woman&home Magazine

5 June 2014

Whose life is perfect – really? Being a glass half-full kind of girl, I don’t wallow on “what ifs” or “if onlys”, although I can’t stand a smiley show-of. A girl always full of the joys of spring is too smug – there’s a happy medium. Experts say it’s okay to feel a bit down as long as you use it as a way to feel upbeat again. According to our New Happy feature (p46), you should dream like a golfer and concentrate on giving it your best shot, rather than focusing on your bad ones. And did you know, listening to music can have the same effect as taking antidepressants? So turn up the volume and check out our playlist! New research also says we’re happier when we’re connected through social media. The positive efects of bonding with people online (or in real life!) lasts longer than, say, the feel-good feeling of buying a handbag. So my advice is, go shopping with a friend and get double the benefit! (And don’t forget to share it on Facebook afterwards!) I’ve always been fascinated by friendship, and women always tell me that it’s friends that keep them sane. When w&h readers Rachel and Catherine met for the first time at our photo shoot after talking online for two years, they said the “real thing” was even better. Read theirs and other friendship stories on pages 76 and 40. I’ve met Amanda Holden a few times but, when we shot her for this month’s cover, I noticed a change in her. She was glowing, not just on the outside but on the inside too. There’s an inner happiness you can feel radiating from her. Her divine “mini me” daughter Hollie came along too, and Amanda talked openly about family, love and even Simon Cowell (p14). She makes a brilliant point when she talks about how hard it is trying to be liked, but how she has finally realised that you should accept that not everyone will. It’s also what our columnist Karren Brady says when she shares her thoughts on how to deal with difficult people (p45). There’s nothing like going to a wedding to put us in a good mood – except a panic about what to wear! Our fashion team gave five women a personal stylist session – see the results on p92. We also have our edit of the latest special occasion accessories on p94. See womanandhome.com for more fabulous ideas on what to wear, plus accessories, designer cakes and wedding day make-up. Talking of special occasions, it’s Chelsea time, and our Bonus this month gives you 50 inspiring ideas to give your garden that Chelsea “look” (p173). Which brings me back to being happy – relaxing in the garden with the latest issue of w&h and a chilled glass of wine. Enjoy!