Paralysed in a fall, Sam Bloom struggled to come to terms with her disability and sank into depression. But then, as her husband Cameron recalls, the arrival of an injured Australian magpie chick transformed life for the whole family... ...read
Ace your base: Perfect skin in one stroke. By Sarah Barclay
Bobbi Browns ground-breaking approach has changed the way we wear make-up. Natural beauty doesnt mean no make-up its about picking shades that are perfect for your skin tone, she says. This autumn, her brand celebrates its 25th anniversary with beauty goodies such as the Nude Library 40 eyeshadows in a selection of finishes, from matt to shimmer, £145, selfridges.com.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Foundation spf 30 is light, silky and provides a dose of moisture in eight shades. A good revival for summer-worn skin without smothering it in pigment. £45, debenhams.com
I cant get enough of Diors brilliant new make-up launches, which range from the very pretty to the extremely useful. backstage pros fix It Colour correctors in blue, green, yellow and apricot zap away redness and sallow skin. £23.50 each, dior.com
Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick Radiant Makeup gives a naturally perfect glow while providing proper coverage. And its sponge wand is the handiest way to give skin an instant overhaul. £28, esteelauder.co.uk
YSL is deservedly proud of its Le Cushion Encre de Peau. This damp-sponge foundation compact dispenses a slightly matt yet natural-looking base, which is long lasting and available in six shades. £35, yslbeauty.co.uk
Guerlains new Multi-Perfecting Concealer in medium warm is a mini tube of magic, which provides good, thick coverage. £25, debenhams.com
Use Bobbi Brown's brilliant Retouching Face Pencil in extra light as a highlighter or to soften the intensity of sun and age spots. £22, johnlewis.com
Fashion Forward: Patch together your summer wardrobe
HAVE YOUR SAY...
Taylor Swift Love Story: Is her private life public property?
Taylor Swift has spoken of feeling shamed in to staying away from romance after having her relationship history publicly mocked but as a celebrity, does she have a right to a private life?
Sarah Cuda
Taylor Swift has spoken of feeling shamed in to staying away from romance after having her relationship history publicly mocked but as a celebrity, does she have a right to a private life?
Sarah Cuda
Health with Sarah Stacey
- How to give the right support: Knowing what to do for someone who has cancer can be difficult, but does make a difference.
- The dangers of deep vein thrombosis: Jasmijn Muller, 37, discovered the pain in her leg was a deep vein thrombosis.
Autumn's new luxe: hold the glow with beauty's latest and greatest radiance-boosters
Be the queen bee with Guerlains restorative Abeille Royale Rich Day Cream, which has a honey, mimosa and fresh herb scent and boasts beeswax to firm, smooth and moisturise. £89, johnlewis.com
Warm into the new season with a lighter than usual oud. Inspired by the desert adventurer Gertrude Bell, Atkinsons Her Majesty The Oud blends Turkish rose with red berries, leather and osmanthus. £150, selfridges.com
Super high-end Chanel Sublimage Le Teint is luxurious and transformative. Blend this cream foundation on to skin using the brush provided and watch your face glow. £98, 020 7493 3836, from 16 September
Brush on Diorskin Nude Air Luminizer Powder to give tanned skin a radiance boost. £39, dior.com
The brilliant Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme range has added another feather to its cap: Global Anti-Aging Wake Up Balm. One helping is enough to jump-start tired skin into looking fresh
and healthy. £46, esteelauder.co.uk
Light up lids with the lion-embossed, warm shimmering neutrals of Chantecaille Protect The Lions Eye Palette, inspired by the landscape of Africa. Funds raised go to the Lion Guardians, which helps wildlife conservation across Kenya. £75, spacenk.com
Give eyelids a wash of discreet chic gold with Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow in Rigel. £21, selfridges.com
FOOD & ENTERTAINING
Fortnum's encore
- Baked beans with chorizo This really is a dish to knock up in moments - the perfect lazy supper or weekend breakfast.
- Coronation chicken The Fortnum's version omits the original nuts and uses fresh coriander, plump raisins and mango chutney.
- Welsh rarebit The argument as to correct spelling and pronunciation burns eternal...
- Toasted crumpets with Marmite and poached Burford Browns Magnificent, and magnificently simple, too.
Fabulous Fortnum's
- Seed cake An old-fashioned English classic.
- Stilton and blueberry scones The blueberry jam is quite subtle and simply adds a slight sweetness.
- The glories of ice cream For generations of customers, Fortnum's was all about the Fountain, a gleaming temple to American ices.
- Raspberry trifle A simple trifle (no jelly), with ladyfinger biscuits from a packet, steeped in raspberry liqueur.
Hip to dip
- Sticky chilli fish with crispy noodles A sticky, licky bowlful with Asian accents: fiery, sweet sauce, crisply fried noodles, aromatic garnish and zingy salad.
- Red-braised belly pork with melting soy onions Beautifully tender, aromatic pork with fragrant rice on the side.
- Takeaway duck with noodles and sizzling chilli An old favourite is given a tangy reboot with a welcome blast of chilli heat.
- Spicy chicken nuggets with ginger, lime and pepper dipping sauce A colourful, zesty twist on a family favourite.