The Great British Bucket List: Utterly Unmissable Britain may be useful if you do. There are 60 mini adventures (from comically easy to mildly challenging) so whatever your age and abilities, you can do them. Which means we can all start ticking off the lists right here in the UK while we are saving up to book our flights to the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu and the Grand Canyon!
Jane Lovett’s first cookbook Make It Easy is packed full of foolproof, stylish and delicious do-ahead recipes. Have recently been revisiting some of the wonderfully tasty and wonderfully stress-free dishes. Highly recommend.
Once a King: The Lost Memoir of Edward VIII is a remarkable archival discovery. The real story of Edward VIII – the King who abdicated the throne in 1936 – told in his own words, using an unpublished memoir and other never seen sources. that sheds new light on the man who gave up his throne to marry the woman he loved.
New Year resolutions… have you made any?
If so, are you keeping them or are they already in the proverbial bin?!
Grace and Annabel chat on Instagram about good intentions as we delve into 2024.
We’d love to hear about your New Year resolutions if you’ve got a minute… please leave your contribution in the Comments box below this post. Thank you.
4
servings40
minutesThis Sweet Potato and Lentil curry has a colourful vibrancy that I find very moreish to look at – and, of course, to eat! Lots of ingredients I know but so many of them are likely to be in your storecupboard. Absolutely delicious. Low calorie too – about 314 per portion. Great with rice (I use microwave as I’m lazy!), noodles or a warm naan bread.
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 large red onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
a thumb-sized piece ginger, finely grated
6 fresh or dried curry leaves (optional)
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground turmeric
2 medium (about 500g) sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
75g red split lentils
400ml tin low-fat coconut milk
400ml vegetable stock
coriander, a handful of leaves
1 lime, wedged
Check out our Recipes section for more delicious things to cook
Kiwi Smoothie… doesn’t that sound refreshing? Every time I go to the supermarket I look at the fruit and veg, see kiwi fruits and think shall I buy some. But then don’t because my only way of using them was cutting them in half and eating the flesh with a teaspoon – fresh and fragrant but not the most inspiring way to eat them. So when I spotted this recipe by Olive magazine I thought it was a great use of this fruit which is well known for its high Vitamin C content and rich in fibre.
2
servings123
kcal2 kiwi fruits, chopped
1 lime, juiced
200g mango, chopped
200ml coconut water
a handful ice
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I’ve never been a fan of lipstick. So dull having to keep reapplying it. Until, that is, I found Look Fabulous Forever’s long lasting lipstick. You literally put it on and it stays put for hours. Such great colours too – there’s a very helpful guide to choosing the right one for you on their website. My current favourite is Rosewood. Stay All Day Lasting Colour Lipstick £24 with free UK delivery.
We love sharing our favourite products. For more recommendations click here.
Studio 10’s Perfect Bronze Glowplexion is another product worth noting for any of us that are looking for a radiant, year-round healthy colour. This ultra-light, deeply hydrating liquid bronzer is specially formulated for mature skin and includes Gatuline to blur fine lines. £26. So, if you’d like an instant hit of healthy-looking colour click below!
Have always found Maybelline to offer effective products and their Instant Anti Age Rewind Perfector was a new one on me until Marvellous-Mother-In-Law arrived at my house glowing with good health. On complementing her, it transpired that this product had a lot to do with her fresh looking complexion. It’s a joy to put on your face – feels light and is easily blended with either a brush or your fingers. Buildable too. £10
OK, they’re only paper freezer labels but they really work. Stay put on the container when in your freezer but easy to peel off when the time comes. Reliable, useful, inexpensive. 100 pack £3.99
4
servings35
minutesChicken with orzo – well, as we all know, thighs are tasty (and inexpensive, no bad thing!) and orzo is a marvellous type of pasta that I only discovered about a year ago but really like using. Caramelised chicory adds another dimension to this dish. It’s a winner. Quick to prepare – about half an hour, so perfect for midweek or when you fancy something deliciously simple.
1 tbsp olive oil
500g free-range chicken thighs and drumsticks
1 tsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed
140g chicory, sliced
150g orzo
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Finely grated zest and juice ½ orange
2 tbsp crème fraîche
We have a few more yummy recipes you might like here
6
servings20
minutesAvocado and egg to my mind is a strange combo but gosh it really works as many of you already know I’m sure. Protein-rich this will keep you going for longer. And your tastebuds won’t complain either!
3 large avocado
6 small eggs, separated
3 slices smoked salmon, cut into pieces
finely chopped to make 1 tbsp chives
r a pinch (optional) cayenne peppe
to serve toasted dark rye bread
More tried and tasted recipes can be found here
