Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2026 i Platinum

As we tiptoe (or shuffle, wrapped in a blanket) into a new year, I think we’re all old and wise enough to retire the whole “new year, new you” nonsense. Honestly, who has the energy? I’m far more enchanted by the idea of gentle hibernation – cosy on the sofa, cuppa in hand – while we quietly dream, plot and scheme into the year ahead. If you’re in planning mode, read Denise Duffield-Thomas’s Money Mindset column this month (p90). She’s encouraging us to create our very own dream boards. Before you roll your eyes, have a peek at the science behind it – turns out it’s less woo-woo, more rewire your brain for bigger possibilities. And frankly, it’s fun. At this age and stage, we don’t need to shrink. We…

Q The biggest life lesson you’d share with your younger self? I would share the quote I’ve come to live by in the decades since, the famous Kipling quote from If: ‘If you can meet with triumph and disaster/ And treat those two imposters just the same.’ Or, as Stevie Nicks put it, ‘Players only love you when they’re playin’.’ These may sound rather cynical as mottoes go, but they have stood me in good stead and could have benefited my naïve and trusting younger self. Q What keeps you up at night? Insomnia itself. I could count the nights of unbroken sleep I’ve had in the last decade on one hand. When awake, I’ve trained myself not to let the catastrophic thoughts in but to have nice fantasies instead,…

Elegant evening Turn up the drama with a rich red knitted dress – effortlessly striking and flattering. Layer on a cropped scarlet jacket for a bold accent, and finish with sleek burgundy ankle boots. The monochrome palette feels luxurious yet modern, making this ideal for a dinner date, night at the theatre, or cocktails with friends. Cosy weekend For effortless off-duty style, pair an olive knitted dress with a faux fur gilet for extra warmth and texture. Cinch the waist with a tan suede belt to add shape and a subtle hint of polish. The mix of earthy tones feels natural and grounded – ideal for crisp countryside walks, relaxed brunches, or cosy afternoons spent by the fire. Office chic A knitted dress becomes boardroom-ready when styled with clean, classic…

It started about three years ago. I’d just turned 51 when my right eye became constantly weepy, scratchy and inflamed. I was forever dabbing at it, and my makeup would smudge and bleed from the moisture. At first, I blamed tiredness, but it just wouldn’t go away. At my annual eye test, I mentioned it to the optician. ‘Your eyes are very dry,’ they said, ‘which is causing excess tear production.’ The solution? A thick eye ointment overnight, a 10-minute hot compress before bed, and drops twice a day for six weeks. Dutifully, I followed the plan, but nothing changed. When I went back, desperate for help, I was told, ‘It’s just one of those things that happens as you get older.’ I couldn’t believe it. Dry eye is one…

Ididn’t set out to build a whisky distillery at 60. I just wanted to do something that mattered, something that would put Wooler, my little Northumberland market town, back on the map. But somewhere between a lifetime of hard work, a family roast on Easter Sunday, and a slightly mad dream about copper stills and storytelling, I found myself running a world-class distillery, museum and bistro. I’ve lived several lives already: dutiful Northumbrian farmer’s daughter; glass-ceiling-head-butting chartered accountant; wife and mum; and now, improbable founder of a whisky distillery built on the bones of my father’s old haulage yard. Same woman, different vehicles but always the same belief: time is precious, people matter, and Northumberland is worth every ounce of graft. I grew up in a strict farming family where…

In sometimes the gloomiest month, with the weather trapping us indoors more than at any other time, I find it is February when I need my home environment to provide more than just a roof over my head. As the days drag, and SAD syndrome hangs in the air, my mood and energy levels dip near my ankles whilst my irritability soars to towering peaks. Times that by three in a household of hormonal females and you get the idea that “the brink” is extremely real and we all need something to snap out of it. In these times of need, I look to my home as an in-house “rescue remedy”. But how do we go about this beneficial room refresh without a mentally overwhelming massive refit? Or the expense?…

We’re away on a break at a little farm cottage. The couple who own it are friendly, creative types, and have converted a barn into a ceramics studio. ‘This is amazing!’ I marvel when Claire, the ceramicist, shows me around. It’s beautifully kitted out with bespoke workbenches, a state-of-the-art kiln and an entire glass wall overlooking the glorious countryside. ‘I’m very lucky,’ she says. ‘How long have you been doing ceramics?’ I ask. ‘A couple of years.’ And you have all of this already? Admittedly, that’s my first thought. Not in a mean way – not that Claire should have spent decades battling with air-drying modelling clay at the kitchen table before she was allowed the real stuff. (Have you ever tried using that clay? Everything turns out looking like…

Clodagh McKenna The chef, TV presenter, bestselling cookbook author and food columnist divides her time between London and Broadspear, her sustainable Hampshire farm. Known for her vibrant recipes and passion for using homegrown produce, she shares her happy food with us in four gorgeous recipes this month. p104 Juliet Thomas The ICF-trained coach helps women unlock creativity, build dream businesses and design lives they love through empowering mentoring and wellbeing workshops that bring confidence, clarity and joyful action. In this edition, she encourages us to find our tribe to feel happier and more connected. p72 Gabrielle Treanor Writer, coach, podcaster and author of The 1% Wellness Experiment, Gabrielle supports sensitive midlife women to understand their brains, to create more calm, confidence and joy. She helps one reader find her motivation…

ROOM 706 by Ellie Levenson (£16.99, Headline Publishing) Kate is in a long-term affair. She and her lover are checked into room 706, when their hotel is taken under siege. The immediate question is, will she get out? If she does, the question becomes, how can she explain being there? This book isn’t really about the siege (although what a brilliant hook), but more of an investigation into how Kate, a fundamentally good person, mother and wife, might end up having an affair. Reasons are offered up through flashbacks showing Kate’s early relationships with both her husband and lover. A brave, gripping debut. • You won’t be able to look away MEET THE NEWMANS by Jennifer Niven (£18.99, Pan Macmillan) Set in LA in 1964 (I’m already in!). For two…

As a doctor, I spend my days reminding patients to get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked, yet like so many women in midlife, it had quietly slipped to the bottom of my own priority list. When my GP recently told me my cholesterol was creeping up and that I might need a statin, I felt that familiar mix of surprise and mild denial. The truth is that our hearts deserve far more attention than they often get. KNOW YOUR NUMBERS Cardiovascular disease remains the UK’s biggest killer, and a recent Midlife MOT survey by supplement brand Healthspan found that almost half of adults have never had their cholesterol tested. Women are particularly at risk and research shows that once oestrogen levels fall after menopause, our natural protection wanes and…

Hello, Platinumistas! In case you haven’t noticed, checks are having a major fashion moment – again. Fresh from the set of The Traitors (did you love it too?), where Claudia Winkleman has practically made the pattern her signature, checks are once more the print of the season. But this winter, they feel more confident, more versatile, and infinitely more wearable. Whether you favour bold tartan, traditional Prince of Wales, classic argyll or a soft brushed plaid, there’s a check to suit every mood and moment. Perhaps the enduring appeal of checks lies in their balance of tradition and edge. Checks suggest someone who appreciates style with substance, who plays by the rules just enough to rewrite them. And then there’s the psychology of checks. Patterns in general catch the eye,…

‘I have loved clothes from a young age and always been fascinated by how transformative they can be. I feel that clothes are an extension of my personality. I enjoy wearing both colour and neutrals, and adore hats and caps – I simply cannot be without headwear, at any time of the year. I would say my current wardrobe reflects classic meets cool, meets chic, meets quirky, with a touch of glamour.’ Get the look We love the relaxed glamour of this look; winter white always feels fresh and uplifting. It’s elegant, stylish, so easy to replicate, and a great example of how neutrals don’t need to be boring when styled as a look. To get Dene’s gorgeous look you need: Dene’s tips for mid-life confidence: 1 When something feels “right”…

A couple of years ago, I finally – and proudly – paid off £6,000 of credit card debt. I’m embarrassed to admit that, at the time of writing, I’ve run those cards back up again and then some – I now owe £9,000. I’m so tired of it. Every time I use credit, I tell myself this time it will be different, this time I will use it mindfully, consciously, but company to tell them I’m struggling to make the payments and asking for help. This time, though, it’s got to be different. I’m 54. I can’t afford to keep repeating this pattern – financially or emotionally. So this month, I needed to dig deep and work out why I keep doing the same thing even though a pigeon could…

The most remarkable interiors and essence of English country house décor showcase soulful moments and a splash of spirit. Continuously evolving from the traditional, English Style decorating emphasises details, blending spaces and the magic of colour, pattern, antiques and art. But what is it that makes it stand out from the interior design crowd? In a word, it is: friendly. It can be dressed up or down, feel traditionally cosy or modern. It even works with global touches. A little American flair? Why not. Or maybe a touch of French romance? Despite being deeply rooted in our own history, English Style can be adapted to suit any place, person or moment, resulting in fun and spirit-filled rooms. It is a naturally welcoming and flexible style and has ample décor elements…

When you watch Clodagh McKenna on This Morning, she’s the picture of sunshine – and it’s not just good lighting. Behind the scenes, the Irish chef starts her day with meditation, a quick five-minute dance (yes, really), and a mindset that happiness begins on your plate. ‘People always ask how I stay so positive,’ she laughs. ‘It’s what I eat – food affects how you feel inside and out.’ In her ninth cookbook, Clodagh’s Happy Cooking, she shares 100 simple, nourishing recipes designed to boost energy, calm anxiety and make every meal a moment of joy. From her Hampshire farmhouse, where she cooks, gardens and tends to an entire farmyard of animals, Clodagh is on a mission to show that eating well isn’t about restriction, it’s about pleasure. ‘Changing how…

Noted & noteworthy February’s Nature Marker: the soft strength of moss and lichen Look closely on your next winter walk and you will see it: the quiet tenacity of moss, lichen and hardy evergreens holding their colour when almost everything else lies dormant. Clinging to tree trunks, stone walls and shaded paths, they thrive exactly where you’d think nothing could. These small patches of green resilience are February’s gentle reminder that growth often happens in the stillness, long before anything begins to bloom. What’s On: Winter Wonders and Everyday Escapes A month of cultural pick-me-ups, creative play and soul-soothing retreats. From abstract painting in Brighton to gilded Kintsugi in Hull, and from crafty sewing days to restorative getaways in Wales and Northumberland, February is full of ways to lift your…

Meet Gillian Dowrick, 61 Gillian is retiring in a few months and doesn’t want to look like an “old” person. She has a zest for life and adventure, and wants a wardrobe which reflects that. STYLE CHALLENGE I’m just about to retire, but I don’t feel like a retired person – I don’t want to be old. I’ve got a young outlook: I want to embrace life, go on new adventures, see the world, be a new person with a new look. Where do I start? NICKY’S STYLE ASSESSMENT Gillian has such an upbeat, bubbly personality and youthful spirit – from the moment I met her she didn’t stop laughing – but her zest for life is most certainly not reflected in her wardrobe. She’s always worn a uniform for…

1. The Luxe Layers Look EFFORTLESS COMFORT MEETS QUIET LUXURY Pair high-quality leggings with a monochrome cashmere jumper and a longline tailored coat. Add knee-high boots and a structured tote for polish. Brown is a fresh modern twist on classic black. Tip: Choose thicker leggings for more structure and warmth – they’ll skim rather than cling. Best for: Curvy/hourglass body shapes – the coat’s vertical line elongates the silhouette, while the belt defines the waist. 2. The Smart-Casual Combo WORKWEAR WITH A TWIST Opt for leather or coated leggings, a silky blouse to soften the look, and a boyfriend blazer for a tailored finish. Add a belt to define the waist and loafers for comfort and style. Tip: A longer blazer that hits mid-thigh helps balance proportions and offers coverage.…

DATING DILEMMA Honor Marks, 60, runs a community (honestlywithhonor.com) alongside solo retreats for women in midlife and beyond. Originally from Kent, she moved to the south of France over a decade ago with her husband. Since their separation in 2015, she’s had one long-term relationship and has been single for the past year. I’ve been completely disillusioned with dating apps. Back in 2023, I even did a series on Instagram (@honestlywithhonor) poking fun at the dating scene. I’ve not been bothered with dating for a while as I felt it was all a bit rubbish. I know that good men exist, I have many in my family, but what I encountered in online dating felt like men were just looking for sex. I had decided that I would just be…

If you’d told me in my 40s that I’d be strutting through shoots, posing for TV commercials, and influencing thousands of women around the world in my 60s, I’d have laughed. Or possibly cried. Because back then, I wasn’t strutting. I was stumbling. I was 44 when I left my husband after nearly 25 years of marriage. We’d grown apart – that classic “ships in the night” scenario, only the ships were silently drifting in different directions, with no ports in common. He had his business and I had my loneliness. We weren’t making each other happy any more. And what’s the point, really, of spending your one wild and precious life being miserable together just so people can say you stuck it out? But still, I was devastated. I…

I know what you’re thinking: ‘Dream boards? I’m too tired for another craft project Denise! I’m still clearing away the Ferrero wrappers, give me a break…’ OK, hear me out, I used to be sceptical too. Until I tried it. Facebook recently showed me an old picture from 15 years ago, and it just happened to be a dream-board collage. At the time, some of those dreams felt not only unrealistic but downright delusional… except, I was shocked at how many of them came true. The dream house that looked identical to the one we recently built, the ballet pictures when I’ve recently taken up pointe classes again, even the picture of Oprah – I’ve actually met her in real life since then. So, I know everyone is trying to…

Normally with The Kitchen Shrink column, the recipe follows my musing. But to shake things up a bit, I thought we’d have the recipe first for February. Saying that, what I’m about to reveal to you is a psychological rather than a culinary recipe – although it does contain a key foodie ingredient. This is a recipe for a feeling that some of us know well in relationships. I’ll give you another clue: it’s contained in marriage. ‘Love’ I hear you say. I’m afraid that’s not it. The feeling I’m talking about is rage (see how you can spell it from marriage?). According to psychologists, rage is a dish best served hot – and I don’t mean temperature hot; I mean spicy, chilli-crammed, blow-your-head-off hot. The key condiment in the…