We tried this out and loved it. Convenient and easy to use.
What it does:
Removes soft facial hair for a polished look.
Gently exfoliates dull surface skin for improved radiance.
Features an LED light for precision and sonic vibration to enhance exfoliation and smoothness.
Why it’s a catch: Great for pre-summer prep because it creates a smooth canvas for makeup, boosts skincare absorption (think serums & SPF), and gives an immediate glow without the use of harsh chemicals.
Magnitone Go Bare! Rechargeable Mini Lady Shaver (£29.99, www.boots.com)This compact rechargeable shaver is built for easy, irritation-free hair removal on the body – legs, underarms, bikini line – and is ideal if you want a smooth summer-ready look without salon prices or bulky tools.
Key features:
SkinSoft™ floating shaving head that tilts to follow body contours, making shaving more comfortable.
Showerproof and cordless – use wet or dry, with up to 100 mins of use per charge.
Comes with a travel pouch and USB charging cable for convenience.
Why it’s a catch: A budget-friendly alternative to disposable razors or larger epilators, especially if you like fuss-free prep before summer hits.
Alexa Vernon Museum Director and Dr Laura Allan, Museum Curator – photo credit Ripon Museums
Step into the shoes of Victorian paupers, vagrants and workhouse children this summer as the newly transformed Workhouse Museum in Ripon opens following a £2.8 million redevelopment. Through hands-on activities, interactive displays and powerful storytelling, visitors will discover what life was really like inside one of Britain’s most complete surviving Victorian workhouses. The new and expanded museum trail takes visitors on an immersive journey telling the individual stories of past residents, who entered the workhouse gates as a last resort.
Lorne Campbell/Guzelian photography. Photos show, children: Zoe, 7, Tom 5, and Laurel, 10. The porridge lady is Liz Penwill, Visitor Experience Officer.
The reopening marks the culmination of extensive conservation and restoration work undertaken as part of the Inspiration for a Fairer Future project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Other supporters include The Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and North Yorkshire County Council.
The largest building on the workhouse site, the Residents’ Block, where paupers ate, slept and worked, has had a complete and sensitive restoration as part of the project. This building had been acquired by Ripon Museum Trust in 2017, but was in a state of disrepair after years of changing uses such as a care home and council offices. The National Lottery Heritage Fund support has allowed Ripon Museum Trust to fix the leaking roof and rotten windows, alongside reinstating historical features to restore its authenticity.
Revamped rooms include the Old Men’s Day Room, Kitchen and Dining Hall, and the original workhouse cellar has been opened up for the first time. Dr Laura Allan, curator at Ripon Museums Trust, said: “The cellar is particularly exciting as it’s the only part of that building that had been untouched since it was turned into council offices. It has the massive original meat block table where the workhouse pigs would be butchered, trough and sink. It’s like glimpsing behind the curtain, seeing how it truly was.”
The hands-on visitor experience is designed to be a unique thought-provoking and engaging day out. Alexa Vernon, Director of Ripon Museums Trust, said: “We’ve transformed the workhouse into a powerful, immersive experience where visitors can step into the shoes of real people who lived through extraordinary hardship. Their stories challenge us to think about fairness, dignity and opportunity, both in Victorian Britain and today.
“This project is about much more than restoring a historic building. It is about preserving important heritage, creating opportunities for communities and young people to engage with history, and inspiring visitors to reflect on how we can build a fairer future.
“We want people to leave feeling not only informed, but also more compassionate, thoughtful and connected to the stories of those who came before us.“
Asking the public, ‘Could you survive the workhouse?’ visitors have the option to be shut inside a vagrants’ cell and listen to the sounds of a night spent behind its locked door. They can also try their hand at sweeping the yard, picking oakum from old ropes, and discover whether they are up to the jobs that filled the days of paupers and workhouse children. Young visitors can search for hidden mice in the kitchen, use traditional weighing scales to portion out meagre meals, and discover what fate might await them by spinning an interactive wheel in the Guardians’ Room. Families can even dress in replica workhouse uniforms for a photo as they imagine life inside one of Victorian Britain’s most feared institutions.
The reopening introduces new spaces for creativity and community participation, including the museum’s Discover Space, where visitors can explore connections between past and present through exhibitions, conversations and creative activities.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The redevelopment has secured the future of one of Britain’s most complete surviving Victorian workhouses, preserving both the building and the stories it holds for future generations. We’re incredibly proud to have been able to support the project thanks to money raised by National Lottery players and it is now creating opportunities for volunteering, learning and skills development, ensuring the museum remains relevant and accessible to all.” The Workhouse Museum is part of Ripon Museums Trust’s unique trio of museums – all located within easy walking distance of each other.
Visitors can continue their journey following the path many people took through the systems of poverty, crime and punishment in Victorian Yorkshire at the Prison & Police Museum and Courthouse Museum. In the Courthouse, visitors can stand where magistrates passed judgement, while the Prison & Police Museum invites them to step inside original prison cells. Together, the three museums tell a powerful story about justice, fairness and social change, encouraging visitors to consider what lessons the past can offer in building a fairer future.
The redevelopment also strengthens Ripon’s position as a heritage destination, contributing to the city’s cultural life and attracting new visitors to North Yorkshire.
Visit the Mad Hatter’s hat shop, tumble down a rabbit hole and meet the Queen of Hearts at A Palace House Christmas, as Beaulieu announces its fabulous festive themed experience for 2026. – Yes, I know it’s still summer but advance warning for our readers is essential as the tickets go so quickly…
It gets curiouser and curiouser as designers extraordinaire Charlotte Lloyd Webber and Adrian Lillie return with theatrical installations, immersive soundscapes and multi-colour projections for a magical Christmas journey around the stately rooms by CLW Event Design. Frankly, there is no more fitting setting to explore Lewis Carroll’s imaginary world than Palace House, (see below) where the real Alice – Alice Liddell – was a guest at a tea party to celebrate the coming of age of the Hon John Douglas-Scott-Montagu, the 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu in 1887.
So, don’t be late for a very important date. Be the first to experience Alice’s Christmas Wonderland when it opens from Saturday 21st November – Sunday 3rd January(excluding Christmas Day). Head down the rabbit hole and enter a fantasy Wonderland for your festive experience. Follow the White Rabbit to see Palace House rooms dressed with twinkling lights and beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Expect to see an explosion of colour in the Mad Hatter’s hat shop, (just look at the hat below) a life-size Caterpillar on a five-foot toadstool, the grinning Cheshire Cat and the maddest tea party ever . . . with lavish festive twists at every turn.
Hunt for trees decorated with fairy woodland toadstools, cascading playing cards and pastel-coloured butterflies, as well as Beaulieu’s 20ft Wonderland-themed real tree at the foot of the grand staircase. You can even take a little of the Christmas magic home with you, from the tempting range of the Wonderland-themedbaubles and decorations on sale in the Palace House gift shop. You may be lucky to meet live characters to entertain you along your way*. Then put yourself in Alice’s shoes for ‘end-of-pier’ peep-throughs to capture memories with a selfie.Complete your festive experience with a Wonderland Tea & Treats, with delicious heart-shaped scones with cream and jam, cakes and sandwiches all served on an Alice in Wonderland stand in the historic abbey Domus – and add a celebratory glass of Prosecco.*
CLW Event Design’s team of theatre designers and artists has created award-winning installations at heritage properties across the UK, including Kensington Palace, Belvoir and Bamburgh castles, Treasure House Castle Howard and the National Trust’s Polesdon Lacey. They return to Beaulieu for the second time this year. Artistic Director Charlotte Lloyd Webber said: “CLW Event Design is delighted to return to Beaulieu for a second year to present Alice’s Christmas Wonderland. Palace House presents the perfect late Victorian interior setting to inspire us to bring this iconic Lewis Carroll story to life. We are using the house decor to influence the design and create a magical environment that will delight throughout all the rooms.”
Design Director Adrian Lillie said: “Our team is having a lot of fun designing each space in Palace House to present all the best known and favourite characters from the Alice story . . . not just Alice, the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit but also room schemes dedicated to the Queen of Hearts, the Caterpillar and Cheshire Cat. And just wait for the maddest tea party ever staged!”
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but my third novel, The Mothers of SW19, is out on August 27. I wrote it during lockdown, banging out 3000 words a day while pregnant, taking care of a toddler, and homeschooling my firstborn. I love this book. I hope you do too.
Obsession, jealousy, revenge, cliques, motherhood, female friendship, loneliness, social media influencers, journalists… The Mothers of SW19 has it all in a famous postcode.
Unassuming Emma, a blogger turned wannabe social media influencer, moves to an exclusive enclave in SW19 to get her son into the best school in the area. On the first day of school, she bumps into Annabel, a gregarious journalist who is head of the PTA.
An unfortunate misunderstanding leads to a clash, and the school gate mothers taking sides. Emma’s world has been blown apart by motherhood. As she struggles to find her new identity, she has to defend herself against Annabel and her clique. The mean girls with mortgages.
Emma learns a devastating secret about Annabel that could destroy her entire life. Will Emma play dirty to win, and what lengths will Annabel go to protect what she has?
There can only be one winner. But what will be the cost?
The Seduction of Lord Stone: A steamy and scandalous Regency romance of love and temptation by Anna Campbell is FREE for a short while. Witty, passionate as Regency romance novel and the irresistible first book of 7 in Anna Campbell’s Dashing Widows series.https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DK276ZYQ/
Can we do steamy in this super hot weather? I rather think we can, but this is a different steamy – come on, keep up. A daring widow. A notorious rake. A scandalous game of love. Caroline, Lady Beaumont, is done with dreary respectability. After ten years in a loveless marriage and a year of mourning, she’s ready to seize life with both hands. London promises everything she craves—glittering balls, delicious intrigue, and above all, a lover who can give her passion without chains… Oh dear, because t here will be an ‘oh dear’… https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DK276ZYQ/ FREE
How well do you really know the person with whom you are sharing your life? When Emma and Paul buy a derelict French farmhouse, they’re hoping for a fresh start. But behind closed doors, they discover lies, betrayal and an increasing sense of danger. A fatal workplace accident occurs… And questions that nobody has the answers to… Hardship has been her usual existence, and now Emma’s chance of happiness is tinged with heartbreak. With her husband Paul and their daughter, Mollie, she grabs the chance and moves to France, where an old ruin is set to become their new home,.. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H94VMGHK/ Only £0.99 instead of £2.99.
When her mirror twin goes missing, Casey is led to a deadly paradise where no one escapes… Casey and Nora are mirror twins, identical—perhaps. Casey is right-handed, Nora is left-handed. Their moles sit on opposite cheeks. So at this level they are diametrically opposed. Then Nora disappears after a fight with her husband. She’s done this before, but why is Casey so troubled? Ah… https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GH2BR3PQ/ for £0.99 instead of £3.49
Tempting Mr. Townsend is a stirring, passionate Regency romance novel and the excellent second book in Anna Campbell’s bestselling Dashing Widows series. After five years of mourning her heroic husband’s death at Waterloo, Fenella, Lady Deerham, feels recovered enough to return to London society as a perfect diamond of the first water. But graceful though she is, beneath this veneer is a woman of strength, and also of longing. But then her young son and his school friend disappear, Fenella will risk everything—even her reputation—to find them. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DLFCJSZJ/ @ £0.99 instead of £2.99
In a world where diplomacy is key, can a Roman centurion and a senator’s cousin navigate the treacherous waters of ancient politics to forge unlikely alliances? This is a fascinating novel,
In the 1st century, Marcus Lucius, a resourceful centurion, narrowly escapes execution by Parthian soldiers, while Gaius Lucullus, a reluctant diplomat, embarks on a perilous mission to the Hanaeans with his cousin, Senator Aulus Aemilius Galba. Alongside allies like the wise librarian Demaratos, they navigate the complexities of foreign lands, political intrigue, and personal relationships across Rome and China. I repeat, this is a fascinating novel, and there’s one more to come. Oh goody. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DLWMB3NZ/ @£0.99 instead of £2.99
I’m taking advantage of this lovely hot weather to create salads in as many ways as possible. I’m in awe of the beautiful displays created by professional chefs – perfect slices of brightly-coloured vegetables arranged like a work of art, and I’m keen to reproduce these gorgeous platters, but ideally without slicing off my finger-tips in the process.
Now, thanks to wonderful Microplane, I don’t have to worry. Mindful of people like me, Microplane have created the perfect mandoline – the Microplane Adjustable V-Blade Slicer PureCut and I simply adore it. True to the Microplane pedigree, it’s razor sharp, for the most perfect slicing, but it’s so cleverly designed that my pinkies are totally safe.
Microplane – the original manufacturer of photo-etched cutting tools – was inspired by a Canadian housewife in the 90s, who, fed up with her kitchen grater, borrowed one of her husband’s wood-working tools. After over fifty years of experience, their durable, photo-etched and razor-sharp stainless-steel blades are simply the best – effortlessly cutting through hard and soft foods, without tearing or shredding.
Firstly – the Microplane Adjustable V-Blade Slicer PureCut looks beautiful – sleek and stylish in a choice of three colours – After Dark Grey, Eucalyptus Green and Cashmere Beige – to match any kitchen. Secondly – the ultra-sharp blade is a given – it’s Microplane – nothing more to be said. But thirdly, it’s cleverly designed to create different-sized slices from wafer thin to 8mm thick by simply turning the rotating wheel (see picture below). It does everything you need for glorious salads, perfectly sliced Dauphinoise potatoes, Aubergine Parmigiana, and frankly anything else involving slicing food – it’s so easy to use and totally effortless. Thanks to the non-slip base it’s very stable, and the clever curved notch allows it to fit onto the edge of a container, meaning you can grate directly into it.
With my aversion to sharp blades, I love that it comes with a Universal Hand Guard – so cleverly designed to protect fingers while slicing – it attaches conveniently to the handle so it doesn’t get misplaced. For added protection, you can also use the Microplane Cut-Resistant Glove (sold separately).
The Microplane V-Blade Slicer PureCut is dishwasher safe, but a quick wipe under a hot tap is all that’s needed. By rotating the wheel completely anticlockwise, the blade becomes completely flush with the base, preventing accidental injuries when stored in a drawer or with kids around.
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.
I planted a cottage garden a few years ago, and the nepeta, lavender, herbs and roses really attracted the bees, What’s more they matched my Cotoneaster Splendens growing up the wall for the equivalent of bee heaven. Round the corner of the house is another garden where I planted buddleias, just two, a couple of years ago, but there was something missing…
That’s it, easy care wild flowers specific to pollinating insects to balance the butterflies flicking around the buddleia was the answer.
In a bed,which in the past had housed runner beans, I set about instructing (!) Dick to dig while I pontificated about which to buy, and how many. So in I went, straight onto https://www.rootsplants.co.uk/ and there they were, such gorgeous little rascals – wild flower seedlings. I read on: they grow best in full sun but tolerate part shade. Tick. They flower from May to October.Tick. I knew that all one had to do at the end of the season, was that Dick would strim. Tick. The cycle would begin again in the spring. Simples.
They arrived in good packaging, in trays. (We had measured the patch and bought accordingly with the help of Roots advice writ clear on the page.)Then it was time to plant out the clutch of seedlings.
We already had existing poppies, so left these adults in place to keep the newbies in order. Wildflower seedlings need little care, because let’s face it, they don’t have that in the wild. Just a bit of water (pre-heatwave) and sun, then lots of sun and …. Just look.
I am thrilled. The bees are thrilled, and frankly, if I need more plants of any description, I will head straight for https://www.rootsplants.co.uk . I just get the feeling they love their plants as much as I love mine.
Margaret Graham (who also writes under Milly Adams and Annie Clarke) is the author of over twenty novels. The Waterway Girls series has recently been published in kindle: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H46FX35L/
I’m going to start this piece off by saying that I am a huge fan of Proceive. I took Proceive for three months before my husband and I started trying for another baby. I was 40-years-old and didn’t think it would happen. I got pregnant immediately and our baby is now 7 months old. I obviously can’t say whether or not I would have another baby without Proceive, but I am confident it helped. I am taking the breastfeeding and omega 3 ones still and I have never felt better. My review of Proceive is that I bought it throughout my entire pregnancy with my own money. I was given the breastfeeding and omega 3 to review. I will continue to buy more when they run out. Highly recommended.
There is a growing conversation around the overwhelming world of trying to conceive. Renowned midwife and fertility expert Zita West recently argued that modern techniques like tracking apps and scheduled sex may actually be working against women, adding pressure and stress at exactly the time the body needs the opposite.
Anyone who has been through the TTC journey will know the feeling: the ovulation charts, the supplement lists, the conflicting advice, the 3am Google spirals. The irony is that one of the most consistent pieces of advice from fertility experts is to reduce stress and yet everything around you is piling it on.
Preconception care should reduce the mental load, not add to it. One supplement, once a day, does the things the NHS actually recommends.
That is the thinking behind Proceive. What many people don’t realise is that in around one in three couples experiencing unexplained infertility, improving nutrition and lifestyle can make a real difference and that applies to both partners, not just women. A female egg takes approximately 90 days to mature before ovulation, which is why the NHS recommends starting folic acid at least three months before trying to conceive. That same three-month window is when Proceive works best.
Rather than a shelf of individual supplements to research, source and remember, Proceive covers 28 essential nutrients in one daily supplement, including L-Methylfolate (the superior, better-absorbed form of folic acid), CoQ10, B vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants, all at clinically relevant levels with no fillers or binders. There are separate formulas for women and men, both designed for that critical preconception window.
