Features

This month Lisa de Silva explores what to consider when planning a skiing holiday, along with non-skiing activities to suit all ages and interests... Blending adventure and relaxation amid stunning mountain scenery, a skiing holiday offers so much more than winter sport. While many are motivated by the exhilaration of gliding through the powder, there are plenty of other wonderful winter activities to enjoy for non-skiers. In fact, just soaking up the scenery of majestic snow

Now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Discover heating options, fireplace inspiration, energy-saving advice and environmentally friendly ways to stay warm as autumn approaches... As summer slowly gives way to autumn, there’s a subtle shift in the air. Mornings become crisper, evenings draw in earlier and thoughts naturally turn towards making our homes feel warm, welcoming and comfortable once again. September is the ideal time to prepare y

Soft furnishings are an essential to any successful interior design scheme, providing warmth, cosiness and relaxation. So, what's your style? When the clocks go back and the nights draw in, it’s time to cosy up our homes. To make it comfortably snug doesn’t necessarily mean a huge decoration overhaul, it can be a few updated soft furnishings that make all the difference. The term ‘soft furnishings’ include carpets, curtains, cushions and upholstery fabrics which can totally t

From sumptuous timber and natural stone to tactile carpets and statement patterns, discover how the right flooring can transform a room and is the foundation of luxury... When we think about luxurious interiors, our attention naturally turns to beautiful kitchens, statement lighting, bespoke furniture and carefully chosen accessories. Yet one of the most influential design decisions is quite literally beneath our feet. Flooring provides the foundation for every room, influenc

As the autumn nights draw in, it's the perfect time to cosy up with a new book. Here are some new releases to look out for in October... Drive: A Memoir by Christian Horner For over 20 years Christian Horner built and ran Red Bull Racing, transforming a rookie team acquired for just £1 into one of the leading forces in Formula 1. Inspired by the company’s unofficial motto, ‘No Risk, No Fun’, Horner’s Red Bull rewrote the rulebook, broke longstanding records, won 14 World Cham

Each month Adele Trathan and Sara Whatley look at seven elements of living the life of a natural beauty, helping you to enrich the mind, body and soul in balance and holistic harmony... ESSENTIAL OIL Chamomile Chamomile oil is extracted from the flowers of the chamomile plant and there are two different varieties of chamomile that are generally used: Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis) German chamomile (Matricaria recutita or Chamomilla recutita) The two

From choosing the perfect venue to the finishing touches, here’s how to bring your dream day together without losing sight of what really matters... Planning a wedding is one of those rare occasions when hundreds of little decisions come together to create one very memorable day. From the venue and flowers to the dress, menu, music and photographs, there is plenty to organise – but having a clear plan makes the whole process much more enjoyable. Whether you are dreaming of a

Helping an older parent, relative or friend remain independent doesn’t necessarily mean making major changes. Small adaptations, technology and a little practical support can make everyday life safer, easier and more manageable... For most of us, independence is something we value at every age. Being able to make our own choices, move around our home safely, pop to the shops or simply enjoy a cup of tea in a favourite chair can make a huge difference to confidence and wellbei

Before you go and spend too much money on fashion for the new season, it might be a good idea to look at the clothes in your wardrobe that you already own... Autumn always brings the temptation to go shopping, gathering tops, bottoms, knitwear and all manner of other delightful designs, yet in reality, the most stylish seasonal updates often cost very little. Either you can pick them up by being focused on what you really need or, better still, you might already own them! Her

Short winter days are on the way, but hyacinth and narcissi bulbs can be grown in pots to enjoy indoors. Get planting quickly and some could even be in flower by Christmas, says Flo Whitaker... When buying hyacinth bulbs, you’ll find two distinct types; ‘standard/non-prepared’ and ‘prepared’. Standard hyacinths are primarily used to give an outdoor display in March/April. You can also fill pots of them to bring inside as they commence flowering, but non-prepared types cannot

World Sight Day is this month, so why not treat your eyes, and your tastebuds, to this mouth-watering recipe. Watercress contains many nutrients associated with eye health; it is rich in vitamin A, that contributes to normal eye function, and in vitamin C which may protect against cataracts... Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash 200g/7oz Arborio risotto rice 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 5 shallots, peeled and finely diced 1 tbsp olive oil plus more

Lisa de Silva explores the traditions, history and latest trends in honeymooning, along with providing some inspiration for this significant travel experience... A wonderful way to celebrate the start of married life, honeymoons play an important role in most wedding plans. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, culture or indulgent luxury, it’s a chance to spend precious alone time together, making lifelong memories. The history of the honeymoon Originating in 5th

The Isle of Wight is Britain’s fossil frontier; an internationally important site for palaeontological discoveries both past and present. Hanna Prince dives in to discover more... A Mantellisaurus. If you could travel 125 million years back in time and take a stroll around Cretaceous-era Isle of Wight, you might notice a few differences. For a start, the underlying geology that today makes up the Island was located much further south; around the same latitude as present-day N

As autumn arrives and gardens fill with colourful leaves, resist the urge to clear them all away. They provide food, shelter and vital nutrients for wildlife and soil... There is something magical about kicking through a carpet of autumn leaves. Crunchy, colourful and wonderfully seasonal, they are one of the signs that summer is finally giving way to cooler days. But while grown-ups might see fallen leaves as something to rake up and remove, children can learn that they are

After the excesses of the festive season, Adele Trathan recommends that we start the new year on the right foot by committing to 12 months of consuming less

Sara Whatley kicks off the new Eco Kids column with a look at recycling and some kid-friendly bedroom decluttering ideas

Many people go with a big resolution to start the New Year, which can set us up to fail. However, making a few healthy resolutions that are easily integrated into your lifestyle can be the key to success

Fall in love with your soft furnishings again this winter and make it the season to snuggle up in style

The Isle of Wight Foodbank has been feeding and supporting the community for the last fifteen years, as Sara Whatley found out

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