WHAT TO WATCH?
More screen recommendations in case you’re not sure what to watch.. or if you’ve missed some great programmes available to stream.
More screen recommendations in case you’re not sure what to watch.. or if you’ve missed some great programmes available to stream.
Finally got together the other day and had a fun discussion about whether we consider ourselves “old” or “older”… check the video out on instagram. Also includes a great trick with supermarket roses!
We had such a fun day checking out the brand new Spring range for women at the wonderfully large Camberley M&S store. Annabel and I had a delicious cappuccino in the coffee shop before we began our Spring clothes haul – essential as we love our caffeine! Then we set off around the store – our trolleys soon piled high because there was literally so much to choose from and to try on.
Am sure I’m not the only one who is a fan of layering – it makes so much sense with our unreliable British weather. It may officially be Spring but try telling the grey skies and drizzle that!
There is a wealth of neutrals to choose from – neat fitted jackets, wide leg trousers, short blazers (which seem to be very on trend at the moment), easy to wear midi and maxi dresses and an interesting range of shoes, both flat and heeled (including wide fit – sooooo comfortable). These neutrals work together so well but, of course, you could mix them with brighter colours too.
Thankfully, long is still on trend. Why do we love long? Because it is slimming and you can dress it up or down, wear with heels or sneakers. Which means you can rather handily use one outfit for day and night if you’d like to.
We’ve always been advocates of bright colours because they seem to cheer up both wearer and anyone who sees you. I know it’s early days but I’ll be ready when the sun shines again with this co-ord outfit in vivid blue or this heavenly shade of soft orange. The cashmere sweater is available as a V neck or crew neck and is worn here with the best selling ombre print sweatshirt.
Oh the denim! Sorry to wax lyrical but is there really any other place to buy your denim than M&S? They always have a huge choice of well made, quality denim jeans, shirts and dresses. Something for everyone style-wise, various leg lengths, a choice of colours and even some with super comfortable elasticated waists (the latter a guilty pleasure for many of us!).
Our overriding impression of the new Spring range at M&S has to be the endless combinations you can make from just a few key pieces. These days we have to consider both the cost and the provenance of the clothes we buy. So the more outfits you can make, the better, ringing the changes makes absolute sense, both environmentally and financially.
More style and make up tips can be found here
Stainless steel, German design nail clippers. Easier to use due to non-slip handle. Strong and sharp but safe. £8.98
Why do some people swear by regularly taking apple cider vinegar? You may have come across praise for it on social media, so is it hype or actually something you should consider taking?
Apart from making a great salad dressing, limited studies show it may help lower blood sugar levels, reduce bloating, aid weight loss, soothe skin blemishes, help digestion and even boost your immune system.
Apple cider vinegar comes in two types – it’s recommended that you choose one with the ‘mother’ (where the good bacteria has not been filtered out).
Apple cider vinegar is quite acidic and should not be consumed undiluted on a regular basis. Obviously if you have allergies to either pectin or apples, avoid apple cider vinegar. However, for most of us, it’s perfectly safe to drink apple cider vinegar on a daily basis. Speak to your GP if you have specific dietary requirements, are taking medication, have allergies, or any other concerns before taking ACV regularly.
For an invigorating tonic, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cider vinegar with honey in a glass of water and enjoy.
You never know, it may also be good for your waistline…
More about apple cider vinegar can be read here
Eborian CC cream is a lightweight skin perfector, tinted moisturiser and brightening face cream. Korean products seem to work wonders, am not quite sure why, but they have an excellent reputation. Treat yourself and prepare for the compliments to come rolling in.
This little tube of heaven also gives you SPF25 protection. You only need a couple of drops – I use a kabuki brush (which makes the product go further) – and although this lightweight tinted moisturiser is white, it almost instantly blends to your particular skin colour and hydrates your complexion. It may be a small tube but it lasts a long, long time…
Available on Amazon for £17.58 at the time of writing.
Why not have a quick look at some of the other products Annabel and I have tried and tested.
So much to rejoice in this book – The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot – which features two people of very different ages. An emotional rollercoaster from debut author Marianne Cronin. It’s the new and unforgettable Richard & Judy Book Club pick and highly recommended by Annabel too!
Quick heads up on a brilliant make up brush kit from Marks & Spencer. Four great little brushes which are excellent value and quality (as we have come to expect from this brand).
More products that we’ve tried, liked and are happy to recommend to you.
M&S
Ariane Poole and Annabel did a fun, chatty Instagram Live today – all about make up for older women and how to look at any age. There were so many really useful tips so do try and watch the video which is on our Instagram feed.
Annabel swears by Ariane’s ‘looking great at any age’ make up products. Why not have a look at her website and, if you are impressed as much as we are with her range of products, you can obtain 20% off using our exclusive code: FRIENDS20
You can also join Ariane on her regular Instagram Lives every Wednesday at 7pm (UK time).
Products used in the Live video:
Annabel used from @arianepoole.cosmetics
Ariane wore:
To receive 20% Off at Ariane’s website use code FRIENDS20
“There are a lot of ways you can kill someone. I know because I’ve seen most of them at close quarters”
The recently retired High Court Judge, Wendy Joseph, describes in her bestselling book Unlawful Killings, what it is really like adjudicating on life-changing murder cases at the Old Bailey.
Wendy recently stepped down as one of the handful of judges qualified to preside over murder trials at the Old Bailey. And one of the few female ones at that.
For the first time, she can now talk about what it’s really like presiding over and ruling on life-changing cases. Through six extraordinary stories, she explores why we kill, what happens in court and what this teaches us about the society we live in. It’s a page-turner of a book – get your copy here.
If you live in or near London, you may be interested in attending a literary event on Wednesday 21 February when Wendy will be discussing her book, Unlawful Killings at Kent House in London’s Knightsbridge. For more information or to secure your ticket, please visit the website or use the QR code below. Doors will open at 7pm and there will be a chance to meet the author at the book signing after the talk. Tickets are £25 (or £20 when you use our exclusive promo code GRACE2024) and include a complimentary glass of Roebuck Estates vintage fizz.
This is a QR code. Simply hover your mobile phone’s camera in front of it and click on the yellow link that pops up. It will take you to the Kent House Series website where you can read more about the upcoming interview with Wendy Joseph which will be held in Knightsbridge, London on Wednesday 21 February.
Have you checked out our delicious new recipes yet?
Love a nibble before the main course but wanted something other than crisps, peanuts or pretzels. Spotted some ripe figs in the supermarket and decided to use those paired with goat’s cheese (or it is “goat cheese”, I never know!).
30
minutesRipe figs
Goat’s cheese
Runny honey
Toasted hazelnuts
Chervil (or a.n.other herb to decorate – optional)
More tried and tasted recipes can be found here