Category: Features

He’s just announced that his wife Sophie Hunter is expecting their second child, but Benedict Cumberbatch is giving little else away when it comes to his private life – except to say fatherhood has changed it for the better.

Whether it’s warming up with stodgy comfort food, or carb-loading for some extra winter fuel and padding, it’s not unusual for appetites to increase at this time of year. But this can be troublesome for sensitive digestive systems. Even healthy-seeming foods, like broccoli and lentils, can cause havoc if you’re prone to bloating.

Antonio Carluccio’s home is brimming with personal touches, and as he shows me around, it isn’t long before even the most innocuous item prompts a trickle of anecdotes. “Those grapes out there are from a cutting I brought to London 41 years ago,” the 79-year-old declares proudly, gesturing towards a branch heavy with black fruit,… Continue reading Viva Italia – Antonio Carluccio's personal touches

Lap happy – Lifemax FAR Infrared Heated Blanket If you feel the cold, but live with people who resent the central heating being on, this lap blanket could be the answer to those winter chills. Coming in a cosy fake fur material, you plug the blanket into the mains, or even into a car socket,… Continue reading Six of the best: gadgets for adding cosiness

After nine months of expectation, finally having a new bundle of joy is far from plain sailing for many new mums. Exhausted and not at their best physically, new research shows more than two in three (68%) mothers have experienced some form of negative feeling in the first month after the arrival of their new… Continue reading Baby blues and beyond – new mums support

One of the most popular, widely grown grapes, not only does merlot taste delicious on its own, but this juicy, fruity red is blended into some of the world’s greatest wines. Soft, sensuous and richly scented, its spiritual home is Bordeaux where it’s mixed with cabernet sauvignon to refine its full body and texture, and… Continue reading A glass of red – mellow merlot

Kerstin Florian Mineral Wellness Soak Soothing those tired muscles doesn’t have to be a clinical affair. Encourage some luxurious post-workout pampering with this gorgeous magnesium-rich mineral bath soak.

Mirror, mirror – Simplehuman Mini Sensor Mirror Unless your home is flooded by natural daylight or benefits from plenty of electrical help, putting on make-up, plucking or shaving on dark mornings can easily mean nicks and clown-like rosy cheeks. This is where a light-up mirror comes into its own. Fitted with a sensor, this pack-down… Continue reading Six of the best: light up gadgets

Autumn is a glorious season offering plenty of opportunities for garden photography enthusiasts to capture bold-coloured trees, shrubs and fallen leaves. To celebrate the beauty of the outdoors, the RHS is urging budding photographers to brave the cold, venture outside and be inspired by nature to capture beautiful gardens.

“I post pictures every day – lots of people want to know where you are and what you’re doing,” reasons Gennaro Contaldo, pouring his morning coffee with one hand and scrolling through his busy Twitter feed with the other. “I find pleasure when I look on my Instagram, Twitter and Facebook; in a way I’m… Continue reading 'I'll always consider Jamie my boy'