Tabla de contenidos para December 2024 en Prima UK

Okay, so I know there are a few weeks to go yet, and sometimes the thought of getting everything sorted in time for the big day can feel a bit daunting, but Prima’s here to help fire up your festive mojo. Why not add that bit of sparkle to your wardrobe with our fashion ideas or try our pretty decorating trends in your home, bake Mary Berry’s showstopper pud and – in true Prima style – get crafting with Sara Davies? And while we have our purse-friendly gift guide, I found our real-life stories a lovely reminder that gifts come in all different shapes and sizes. Meet our mum Dionne and her gorgeous daughter Lilly. Babies weren’t part of the plan for Dionne and her partner John, but then along…

She lay in my arms, staring up at me with her big brown eyes as if she was looking deep into my soul. ‘My perfect little girl,’ I said, and as I bent my head to give her a kiss, a big smile spread over her face. Lilly was just two months old and such a happy baby. I already had three older boys and knew how tricky these early days could be, but Lilly rarely cried and she slept well at night, too. My partner John and I had been through so much to have her and faced some of the toughest times, but right then holding her in my arms, I knew I’d never been more lucky or content to be her mother… When John and I first…

Each piece of Florence London’s jewellery is designed and personalised in the UK, handcrafted to tell a story of a memorable moment never to be forgotten. Free engraving is offered with almost all items, so whether with an important date, a loved one’s initials or children’s names, a piece from Florence London makes the perfect gift for women, men and even little ones, and is a unique way of marking a special occasion, or to be simply a reminder of someone you love. This season, it has launched a new collection of fresh, modern, yet classic heirloom pieces starting at just £30, including hoop and stud earrings, chain bracelets and necklaces, bangles and stacking rings. Pieces are designed to be mixed and matched, layered and stacked. Florence London’s jewellery is…

From hostess Beverly in Abigail’s Party to Mrs Bennet in Pride And Prejudice and beloved mum Pam in Gavin & Stacey, Alison Steadman OBE is one of Britain’s best-loved actors, working solidly since leaving drama school in 1969. In her autobiography, Out Of Character, out now, she reflects upon her extraordinary career. The play that became cult TV Abigail’s Party (1977) This was originally a play, written by my then-husband Mike Leigh. I’ll always be grateful to TV producer Margaret Matheson, who said, ‘That cannot just be on stage. It has to be on television.’ I was pregnant, so Mike and I said, ‘We’re going to have to do it really quickly, because we can’t have Beverly (my character) walking around with a big tummy.’ So she went back to…

HISTORY The Ancients Hosted by Tristan Hughes, this is dedicated to discussing our distant past and features interviews with historians and archaeologists. Each episode covers a specific theme, from Neolithic Britain to the fall of Rome. Lady Killers Amelia Dyer is thought to have murdered hundreds of children while running a ‘baby farm’ in Victorian England. Her case and those of other female killers are examined by historian Lucy Worsley. GENERAL Uncanny Host Danny Robins investigates paranormal activity and UFO sightings, inviting listeners to decide if they’re Team Believer or Team Sceptic. How To Write A Book Author Elizabeth Day produces this podcast, where publishing executives reveal everything you could possibly want to know about writing, from what constitutes a good idea to how to get published. TRUE CRIME The…

Subscribe to the digital edition of Prima magazine for instant access to advice on how to look and feel your best, time and money saving solutions, quick and easy food, beautiful homes and gardens, and above all everything you need to get the most out of life. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL EDITION Get instant access to the latest issue even when you’re on the move. Choose from the options below and enjoy a 30-day free trial of Prima for your iPad or iPhone. Your digital subscription starts with the most recent issue. GO DIGITAL AVAILABLE ON THESE DEVICES HEARSTMAGAZINES.CO.UK…

There’s always love for British brand Heathcote & Ivory on Prima’s beauty desk, but come festive season, the love increases tenfold. One look at its Merry & Wild collection will show you why: thoughtful body and skincare essentials are wrapped up in illustrated packaging that spotlights endangered British wildlife. Try the Hand Cream in Tin Gift Set, £9; the shea butter-based cream is perfect for chapped, winter-worn hands. Don’t miss the Cloud Nine Reed Diffuser, £16. The scent features a blend of orange, lemon and bergamot essential oils, and the pink ombré vessel looks great on a mantelpiece. Just lovely! HOW TO CLAIM To claim your exclusive 20% discount, visit heathcote-ivory.com and enter the code PRIMAH&I20 at the checkout between 30 October and 4 December 2024. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Offer…

Live Unlimited is all about celebrating your curves. To mark the launch of the Winter collection, Live Unlimited is offering an exclusive 20% discount on all full-price items on liveunlimitedlondon.com so you can build the ultimate wardrobe for the party season. No woman should be limited by their size – everyone deserves clothes that fit and flatter, and Live Unlimited’s Autumn/Winter collection delivers exactly that, offering effortless daywear, luxe knitwear, premium coats and glamorous partywear. HOW TO CLAIM To receive your exclusive 20% discount at Live Unlimited, visit liveunlimitedlondon.com and enter the code PRIMA20 at the checkout between 21 October and 4 December. TERMS & CONDITIONS Offer valid from 21 October to 4 December 2024. To redeem your 20% discount, visit liveunlimitedlondon.com and enter code PRIMA20 at checkout. Offer applies…

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Not too tricky Measurements Age: 3/4(5/6:7/8:9/10) yrs. To fit chest: 58(64:67:71)cm. Actual chest: 68(73.5:77:81)cm. Full length (approximately): 34(39:43:47)cm. Sleeve Length: 24(28:32:36)cm. Materials ✱ 3(4:4:5) 50g balls Knitcraft Everyday DK Yarn in White (A); 1(2:2:2) balls in Red (B); 1 ball in Rust (C); small amount in Black (D) for features.✱ Pair each 3.25mm and 4mm straight needles.✱ 4 stitch markers.✱ 4 stitch holders. Tension 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm square over stocking stitch using 4mm needles. Abbreviations beg beginning; cm centimetre; cont continue; g gram; k knit; kfb knit in front and back of stitch; m1 make 1 stitch; mm millimetre; p purl; rep repeat; RS right side; ssk slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit these 2 stitches together through back loops (single left-leaning decrease); st(s) stitch(es); tbl through…

Menu for 8 THE STARTER Beetroot prawn cocktail * * * * * THE MAINS Sage & apple turkey with cider gravy Root vegetable & lentil terrine (vegetarian) * * * * * THE STUFFINGS Pork, cranberry & rosemary stuffing balls Caramelised onion & apple stuffing * * * * * THE SIDES Miso butter roast potatoes Roasted sprouts & Chantenay carrots Chicory & clementine salad * * * * * THE SAUCES Ginger & marmalade cranberry sauce Toast & brown butter sauce * * * * * THE DESSERT Christmas pudding with Cointreau & salted butterscotch sauce THE SPECIAL STARTER Beetroot prawn cocktail A colourful twist on a classic starter. Using a mix of cheaper cold water prawns and larger king prawns helps keep costs down, while still ensuring…

SILVER & GOLD Your tree is dressed in a blanket of (faux) snow, your baubles match your home’s rose gold hardware and you have strings of fairy lights in abundance. This is Christmas. And then some. If anyone is up to the job of uber-glamorous festivities, it’s Cox & Cox, which brings it all down to earth by pairing metallic pops with softer neutrals. But it’s the XXL baubles that really steal the scene. For a showstopper tree, work your way up from large baubles at the base to smaller pieces at the top. Now pass the bucks fizz! Tip Making festive cocktails? Line the rim of your coupes or tumblers with sugar (or spiced salt) for a decadent finishing touch that mimics frost. SCANDI If chic interiors are your…

Arctic Circle adventures For the ultimate winter wonderland, Salla in Finland is the perfect snowy landscape to spot the northern lights. There’s also the opportunity to ride in a sleigh led by reindeers around a track and be awarded a reindeer driving licence! Other seasonal activities include a snowmobile safari under the starry Nordic sky, weaving your way through the snow-covered fir trees, northern lights snowshoe walks and dog sledding. Stay in Salla Cabins with your own private sauna and wood burner, just five minutes from the ski lifts. BOOK IT Crystal Ski Holidays offers seven nights staying at Salla Cabins from £809pp, based on two adults and two children sharing a one-bedroom apartment with a sauna on a self-catering basis, including flights from London Gatwick to Kuusamo, 20kg of…

CITY BOOKS Hove, East Sussex THE HOTEL AVOCADO by Bob Mortimer (Simon & Schuster, £22) Hilarious and gripping. Gary Thorn has a big decision to make: wallow in his legal job in Peckham and eat pies with his neighbour, or move to Brighton where his girlfriend is about to open The Hotel Avocado… THE GROVE BOOKSHOP Ilkley, West Yorkshire DEATH AT THE SIGN OF THE ROOK by Kate Atkinson (Doubleday, £22) Jackson Brodie’s best adventure yet. A clever, witty subversion of the traditional country house murder mystery, which includes a walk-on part for this very bookshop. BOOKBAR Highbury, London THE PARTY by Tessa Hadley (Jonathan Cape, £12.99) An exquisite novella is the perfect stocking filler for any book lover. Tessa Hadley’s writing gets under the skin of her characters – and…

I know I always go on about walking everywhere, but it is so interesting when I mention it to people at this time of year because they usually give me that sideways look as if to say, ‘What now? When it’s darker and busy, chilly and rainy?’ and I always reply with a ‘YES!’ because as well as being able to take in all the decorations and lights, just looking at what is going on around you will lift your spirits. Here’s how to have fun on your walk… USE YOUR IMAGINATION My dad used to play a game as he loved walking everywhere, too. He’d stop in front of someone’s home and imagine who lived there and give them names and jobs. Using our imaginations is such a good…

Strictly Come Dancing first cha-cha-ed its way on to our TVs on 15 May 2004, inspired by BBC’s Come Dancing and the film Strictly Ballroom. Since then, the format has spread to more than 50 countries, with millions of weekly viewers. It began with Brucie! When Strictly launched, Sir Bruce Forsyth co-presented the show with Tess Daly. Together they created the signature sign-off from the show ‘keep dancing’. Brucie, as he was known by fans, stayed at the helm of Strictly until 2013. He sadly passed away in August 2017, aged 89, but he is still very much remembered by the Strictly family. Here, we remember some stand-out moments of the past two decades… 2016 Politician and presenter Ed Balls’s most memorable performance from his time on the show has…

If your heart sinks when the clocks go back and you shrink from the darker months, a new book, How To Winter, by health psychologist Kari Leibowitz, could change your mind. Kari’s research into what allows some people to view winter in a positive way, when so many see the season as something to loathe, helps cultivate the mindset that winter is a season to be enjoyed, not endured. Appreciate winter The onset of winter, particularly the shortening daylight, often impacts our moods. It’s not just the darkness itself, but the knowledge that it’s only going to get darker before it gets lighter again. By expecting winter to be terrible, we go into the season anticipating the worst. When we expect misery, every shiver, soggy commute or grey morning leaps…

Of everything in beauty, perfume is the most magical but probably the hardest to shop for, especially if you want to find something special for either yourself or a loved one. But step away from the crowded beauty halls and you could find something irresistible. From the online beauty club that cuts costs on packaging to some unexpected gems on the high street, here’s where Prima shops for the fragrances we love without breaking the bank. Marks & Spencer Everyone’s favourite department store has its finger directly on the pulse when it comes to fragrance: if a particular ingredient or a style of perfume is trending, M&S will have a lovely interpretation of its own, leading social media platforms, such as TikTok, to liken many of its fragrances to covetable…

HOME TRUTHS We didn’t talk as much about appearance as health when I was growing up. We were very skinny kids. In Africa, that’s like, ‘What’s wrong with you guys?’ so our parents were always trying to get us to eat. DOUBLE THE LASHES I’d rather spend money on good products than buy 10 cheaper ones that don’t work. I use two mascaras: one on my lower lashes, which has a small brush and YSL Lash Clash, £29, for the upper lashes. QUEEN OF CLEAN I became aware of skincare in my late 20s. Before that, if I’d gone out to a party it was just ‘get the makeup off, wash the skin’ the next day. I don’t do that any more. It doesn’t matter if it’s 3am, I’ll always…

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What could be more lovely than this super sweet Christmas elf? He makes a gorgeous gift or decoration for around your home. So if you love knitting, why not try making your own with our easy-to-follow free pattern? Simply go to prima.co.uk/elf for all the instructions. Happy stitching! Let us know how you get on with your knitted elf by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram! Visit prima.co.uk/elf for your fabulous elf knitting pattern…

Cranachan pavlova wreath This pavlova with a Scottish twist is perfect for the festive period to be enjoyed by all. Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert of oats, fruit and cream. SERVES 8-10 ✱ Knob butter✱ 25g light muscovado sugar✱ 75g old-fashioned porridge oats✱ 600ml double cream✱ 2tbsp whisky✱ 450g raspberries✱ 200g blueberries✱ 55g pomegranate seeds✱ Small sprigs rosemary✱ Icing sugar, to dust FOR THE MERINGUE ✱ 6 large egg whites✱ 350g caster sugar✱ 1tsp white wine vinegar✱ 1tsp cornflour 1 Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan) mark 3. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment and draw a 30cm circle in the middle of the paper. Draw a 15cm circle in the centre of the larger circle to make a ring. 2 To make the meringue, put the…

5 WEEKS AHEAD ✔ CARVE OUT YOUR PLAN ‘I sort the menu and get essentials, such as the turkey, on order,’ says Gisela Graham, creative director of Gisela Graham London (giselagraham.co.uk). ‘I also check through my stash of wrapping paper, cards, ribbons and decorations, and buy new bits if I need to.’ ✔ COOK CONDIMENTS Gravy can be a masterpiece in the making months in advance. Cooking winter roasts? Save the bones for stock and freeze. Alice Snow, senior home economist and product trainer at Smeg UK, even suggests saving the remnants after frying chicken: ‘When frying chicken, use up the juices and prep a vat of gravy to reduce the workload on the big day.’ As for cranberry sauce, Alice recommends batch cooking it – when jarred carefully, it…

STAR OF THE MONTH SAGITTARIUS 23 November to 21 December Mercury has been going backwards in Sagittarius, so don’t be surprised if this month is ‘two steps forward and one step back’. In fact, the coming 12 months could be that way for you. It’s nothing to worry about; just give yourself a chance to catch up with yourself! Your love life looks good – but don’t go overboard. CAPRICORN 22 December to 20 January Your biggest enemy now is your mind. Think of yourself as like a person addicted to negative thinking who is in recovery. You’ve been through so much in the past few years, but you are now in a new era and you need to adjust your mindset. Start to expect good things to happen and…

I was crossing the road on the way to work when I picked up the voicemail. It was my husband, Ralph. ‘I think I’m having a heart attack,’ he said calmly. ‘I’ve called an ambulance and I don’t know what will happen, but I want you to know how much I love you…’ I was three hours away from our home in Somerset on a work trip. I frantically tried to get hold of Ralph, but my calls went unanswered. So, with no idea if he was alive or dead, all I could do was get in the car and drive. He’d had a heart scare years earlier and had got through that, so I prayed this would be the same. We had no children together, so Ralph had been…

If you’re a podcast listener, you’ll know how entertaining, enlightening and addictive they can be. Listening figures have been steadily rising since the pandemic and now 24m of us regularly tune into podcasts. ‘Listening to a podcast is like having a coffee with a friend,’ says Ellie McKay, popular On A Mission podcast sees her ✔ chat to leaders, business people and celebrities about their lives and what drives them. ‘You feel like you’re part of the conversation with people who you’d pay thousands to listen to speaking in public. I’ve had messages from listeners whose lives have been changed by some golden nugget of information. Some say they were given the confidence to apply for a job, others have been helped with mental health. Once you’ve found your tribe,…

This morning, in the gym, a chap got on the cross trainer, coughed through his workout, then moved on to another piece of equipment. The gym provides antiseptic wipe stations and it’s accepted etiquette that you clean your machine, so I felt compelled to politely request he used a wipe. He reluctantly cleaned up his mess. Afterwards, gym members thanked me as they’d been appalled at his disregard for social hygiene. In our post-Covid world we’re forgetting the social distancing, masks and hand sanitising we once practised. As cough and cold season is here, let’s review those habits to see which are worth doing. What is a germ? Germs are micro-organisms such as types of bacteria or viruses, although the term is usually reserved for those capable of causing disease.…

1 A tinted lip balm Sheer lip tints have been one of this year’s biggest beauty trends and are miles away from anything you’ve tried in the past. Colours are sophisticated and the formulas are stuffed with smart skincare ingredients, from hyaluronic acid to anti-ageing peptides. If you’ve reached the age where the more makeup you wear the more dated you somehow look, swapping your regular lip colour for one of these is a flattering, nourishing and very modern win (Prima loves sheer blackberry shades, for a your-lip-but-better hue). 2 A one-and-done eyeshadow Heavy eyeshadow – or more than one shade blended on to the lid at the same time – can look dated, especially if eyelids are hooded and skin is less smooth than it once was. Far more…

1 Sort out your wardrobe The first step for your makeover is a thorough wardrobe sort-out. Set aside a whole day, if possible, to have a decluttering session, try on your clothes and look at yourself in a full-length mirror. Don’t be afraid to let go of any clothing that defined the old you, makes you feel unhappy about your body or that no longer fits. Your aim should be to have a rail full of reliable clothes, all guaranteed to make you feel comfortable and confident. After your wardrobe detox, organise what’s left in a more intuitive way, for instance by purpose, colour or garment type. If you struggle to keep everything organised, find a new system that you can keep tidy with less effort. With an orderly, clutter-free space,…

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New to the exclusive House Beautiful Collection at DFS, Maura, with its unique daybed-inspired design, is a super-spacious sofa that guarantees the whole family can enjoy the ultimate in feet-up comfort. Upholstered in cosy, luxurious chenille with a thick, short pile that adds texture and interest, Maura comes in a choice of 10 on-trend colours ranging from Natural (shown) through to Coral, Caramel, Denim and Slate. Fully reversible back cushions, deep, profiled seat cushions wrapped in soft fibre and a full complement of feather-filled scatter cushions and bolsters (available at additional cost) take comfort to the next level. As well as looking gorgeous, Maura is also incredibly versatile. Push the oversized footstool against the chaise end and you’ve created a daybed that the whole family can enjoy lounging side-by-side on;…

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TREND WATCH MAGICAL MACRAMÉ CHRISTMAS Macramé is everywhere this Christmas! There are so many classic motifs you can make – from festive trees to snowflakes and gnomes, display them for a great way to add a Scandi feel to your decorations. Head to our website to learn the key macramé knots you need. Visit prima.co.uk/macrame. Dates for your diary ✱ BOLTON STADIUM CHRISTMAS CRAFT AND GIFT EXTRAVAGANZA Bolton, Greater Manchester, 8 December; ukcraftfairs.com ✱ FOLK & BESPOKE ARTISAN CRAFT FAIR Leighon-Sea, Essex, 14 December; folkandbespoke.com ✱ DECEMBER MAKERS MARKET Epsom, Surrey, 14 December; thehortonepsom.org HANDMADE WARDROBE SANTA CLAUS KNITTING PATTERN Who could resist our super cute Santa Claus? We have a brilliant knitting pattern to make your own – the perfect project for intermediate knitters. To access the free pattern,…

SANTA’S ON HIS WAY A gorgeous illustration full of Christmas cheer. A V&A Christmas Museum Facade Advent Calendar, £12, Alice Pattullo x V&A FRESH-FACED Breathe some new life into your makeup bag. 12 Days Of Sculpted Advent Calendar, £90, Sculpted by Aimee SPOILT FOR CHOICE Including 20 full-size treats. Beauty Advent Calendar, £195, John Lewis & Partners SWEET SCENT A glowing candle for every day. Yankee Candle Advent Calendar, £26, Boots JUST ADD WATER Better baths start here. 29 High Street Christmas Advent Calendar, £130, Lush POPS OF JOY Enjoy festive flavour twists on the classic cinema snack. Popcorn Advent Calendar, £30, Joe & Seph’s SMART & SUSTAINABLE Not only filled with luxurious delights worth a whopping £271, it’s a more eco-friendly option, too, thanks to its sustainability credentials. Twelve…

WIN £100 Tears slipped down Sally’s cheeks as she looked around her beloved drapery shop, before turning off the light and closing the door for the last time. This year, there were no twinkling Christmas decorations or festive crafts in the window, just a ‘Business for Sale’ sign. Outside, wandering carollers failed to cheer Sally up – she was already mourning the loss of Buttons and Bows. The little shop had been part of her life for so long, and had provided much-needed financial security as she raised her daughter, Emma. She thought of all the happy memories tucked into every corner of the shop, and lost dreams of offering craft classes to eager customers. ‘Come on, Sal! This is no time for tears. It’s almost Christmas, time to kick…