovery of targeted drugs genetics, having a mother or medical team can advise you further.

called PARP inhibitors, which block the sister diagnosed does mean For more information, visit

repair of broken DNA. In a 2020 study, you’re about three times more likely ovacome.org.uk, ovarian.org.uk

almost half of patients with newly to get ovarian cancer yourself. and targetovariancancer.org.uk

diagnosed BRCA-mutated advanced

goodhousekeeping.com/uk 85MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING





GH HOMES

INSPIRATION AND IDEAS TO HELP YOU MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME

This month’s new FLOWER
trends and beautiful POWER
buys from homes
& gardens director Sanderson has revisited
Carolyn Bailey and updated some of
its classic designs. This
TAKE THE SHADE
Daisy wallpaper will bring
We love this new woven a breath of fresh air
lampshade collection with to any kitchen.
a pretty scalloped edge.
William Morris Daisy wallpaper,
Lampshade, £150, £115 a roll, Archive by
Maison Maison Sanderson Design

IN BLOOM

Textile designer Sarah Campbell
has put her stamp on a range
of floral accessories at
Anthropologie this month.
Plate, £9; cushion, £38, both
Sarah Campbell x Anthropologie

GRASS ROOTS TAKE NOTE TILE TIP

Rattan continues to be popular, Keep your recipes Curves are trending in interiors
along with dried grasses. handy in this right now – these tiles are perfect
Vase, £20; pampas stems, for both kitchens and bathrooms.
£15 for 3, both George Home pretty notebook.
Food for Friends Tiles, £8.40 each, Samantha
HEART OF GLASS Todhunter x Bert & May
recipe journal,
Add these antique-style £24.99, Skye GREEN GLOW
glasses to your McAlpine x Papier
everyday dining. Ilse Crawford believes
everyday items should be
Tumblers, £20 for 4, special. This vase, part of
Cox & Cox
her new range for Ikea,
AND RELAX! proves just that.

Snuggle up at home on this glam sofa in super-soft velvet. Vase, £12, Ilse Crawford x Ikea
Reuben sofa, £1,175, Sofa.com

88 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022

Good homes

HOW TO CLEAN THIS MONTH WE’RE INSPIRED
MAKEUP BRUSHES BY… DECORATIVE PLATES

Bacteria, oil, dirt and excess product can A mix of plates in different designs and a variety of
quickly build up on makeup bushes, leading to
blemishes and other skin issues, so here’s our sizes will make a smart display above a low cabinet.
guide to giving your tools a deep clean…
STEP 1: WET YOUR BRUSHES Wet the fibres of Choose complementary tones and include a
your makeup brush with warm water. Point the
brush downwards to protect the bristles. statement plate for the most striking result. Placing
STEP 2: CLEANSE Gently lather the brush by
swirling it in the palm of your hand. For a deep the plates in an asymmetrical order will add interest.
clean, try Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soaps Elka sideboard, £1,599, Harry Batchelor
(£8.79, Holland & Barrett). Avoid alcohol-based
cleaners, as they can dry out brushes. Virgin or for Heal’s; Ottolenghi plates (patterned),
unrefined coconut oils are ideal conditioners. from £20 each; Denby plates (plain),
STEP 3: RINSE Using warm water, wash the from £20 each; vases, £85 each;
cleansing product out of your brushes until table lamp, £299; Linie Design rug,
the water runs clear. Once finished, gently from £439, all Heal’s
squeeze out excess water and use your fingers
to reshape the bristles. TRIED & TESTED
STEP 4: DRY Lay your brushes out flat, with
the bristles hanging over the edge of a surface TOASTERS
so air dries the brush from all sides.
We toasted thousands of slices of bread to find the best
TRIED, TESTED, toasters for all needs and budgets. Here’s our top three…
TRUSTED
WORDS: JESS DENHAM. TESTING: BLOSSOM BOOTHROYD BEST 4-SLICE BEST 2-SLICE BEST BUDGET
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our mantra KitchenAid Long Slot Breville Edge 2-Slice The Range My
is simple: we don’t take any claims or promises at 4-Slice Toaster Toaster VTT981 Kitchen Saturn
5KMT5115 £135; 2-Slice Toaster
face value, and any advice we give is impartial. kitchenaid.co.uk 92/100 £34.99; Argos 89/100 322713 £24.99;
This forms the backbone of everything we do, Our winner has two long For small households,
from food and product testing to our household, slots that can fit standard this is great value. If you therange.co.uk 88/100
money and tech advice. The GHI tests hundreds slices and breads such as like your toast just so, its This no-frills toaster has
of products every month, from steam irons to paninis. It impressed in all nine settings will deliver adjustable browning
washing machines, to help you buy the best. tests, scoring full marks perfection every time. A (seven settings), defrost
for design and ease of ‘lift and look’ function lets and reheat modes and
7 To see all our product reviews, visit use. Toast was ready in you check on browning a lift function to save you
just over two minutes. progress without burning your fingers if
goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews Bagels and cancelling, while the your crumpets get stuck.
frozen deep, wide A bit patchy
goodhousekeeping.com/uk bread took slots toast when batch
only slightly slices in toasting, but
longer. under three a steal for
minutes. under £25.

7 HOW WE TESTED GHI testers checked whether the slots were large enough to fit thickly

sliced loaves, as well as bagels. Next, they checked the consistency and coverage of the browning

and timed how long it took to achieve their desired toast colour. They measured the temperature of

the toaster’s casing, trialled any notable functions and features and considered overall design.

89MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

The

interior design

ALPHABET
Here are the homes looks to try, trends to
know and projects to start, from A to Z…

Feature JAMES CUNNINGHAM

ATo celebrate 100 years of Good Housekeeping, our interior GH100 large chaise motion
stylists teamed up with the design experts at DFS to create a sofa, £2,599 as shown; accent
high-quality collection of sofas and armchairs. The result? Comfort, chair, £749 as shown, both
style and functionality, with all the added extras – a motion-powered Good Housekeeping Collection
footrest, wipe-clean material and even built-in phone charging. at DFS. For similar accessories,
try Graham & Green

90 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Good homes

This season, it’s all about colour – and a si s re m in Walls painted in Clunch
the brighter, the better! So if you’re matt emulsion, £56
redecorating, go for uplifting hues In a new collaboration, Farrow & Ball for 2.5L; woodwork
that will give your space a boost. and Liberty have curated an edit of their painted in Serge
favourite paints and fabrics. Regency Tulip, eggshell, £77 for 2.5L,
Walls painted in Coral Orange matt emulsion, the design shown on the sofa here, is a new both Farrow & Ball. Sofa
£53 for 2.5L; door painted in Bedford Square and interpretation of an archive Liberty fabric inspired by the upholstered in Regency
staircase painted in Proper Blue gloss paints, decoration of grand gentlemen’s clubs in the early 1800s. Tulip fabric in Lapis,
from £33 for 1L each, all Mylands. For similar £130 a metre, Liberty
furniture and accessories, try Vinterior

Boujee Blue matt emulsion,
£51 for 2.5L, Pickleson

Earth Notes EN.06 matt
emulsion, £35 for 2.5L, House
Beautiful Collection at Homebase

Green Apple matt emulsion,
£52 for 2.5L, Designers Guild

Storage tins, £29.50 Declutter
for 3, Sophie Allport the k tc

Bamboo Make organising more of
storage canisters,
a charm than a chore by
£29.99 for 3,
Curated Pieces arranging day-to-day

Clover storage kitchen essentials into
boxes, £29 for 2,
pretty canisters, jars and
Made.com
baskets – it’ll be easier to
goodhousekeeping.com/uk
keep things in order when

everything has its place.

Baskets, from £10 each; glass
jars and canisters, from £3 each;
recycled glass carafe (second
shelf, left), £8; mugs, from
£1.50 each; pestle and mortar,
£12; Loxwood oak stool, £49;
other accessories, from a
selection, all Dunelm

91MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

v oo

The Good Housekeeping Institute From carpets and tiles to vinyl and laminate, there’s
first opened its doors in 1924 and a lot of choice underfoot. For a neutral option,
has been testing household products consider light ash wood. This design, created
ever since. Accreditation from the by our sister magazine House Beautiful with the
GHI gives consumers peace of mind flooring experts at Carpetright, is a smart option.
that their chosen product has gone
through rigorous testing. Here are Coniston Tindale Sanding wood flooring, £88.99 a sq m,
three of its top-scoring appliances… House Beautiful Collection at Carpetright

Best washing machine Kasbah rug in Ink (made from
recycled plastic bottles),
Serie 6 WAU28R90GB washing from £138, Weaver Green
machine, £1,139, Bosch at Littlewoods
79/100 Square side
This intuitive-to-use machine has table (made
plenty of programmes to choose with reclaimed
from, including one for sportswear, materials),
while an ‘Anti-Stain’ feature adjusts £195, Rockett
the cycle according to the type of
stain you’re trying to remove. St George

Best cordless vacuum TESTING: HELEN McCUE Deep Ocean Mist scented HB02 three-seater sofa (made from 85%
candle (made with recycled recycled materials and 100% recyclable),
V11 Absolute Cordless vacuum glass and recycled cardboard),
cleaner, £599, Dyson at Appliances Direct £1,299 as shown, Habbio
98/100 £19.99, Modutti
If you’re looking for a cordless vacuum goodhousekeeping.com/uk
to rival any full-size one, look no
further. It’s an investment, but this
Dyson has outstanding pick-up on the
Boost mode. It scored top marks for
performance, but be aware, it’s bulky.

Best jug kettle

Mesmerine ZJM811BL jug kettle,
£129, Kenwood at Currys 92/100
This electric kettle has the water level
gauge inside instead of on its exterior.
It comes with an anti-limescale filter,
a 360-degree rotational base and
boil-dry protection, but was found
to be louder than some other kettles.

92 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022

Good homes

H Karine Chandra rug, £129,
pendant light, Cult Furniture
Historic £129, Modish
details
Living
If you live in a period
property, make the most of Tundra basket, £24,
its architectural details. Let The Braided Rug Company
an original fire surround
dominate your space, for J Jute
example, or draw attention
to cornicing and panelling Sustainable and renewable,
by painting them in a jute is an environmentally
contrasting shade to your friendly material used to
walls. If you’re in a more make everything from
contemporary space, rugs to storage baskets.
introduce classical charm with Use it to add an attractively
the range of National Trust textured look to any space.
ceiling roses and cornices at
Stevensons of Norwich, or the Yuri rug, £214; Minoli vase, £29;
reclaimed antique fireplaces Roko cushion, £33, all Bloomingville
stocked at Westland London. at Sweetpea & Willow

Floral Trail wallpaper, £215 a roll; Elian pouffe, £109,
Cane mirror in Snow, £650; Made.com
Avenue candle holders in Midnight,
£78 each, all The Collection by
Salvesen Graham

Inlay K Kitchen islandsProviding oodles of extra storage
and more precious surface space,
Furniture with mother-of- it’s no wonder islands are one of
pearl inlay has a pretty, the biggest luxuries in kitchen design. If you’re
handcrafted look. Graham not renovating, consider a freestanding option
& Green has been importing for a versatile way to tap into the trend.
pieces, such as this beautiful
chest of drawers, from Stone-topped island unit, £2,795; Hothouse leaves framed
India for decades and canvas, £175; bottle vase, £30; other china and kitchenware,
it’s easy to see why. from a selection, all Cox & Cox

Beaumont Bone Inlay chest of
drawers, £1,595; Isaac Nickel stool,
£89; Zebra vase, £68; Billiards light,
£170, all Graham & Green

Mirror,
£295,
Indigenous

Caeso side table,
£465, Sweetpea

& Willow

goodhousekeeping.com/uk 93MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

L
Luxe

Give your home

a five-star makeover

with indulgent

Flapper pieces made from
cushion, £32,
The French glistening metallics.

Bedroom Vienna chandelier, £2,258.60;
Company
Beaumont sofa, £2,950;
Ginkgo Leaf
ornament, £140, Talitha chest of drawers, Archer table lamp,
£3,100; Kismet kidney £85, Laura Ashley
Audenza table, from £1,525,
all Jonathan Adler at Dar Lighting

Celeste cabinet, £699, New season lighting
Swoon Editions
Considering upgrading your lamp or looking for
94 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022
a new pendant light? Let us illuminate you – bold

fittings and textured lampshades are the way to go.

Charlotte chandelier, £380, with pendant shades in Posh Pink velvet,
£38 each; Bobboli table lamp in Pink Resin, £134, with straight empire
shade in Natural Jute with pink lining, £63; Wrappling floor lamp,
£310, with drum shade in Antique Rose dupion silk, £94, all Pooky

Oe
Ottoman

As functional as they are

decorative, ottomans are

a smart addition to any

living space. They can

act as a softer version of

a coffee table, be an extra

perch for guests and

some designs provide

extra storage inside, too.

Saray Ottoman in Riverside
linen, £900; cushions, from left:
Traveller’s Palm cushion, £109;
Palmera Cubana cushion, £139;
Jungle cushion, £139; Madagascar
cushion, £139; Fishes of Hawaii
framed prints, £158 each; Palmera
Cubana linen curtains, £109 a
metre, all Mindthegap

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

Dotty rug in Good homes
Tutti Frutti,
£420, Villa
Nova at Jane

Clayton

Throw, £45,
The Tartan

Blanket
Company

Geometric cushion,
£26, Mint & May

Barnaby
cushion,
£65, Evie &

Skye

R RelaxationFreshen up your bathroom
and treat yourself to a moment
of indulgence – fresh towels, a
moisture-loving house plant and new bath salts
will help to create a sense of spa-like serenity.

Picket Carrara tiles, £52.80 a sq m, Tile Giant. For a similar
freestanding tub, try Victoria + Albert Baths

Phalaenopsis
orchid, £10,

Dobbies

Mind Spa
bath salts,
£12, Clarity
Blend at
Ocean &

Bee

Quality craftsmanshipWhen buying furniture, it’s always worth investing in Bath tray, £39.50,
Oliver Bonas
Q well-made pieces. Consider the designs from Ercol,
which are all handmade in Britain by design experts. 95MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Romana large sideboard, £3,060, Ercol

goodhousekeeping.com/uk

S Upcycling

Softly There’s never been
does it a better time to get crafty.
Why not take a weekend to
Linen, cotton, breathe new life into your
sheepskin and existing furniture? Try Annie
wool are ideal Sloan’s brightly hued chalk
additions to any room. paints, which are suitable
Embrace these tactile for use on wood, tiles,
textures for a cosy, metal and other materials.
comfortable space.
Console table painted in Capri Pink
Melford wool throw in Old Rose, and flooring painted in Louis Blue
£210; Montague storage box in Lily, (lighter) and Greek Blue (darker),
£555; Burnt Sienna matt emulsion from £5.95 for 120ml, all Annie Sloan
paint, £42 for 2.5L, all Neptune
Snug
Herringbone faux-
wool throw, sheepskin
£56, Soak & Sleep cushion,
£38, Mint
& May

Lazy Linen bedding, from £45 for Malia lamp with cane
a pair of pillowcases, Loaf shade (due March),
£165, Oliver Bonas
TablescapingPretty for dinner parties and

Tpopular on Pinterest and Instagram,

the trend for dressing the table is
here to stay. For a layered look, pair patterned
tablecloths and napkins with textured
placemats and fresh blooms in bud vases.

English Garden linen tablecloth, £245; napkins, £24 each,
both Mila-London

Hero accent chair,
£399, DFS

96 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 Martha footstool Stork cushion,
in Rose, £120, £35, One

Bloomingville at Hundred Stars
Beaumonde
goodhousekeeping.com/uk
Quilted bed throw,
£140, Raj Tent Club

Good homes

Y YellowInvite sunshine
into any space
with warm
shades of this
happy colour.
Wall painted in
Golden Sands matt
emulsion, £26.24
for 2.5L, Dulux

Titan Size 5 pendant,
£475, Original BTC at
Holloways of Ludlow

X eXoticTake a walk on the wild side Modasa rug in Podge love
with jungle and rainforest- Saffron, £120, seat in Mellow
inspired prints and patterns. John Lewis & Yellow clever
laundered linen,
Savuti wallpaper in Soot on Partners
Tangerine, £100 a roll, Cole & Son £1,445 as
shown, Loaf

Z

Chest of drawers,
£286, Lime Lace

Cruz table lamp,
£149, Furniture

Village

Avalon rug,
£149,

Housecosy

goodhousekeeping.com/uk 97MARCH 2022 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

CONTEMPORARY KITCHENS
FOR MODERN LIVING

Cutting-edge kitchen designs from the House Beautiful
Collection at Homebase

Make a style statement with a contemporary kitchen from the stunning
House Beautiful range available at Homebase.
Choose from the sleek design of the Islington, the classic lines of the Westbourne,
the simplicity of the Bermondsey or the smart high-gloss chic of the Camberwell.
Cabinets are supplied preassembled for ease of installation and come with an
impressive 20-year guarantee. All House Beautiful kitchens are designed and
handmade in the UK from FSC-certified sustainably sourced materials.
See the full range in store and online, and create a space that is practical and
beautiful – and unique to you.

EXCLUSIVELY AT

Each design ADD LUXURIOUS DETAILS with a choice of trims
comes with clever WESTBOURNE
storage solutions

to maximise the
space in your
kitchen

BERMONDSEY

ISLINGTON CAMBERWELL

KITCHEN COLLECTION

Visit homebase.co.uk/house-beautiful
to book your virtual or in-store consultation

NEW
romance
Jenny Stevinson fell in love with
100 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING MARCH 2022 her home in the South Downs
when she replaced the original
1950s bungalow with a new build

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