Tabla de contenidos para February 2025 en Prima UK

Welcome to a new year! I like to see this time as not just the countdown to spring (yes, it is coming), but also one for a bit of a reset and a refresh. It’s why we’re delighted to bring you our Yes, You Can! section (page 43) as a great way to get inspired and try something new. I have to say, I found Marianne’s story on page 44 really motivating. Aged 76, she bought a derelict Victorian mansion to rebuild into her dream home. She’s now 78 and, while it’s still a work in progress, she’s enjoying every minute of it. ‘I see every day as a gift and I want to spend them doing what I love,’ she says simply of her big and brave decision. Marianne…

ALL £25 & UNDER…

‘I always thought that if I looked more attractive and felt happier I’d enjoy events and parties more, but it doesn’t work like that. A chance remark can make me want to escape and not bother at all.’ ‘I’m unable to exercise because of mobility issues. I know that the inability to exercise affects my weight and I feel judged because of this.’ ‘As I’ve got older my body has changed and I don’t like what I see.’ ‘We should accept ourselves as we are now, not as we were 30 years ago.’ ‘I’m trying very hard to be kind to myself and ignore or dampen down the critical inner voice.’ ‘I am what I am, but some days it’s a struggle.’ ‘Turning 60 I realised that I’m doing the…

❤ LOVE IS ABOUT MORE THAN APPEARANCE, so look beyond a photograph or a profile image. Try to see the whole person – a single snap can’t ever capture all that they are. ❤ GO SOMEWHERE ON A DATE. Don’t just sit in front of a screen and chat over Zoom. Meet up in a place where you can listen, talk, get to know each other. A coffee can work just as well as a meal. ❤ BE OPEN-MINDED, NOT JUDGEMENTAL. You might think you know what you want, what you like. But how can you know if you’ve never met this person before? Give them a chance. ❤ IF YOU CLICK, DON’T FEEL YOU HAVE TO DATE LOTS of other people, just to be sure. Finding love can be…

3 of the BEST health apps ❶ For walking, running and biking STRAVA Strava measures your distance, time taken and speed per kilometre, plus how much you’ve gone uphill. When you’ve finished, you can see a map of each route you’ve taken. The paid version suggests routes near you, plus you can follow other people to see their routes and times, as well as give likes, called ‘kudos’. Our tester says: ‘Strava makes my runs more satisfying. It’s become an inspirational diary of the hundreds of hours I’ve spent putting one foot in front of the other.’ There’s a free version, or £8.99 a month, £54.99 for the year. ❷ For healthy eating MYFITNESSPAL MyFitnessPal is great if you want to hit a specific nutrition target. It can help you…

There’s never been a better time to join Country Living as we mark 40 years of celebrating a timeless, traditional way of life that is firmly rooted in the modern world Subscribe now from just £1 and you'll get even more with the launch of our Country Living Rewards! Access a line-up of exclusive events, discounts and experiences throughout 2025 GREAT REASONS TO GIFT ASUBSCRIPTION * EXCLUSIVE READER OFFER Just £25.47 £1 for 3 months * EVERYTHING THE PRINT AND DIGITAL MAGAZINES HAVE TO OFFER * INCLUDES UK DELIVERY direct to your door - you'll never miss an issue * TRY IT NOW cancel at any time * FREE 6-MONTH DIGITAL MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION to House Beautiful * ACCESS TO COUNTRY LIVING REWARDS Enjoy exclusive offers including a discounted membership to The Good…

MAKE THIS THE YEAR YOU… TRY A NEW TREND Our favourite fashion formula right now? Satin skirt + chunky knit = how to look totally up-to-date without even trying! Satin midi skirts are a key silhouette this season and look gorgeous teamed with woollen jumpers and boots. Dress them up, dress them down – they’ll work every which way. MAKE THIS THE YEAR YOU… FIND YOUR DREAM DRESS Whether it’s printed, brightly coloured, button-down, wrap, shift or flare, the right dress will do all the hard work for you (no more worrying about what goes with what!) Find a flattering, easy-to-wear style that fills you with confidence. This wrap frames Gill’s figure beautifully, and the colour and print make it stand out. MAKE THIS THE YEAR YOU… EXTEND YOUR RANGE…

THIS MONTH… Get 2025 off to a crafty start with our brilliant ideas and inspiration! Learn more crochet stitches with our cut-out-and-keep guide, discover a new craft in our predictions of the biggest trends this year, knit a cosy cardigan perfect for colder days or sew a stylish quilted jacket that you’ll wear again and again. See over the page for our fab 15-PAGE MAKES SECTION…

‘There’s nothing more relaxing than walking into a room that smells incredible. And with this gorgeous reed diffuser project, you can feel completely satisfied that you’ve created something from scratch, using natural ingredients with a bit of upcycling thrown in there, too!’ love You will need ✽ An empty bottle with a narrow neck (I used an empty 70cl vodka miniature) ✽ Funnel ✽ 100ml fractionated coconut oil ✽ 1tbsp rubbing alcohol ✽ Essential oils of your choice ✽ Reed diffuser sticks To decorate the bottle ✽ Paintbrush ✽ White gesso ✽ Mod Podge ✽ Patterned paper napkins ✽ Scissors ✽ Brown twine ✽ Glue gun To create ❶ If you want to decorate your bottle, start by doing this first. Remove any labels if you are reusing an old…

Turn the page for instructions Large basket Circumference: 34cm. Height: 28cm. Medium basket Circumference: 25cm. Height: 22cm. Small basket Circumference: 15cm. Height: 17cm. Materials • 2 x 500g balls each of Hoooked Spesso Chunky Cotton in Curry (A); Provence (B); Almond (C). • 8mm crochet hook. • Smaller crochet hook for weaving in ends. Tension 12 sts and 6.5 rows to 10cm square over double crochet using an 8mm hook. Abbreviations blo back loop only; ch chain; dc double crochet; sl st slip stitch; st(s) stitch(es); rnd(s) round(s); [] repeat instructions within the brackets as directed. Large basket BASE Note the base is worked using amigurumi crochet method working in the round in a spiral. Using 8mm hook and A, make a magic loop, 8dc in magic loop. Rnd 1:…

Cauliflower-stuffed ‘pacos’ with tahini & lime yogurt Tacos lovers, meet your new best friend the ‘paco’, where a palm-sized pancake provides a perfect wrap for a Moroccan-inspired filling MAKES 6 FOR THE PACO BATTER • 225g ricotta• 3tbsp finely grated vegetarian Parmesan• 250ml whole milk• 1tbsp olive oil, plus extra to fry• 2 large eggs, separated• 150g plain flour• 1½tsp baking powder FOR THE FILLING • 350g cauliflower florets• 1 x 400g tin chickpeas• Zest and juice 1 lime• 1tsp ras el hanout• 1tbsp olive oil• ½ red onion, thinly sliced• ½tsp sugar• 2tsp white wine vinegar• 100g Greek yogurt• 1tbsp tahini• Salt and freshly ground black pepper• Pomegranate seeds, to serve• Handful fresh coriander leaves, to serve YOU WILL ALSO NEED • Roasting tin lined with baking parchment 1…

Make it go further SPINACH Is it me, or does spinach seem to only be available in enormous bags these days? To avoid a wet green mess in the fridge, I like to blitz handfuls of leaves into homemade pesto or vegetable soups. This works for even the droopiest of leaves – just make sure to add plenty of extra salt and pepper to the finished dish. GET GREENER IN YOUR COMMUNITY ✔ SHOP LOCAL Use the Soil Association’s online tool to discover organic vegetable boxes in your area. They’re often cheaper and use less plastic than your usual supermarket shop. Visit soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/buy-organic/find-an-organic-box-scheme. ✔ GIVE BACK Become a FoodCycle volunteer and choose from cooking, serving or collecting surplus food for community meals in your local area. Visit foodcycle.org.uk/volunteer-roles. ✔ SHARE…

WEEK 1 A trail of condensation trickling down the windows is the reality for many UK homes during the colder season. I’ve always lived in period properties – often with single glazing and poor insulation – the perils of which mean condensation forming along the windowsills is as commonplace in winter as the cold and dark. In my home, it’s at its worst in the bathroom. When my shower curtain starts growing small black spores of mould, I realise I’ve got a problem on my hands. My Google Nest thermostat (a device for controlling your heating) also tells me how damp the air is. My living room reading shows an alarming 79% moisture in the air. A healthy range should be between 30% and 60% – go above and you…

Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell (Scribner, £16.99) In this powerful, intense story, we follow Ciara as she tries to leave her coercive husband. She wants this to work for her and her two young daughters, but with no family in Dublin she finds herself battling a horrendous housing system. I felt so strongly for Ciara, and held out hope all would be okay. Written with assurance, this is another brilliant debut. 30 Jan Bethnal Green by Amélie Skoda (Manilla Press, £16.99) This is set in the 1970s and is about Malaysian Suyin, who comes to London to train as a nurse at Bethnal Green Hospital. She joins a group of other young women from different backgrounds and cultures, and I loved the support they showed for each other. Evocative of the period, I…

Jen stared at the receipt. Ferry ticket x 2. 2 x fish & chips, 2 x 175ml Champagne. Total, £29.50, 15-May-2023, 6:43. The Champagne, that was the giveaway, really. The book had been on the doorstep with a note when she returned from the school run. ‘Thanks for the loan of the book. Em xx.’ Jen had tossed it on to the kitchen table with the car keys and it had slipped to the floor, pages fluttering open to release the improvised book mark. Emma, her lifelong friend, who had been there through school, college, first boyfriends, weddings, christenings. Lovely Emma, still slim and attractive, not overweight and mumsy, and in need of a good cut and colour. Emma, the career girl, who had worked her way up to senior…

STAR OF THE MONTH AQUARIUS 21 January to 19 February If you’ve been feeling sluggish at the start of 2025, don’t worry too much. Of course, get yourself checked out if it’s chronic, but there is a good chance it’s simply a case of Mars reversing in your Health Zone. You should start to feel revitalised quite soon. Get back to the gym or whatever exercise routines suit you best. PISCES 20 February to 20 March Repeat after me; life can be fun. It’s too easy for you to forget this right now with all the pressure you’re under. Hopefully, by the end of February, you will believe it a bit more than you do now. Schedule in time to have fun, if that’s what it takes; the important thing…

MAKING LIFE SIMPLE FOR THE MODERN WOMAN 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…

Can you imagine feeling more comfortable in your body? Being happier in any clothes you want to wear, yes, even a swimsuit? Feeling okay to exercise in front of other people and good when you’re dressed up for a night out? I promise it is possible. I’ve helped hundreds of women to feel better about their bodies – and I’d like to share how you can, too. I’ve discovered what stops most women from liking their bodies. To feel better about them, we think that we need to change them. We think we need to get fitter, eat better, lose weight or even have surgery. But what if I told you that you’re going about this the wrong way around? What I’ve learned in more than a decade of working…

I was 15 years old and a size 10 when I first went on a diet. My mum, a seasoned dieter, loaned me her dog-eared paperback of Rosemary Conley’s Hip And Thigh Diet. Before you even get to the list of ‘forbidden foods’, Rosemary asks you to sit in front of a mirror and look at your naked body, ‘without the cosmetic benefit of tights’. Even then, I found the cosmetic benefit of tights to be marginal at best, but I could not bring myself to do it. I did not want to see. The last time I had looked at my body in a mirror was a few years earlier. I was 12 and on the cusp of puberty when one morning, getting dressed for school, I noticed that…

Choice is good, right? But can you have too much of a good thing? Are we being bamboozled by too many options in every aspect of modern living? I remember when ordering a cup of coffee involved nothing more than, well, asking for a cup of coffee. The only decision? With or without milk. Now, in any coffee shop on any corner of any high street in the UK, the transaction is enough to blow your mind – latte, flat white, cortado, cappuccino, batch brew, espresso. And that’s just the coffee. For the milk, there’s the original that comes from a cow but, hang on, do you want skimmed, semi-skimmed or whole? How about coconut, almond, oat or soy? You’ve only been up for an hour and you’re already overwhelmed…

Always wanted to try your hand at amateur photography? Wondering if it’s too late to retrain as a florist? Take this as your sign to give it a try! Research suggests learning a new skill can boost your confidence, improve your mental health and even increase brain power. Age is no barrier either, with science showing older learners can sometimes reap bigger benefits than their younger counterparts. If you’re thinking you haven’t got time to take an evening class or the inclination for hours of study, we’ve rounded up a host of fast, flexible and on-the-go options. So whether it’s trying a new sport, learning a new language or instrument, or finally taking on that DIY job – give it a go. It might just change your life. THE BRAIN…

It’s a problem that concerns many of us as we age – how to avoid the bone-thinning condition osteoporosis, which is so strongly associated with frail, elderly women. But while you may know the importance of keeping your bones strong, you may be surprised to know that, just like skin and muscle, your bones are living tissue. They’re built from a network of collagen fibres filled with mineral salts. As bone becomes worn out it’s broken down, so you’re continually making new bone to replace it. If you’re not making enough new bone, your bone density goes down. If this continues you can develop osteoporosis, where your bones thin, become brittle and fracture more easily. Fractures can happen due to something as small as a cough, stumble or even a…

GALGORM County Antrim A wonderland of a spa set against the backdrop of glorious countryside, where you’ll find total relaxation. WHERE YOU’LL FIND IT This luxury resort is set in the lush green of County Antrim. From the moment the doorman ushers you in through the grand doors of the country house hotel, you enter a world where relaxation is the number one priority. The highlight of Galgorm’s gorgeous setting is the River Maine, which runs through the 450-acre estate, wide and splendid, cascading under arches of trees. HOW IT FEELS Galgorm touches all the senses – there’s the historic grandness of the old hotel with log fires and big comfy armchairs, a more modern extension behind with smart corridors leading to plush bedrooms and the downstairs spa area. WHERE YOU’LL…

These loose-fit quilted jackets are comfy and modern. There is a hip-length version in a denim fabric with snuggly faux fur inside. The two shorter options include one with buttons in a beautiful quilted gingham, and one with pockets in a floral fabric for a spring feel. All versions are finished with bias binding for a stylish way to complete your jacket. Subscribe to Prima now & get 4 months for £4, plus the pattern every month Need to know SIZES 6-24 Sew a loose-fit quilted jacket with binding and patch pocket details. Choose from two lengths and visible buttons or hidden snaps. FABRICS We used the following fabrics all with ready-made bias binding. Option A: Denim Teddy Quilted Fabric | by Poppy in Denim Blue from My Fabrics. Option…

Best known for her website and YouTube channel Bella Coco Crochet, Sarah-Jayne Fragola has been helping people learn to crochet since 2014. In her new book, Bella Coco’s Crochet Stitch Library, she gives her top borders, stitches and motifs to help you discover new patterns and techniques. Here are some of her favourites. Abbreviations [.]: work instructions within brackets as many times as directed or * repeat instructions following the single asterisk as directed. 2tog 1 stitch decrease. 4tog 3 stitches decrease. Beg-Bob beginning bobble – 3-ch, [yo, insert hook in st at base of 3-ch, yo, pull through, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook] three times (5 loops on hook), yo and pull through all loops on hook, 1-ch to secure. The bobble will ‘pop’ out away from…

Turn the page for instructions Measurements To fit chest: 81-86(91-97: 102-107:112-117:122-127)cm. Actual chest: 118(128:136:146:158)cm. Full length (approximately): 60(62:64:66:69)cm. Sleeve length: 45cm. Materials • 9(10:11:12:13) 50g balls Drops Air Aran in Wheat (02). • Pair each of 4.5mm and 5mm needles. • 5 stitch holders. • 8 buttons. Tension 18 sts and 32 rows to 10cm square over slip rib using 5mm needles. 18 sts and 22 rows to 10cm square over stocking stitch using 5mm needles. Abbreviations beg beginning; cont continue; cm centimetre; g gram; k knit; mm millimetre; patt pattern; p purl; rem remaining; RS right side; ssk slip 2 stitches knitwise, knit these 2 stitches together through back loops (single left-leaning decrease); sl1p slip 1 st purlwise; st(s stitch(es); tog together; WS wrong side; [] repeat instructions within…

Cheesy crab wontons Looking for an irresistible combination of crispy shells and creamy, cheesy crab filling? Then look no further for a symphony of flavour in every bite! SERVES 4 PREP TIME 15MIN COOK TIME 4MIN • 300g crab sticks, finely chopped• 75g onion, finely chopped• 75g carrot, peeled and finely chopped• 75g spring onion, finely chopped• Pinch salt• 180-200g cream cheese• 24 wonton wrappers• Vegetable oil• Dipping sauce of choice 1 Put all the filling ingredients in a large bowl and mix very well. 2 Separate the wonton wrappers, then take one skin and put roughly ½tbsp of filling in the middle. Pinch in the 4 sides so they meet in the middle, creating a star-like shape. Repeat with the remaining wonton wrappers and filling. 3 In a wok…

PLEASE THE SENSES First impressions count for a lot, and what warmer welcome to give guests than a grand entrance, nourished with an abundance of art, texture and pattern? A gallery wall brimming with prints and homemade crafts will instantly inject your space with personality. Frames climbing the walls will also highlight the ceiling height, showing off how much vertical space there is. Give the walls a lick of vibrant paint if you want your frames to stand out more (try Benjamin Moore’s salmon shades for an on-trend colour that’s timeless, too), and use wall lights to highlight your pieces. If your hallway is dark you might be tempted to paint it white to brighten it up, but white tones can feel too grey and cold. A warmer, darker tone…

SUNSHINE SHADES Bring Mediterranean vibes to your sitting room with this sunny wallpaper featuring oranges and lemons. Take it up a notch by combining it with a complementary paint in warm tones on your ceiling and furniture, then choose furniture to match the colours for a pleasing, cohesive look. Spotlight on… MADE.COM A real classic, stripes will add contemporary style to your home. 3 of the BEST CANDLE HOLDERS GENIUS IDEA We love the idea of a coverless duvet, as it means an end to changing duvet covers. Simply use, wash and reuse. It’s ideal for everyday use and for overnight guests, too. 10 BUYS £10 & UNDER Update your home with a new accessory or two…

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy Renée Zellweger reprises her role as Bridget Jones for the fourth instalment of this romantic comedy film series. Nine years after the last outing, Bridget is now a widow and a single mother who’s navigating grief, life and love – oh, and dating apps. Hugh Grant, Leo Woodall and Chiwetel Ejiofor also star. In cinemas 14 February Zero Day Join a star-studded cast that includes Robert De Niro, Angela Bassett, Connie Britton and Dan Stevens for this political thriller coming to Netflix. De Niro stars as a former US president who leads a commission tasked with investigating a global crisis. What comes next in this exciting six-part series is a story of mistrust, subterfuge and action. Coming to Netflix on 20 February Miss Austen…

INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP THE MAINSTREET TRADING COMPANY Who are you? Based in a village in the rural Scottish Borders, we are a bit of an outlier. Set across two buildings, the shop includes books, cafe, deli and home, so we can sell you anything from the latest Booker winner to a seriously good piece of cheese. What makes you special? Our staff, our beautiful space and all the hand-picked books and goodies. We like to think we surprise customers with our range and ambition. What book would you recommend this month? Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton (Canongate, £18.99). The story of one woman’s experience of accidentally raising a hare. Beautifully observed and unexpectedly gripping. • St Boswells, Melrose, Scottish Borders, mainstreetbooks.co.uk…

Flying into 2025 My new year resolution last year was to be more grateful every day and try to enjoy all the little things in life daily. Here’s one of the wonderful little things I am grateful for: gaining the trust of my garden robin who pops for food every morning. Now I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings! Amanda Melvin £50 star letter Book Club success We had some lovely feedback following our recent winter rooftop book club event. What a fascinating evening from beginning to end. Author Cathy Rentzenbrink was hilarious and I can’t wait to read Emma Cook’s book – it sounds intriguing. What a stunning venue and a very generous goody bag. Diana Nuttall My girlfriends and I (six of us attended, there are more of…

Prima is setting sail on its first-ever Crafting At Sea Cruise as part of a very special partnership with the fabulous cruise line Ambassador. Myself and Prima’s craft editor, Imogen Cooper, along with a team of top crafting talent, will be joining the ship, Ambience, to run a series of craft workshops and classes throughout the week-long cruise for all the guests to enjoy. It’s going to be lots of fun and the chance to learn something new. I can’t wait and I’m delighted to say that Prima readers get an exclusive 5% discount on the holiday, plus a brilliant half-price drinks package offer. All the details are on page 94.…

In a study of more than 750 Prima readers, nearly half of you (45%) describe yourself as having negative body confidence. You told us there were several everyday actions that make you feel low about the way you look, the chief one was the simple task of looking in the mirror. This was closely followed by weighing yourself, getting dressed and undressed, trying on clothes and comparing yourself with others. A worrying 41% said your mental health has been affected by feelings about your body. ‘ While the results of our survey showed that those over 50 had a slightly more positive view of their bodies, with 21% saying they had a high level of body confidence, in those under 50, it was just 9%. Compliments from others, having a…

So, why does being kind to yourself work? You probably already know your goals. That might be to eat in a way that makes you feel better or to say yes to social plans even when you don’t feel you look your best. It might be to walk more, drink more water or spend less time on social media. Making any lasting change is about doing the hard thing over and over again until it becomes part of who you are. To do this, you need to feel worthy of staying on track. And the key to that is treating yourself with the same patience, compassion and common sense you’d give a friend. When you’re kind to yourself each time you reach a challenging moment, such as the urge to give…

Finding your perfect match later in life can feel like an impossibility. Maybe, you’ve never found ‘the one’ and believe the chance has now passed you by. Or perhaps you’ve sadly lost the special person you started out with earlier in life and think you’ll never find such happiness again. It’s easy to think that getting older means our chances are running out. But as these three women explain, that’s far from the case… ‘I want to take the worry out of going on a date’ Matchmaker Karen Mooney, 64, from Windlesham, Surrey, believes the personal touch is so important in helping others to find love. Staring across at a stranger perched, ill at ease, on one of my dining chairs, I got ready to ask him to reveal his…

DOGS Canine behaviourist Zazie Todd is the author of Bark! ROUGH PLAY Q My friend’s pooch is lovely but plays roughly with my dog. Should I intervene or leave them to it? A The thing that matters is whether your dog is enjoying it. Check by doing a consent test: separate the two dogs safely (call them or distract them), then have your friend hold on to their dog. Let your dog go and see if they run back. If they do, they were enjoying it. But if they seem reluctant or want to hang out with you, perhaps they were finding it too rough. In future, you can intervene if play looks too much. HOME ALONE Q What can I do to stop my dog getting anxious whenever I…

Can’t face the prospect of no more alcohol, ever? Cutting down has real benefits, too. Make your maximum the recommended limit of 14 units a week; people who drink more than 18 drinks a week risk dying four to five years prematurely. Avoid binge drinking, which is more than six units, and have three drink-free days per week, ideally in a row. Then, you’re more likely to enjoy… ✔ NO HANGOVERS AND LESS RISK OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION Less alcohol stabilises mood. ✔ BETTER SLEEP You’ll get better quality rest on booze-free nights. ✔ SHARPER MEMORY Less alcohol means less brain fog and better recall. ✔ LOWER HEALTH RISKS Compared with drinking over the recommended limit, low to moderate drinking brings a lower risk of cardiac issues, some cancers, type 2…

Set in acres of lush Essex countryside, the multi-award-winning Greenwoods Hotel & Spa is a lovingly restored 17th-century manor house with 40 bespoke bedrooms, including one suite, a spa, a gym, an aesthetics clinic and a Garden Suite event space. The prize, worth more than £1,000, includes a two-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis and dinner for two guests both nights. It also includes a bottle of Prosecco on arrival and one 20-minute spa treatment per guest during the stay. greenwoodshotel.com TERMS & CONDITIONS Competition opens 2 January 2025 and closes 31 March 2025. Prize is subject to availability and excludes Christmas, New Year and Easter. Valid until 30 September 2025. Travel is not included. Any additional expenses incurred are the responsibility of the winner. For full competition…

TREND WATCH MARBLING We’re seeing the beautiful swirls of marbling in homeware everywhere at the moment – but it’s actually a really easy technique you can do at home! All you need is a tray and some acrylic paints to create gift tags, notebooks, greetings cards and even fabrics for dressmaking. Try our tutorial on how to create a marbled notebook using shaving foam at prima.co.uk/marble-notebook. What I’m making this month I’m loving wearing the new crochet cardigan I recently stitched with raspberry chunky yarn. The body and sleeves are crocheted using alpine stitch, which gives a lovely textured finish. You can watch our alpine stitch video tutorial by heading to prima.co.uk/alpine-stitch. 3 of the BEST Sewing kits for beginners Calling all crocheters THANK YOU so much to everyone who has already…

SUPPER, sorted A steady supply of comfort food is a non-negotiable for me in the months between festivities and spring. The latest addition to the winter line-up is a jar of Bold Bean Co’s Rich Tomato Baked Beans. Think of this smart little jar as baked beans, but better. The creamy white beans and sweet and tangy tomato and herb sauce run rings around the tinned variety. COOKBOOK OF THE MONTH Thinking of adding more veg to your diet? With cookery writer Heather Whinney’s new cookbook you’ll find vegetarian cooking a breeze. Dust off the slow cooker with inventive, nourishing recipes simmering away for dinnertime. Slurp on miso ramen with soy-soaked eggs and pickled red cabbage, or dunk crusty bread into a creamy sweetcorn chowder with easy-to-follow recipes. The best…

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘redecorating’? Maybe it’s a full renovation, a knees-deep project that involves dust, dirt and DIY – in other words, something that requires time, money and a lot of effort. But, despite what you might think, redoing your space need not involve any of that. The simplest ideas can be the most effective – whether it’s saying goodbye to old prints and hello to new, or rolling down a new rug, you can change the look and feel of a room in minutes and we’ve got the tips on how to do it. Handy cheats for the LIVING ROOM Just add art If you’ve got some prints up already, why not switch them up? There’s a never-ending range of affordable options to…

COMFORT & STYLE Native Edinburgh ‘aparthotel’ combines the independence of staying in your own local flat, with the comfort and service of a hotel. Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, it’s a super-stylish base from which to explore the beautiful city. Sleekly designed studios and one-bedroom apartments feature a living room, kitchen, bedroom and workspace, kitted out with everything you need. Grab a drink in Counter, and you might find local musicians performing there at night. You can also find Native Places aparthotels in London, Manchester and Glasgow. A lower ground floor studio for two in Edinburgh costs from £110 a night. nativeplaces.com HOT BUY! ALL ABOUT AUSTEN Jane Austen fans are in for a treat, as Southampton marks the 250th anniversary of the novelist’s birth, in the…

Join up to 25 guests on this astronomy break Northumberland’s countryside is a tapestry of heather-clad moors and rolling hills, but to see one of its best attractions you’ll have to look up. The county has extremely low levels of light pollution, meaning it has the most pristine dark skies in England and is one of the largest areas of protected night sky in Europe. This makes it one of the best places in the country to go stargazing. On this trip, you’ll join up to 25 like-minded guests to experience spine-tingling moments in the company of expert astronomer Richard Darn. There are visits to two observatories, talks and workshops and demonstrations with professionals to teach you more about the beauty of the skies above. LEARN FROM AN ASTRONOMER You’ll…

Tell us about the new series you’re in, Bear Hunt. How did you come to be involved? I’ve previously said no to featuring in reality TV, but when Bear Hunt came along, I thought, ‘This is the one.’ Since hitting my 40s, I’ve been trying to take more risks and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I learned a lot about myself. Bear Hunt is a survival game. Were you confident you could take on the physical and mental challenges? I had a kid in my 40s, so I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to physically push myself. But after each challenge, I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I’m the type of person who wipes seats before I sit on them, but in the jungle, I really threw…

The bestselling author of 10 books, Fern Britton has always loved reading. ‘I learned to read very quickly and easily,’ she says. ‘I think it is actually the one real gift I have! Curiously, when I am writing a book I need to read more to keep me in the zone, or maybe to empty my head of my own story.’ Fern’s older sister left home when Fern was nine. ‘Books became my friend. I read everything from Enid Blyton to Dennis Wheatley, via Noel Streatfeild. They have got me through some tough times over the years. Not because of their message or that I seek answers, but simply the act of giving one’s brain over to an author and allowing their story to take you out of life when…

£250 vouchers to be won Orli Jewellery began with creator Sandy’s deep passion for jewellery, a love that ignited from a humble start at her kitchen table. Joined by her daughter Orly, their shared vision quickly grew beyond the confines of their home, evolving into a beautiful studio in Glasgow, where they continue to craft exquisite pieces. Their jewellery is meticulously created using high-quality plated metals, stainless steel and sterling silver, enhanced with freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones. Each piece reflects their commitment to excellence and dedication to offering timeless elegance and sophistication. Enter for a chance to win one of four £250 vouchers to spend with orlijewellery.com. Use code PRIMA30 for 30% off your first order. HOW TO CLAIM: To claim your exclusive 30% discount, visit orlijewellery.com and enter…

1 CELEBRATING YOU I am very lucky to be a part of BBC’s Make A Difference Awards, which help highlight the extraordinary people around us. It could be you or someone in your local area who deserves recognition and thanks. So we thought, as well as sharing some of their stories over the coming months, we would love to hear from you. Do you know someone who deserves to be celebrated for the things they do for others? No matter their story, we would love to hear it. Maybe they have started a local dance group in your area to help tackle loneliness, or possibly you know someone who pops in on their elderly neighbours and helps clear the leaves from their steps. Perhaps there is someone who has set…