Home/Women's Lifestyle/Red UK/February 2019/In This Issue
Red UK|February 2019CONTRIBUTORSARIELLE TCHIPROUTOn why it’s okay to play the career long game on page 36. I’LL BE KINDER TO MYSELF THIS YEAR BY… saying ‘no’ more – and not letting anyone make me feel bad about it. I ALWAYS START THE DAY WITH… a yogurt, a Berocca and an unhealthily long scroll through Instagram.COLIENA RENTMEESTERCaptures Jameela Jamil in sunny LA on page 26. I’LL BE KINDER TO MYSELF THIS YEAR BY… taking a longer summer holiday. I ALWAYS START THE DAY WITH… a couple of deep breaths. Despite my New York upbringing, I wake up California style with a few moments of gratitude.POORNA BELLWrites about finding her sense of self in her darkest hour on page 25. I’LL BE KINDER TO MYSELF THIS YEAR BY… reminding myself daily that I can’t…1 min
Red UK|February 2019INTO THE BLUESMART ACTRethink denim for your workwear (yes, really). Just ensure cuts are clean and shades are more indigo than sky blue – pair with tailored separates.DRESSED UPAdopt some embellishment or try a wide-leg coloured jean – just be sure to add fun textures and accessories.RETRO REVOLUTIONColoured denim takes on a grown-up feel with vintage shapes and clashing prints.OH-SO PRETTYRuffles, scallop hems and light washes give denim a feminine update. Perfect for pairing with sugary pastel shades.COMPILED BY: ALISHA MOTION AND GABRIELLA MINCHELLA. PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON LLOYD EVANS, IMAXTREE.COM, REX FEATURES, GETTY, LUCKY IF SHARP…2 min
Red UK|February 2019On the Road‘I WASN’T BEING HONEST. I WAS BEING WHO PEOPLE WANTED ME TO BE’Jameela Jamil might be the only person who didn’t move to LA to become an actor. Instead, she says the driving force was simply ‘to kind of start again, because I’d really just f*cked up my 20s’.That may sound hard to believe, seeing as she’s now the breakout star of NBC’s hit The Good Place (the bizarre but brilliant sitcom about the afterlife, co-starring Ted Danson and Kristen Bell), but also because the Jamil most of us know is the wisecracking, utterly striking T4 presenter and then Radio 1 chart show host, who has always been successful, beautiful and winning at life.But, of course, it’s never how it looks from the outside. ‘I was a mess in my…12 min
Red UK|February 2019Life according to Adrian LesterWhen Adrian Lester calls me on a wet, wintry afternoon, I expect him to have this big, booming Shakespearean voice. In reality, he greets me with a softly spoken Midlands drawl (he grew up in Birmingham) mixed with a south-east London twang (which is where he lives now).‘My voice does change quite a bit,’ he admits, laughing when I tell him I’m surprised. ‘Losing an accent I’ve learnt for a part can take a while. It’s basically muscle memory – if you spend six months on stage playing an American like I have [in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof], that’s going to hang around. My wife often says to me after a job, “I’m glad he’s finally gone.” You don’t lose yourself in a role, but that person does…7 min
Red UK|February 2019HOW I GOT HEREAbimbola Johnson, 31, grew up in north London and graduated from Oxford with a 2:1 in law in 2009. She now practises as a criminal defence barrister at Londonbased chambers, 25 Bedford Row.I ALWAYS KNEW I WANTED TO BE A BARRISTER. I’m British Nigerian and grew up in a family where almost all the adults had law degrees, so it was on my radar. I’ve always been outspoken and driven, so my personality suited the industry. I took A levels in history, economics and philosophy of religion at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls, going on to read law at Oxford.AT ONE STAGE, I WAS ATTRACTED TO CORPORATE LAW, UNTIL A NETWORKING DINNER CONFIRMED MY CAREER PATH. I got chatting to a criminal barrister and we were getting on well, so…3 min
Red UK|February 2019COVER STARSMagazine covers have the power to encapsulate moments in time on a single page – often with a resonance that reverberates for decades. Who could forget Caitlyn Jenner introducing herself on the cover of Vanity Fair, or the pioneering work of the National Geographic with its iconic portrait of Afghan girl Sharbat Gula? Uncovered is a new book that collates the glossies’ most compelling covers, and reveals the stories that shaped them. Uncovered: Revolutionary Magazine Covers by Ian Birch (Cassell, out now)…1 min
Red UK|February 2019Your Culture FixTVCATASTROPHEWe left Rob Delaney’s character Rob bloodied after crashing his car while drunk at the end of season three, and now we, not to mention his wife, Sharon (played by Sharon Horgan), await his fate. Carrie Fisher, who played Rob’s mother, will be dearly missed in series four, but Julie Hesmondhalgh and Chris Noth join the cast as guests as we canter through the couple’s ups and downs. According to Horgan, this season focuses on the reality of sex in long-term relationships.Airs this month on Channel 4THEATREWHEN WE HAVE SUFFICIENTLY TORTURED EACH OTHER, NATIONAL THEATRE, LONDONSix characters enact a dangerous game of sexual domination and resistance in this new play. Tantalisingly, the cast includes Hollywood royalty in Cate Blanchett, who makes her National Theatre debut, and Stephen Dillane, of The…2 min
Red UK|February 2019THE RED SPA GUIDE 2019When is a holiday more than a holiday? When you come home with chakras balanced, energies aligned and can file it under ‘transformational travel’ – just one of the wellness trends we’ve identified in this year’s spa report. If crystal healing leaves you stone cold, there are programmes to help manage anxiety or balance your hormones in state-of-the-art medi-spas. If you’d rather connect with something outside of yourself, there are retreats that harness the healing power of the trees, or even invite you to bring the kids. All that, plus what to take with you when you go. Just tell them Red sent you.…1 min
Red UK|February 2019THE FAMILY WAYSCHLOSS ELMAUBAVARIA, GERMANY‘Ahhh,” shouts my two-year-old, Kit, as he splashes water across the spa pool. I flinch, waiting for the hard stares, but there are none. This is a spa with a difference, where children are not just welcome but positively encouraged – even the noisiest and splashiest.Schloss Elmau sits in a beautiful valley surrounded by white-capped mountains and Sound Of Music-esque meadows. It’s won numerous awards and even hosted a G7 summit. The stunning scenery is as far from grey and grimy London as you could get. And after months of rushing through the nursery run/commute/work/bedtime routine, my partner, Essie, and I are ripe for a rest.Our suite is grand but comfy, with plenty of space for Kit to run around – every morning we fling the curtains open…6 min
Red UK|February 2019HOLIDAYS THAT HEALINTO THE LIGHTEUPHORIA RETREAT, GREECE‘Surrounded by lemon groves on the Peloponnese peninsula, Euphoria has a Zen-like feel. Its owner, Marina Efraimoglou, underwent a spiritual transformation to get here, overcoming cancer and career burnout to train in Chinese medicine, then teaching at retreats around the world. There are detoxes and nutritional analysis, yoga and personal development workshops… I’m all for healing but after the fallout of breast cancer and the death of my dad, it’s going to take something special to help me catch my emotional breath.The four floors of Euphoria’s tranquil spa are connected by a spiral staircase. As suggested by Marina, I imagine climbing towards relaxation and letting go of feelings that no longer serve me on the way down – although there are no negative emotions, she adds,…3 min
Red UK|February 2019SKIN DEEPYour skin tells a story. For some of us, it’s a thriller, whose every unpredictable twist can bring a fresh bout of angst. For others, it’s a fairy tale, even belying a lifetime of late nights, sunbathing and questionable food choices. But whatever your skin story, the standard MO has always been to smooth, improve and conceal with make-up, or perhaps strategic clothing. Until now. A new trend for ‘skin positivity’ involves showing those skin conditions; revealing our scars – and in doing so, it’s asking us to recalibrate our attitudes towards ‘beautiful skin’.As a beauty editor, I like to think skin positivity has always been one of the pillars of my approach. I’ve banned words like ‘flaws’. I’ve tried to suggest that wrinkles are a positive, too, because they…5 min
Red UK|February 2019the BEAUTY influencerCLEAN AND SERENEWhen we renovated our flat a couple of years ago, we lost the bath tub and installed a smart, eco-minded walk-in shower instead. And I don’t regret it, apart from in the bleakest months (February, I’m looking at you), when a long soak is the answer to just about everything. It does mean I am missing out on wallowing in Goop’s serenity-inducing Nurse! Under The Weather Bath Soak, £30, though. Loaded with mustard powder, manuka and eucalyptus, it’s ‘the best bath I ever had’, according to Red’s senior beauty editor Alex, who maintains it stops a hangover in its tracks, too. Still, I am collecting a wonderful array of shower products. Current crush is Huile De Savon in La Rose de Damas, £48, from cult brand Officine Universelle…2 min
Red UK|February 2019RE-ENERGISE AT EPIC SANA AlgarveNowhere does wellness like EPIC SANA. Nestled within a pine forest on the Algarve’s glittering coast, this retreat offers something special. Overlooking the golden sands of Falésia beach, the contemporarystyle buildings stretch out through the manicured gardens, with the five-star fitness facilities dotted in between. From the outdoor tennis and volleyball courts, to the seven swimming pools, there’s no danger of getting bored.It’s a recipe for relaxation, too, with the state-of-the-art Sayanna Wellness Spa, which runs a dedicated programme of activities, including yoga and Pilates. With Red’s exclusive offer, we hope you’ll come home feeling fitter, younger and more fulfilled. Work up a sweat with a fitness evaluation and training session, before letting go of all your stress during three sumptuous treatments. Plus, you’ll have round-the-clock access to everything else…2 min
Red UK|February 2019TREAT YOUR MIND AND BODY AT Absolute SanctuaryIf you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine, nourishing food and a lesson in wellbeing, Absolute Sanctuary on Thailand’s Koh Samui island is for you. It’s one of the country’s most famous wellness retreats, with yoga spaces, a cabana-flanked pool and a peaceful spa. Some visit for the health programmes, from weight management, to detoxes, while others simply enjoy the easy-going vibe and fitness facilities. Red is thrilled to offer readers a seven-night break at this luxury retreat, including unlimited yoga classes run by the hotel’s fabulous experts. Plus, with half-board accommodation, you’ll dine on balanced, flavoursome Asianfusion dishes at the Love Kitchen restaurant – ensuring you stay on track while on holiday.OUR TRAVEL PARTNERSTripsmiths partners with leading tour operators and select media brands to deliver exclusive travel experiences.Healing Holidays is an…2 min
Red UK|February 2019WINTER WarmersBeetroot soupReplace the beef stock with vegetable bouillon to make this soup vegetarian.Serves 6Preparation time: 30 minutesCooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes• 2tbsp rapeseed oil• 1 medium onion, chopped• 1 leek, sliced• 1 carrot, chopped• 1 celery stick, chopped• 450g raw beetroot, peeled and diced• 1 large potato, roughly chopped• 1tbsp tomato purée• 1.4 litres hot beef stock• 2tbsp red wine vinegar• 150ml soured cream1 Heat the oil in a large, deep pan and gently fry the onion, leek, carrot and celery with a large pinch of salt for about 20min until softened.2 Stir in the beetroot, potato and tomato purée. Cook for 1min. Pour in the stock and vinegar, and season well. Bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for 45min-1hr until the beetroot is tender. Leave to…5 min
Red UK|February 2019BRILLIANT BITESCreamy and versatile, The Laughing Cow® can take a savoury snack or a dreamy treat to the next level, and it’s a good source of calcium and protein, too. Whether you go for triangles, quick dips or convenient tubs, try The Laughing Cow for a satisfying, healthier way to curb your hunger. These pesto and walnut rolls, made with tasty Blue Cheese Triangles, are full of flavour and take only minutes to make. From an afternoon nibble to a light lunch, party canapes to a post-gym pick-me-up, snack like you with The Laughing Cow.PESTO AND WALNUT ROLLSServes 4• 1 wholemeal tortilla• 4 x The Laughing Cow Light Blue Cheese Triangles• 40g pesto sauce• 40g walnuts, roughly chopped1 Warm the tortilla according to pack instructions.2 Spread The Laughing Cow Light Blue…1 min
Red UK|February 2019DIY REGRETS… We’ve had a fewPIP MCCORMAC, RED ’S CONTRIBUTING EDITOR‘Yes, velvet sofas are more on trend than Veganuary right now, and my one might have looked smart for this photo (right). But what you don’t see is me with my handheld vacuum every five minutes, trying to get rid of cat hair, fluff, and the dust that comes from living a life. Velvet is a magnet for these things, and looks shabby almost immediately. I wish I’d chosen a nice, easy-to-care-for linen fabric instead.’PANDORA SYKES, JOURNALIST AND CO-HOST OF THE PODCAST THE HIGH LOW‘I wish I had known that I didn’t need to decorate the entire thing in two months (above). I think I was turbo-nesting because we moved when I was seven months pregnant – and I almost expired! That said, it was…7 min
Red UK|February 2019WEDDING BELLESClever guest books and memory keepers, faux foliage and cake accessories, beautiful stationery and place cards, unique wedding favours and romantic decorations… It’s these little details that make your big day one you’ll remember for many years to come.Whether you’re keen to craft something that reflects your personality or looking for ready-made pieces, there are plenty of ideas to delight and inspire at Hobbycraft. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised to find excellent value for money.Discover your perfect match in store or online at hobbycraft.co.uk.…1 min
Red UK|February 2019TEN TO ZENYou might be thinking, who’s got a spare 10 minutes in the morning? I barely have time to shower and wolf a bowl of muesli. But mental health expert and therapist Owen O’Kane created this workout – a short mind-clearing exercise – to fit into the busiest life, and bring clarity and perspective.MINUTE 1 Stop!Commit to a time and find a comfortable space. Next, check in. Ask yourself how you’re doing. Whatever emotions come up, acknowledge and accept them. Don’t try to change or get rid of the feelings.MINS 2 AND 3 CalmThe second and third minutes are about calming your mind using three stages: visualisation, language, and tapping – a calming technique. First, imagine a place that represents peace, such as a beach, mountain or lake. Choose a word…3 min
Red UK|February 2019Ask PhilippaQ My husband and I divorced when our daughter was three, but we have an amicable relationship and are still very close when it comes to her upbringing. She is now 14 and spends her time equally between us. I have a partner of four years and we have a two-year-old son, and recently my daughter has said that she would prefer to spend more time with us. She tells me it’s because she finds it disruptive travelling between homes, and there have been issues with her dad introducing her to a stream of short-term girlfriends and their children over the years, which I think she’s found unsettling. I’ve mooted the idea with him of her spending more time in one home and he’s accepted that it’s inevitable as she…3 min
Red UK|February 2019STARSStar of the month AQUARIUS20th Jan-18th FebThe new moon in your sign this month is excellent news for Aquarians who are ready to start all over again (again!). Spend some time on 5th February writing a list of your top 10 goals for the year. They can manifest!PISCES19th Feb-20th MarThere could be some dramas around money this month. Don’t start a big argument and, if someone else is picking a fight about cash, back down unless you’re prepared for it to get heated. It’s very easy for upsets at work, too – don’t say too much. But things with friends look peaceful.ARIES21st Mar-19th AprExpect the unexpected as shocking planet Uranus completes its tour of duty in your sign between now and May. If you have a bad temper, own up…3 min
Red UK|February 2019MY LIST OF EVERYTHINGMY CAN’T-MISS PODCAST IS… The High Low with Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes. I feel in touch with the world and culture again after listening to it.THE CANDLE I LOVE TO LIGHT IS… Diptyque Tubéreuse or Le Labo Laurier 62.MY SIGNATURE LIPSTICK IS… MAC’s Matte Taupe for every day with Spice lip pencil, or, for a night-out red, the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment in Under My Thumb.MY FAVOURITE INDEPENDENT SHOP IS… Hub in Stoke Newington. There’s always something dreamy in there.MY FOODIE WEAKNESS IS… a tasting menu if I’m being a proper foodie, or cream on ice cream if I’m feeling sorry for myself.MY MORNING COFFEE SHOP IS… Esters in Stoke Newington – the best neighbourhood spot.ON TOAST, I LOVE TO SPREAD… butter and Marmite or some peanut butter and…2 min
Red UK|February 2019YOU ARE ENOUGHThese are the things a magazine usually tells you to do at the beginning of a new year: diet, exercise more, make resolutions, get a new job, spend less money, start a journal, be a better friend/wife/mother. You will not find any of these in this issue of Red. Why? Because even thinking about those diktats makes me tense. And because I am fed up with us feeling like we are somehow still not good enough. We used to have a mission statement here at Red, which was, ‘Be a better you’. But this year, I want it to be, ‘Just be you’. We already lead full-on lives, spinning so many plates and having too much on our to-do lists. So, wouldn’t it be nice if, in 2019, we slowed…2 min
Red UK|February 2019STYLE INSIDER Savah RustsonSarah Rutson is making waves in the fashion world. Big ones. With over 20 years’ experience in discovering cool brands and turning them into cult buys at the likes of Net-a-Porter, Rutson has now been charged with transforming the demi-luxe fashion world, designing for labels Joie, Equipment, and Current/Elliott. Luckily, their easy, understated and perennially cool pieces already tap into the way we – and she – like to dress. ‘I love clothes that have a chameleon-like quality and work really hard,’ Rutson reveals. ‘I start the season by choosing the backbone items to my wardrobe – then add the fun bits later. I do the same when picking bags, shoes and accessories – there’s nothing more limiting than having items that are for specific outfits.’ We asked Rutson to…2 min
Red UK|February 2019WHY I GAVE UP PLAYING IT COOLI am not cool. Sure, once in a blue moon I might do some ‘cool’ things: go backstage at a gig or stay up past 11pm. But underneath, I’m still an overly enthusiastic kid from the suburbs with no idea of how to ‘play it cool’. I just can’t do it. I’ve always been too bloody excited by people, too eager and willing to please every new person in my life. I vividly remember sitting on my mum’s bed and using the house landline to call a boy I had just started ‘seeing’. I knew the unspoken rulebook meant that I probably shouldn’t be calling on day one of our relationship, but I just couldn’t contain the need and desire to connect in some way. Of course, a monosyllabic and…3 min
Red UK|February 2019HOW TO PLAY THE CAREER LONG GAME‘BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, BE PASSIONATE AND BE BRAVE’NICKY GRIFFIN, 59 became a model aged 53Whether it’s buying your first house or getting married, life is full of imaginary deadlines we rush to meet. And careers are no different: there’s a prevailing idea that we need to reach the top of the ladder as young as possible, otherwise the chance will pass us by. This is, of course, a myth – but it’s easy to get wrapped up in the urgency of it all. ‘Women feel this sense of urgency more intensely because we’ve been taught to believe we have to meet our ambitions before having children,’ says Fiona Murden, psychologist and author of Defining You. ‘But there’s also the modern pressure of seeing everyone’s achievements plastered over social media, so…7 min
Red UK|February 2019TURN ON THE CHARMWe all know someone who exudes charisma, whether it’s a devotioninducing yoga teacher, George Clooney, or that charming colleague who has the whole boardroom eating out the palm of their PowerPoint. For the Ancient Greeks, charisma meant ‘the gift of grace’, and we still think of it as an innate and elusive quality that you’re either born with, or you’re not. However, psychotherapist and ‘charisma coach’ Richard Reid believes it is a trainable skill that can – and should – be learnt if we want to succeed.‘When we talk about someone having charisma, it’s often people who draw us in by making us feel positive and at ease,’ says Reid. ‘But it’s also about having a very strong, consistent identity. Charismatic people don’t change to fit in.’ People discuss those…6 min
Red UK|February 2019This woman made the world better for the rest of usWith the exceptions of Dredd and Judy, judges don’t tend to become internationally revered pop culture icons (and – spoiler alert – Dredd and Judy aren’t actual judges. Sorry about that). Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the glorious 85-year-old exception. Only the second woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court, and the first Jewish woman, she is a regular character on Saturday Night Live, played by Kate McKinnon (Ghostbusters) as a cheeky, indefatigable badass with awesome dance moves. When Ginsburg’s personal trainer, Bryant Johnson, published a book earlier this year describing her exercise regime, one newspaper suggested it should be called The Workout That’s Keeping America Safe, and that did not feel like hyperbole (Johnson opted for the slightly more commercial The RBG Workout: How She Stays…5 min
Red UK|February 2019The books we can’t wait to read…City Of Girlsby Elizabeth Gilbert (Bloomsbury, out 4th June)‘For years, I have wanted to write a novel about women who have lots of sex, and who like it, and whose lives aren’t destroyed by it,’ says Eat Pray Love author Gilbert. This is that book, set across the glittering fabric of a lost New York.You Know You Want This: Cat Person And Other Storiesby Kristen Roupenian (Jonathan Cape, out 7th February)Roupenian’s short story Cat Person received an incredible 2.6m hits on The New Yorker’s website in 2017, and a book deal inevitably followed. Her collection of stories about good, bad and ugly sex nods to classic horror (yes, really!).The Confessions Of Frannie Langtonby Sara Collins (Viking, out 4th April)Crowds gather at the Old Bailey to see Frannie Langton go on…4 min
Red UK|February 2019LA WOMANDouble bowsIt’s going to be a very pretty season as ribbons and bows adorn everything from necklines to waistbands – and even the tops of your shoes. Add extra flourish with Gucci’s gorgeous sherbet lemon puss* bow blouse and quilted pink bed jacket.The modern miniHemlines are going short, short, short – but don’t be scared. Embrace the flirty new length by choosing a more wearable A-line silhouette, and pair with geeky loafers to keep the vibe more cool than cute, or knee-high boots if you want more coverage.Pink perfectionIs it a dress? Is it a jacket? One thing’s for sure: while Chanel’s tweed babydoll and matching beret look sweet enough to eat, they also sum up the entire mood of the season: think pink. We’re using it as the perfect…2 min
Red UK|February 2019THE ENCHANTED FORESTTREEHOUSE CHICSAN LUIS, SOUTH TYROL, ITALY‘Nature liberates. It clears the mind; there are no boundaries. San Luis is like that. Set in 40 hectares of pine forest, with the blue mountaintops floating above, the lines between what’s inside and what’s out are often blurred.Hot tub? Sunk into a jetty floating on a shining lake – you’re flush with the wild water as you soak. Pool? Built half in, half out of the airy spa “barn”, so you can swim from the hearth-lit warmth inside to the pine-scented open air.As for the bedrooms, San Luis was given planning permission on the promise that it would chime with its environment, so suites are plush chalets surrounding the lake, and the treehouses are built from “moon wood” – locally and sustainably harvested during…6 min
Red UK|February 2019CITY WELLNESSGAZELLI HOUSE, SOUTH KENSINGTON(gazelli.com)In a clinic filled with objets d’art from around the world, Gazelli’s sympathetic staff create bespoke healing programmes, including habit coaching, nutritional guidance, massage and reiki. Enjoy a jasmine tea in the glass-ceilinged tea room and feel put-back-together again.From £75 for a facialBAMFORD HAYBARN, BROMPTON CROSS(bamford.com)Bamford brings its Cotswold aesthetic (modern Med meets Scandi cool) to stressed urbanites over three floors of calm. ‘Move, breathe, heal’ is the manifesto, so there are skilful treatments, yoga and breathing techniques on offer, plus a careful edit of homewares.From £70 for a 30-minute facialA PLACE TO HEAL BY ARRIGO, HOLLAND PARK(aplacetoheal.co.uk)You’ll find healing bodywork, and talking therapies here, but this two-room haven stands out as a hub for overthinkers, dreamers and searchers via workshops, music and meditation, and ‘Red Tent’…1 min
Red UK|February 2019Refreshed and restored‘Balneum’s proven ingredients give expert relief, so you can find balance in your everyday life’When it comes to making memories with the people we love most, nothing should hold us back. We want to walk tall, feel refreshed and rejoice. Most of us want to banish dry and itchy skin.Balneum’s Dry Skin and Itch Relief Cream is dermatologically proven to soothe skin in less than five minutes*. Its active ingredients offer moisturising power, while boosting, balancing and restoring your skin’s natural oils to give dry and damaged skin an extra helping hand.The Balneum Cosmetics range has been carefully developed for all skin types, including skin prone to eczema or psoriasis. It offers a complete line of skincare products to provide expert relief from dry, itchy skin. Tested by dermatological experts,…1 min
Red UK|February 2019REST AND RESET AT Sani Beach HotelIf you love a sun-soaked beachfront break, Sani Beach ticks all the boxes. Nestling in a bay on the Kassandra Peninsula, the hotel offers a slice of Mediterranean luxury, with its cutting-edge design, palm-fringed pools and immaculate beaches. But it doesn’t stop there – the hotel is perched on a glamorous 1,000-acre estate that’s also home to five other Sani hotels – and all facilities are at guests’ disposal. The state-of-the-art sports centre has clay tennis courts, watersports and an exhaustive list of free activities, such as yoga.Sani Beach Resort also boasts a lovely spa, where guests can take a dip in the freshwater infinity pool, or kick back in the Jacuzzi. So if you’ve got energy to burn or muscles to relax, Sani won’t disappoint.OUR TRAVEL PARTNERSTripsmiths partners with…2 min
Red UK|February 201948 hours in… THE LAKE DISTRICT… IN A FIAT 500X CROSS PLUSGETTING THEREThough we’re destined for the country, my journey northwards starts in London’s urban hinterlands, where I’m grateful for an SUV compact enough to make light work of the city. I’m a fan of the Fiat 500’s distinctive design, but the 500X is a step up in style and substance; it’s roomy enough for the 4.5 hour journey, but nimble enough to nip around the narrowing lanes of the Lakes. The 7in touchscreen wirelessly connects to my iPhone, which makes playing podcasts a dream. Plus, as superficial as it sounds, the rather esoterically-named ‘Techno Green’ hue (a lovely, foresty shade) looked picturesque against the dramatic emerald landscape.WHERE TO STAYBrimstone Hotel is beyond your average bolthole. There’s no check-in desk (iPad-clad ‘hosts’ handle everything) and the rooms are decorated with a…2 min
Red UK|February 2019the LIVING influencerGOOD MORNINGMy favourite life-affirming winter treat is a breakfast spent quietly at the table, cashmere socks on and a second pot of coffee brewing. That mood can be created whether you have the time for it or not – Feldspar’s fine bone china is calmingly understated, while the pretty prints on Timorous Beasties’ new crockery (right) are as uplifting as the caffeine you’ll drink from them.MEET YOUR MATCHAs an aficionado of reed diffusers (they make your house smell like a spa!), I was excited to discover Blank Factory’s equally joyful scented matches. Subtly emanating their spiced, woody and fruity aroma when in the box, they come alive when you light them – a moment of intense incense as bright as the flame as itself.CUPBOARD HEROMy new favourite vegan restaurant Genesis,…1 min
Red UK|February 2019FRESH StartSIMPLE PERFECTION• Not every day can begin with a sit-down meal – more’s the pity – but the mood of a languorous breakfast can be created anyway. Drink your coffee in a handmade mug as a reminder of the joy in the perfectly imperfect.• Keep the colour palette simple. Pale woods and softly off-white china are a calming backdrop against which to gather your thoughts.• Foliage is understated and elegant, but no less beautiful than a bunch of blooms. Stand a single frond in a simple glass tumbler or vase and tranquillity is restored.…1 min
Red UK|February 2019THE YEAR OF YOUWhat if, this year, instead of trying to be a ‘better’ you, with all the resolutions and strict regimes that goal entails, you were just, well, you. And instead of finding a way to be thinner, or more self-controlled, you were just kinder to yourself? With this in mind, we have curated the following 14-page section to show you how to flip the switch to a happier, calmer, more satisfying life by practising self-compassion. It’s a mind technique proven to be fantastic for both mental and physical health, as well as relationships (page 156). In a kinder world, you’d feed your body the food it loves – not the food you imagine it needs – by eating intuitively (page 160). You’d also find a way to exercise that makes you…1 min
Red UK|February 201910 PRINCIPLES OF INTUITIVE EATING1 DITCH THE DIETS‘How much time do you spend thinking about what to eat, when to eat or how much to eat?’ asks Thomas. If you have any off-limit foods, cheat days, meal plans or rules about counting and tracking… it’s a diet. And when diets fail, they have side-effects – bingeing, slowed metabolism, loss of muscle mass, rebound weight gain, food obsession, disordered eating, shame, guilt and anxiety. Diets can also cause loss of your innate hunger and fullness cues, which brings us on to Principle 2… Exercise: write a list of what has happened when you’ve dieted. Use two headlines: ‘expectation’ and ‘reality’. An expectation might be: will be very good and follow diet to a T. Reality: felt deprived and overate ‘bad’ foods.2 RECOGNISE YOUR HUNGER CUES‘People…5 min
Red UK|February 2019SAY IT, WRITE IT, SHARE IT.SPECIAL MOMENTSWhen our December issue hit the shelves, we received some heartwarming letters from longstanding readers. One of them was Emma Molineaux-Inglis, who attached a picture of her Red Christmas issue collection.She wrote, ‘As an avid reader of many years, I eagerly look forward to your Christmas issue. I keep these copies and they become my winter go-to, because no matter what is fashionable you always show timeless style and elegance which transcends the decades.‘From my first Nigella copy in 2008 to this month’s spectacular edition, I am never disappointed. I know that I have a reliable source to guide me through what can become the festive food, drink, beauty, fashion and wellbeing minefield! You have guided me through cooking my first adult Christmas dinner and given me the confidence…3 min
Red UK|February 2019the FASHION influencerTHE ART OF LAYERINGInvest in a layering shirt if you want to fast track tired winter tops straight into spring. These super-fine cotton shirts – available in white, cream or blush – sit smoothly under fitted skinny-rib sweaters and add an embellished collar or cuffs for a flourish of romance.CONCH COLLECTIONAs the girls walked down the runways at Etro and Sportmax, with shell earrings swinging beneath sleek bobbed hair, a new obsession was born. I’m hooked and heading to new German jewellery brand Wald Berlin to embellish my ears with a selection of stylish metallic seashells complete with pearls and cool conches.A DATE WITH DIORI’m making sure I get ahead of the scrum and booking my tickets to the largest ever Dior exhibition to come to the UK. Christian Dior:…1 min
Red UK|February 2019It’s going to BE OKAYI’VE ALWAYS THOUGHT OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY LIKE THE SWIRLING ARMS OF A GALAXY, HOLDING ME TIGHTLY AT THE CENTRE. My parents were there when I found out I had a hole in the heart, my friends consoled me while my selfesteem was disassembling because of boy problems, and my sister has been at the end of panicked calls about my career. I assumed that whatever tough things life threw at me, the solutions would be found in the strength of others. But then life threw something unimaginable at me, and I was forced to realise that when something huge tears your sense of self asunder, the only person who can piece it back together is you.It happened in 2015, when my husband Rob passed away while staying with…3 min
Red UK|February 2019When childless isn’t a choiceSometimes in life, we all have to get used to things that aren’t exactly what we would choose. When I was growing up, I had to accept that I wouldn’t have the brother or sister I wanted. Childish longings followed by mature realisations on a multitude of issues were about coming to terms with my world.Yet I never imagined that I would have to accept that my life would be a childless one. When I met my husband, Alan, we agreed early on that there would be children, probably two. But, in retrospect, I wasn’t a good bet. By 35, I’d had severe endometriosis for almost a decade. I had four lots of surgery before we finally knew that we would never be able to have a biological child of…6 min
Red UK|February 2019DRAMA QUEENwhen Josie Rourke was seven years old, she read in a book of Norse mythology that Vikings were buried with their ships. Instead of brushing over this titbit, she convinced every pupil in her infant school that a hill in their playing field contained one such ship. Come lunch hour, 70 kids were digging on the mound. Rourke got in trouble for her prank, but retells the anecdote with glee. ‘They believed me, even though we were 70 miles inland! I think I was just excited by cajoling people into doing stuff.’I meet Rourke, 42 – now a celebrated director – on a drizzly day in the lounge of a mock-grandiose Kensington hotel where she’s spent the morning being photographed for Red. It’s clear she still enjoys the cajoling, only…9 min
Red UK|February 2019Will you miss out on PENSION MONEY?Motherhood is like a permanent admin battle, so you’d be forgiven for not adding an application for Child Benefit to your already towering paperwork mountain.But not registering for Child Benefit has a bigger impact on your finances than you might think. While it used to be open to anyone, since 2013 – following a change to the law – this benefit depends on household income and anyone above a set threshold is required to complete a tax return. If a parent is earning more than £60,000, they will face a tax bill – known as the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge – equal to the amount of Child Benefit the family is receiving, essentially cancelling out the benefit.For those earning between £50,000 and £60,000, a portion (1% for every…5 min
Red UK|February 2019i♥ coco1 min
Red UK|February 2019ELSEWHERE IN THE UKCHEWTON GLEN, HAMPSHIREBook a Treehouse Suite with outdoor hot tub, or try the Cedar Retreat, which includes a guided woodland walk and two spa treatments using Oskia skincare.(Treehouse Suite, from £950; Cedar Retreat, from £355pp; chewtonglen.com) Alternatively, go to page 109 to see Red’s exclusive break at Chewton GlenFOREST SPA, HEREFORDSHIRECome spring, yoga sessions and massage treatments in this day spa take place in geodomes under the trees. Meditate in nature, sweat it out in a wood-fired sauna or learn to forage. (From £75pp for a half-day and £97 for a full-day package; forestspa.co.uk)AQUA SANA, SHERWOOD FORESTHot tubs under the forest-view relaxation terrace, treetop sauna, steam rooms and meditation spaces all intended to bring the healing powers of the outside in – and you thought Center Parcs was for kids?…1 min
Red UK|February 2019IN THE KNOWSo many creams, so many trends – it’s hard to know which will work best. No wonder the spotlight these days is on ingredients with clinically proven results. If you’ve found a cream you love, you might also have discovered one of skincare’s best-kept secrets: Argireline. Created after more than 10 years of research by skin scientists at world-leading Lipotec Active Ingredients in Barcelona, it was the first cosmetic super-peptide proven to act on expression lines – no needles needed. It’s been the star ingredient in hundreds of best-loved creams and serums for almost 20 years. Join the skintelligentsia and check it’s in yours. You’ll find it listed as acetyl hexapeptide-8 on the INCI (package) list.‘Argireline was the first super-peptide to act on expression lines – no needles needed’ACTION ON…2 min
Red UK|February 2019THE RED CHEAT SHEET Hair OilWHAT IS IT?Meet your new (old) best friend: natural oils from nuts and seeds – such as almond, coconut and sesame – have been used in Ayurvedic haircare for thousands of years as a conditioner and to promote growth and scalp health. And we’re still using them now, along with plant and flower oils, albeit often doctored by trichology technology or blended with synthetics, such as silicone, to make them lighter, so they won’t weigh down even the finest hair.WHAT DOES IT DO?Any good oil should smooth frizz, provide a glossy finish and lubricate the outer hair shaft, but if you want seriously restorative properties, look to the natural ingredients, says David Felstead, director of Daniel Galvin Hair And Scalp Clinic. ‘Nut and plant oils are high in vitamins A,…2 min
Red UK|February 2019LUXURY SPA STAY AT Chewton GlenOccupying a glorious spot just outside the New Forest, Chewton Glen is the ideal countryside retreat. The ivy-clad manor house, with green shutters on the windows overlooking a perfectly manicured croquet lawn, paints a traditional picture. From the tennis courts and golf course, to the archery equipment, its five-star credentials are well deserved.The real star of the show is Chewton Glen’s awardwinning spa, boasting Europe’s largest hydrotherapy pool, a range of aromatherapy and heated outdoor hot tub, crystal steam rooms and a host of other relaxation-inducing features. Red is delighted to offer readers an overnight break at this fabulous country house hotel, including use of the spa. Plus, enjoy a relaxing massage or facial by one of its expert technicians. After an indulgent Christmas period, what better way to kickstart…1 min
Red UK|February 2019LIVE THE SEASONIn the depths of winter, it can sometimes be hard to find the feelgood. Chilly mornings, dark evenings and a desire to hibernate don’t always feed the soul. But instead of fighting these urges, embrace them. Fill your kitchen with the colours and scents of a seasonal harvest – from the pomegranate’s red jewels to purple radicchio leaves to earthy green kale – and use them to create warming stews, salads and soups, like the ones on the following pages. And if you’re still in need of a morning mood-booster, the delicious breakfast recipes on page 132 are guaranteed to brighten your day, too.…1 min
Red UK|February 2019GET the lookBATHROOMThe Venetian mirrors were found on eBay and the brass door handles are from BHV. Find vintage-style brass taps at Victorian Plumbing, and antique French signs at notonthehighstreet.com.…1 min
Red UK|February 2019GOOD morningBLUEBERRY PANCAKESYou can serve these with crispy bacon, if you prefer.Makes about 16Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus restingCooking time: about 15 minutes• 150g plain flour• 1tsp baking powder• 75g caster sugar• 1 large egg• 150ml milk• 250g blueberries• 25g butter• 4tsp oil•Maple syrup, to serve• Icing sugar, to dust1 Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar. In a jug, beat together the egg and milk. Make a well in the flour and gradually pour in the egg mixture, slowly incorporating the flour into the middle; stir until smooth. Fold through 150g of the blueberries. If you have time, put in the fridge for 30min to rest.2 Add 1 heaped tsp butter and 1tsp oil to a frying pan set over a medium-high heat.…6 min
Red UK|February 2019A PIECE of cakeSTICKY ORANGE AND PISTACHIO CAKEThis wonderfully moist, gluten-free cake has bitter flavours reminiscent of marmalade.Serves: 12-14Preparation time: 30 minutes, plus coolingCooking time: about 3 hours 15 minutes• 2 medium oranges (about 400g)• Oil, to grease• 200g pistachio kernels, plus extra to decorate• 175g caster sugar, plus 1tbsp• 6 large eggs• 50g clear honey• 100g coarse polenta• 1tsp gluten-free baking powderFor the topping• 100g caster sugar• 75g clear honey• 2 oranges – slice off ends, cut into 3mm slices1 Bring a large pan of water to the boil, add the oranges and turn down the heat. Cover the pan and simmer the oranges for 2hr.2 Remove oranges with a slotted spoon and allow to cool. Halve the fruit and remove any pips. Put oranges (skin included) into a food processor or…9 min
Red UK|February 2019BE YOUR OWNBEST FRIENDWhat is the worst name you’ve ever called yourself? Stupid? Or thick? Fat or ugly? Idiot or clumsy? We use words about ourselves that we wouldn’t dream of saying to a good friend in a million years.You might think being mean to yourself is motivational – the only thing that keeps you functioning, achieving, sticking to New Year resolutions. In fact, research shows treating yourself as you would a good friend, a technique called self-compassion, makes for better physical health and body image, reduces stress, anxiety and depression, and helps you cope better with stress and survive times of struggle.Self-compassion is not the same as self-care – the bath you have when you get home – it’s how you talk to yourself in the difficult moments, the ones when life…8 min
Red UK|February 2019LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTERDo you only think of exercise as a way to burn off calories and shrink yourself? We have some news for you… research shows that exercise alone – while amazing for your overall health – doesn’t really make that much difference to your weight. So, how about shifting your motivation to the mental benefits, which are numerous and proven? Exercise releases endorphins, helps to relieve anxiety, builds self-esteem and aids sleep, plus studies have even shown it to be as effective in relieving the symptoms of depression as Prozac for some people.But there’s more: the latest trend is to further enhance these mental benefits by incorporating elements of mindfulness into your workout routine. This can make you feel more grounded, more present and more in touch with your body. According…11 min
Red UK|February 2019This month’s ESSENTIALSTHE PERFECT SILK SWEATER!Warm in Winter. Cool in Summer. In a stunning range of colours. £65.Visit: frenchvelvet.co.uk or call to order on 01325 460669KIT HEATH JEWELLERYBritish jewellery brand Kit Heath is renowned for its distinctive sterling silver jewellery. With a philosophy to create personal and enduring pieces, the attention to detail shines in every delicious curve and twist of silver. Designed with the discerning, yet modern woman in mind, there is a perfect piece for every occasion.Kit Heath is available at John Lewis, independent retailers nationwide and online at www.kitheath.comPERILLACosy, soft 90% alpaca bed socks from Perilla. Alpaca has better insulating properties than any other wool fibre and is more hard wearing. Great colour palette of palest pastels to vivid jewel colours, which come in four sizes, extra small, small,…2 min
