I like to swap furniture about and look at how using pieces that add space and serve a function is a win-win! Shelving, coffee tables and side counters that use slimmer frames and materials such as wood, glass and iron, that allow light to flow through the design, can be a game changer.

A great example of this is with both the coffee table and shelving unit from My Home Stories. They both look minimal and sleek and are very useful for storing books, plants and ornaments. In fact, I think they work really well if, like us, you have children and need a place to store extra arts and crafts, games, books, and all those little toys that seem to be everywhere!

Finding storage solutions that look good enough to have on display is important to me, especially as we do have a lot of things we use with the children in the day but, come night, we like to pack away to regain our space and have our evening time.

One of my all-time favourites is this set of three Velvet Touch trunks from BundleBerry by Amanda Holden. I love how well made they are but, more than anything, the velvet touch finish; also, their nod to that classic vintage style is gorgeous and they’re so versatile. I’d go for dark blue for our bedroom as we have blue feature walls.

They make perfect storage for handbags, scarves, big jumpers and books (if you don’t have shelves in your room). I’d also say they are perfect for children’s rooms as they can double up as little seats if the kids want but, of course, are ideal for storing toys, linen and all those clothes that you can’t bear to part with.

When it comes to bedding, I’m a huge Cozee Home fan. The quality is second to none and you always know it will look and feel great. I’m moving from my dark, jewel-coloured bedding of the winter months to those beautiful soft florals. Think sky blues, pastel pinks, sunshine yellows and warm whites with prints of spring-fresh florals.

I always say that the bed, and its bedding, are the biggest swathes of colour in your bedroom, so it makes a huge impact. You don’t have to redecorate the room to make a big change; by simply changing and coordinating your bedding and adding a light-toned rug – like this little number from My Home Stories – you’ll have a much more affordable way to feel the change.

Happy spring and best wishes,

Eilidh xx

The post Eilidh’s home mini-makeover tips for spring appeared first on Stories.

Looking for walking confidence?

If you need a little extra support to stay sweet on your feet when out and about, a walking stick is the way forward. Designs like the Dynamo Swing Cane are great for giving you the feeling of extra support, as it boasts a clever articulating foot that pivots forwards and backwards to provide more contact with the ground. We also rate the JML Clever Cane Adjustable Walking Stick because it’s free standing, but features a second lower handle. This’ll come in use when standing up or sitting down to give you that extra feeling of security.

Give yourself a little extra reach

Yes, you might not be as bendy as you were when you were a teenager, but don’t let that slow you down! Giving your back a good scrub in the shower is difficult even for the most flexible of people, which is why we love the JML NuYou Body Brush. Not only does it help you get to all those hard to reach places, it’s the ideal way to help exfoliate and smooth your skin because it rotates, so every shower will end up feeling like a trip to the spa.

For peace of mind

Health is something that becomes more of a concern as we get older, so we’re arming ourselves with handy at-home medical devices, just to keep a little eye on things! Homedics are great for this. The Oxywatch Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is compact and simple to use, clipping neatly and painlessly onto your finger to get an accurate reading. It’s a fantastic way to keep track of your blood oxygen levels, and won’t take up too much room in the cupboard either. If you’re feeling a little peaky, taking your temperature is a great place to start. This Infrared Ear Thermometer not only features the same one button design, but has a jumbo screen so you can easily read your result – even if your glasses aren’t lying around nearby!

Seeing clearly

Whether it’s a menu in a dark restaurant, small instructions on packets or your latest sewing project, being able to see clearly helps us in all manner of places. JML’s Mighty Sight Light and Magnifying Glasses are a must-have in our handbags and around our homes now. Not only do they make everything a bit clearer with their magnifying lenses, but the built-in lights help illuminate whatever it is you’re looking at. They’re rechargeable too, so say goodbye to faffing with batteries.

Ready to workout? 

If you want to work on strengthening your core and back stabiliser muscles, we’ve got a simple way to do it! The SpineGym Core Exerciser is lightweight and easy to assemble, so no worries there, plus it lets you do low impact exercise while standing and you’ll be well supported with its double pole design. Helping to improve balance, speed and posture, it’s a great all rounder to add into your daily routine.

There we have it! There are lots more handy gadgets on offer for you to discover in our Living Aids department, and be sure to check out our Health & Wellbeing edit for even more inspiration.

The post Your guide to independent living appeared first on Stories.

The designs of the QVC-exclusive My Home Stories range of chic furnishings and stylish decor are aimed at helping you to write your own story throughout your home with simple and elegant pieces.

We spoke to Pipa Gordon and Alex Kramer about how the My Home Stories range has helped them to express themselves through their home, their own approaches to interior design, and the stories that live with them in their own homes.

Pipa’s Gordon’s My Home Stories coffee table

I changed my office around recently and really wanted somewhere I could put bits and pieces that were still easy to access but equally not in the way. I looked at various console-type tables but nothing fit the bill, until this coffee table from My Home Stories came along which is perfect!

All I had to do was put the legs on and the rest slotted into place. It matches my existing shelves so fits perfectly in the room, and it has wonderful storage which is easily accessible in the pull-out drawer below the glass.

There are six sections of different sizes and I’ve got them nicely organised for magazines, pens and pencils, extra cables and adapters for my laptop and camera, and a section for bits to remember. Even better, I can slide my Homedics heated yoga mat and Cozee Home foot warmer underneath.

The glass came beautifully packaged, so without a scratch, and it makes for the perfect table top… which of course houses more junk when needs be, but most of the time I try to keep it clean so I can enjoy my Bloom flowers and candle holders, I’ve even popped my Neom pod there.

It doesn’t have to be an office table, of course, it would also work brilliantly as a coffee table and the sections underneath are ideal for remotes, game controllers, magazines and papers, games etc.

Tidy house tidy mind, as they say! I wish it were always that easy in reality, but I am convinced we are affected by our surroundings and these little bits make a big difference.

Pipa’s home decorating philosophy

I moved a lot as a child. I’d lived in 13 different houses by the time I turned 18 and so I wasn’t anywhere long enough for a house to feel like a home.

Consequently, I became a dab hand at making a space feel like my own really quickly, but I yearned for somewhere I could live in for long enough that it felt like home, a place that had a fragrance which my heart recognised the moment I opened the door.

Once I settled into my adult life and started a family, this was a top priority. I think because of that, my home decorating philosophy has always been quite emotionally based. Our home is a reflection of who we are as a family, a safe space which is entirely our world.

We have painted most of the artwork on the walls, we designed the kitchen ourselves when we had it done a few years ago (kudos to the very patient kitchen supplier who was convinced it would look awful but then loved the finished article), and I drew up the plans when we first moved in to build shelves in the living room wall, just to ensure they were the right heights to fit our favourite books.

I like things nicely organised, everything has its home, especially in the fridge! Home to me is a sanctuary, a place where people can come to visit, and see us, not a catalogue or a department store, but a home that tells a story, our story.

I don’t redecorate regularly but I do change things around often; I’m not sure that habit will ever go away, change is so ingrained in me now and I do find it invigorating. Fragrance is also really important as it’s so evocative.

I suppose it’s fair to say our home is like an extension of who we are, it’s living and breathing; and most things tell a story, just like us.

Pipa’s fondest home story

It’s so hard to decide which is the best story but I think I’m most proud of the painting that’s in the living room. Trust me, I am no artist, but every now and then I play.

Splitting up with my first husband was a very long journey of uncertainty, sadness and pain. After we eventually got divorced and I got together with Brian, I painted this.

I had a giant canvas and some acrylic paints. I didn’t have any brushes, so instead painted with an old comb, a squeegee and some chopsticks. I just moved the paint around for a few hours and lo and behold, I saw a ship fighting its way out of a storm. I thought it was rather apt, for both of us.

I don’t feel that I painted it, I think it really painted itself, one of those gifts that you know has come from elsewhere. I think one day I might even get it framed.

Alex Kramer’s My Home Stories side table

I love this side table with magazine rack from My Home Stories! The different materials are exactly the type of way I like to style my home. The mango wooden top softens the style, making this a piece that could be a bedside table or a side table, and the size works really practically for the way we enjoy the space in our home.

For example, next to the sofa at our house, a side table needs to be able to accommodate a lamp, our speaker, my Neom and a cuppa or glass of wine! Anything too small just doesn’t work for our family needs.

The brass style finish to the body of the table is so pretty; brass is something that I like to accessorise with – maybe it’s because I like gold jewellery, but I find it a soft colour.

The magazine rack at the bottom is great. I love reading interiors magazines, so having them to hand when you can grab five minutes without the kids is great. It’s also lovely for guests to be able to reach easily for something to look at.

Alex’s decorating philosophy

I love interiors, I’m always reading magazines around the subject, following Insta accounts of homes that are being renovated, and obsessed with Pinterest for inspiration!

Lots of you may have followed my journey renovating my kitchen last year. I’ve now sold our house and we are moving to a house that needs everything doing; EVERYTHING! I’m excited but exhausted already!

My style is quite eclectic, but relaxed. I have two kids, a dog and a Scott! So, I can’t be as precious about everything being perfect as I was pre-kids. There are hand marks on the wall by the stairs and the dog never stops moulting. Scott also seems to think that his bike lives in the kitchen half the time, so I have to be more relaxed or I’d go mad!

I love colour, whether that’s deep dark tones on the wall with neon highlights, like the cushions in our snug, or more neutral tones with colour accents in prints – colour is always at play somewhere.

I also love adding different textures like wood to soften the room. We have wooden floorboards and original wooden doors in our Victorian terrace. I like to respect the original features: fire places, tiles – that’s my jam!

I’m also obsessed with cushions! I have them on every bed, sofa and chair. I find that they’re an easy way to change the look or colour scheme of a room without spending too much, and you’ve gotta have a bunch of blankets on the sofa for movie moments.

I loooove candles too! Probably because my dog can be smelly… and the kids… and Scott! But at night the light that a nice candle creates is so relaxing.

Another thing I love are mirrors and art. A mirror can make it feel like you’ve doubled the size of a space in an instant, and I just love art – there I go again with the colour! Plants are a must, too! Real, if possible, but faux is also good. The green of a good plant is so pretty and can help to soften a room.

A space has to work for you and your family and I want people to come to my home and feel like they can put a cup on the table without a coaster. In fact, our wooden coffee table even has tiny tooth marks in it from where my dog bit it when she was a puppy! I want it to feel like a space where you can dance on the tables and fall asleep on the sofa. I love that when the kids have their friends over to play, they’re comfortable.

I want my home to be pretty but it’s not for show, it’s for living.

The post Alex and Pipa’s My Home Stories appeared first on Stories.

Enter Cook’s Essentials’ 5-in-1 Multi-Oven Air Fryer, which air fries, dehydrates, bakes, roasts and rotisserie cooks food to perfection, all at the touch of a button! With its impressive 22L capacity, it makes sure that the whole family is catered for, as you can put a whole meal into it – that’s meat, veg and all – and sit back while it cooks it to perfection.

The best part? It’s our Today’s Special Value, so you can create a much simpler, easier home cooking routine for less. To celebrate, we’ve got two mouth-watering recipes for you to make with your brand new multi-oven… trust us, once you’ve tried them, you’ll be even more delighted with your deal!

Croque Monsieur
Or maybe we should call it ‘Mr. Crunch’, as this is the British twist on a French classic! You simply can’t get better than this beautifully simple dish… tangy English mustard, slices of succulent ham and lots of mature cheddar on top. It ticks all the boxes in our books! Plus, you can effortlessly grill it in your new multi-oven.

Serves: 2
Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the sandwich

• 4 slices of good quality thick sliced bread
• 2 tsp English mustard
• 4 – 6 slices of sliced ham
• 50g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 50g butter

For the béchamel

• 15g (1 tbsp) butter
• 15g (1 tbsp) plain flour
• 150ml milk, warmed slightly
• Pinch grated nutmeg
• Salt & white pepper to taste
• 50g smoked cheddar cheese
• 50g red Leicester cheese

Method
For the sandwich:

• Lay the four slices of bread on a clean board and spread them with the English mustard. Make two sandwiches using the sliced ham and sliced cheese, (using mustard where you would normally use butter).
• In a frying pan, melt the butter over a medium heat, add the sandwiches and cook until browned on both sides. Once both sides of the sandwiches are browned, remove them from the heat and place on a baking tray.

To make the béchamel:

• In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour. Stir until fully combined and a paste is formed – this mixture is called a ‘roux’. Continue to cook the roux for 2 – 3 minutes.
• Slowly, a little at a time, add the warmed milk to the roux, stirring as you go to ensure it is thoroughly combined before adding more milk until a smooth sauce remains.
• Continue cooking the sauce for 8 – 10 minutes, stirring continuously.
• Remove from the heat and stir through the grated cheese.
• Spoon some of the cheese sauce over both sandwiches and place under a hot grill for 2 – 4 minutes or until the cheese sauce is golden brown and bubbly (this is where your multi-oven can come in!). Remove from under the grill, allow to cool for a minute or so, place on a clean chopping board and slice in half, serve and enjoy.
• It’s easy to use the multi-oven for this thanks to its dividing rack in the middle, where you can simply place the sandwiches to grill them. It also gives you temperature control of up to 230C, allowing you to get the browning just right.

Curried Cauliflower Chapattis with chutney and relish
And now for something a little bit different! We know how easy it is to slip into a hum-drum routine when it comes to weekday meals, so why not shake things up with a mouth-watering vegetarian feast to sink your teeth into? We absolutely love the flavour combination of moreish curried cauliflower, zingy mango and sweetcorn chutney, and that tangy tomato and chickpea relish. The best part? Your multi-oven will love this, because you can use it to bake the cauliflower while you make the chapattis, chutney and relish! Boring weekday nights will soon be a thing of the past.

Serves: 4
Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients
For the Curried Cauliflower:

• 1 head of cauliflower, leaves removed and florets halved
• 4 tbsp rapeseed oil
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp garlic puree
• 1 onion, finely sliced
• 1 tsp salt

For the Mango and Sweetcorn Chutney:

• 200g sugar
• 125ml white wine vinegar
• 2 mangos, chopped
• 1 tin sweetcorn, drained
• 1 red pepper, diced
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic puree
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp celery salt
• 125ml water

For the Tomato & Chickpea Relish

• 1 tsbp rapeseed oil
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic puree
• 2 tsp Garam Masala
• 400ml passata
• 1 tin chickpeas, drained
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 birds eye chilli, finely chopped
• ½ tsp ground coriander

For the Chapatis

• 450g wholemeal flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 250ml cold water

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 200C fan, gas mark 7

For the Mango and sweetcorn chutney:

• In a saucepan, add the sugar and vinegar and heat until just dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients apart from the water, and bring to the boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and allow it to reduce for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture has thickened and become sticky. Add the water and stir through.
• Allow to simmer for a further 5 – 10 minutes, then remove from the heat. Allow to cool before serving.

For the Curried Cauliflower:

• Heat two tablespoons of rapeseed oil in a large oven proof frying pan and add the curry powder and garlic, stirring to prevent the garlic from burning. Cook for around 2 – 3 minutes. Add the sliced onions and stir thoroughly so that the onions are coated in the garlic and curry powder. Cook until the onions have softened, for around 5 minutes and remove from the heat.
• Add the prepared cauliflower and the remaining rapeseed oil and stir through the onions trying to coat the cauliflower with the spices and garlic.
• Place the coated cauliflower and onions in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and serve.

For the tomato and chickpea relish:

• In a saucepan, heat the oil, garam masala, birds eye chilli, ground coriander and garlic for 2 – 3 minutes, then add the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil.
• Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before serving.

For the chapattis:

• Place all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and gently mix to combine. This would be easier done using a food mixer.
• Once all the ingredients have come together and the dough is smooth, remove from the bowl and divide the mixture into eight equal pieces.
• Dust a little flour onto a flat work surface and roll each dough ball into as flat a disc as possible.
• Heat a large frying pan and place the chapatti onto the heat and cook on high for 1 minute on each side. Remove from the heat and keep warm while you repeat the process with the remaining dough balls.
• Layer a chapatti with some of the tomato and chickpea relish, a large spoonful of the curried roasted cauliflower and top with some mango and sweetcorn chutney, fold into a roll and enjoy!

We love this recipe to go with your new multi-oven, because you’ll soon see how seamlessly it fits in alongside your day-to-day cooking to help you create delicious meals without the fuss – a bit like your very own sous chef! Just by choosing the right cooking mode and setting the timer, it will cook what you need while you prep the little extras that make each meal special.

Go on, give these delicious recipes a go in your brand new Cook’s Essentials 5-in-1 multi-oven, and discover how easy it is to whip up impressive meals in a flash! Grab it while it’s our Today’s Special Value on Wednesday 23rd March only.

The post Fabulous recipes to make in your multi-oven appeared first on Stories.

If you’re ready to wrap up warm and hunker down indoors, Cozee Home‘s AW21 collection has you covered from all angles. From gorgeous throws to cosy clothing, their specially created fabrics, like Velvetsoft and Fluffie, will surround you in softness – now there’s a good reason to stay home!

Home
As the cold nights draw in, why not dress your house in Cozee Home’s gorgeous designs?

‘One of the certainties of life in the UK is that the weather always gets considerably colder at this time of year,’ Debra Leigh tells us, ‘and now heating bills are on the rise, what better way to sit out the storms than to wrap up warm with Cozee Home?’

Beautiful bedding
We’re all familiar with ‘sheet shock’ – that cold feeling when you get into bed, which makes you huddle up in a tight ball. Avoiding it is easy when you kit out your bed in cosy fabrics that warm you as soon as you settle down in them, making it much easier to ward off the chill on cold evenings.

‘For bedding that’s snuggly from the moment you get in, our Cozee Home Dappled Dots Velvetsoft four-piece duvet set is hard to beat,’ Debra says, ‘If we have to brace ourselves for the colder season, why not cushion the blow with sublime Velvetsoft fabric as a real treat? The design on this set is gorgeous – oval shaped dots to go with the trends, and it’s also a full set with two pillowcases, a deep fitted velvet bottom sheet and a duvet cover, so you can book in your duvet day ahead of time and just luxuriate!’

The must-have throw
There’s nothing more versatile to have at home than a super-soft throw, and you can’t get better than one from Cozee Home.

‘Something from the Cozee Home cupboard that you are bound to love for years to come is our Family oversize Velvetsoft throw,’ Debra says, ‘It really is the biggest throw we do at a massive 2.65m x 2.8m. I reckon three generations of a family could snuggle up in this one, not to mention your pets too!’

To keep those feet warm
For those nights when a pair of socks simply won’t cut it, the heated foot warmer Cozee Home has to offer is one not to miss.

‘It features heat that you can easily control at a temperature to suit with a choice of six settings on the user-friendly digital display controller,’ Debra explains, ‘It even has a removeable fleece lining that you can wash at 40 degrees. What I say is – warm feet, happy heart!’

Wearables
That’s right, Cozee Home isn’t just about soft furnishings anymore! With their fabulous range of clothing, it’s never been easier to wrap up warm in a matter of moments, whether you’re lounging after a bath or snuggling down in bed for the night.

‘As the colder weather is upon us, it’s the perfect time to think about adding some Cozee Wearables into your winter wardrobe,’ Imogen Connolly says, and when you see what they have to offer, we’re pretty sure you’ll agree!

The perfect pyjamas
It’s easy to ignore what we wear to bed (after all, who’s really going to notice?), but this also makes having beautiful pyjamas that sit softly against your skin an unexpected luxury.

‘One of my favourite pyjama sets is the Cozee Home velvet hooded pyjamas,’ Imogen tells us, ‘They are my go-to loungewear as soon as I get back from the QVC studios and have the luxurious feel of the Velvetsoft fabric, which, as always, gives you that instant hit of warmth without the weight.’

And pyjamas aren’t just for sleeping anymore! Imogen loves to do her pamper routine in hers, and not only because they’re ultra-comfy.

‘The hood adds that extra bit of warmth around the neck and head, so it’s perfect when having a pamper night. I like to put Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer hair mask on and pop the hood up to help the mask absorb with the extra warmth… and I know that I can pop it into the washing machine afterwards with no issues!’

Something a bit different
Sometimes it’s the unexpected things that make the biggest difference to our daily lives, and Imogen reckons that this could be one of those can’t-live-without staples – the Fluffy hooded poncho.

‘This poncho comes in a super snuggly fabric and it makes a great alternative to grabbing the wrap or blanket from the sofa. It’s perfect for layering over loungewear, clothing and coats,’ Imogen says, ‘I meet my son from the school bus, so I’ll be wearing this over my jackets and knitwear for that extra hit of warmth, as well as reaching for it when relaxing at home!’

The me-time hero
If you know someone who deserves some TLC (and perhaps isn’t so great at the whole relaxation thing!), Imogen recommends giving them a gift that encourages them unwind after a long day.

‘As we head towards Christmas, I always like to get a new dressing gown. It’s always a winter treat to myself and this year I can’t wait to try the Cozee Home belted dressing gown,’ She tells us, ‘It has a Sherpa collar, so it’s perfect for snuggling down and it has handy pockets too!’

Feeling inspired to cosy up your home? There’s plenty more where that came from – discover the rest of Cozee Home’s AW21 collection here at QVC!

The post Get Cozee this season! appeared first on Stories.

Keeping cosy

We’ve packed away the shorts and summer dresses, and it’s time to make way for loungewear and comfortable fabrics. Our wellbeing wardrobe is full of transitional clothing. Normally, this would mean season to season, but we’re talking outfits that’ll take you from the school run to walking the dog, coffee dates to evenings on the sofa. Soft to the touch, this set from Kim & Co Wellness features a long-sleeved top and joggers with a comfortable elasticated waistband, making it the perfect co-ord to wear while running errands. If the day calls for something extra-cosy, this WynneLounge hoodie and jogger combo is what we’ll be cuddling up in!

Stretch it out

Nothing helps us to feel better on drizzly days than getting our bodies moving. If it’s cold, wet and windy though, going outside is not quite as appealing! Setting up your own indoor workout is a fabulous way to help get your blood pumping, release endorphins and work towards your health goals. A classic here at QVC is the AeroPilates Reformer. We’re all massive fans, and it’s not hard to see why. It helps to work your entire body in a fun, gentle way, before folding up compactly for storage. Just a quick stretch of a morning can really get you in the right mindset for the rest of the day, while a session of an evening serves as the ultimate wind down.

Time to destress

Been a long day? Take a deep breathe in, and surround yourself with some calming fragrance to help soothe your senses. It’s amazing how different scents can instantly elevate our mood and they’re the perfect way to set the scene for a relaxing evening. Diffusers, like this one from Made by Zen, will fill any room with your favourite blend of essential oils, while edits like this one from Neom will take you from bath to bed for the ultimate calming evening. If a good night of rest is on the cards, this Neom edit and Scentered set both feature a candle that’s great for lighting while you unwind in bed, plus more scented formulas to help transform your bedtime routine. Need to unwind on the go? The fabulous De-Stress Balm from Scentered is the way to go. It’s the perfect size for popping in your handbag, and can be applied to pressure points whenever you’re feeling in need of a calming moment.

From the inside out

Feel like you need a little boost from within? Supplements can really help during the winter months, supporting everything from your gut health to your immune system. Reevaluating the supplements you take is a good idea as we move into the next months, when colds, bugs and poor weather can leave us feeling a little worse for wear, plus the weather can play havoc with our skin. We’ll be adding the OPTY.NC Skin Food Elixir Ultimate into our routines. It contains a mix of biotin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and vitamins A, B6, 12 and C to support the reduction of tiredness, fatigue and oxidative stress, plus contribute to the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails. This do-it-all supplement is the perfect way to get all that goodness in one easy hit, so you can go about the rest of your day without a care in the world!

Looking for more wellbeing must-haves? Head over to our page now to discover more.

The post Your winter wellbeing appeared first on Stories.

Katy Pullinger:

In winter months, I find it so important to make time to be outside during the daylight hours. If I only get my downtime once it gets dark, then I do start to feel low. There are special lights that you can get for this, which are great for those who aren’t able to get outside during the day, but personally nothing compares to the real thing along with the fresh air.

Simon Biagi:

To keep myself going through the winter months, I supplement and supplement some more. A great multi-vitamin is my starting point (Prime Fifty), lots of vitamin C (I love Your Zooki) and for normal energy levels, I never miss my iodine (Doctor Seaweed). When I have got all that down me, I always try to get outside and see the sky above me for an hour a day…. No mater what the weather! That usually does it.

Alison Keenan:

I’m very much a summer person and I find the shorter days and longer nights can make me feel hemmed in. So I’ve found a fabulous trail close to home that takes me across wide open fields and countryside. It doesn’t matter what the weather, just being out there in the space and light lifts my spirits. Sometimes I listen to my audiobooks but more often I just enjoy the peace and quiet and the change in seasons. Life is busy and can be stressful, and I think it’s very important to sometimes escape completely from the world and just be.

Chloe Everton:

When it comes to winter wellbeing I’m all about activity… keep moving during the day and snuggling up and getting cosy at night. Staying fit and active gives us a happy, healthy life and stronger immune system. Get lots of layers on and wrapped up then head out for a brisk stroll in nature. I love to walk by water, so rivers, lakes or the sea ideally, it gives me the feel-good factor. Also crank up the supplements focusing on immunity and gut health. Most of all I stay positive and choose happiness!

Annaliese Deyes:

As the leaves begin to fall and the air begins to cool, it’s really important not to forget our wellbeing. For me as a fashion lover, I absolutely love autumn styling and nothing makes me feel better than a well put-together outfit that lifts my confidence and mood. So I say, take this time to experiment with layering and explore your personal style. WynneLayers is a great place to start with simple yet effective layering pieces and the new autumn collection by Dannii Minogue has got some stand out pieces that can instantly update any wardrobe. Now, looking good and feeling good isn’t just about our outfits – one of my top tips for winter wellbeing is looking after your skin and, trust me, moisturisation is key! Our skin can get so dry in the lead up to winter, so keeping it hydrated is a great way to put your best face forward. I’ve been loving Superfood range from Elemis; particularly the Kefir Tea Priming & Hydrating Mist. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for a facial mist or spritz. I think it’s because it fun to apply, kinda wakes you up and provides moisture at the same. What’s there not to love?!

Jilly Halliday:

My winter wellbeing is quite simple really, I just have to stay cosy. I just don’t function if I’m cold! I even went glamping once in the height of summer and that was far too cold for me. So I use every cosy comfort I can lay my hands on, including my fluffy bed socks (I can’t stand cold feet!) My friends always laugh at me as I’m the first one to reach for a hat and scarf and pile on the layers. Although my top tip is I never sleep with the radiator on in the bedroom and always just have the window opened ever so slightly. I think it’s a much healthier winter sleeping environment.

Miceal Murphy:

When it comes to winter, there are a few things I like to do to keep me going, both physically and mentally. First up, getting outside in the daylight. Getting a bit of fresh air alone is worth getting outside for, but getting the daylight into your eyes and letting it register with your brain is something I find really helpful, particularly first thing in the morning or as soon as I can when the sun is up. It helps to wake up your brain, which I usually need a lot of help with in winter. If I happen to be exercising while I am outside, then so much the better!

We are all time poor, so you might think you don’t have time for that, but there is a simple system I try to follow that can be done in as little as five minutes or you can take as long as you like. It’s called “The Three M’s”. (I didn’t come up with this, someone else did). It is best to do this upon waking at the start of the day. The first “M” is mindfulness. You can do this when you are still lying in bed if you want. I find it easiest to use a meditation app and follow that. This can really help to set your mind in the right gear for the day ahead. The second “M” is for movement. This, again, can be anything from a two minute stretch to a one hour workout. Whatever your time allows. The third and final “M” is motivation. You can do this while having your breakfast or brushing your teeth. Here you simply recite motivational phrases to yourself or if you’re not into that, just remind yourself of what you have been successful at, or what you are good at. Again, this gets you into the right mindset for the day. These are just some of the exercises I use to keep me positive and motivated during the dark winter months.

Charlie Brook:

I’m not the biggest fan of the shorter days during winter months, so I spend as much time outdoors as possible before the evening draws in. Having said that, I do love a cold, crisp winter’s morning. I find it really invigorating. Cool fresh air, clear blue skies and glorious sunshine. Perfect! I enjoy nothing more than to be out with my two dogs. I find it the perfect way to relax and unwind. My phone rarely leaves my pocket when I’m out, and for me it makes all the difference. I really like to be ‘in the moment’ – taking in my surroundings and connecting with nature. Something as simple as a squirrel running across my path or a fox peering from behind a bush can make my day, which I would miss in a heartbeat if I were on my phone!

Jackie Kabler:

For me, the most important thing to help keep a sense of well-being in the winter months is to get outside into daylight and fresh air as much as possible. I’m a big believer in “there’s no such thing as bad weather if you’re wearing the right clothes!”, and although it can be hard to motivate yourself to go out on a freezing cold or wet day, I always, always feel better for it. I love to wrap up and go for a run, but even a brisk walk to the end of the road and back can make a difference. (I make an exception if it’s slippery underfoot – broken bones do not give a sense of wellbeing!). I also change my skincare routine a little in winter, with richer moisturisers, hand creams and luxurious oils instead of lotions. A little pamper always makes me feel better on a dull day!

Ophelia Dennis:

To keep on top of my wellbeing in the winter, I like to start my day with a lemon and ginger tea with turmeric and honey. It’s warming, soothing, comforting, and great for our bodies. I try to do a five-minute guided meditation, ideally while still in bed. I really found this helped settle my mind and keep positive during the height of the pandemic and kept it up through the winter. I find that if I do it in the morning, in my mind it’s setting me up for a positive day, but it can be done anytime to centre, be present in the moment and bring that calm to us.

I also like doing Muay Thai in the winter, it’s a great way to warm up your body and keep active. It’s great for the body, mind and soul as it takes a lot of focus and martial arts is quite spiritual. Dancing also is fantastic and fun, if it’s cold and miserable outside, I turn up the music or put my headphones in and dance like I’m Sasha Fierce – Beyonce’s alter ego.

Dale Franklin:

As a young school lad, I really looked forward to winter. There was always lots going on what with Halloween, Firework night, the school Nativity play, then the build up to Christmas Day and in my case, my birthday too, all rounded off by New Year’s Eve! Perhaps that’s why I still look forward to winter, or rather I don’t dislike the darker, colder months as some do. It will come as no surprise that for me a long walk, either with my dogs or a camera, or sometimes both, is the best way I know to unwind, clear my head and reset. The cold has never bothered me and I’ll happily walk out on a snowy day, provided I have the right footwear and clothing on. Even a rainy day can be exhilarating, the only downside being how long it takes me to dry the dogs and light all the fragranced candles around the house. There are some great outerwear brands at the Q right now, if you fancy giving the great outdoors a try this winter – I’ll keep an eye out for you.

Make sure to check out our Feeling Good Together campaign, where we’re regularly updating the page with fitness inspiration, wellbeing top tips and expert interviews to help support and inspire you throughout 2021.

The post How the presenters prep for winter appeared first on Stories.

Ingredients

• 400g butternut squash chunks
• 1 corn on the cob, shaved into shards
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, crushed
• 400g cooked bulgur wheat
• 250g chickpeas
• 100g baby plum tomatoes, quartered
• 100g spring onions, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 50g parsley, chopped
• 50g fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 yellow pepper, chopped
• 100g pomegranate seeds
• 50g kale, chopped
• 50g feta cheese, crumbled

For the dressing:

• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon of vegetable bouillon
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of water

For the yoghurt dressing:

• 100ml natural yoghurt
• 1/2 cucumber, deseeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• A handful each of: coriander, mint, parsley
• 1 green chilli
• 1 – 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

• Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6.
• In a bowl, toss the olive oil and garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Stir in the butternut squash and corn to coat. Turn out onto a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for approximately 25 minutes until the squash is tender, adding the kale 10 minutes before the end of cooking.
• For the dressing: in a bowl, add the lemon zest and juice, vegetable bouillon, honey and water, then stir until combined.
• Place all the remaining ingredients (except the feta, and reserve some of the pomegranate seeds) into a large serving bowl. Lightly toss in the roasted squash, corn and kale, then pour over the dressing and stir well so that the dressing is evenly distributed.
• Sprinkle with feta cheese and the reserved pomegranate seeds. Serve warm or chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
  Serve with the yoghurt dressing.

And there you have it – a beautifully balanced but totally delicious bowl to keep you feeling healthy and satisfied. If this has inspired you to embrace the summer and make the most of it, why not check out our summer home edit here?

The post A delicious Vegetable Bulgar Wheat Salad recipe appeared first on Stories.

There’s never been a better time to sit back and give yourself permission to take in the joy of little things around your home, savouring time to yourself in whatever form that takes. That’s why we got talking to our Joyful Living experts, Amy Burrows, Anouska Lancaster and Gill Gauntlett, to hear about their daily rituals that help instil a sense of serenity into their lives and the small steps they take to relish the little joys along the way.

As the day begins
Though all of us lead busy lives, mornings can be the perfect opportunity to find a bit of serenity amongst the mayhem, and for our experts, it’s all about taking a moment to switch off from the rigid demands of our phones and laptops to soak in a bit of calm before the day begins. ‘My friends laugh, but I still use an old-fashioned alarm clock rather than my phone to wake me up in the morning,’ Amy Burrows says, ‘It allows me to leave my phone on airplane mode until I’m ready and dressed for the day. When I open my eyes, I don’t want my initial thoughts or even my mood to be shaped by social media or emails, and I like to leave some space first thing to gather my own thoughts and ideas for the day.’

Leaving the phone alone for a moment will help you tune into yourself instead of the lives of so many others, and according to Gill Gauntlett, if you can get out into nature for a moment to let that phone cleanse sink in, all the better. ‘If possible, I start my day with a dog walk. I’m lucky enough to live in the beautiful countryside with fabulous walks that really help me to relax and start the day just right.’ If there’s a park or green space nearby, or even your own garden, just a few minutes absorbing the sounds and sights of nature can serve as the perfect break from a tech-filled day, and Amy agrees. ‘I live by the sea and love nothing more than getting out for a walk along the seafront, either by myself or with a friend. It completely clears my head, snaps me into the present moment and just reminds me to breathe!’

Finding those few minutes to yourself in the morning can be tricky, but adjusting your expectations to twenty or even ten minutes can help you sneak that moment into your schedule. Anouska Lancaster recommends rising a little bit early before the rush. ‘I’m always the first up, so it’s my 20 minutes of calm and quiet before the children wake up and the chaos begins!’ And her secret weapon? ‘A frothy coffee – I can’t function without one! Whatever time of year, whether I’m waking up to sunshine or snow, a coffee is what gets me ready for the day ahead.’

A simple morning ritual like this will help you to work in a moment to unwind, whatever the day has in store for you!

Downtime
When work is done, creating a serene space can be more of a challenge, because the day is in full swing and time can run away with you. That’s why putting in a bit of extra effort to set up an area for relaxation can make all the difference, whatever ‘me time’ looks like to you.

Anouska recommends finding a room or area in your home that you can dedicate to yourself for a short while. ”Me time’ is really important, and my favourite room in the house is my bathroom – mainly as it’s the only room in the house with a lock on the door! The bathroom is my place to take out some time for self-care. It could be a long soak in a bubble bath with candles, or time spent on my beauty regime with products from QVC.’

Candles are a favourite among our experts to transform a room into a relaxation station, whether you’re giving yourself a well-deserved pamper or simply setting the ambience for a calming evening ahead. ‘I really enjoy the ritual of lighting candles in my living space,’ Amy says, ‘Going around with a box of matches and lighting the tea lights and votives feels like it signifies the end of a work day and the start of downtime and relaxation.’

And it’s not just about the soft light candles bring. ‘I have always loved burning scented candles,’ Gill says, and suggests fragrances that trigger that sense of inner calm: ‘I really love grapefruit scents or salty fragrances.’ Scented candles combine both calming fragrance and lighting for a sensory experience that might just transport you to your happy place, so find a scent that triggers a fond memory or feelings of serenity – Yankee Candle‘s inspiring fragrance names will help you find what resonates most with you.

And who’s to say that your serene space has to stay indoors? If you’re lucky enough to encounter a balmy evening, Anouska recommends taking the candles outside. ‘I use candles all year round, but they really come into their own as the summer nights draw to a close. They could be used whilst wrapping up under blankets in the garden after a lazy afternoon BBQ or for creating a cosy atmosphere in a TV room or snug before putting on a movie.’

Embrace the great outdoors
In fact, your outdoor space can be the perfect getaway for a moment’s peace and quiet, alone or with family. Little things like curling up with a book or enjoying a drink with your partner outside will help mark the end of a long day inside and encourage you to enjoy the moment, surrounded by fresh air.

For Anouska, the garden is a place to unwind when work is finished. ‘I enjoy a glass of wine in the garden after a stressful day. It’s lovely to curl up in a cocoon chair with loved ones and catch up on everyone’s days. The summer passes by so quickly, so it’s important to make the most of every last drop, even if it means snuggling under a throw outside on cooler evenings.’

Over the past year, we’ve learnt to make the most of our gardens, even if the weather gets a bit nippy, and for Gill, it’s all about making the most of the space you have, whether you’re blessed with a big garden or a balcony. ‘My garden is small and contained but I’ve made it as homely and relaxing as possible. I have a variety of solar lights to help with the ambience, and this year, I bought a Luxform Lamppost that has really made a lovely addition to my small garden.’

Gill also encourages us to never underestimate the power of plants, even if you’re not green-fingered. ‘I don’t have any borders – it’s a real container garden, and I love planting up my pots and watching them grow. I do believe Richard Jackson’s Flower Power is brilliant and I have had some great results. QVC have really impressed me with the range of pots this year and I’ve invested in quite a few beautiful faux rattan containers.’

Treating yourself
It’s easy to forget to carve out time to indulge in something you love, but whether you’re a sweet or savoury person, you deserve a treat once in a while, if only to remind yourself that life is about enjoying the little things!

‘I really enjoy baking – for me there’s something really therapeutic about taking a cupboard full of ingredients and methodically turning them into something else, one step at a time,’ Amy says, and the benefit of this isn’t just the treat at the end of it: ‘I feel like having something tangible to show for your efforts at the end is really rewarding.’

If you fancy trying your hand at baking something sweet and summery, why not have a go at our delicious raspberry creme brulee tart recipe? It’s simpler to make than it looks and versatile enough to enjoy at a dinner party or as a mid-afternoon snack. You’ll definitely be coming back for another slice!

When it comes to a personal favourite among our experts, there’s a clear winner.

‘I could literally live off cake and never get bored of it!’ Anouska laughs, ‘Carrot cake is my particular favourite – that with coffee is my perfect pick me up mid-morning.’ For good reason, carrot cake seems to be the popular choice, as Amy also tells us that ‘a real treat for me is a slice from my local bakery with a cup of tea. Is there anything better than a perfect cream cheese frosting to cheer you up?!’

Gill’s also a cake fan for a special treat. ‘I really do have a savoury tooth, but once in a while I get a craving for a fresh cream cake with a strong cup of tea. Just can’t beat it!’

So, cake is definitely the order of the day when it comes to teatime! But however you want to treat yourself, make sure to enjoy it in a way that makes it a bit of a ‘me time’ moment, whether that’s with a friend having a good natter or settled down with a good book. Joy can come from the simplest things, and finding them in your home throughout the week can build up to making it your official ‘happy place’.

‘To my mind, happiness isn’t a destination, it’s an accumulation of those individual moments that add up throughout a day or a week,’ Amy tells us, ‘In our busy lives, it can be easy to get caught up running at a hundred miles per hour, so I strive to savour the simple things that bring me joy. I don’t always manage it, but it’s a constant work in progress!’

If you’re inspired to find more ways to create little moments of joy in your home and garden, why not explore our summer home edit here?

The post Making calming moments around the home appeared first on Stories.

Hi Debra! Cozee Home is a bit of a legend here at QVC, but for those of us who may be newer to the brand, can you give us a bit of an idea about the different ranges Cozee Home has to offer to make our homes sumptuously soft?

Cozee preparation is well underway for AW21, with loads of snuggly goodies in store to get us through the transition from autumn to winter in supreme comfort and style. We are building on our Cozee Family, so it’s now a combination of Cozee Home with favourites like fleece and Velvetsoft bedding, throws, wraps and bedspreads, Cozee Kids, with our new arrivals Bailey the dog and Baxter the fox in a variety of forms, from long hot water bottles (hotties!) to a toy that turns into a hoodie – it is sooo unbelievably cute!!

And of course, Cozee wouldn’t be Cozee without our well-loved pet range Cozee Paws, which is becoming a bit of a go-to for innovative pet beds, some of which use advanced technology like Odourology treated fabric, which helps to remove odour-producing bacteria, thereby reducing pet smells. This, together with moisture wicking, aims to help keep your pets in supreme comfort.

What can we expect from Cozee Home AW21? Any new exciting additions to the collection?

We have been really busy behind the scenes developing new techniques to bring innovative design styling to fleece and Velvetsoft bedding. This comes in the form of embossing fabric, like our incredible Ultrasonic bedding, where the designs seem almost carved into the fabric, and heat-sealed foils that add a bit of sparkle and shine to our Christmas designs, with current trends like geometric patterns incorporated into them.

We are also keen to expand our colour range for customer favourites, like the faux mink and fleece set, which has almost iconic status as a Cozee statement piece – it was the first set that we combined fleece with the velvety fabric, and having two different sensory feels and looks just appealed to many of us – it’s consistently received five-star reviews and is much loved in the Cozee family.

We all know that our four-legged friends deserve to be pampered too, so what should we look out for in the AW21 collection to get their tails wagging?

Gift sets are a new offering, such as the scarf and bone set – a soft squeaky bone, perfect for helping to train your dog in retrieval skills, and a neckerchief style scarf to match, in a choice of spot print colours. All in a velvety fabric, so it’s soft to the touch! I’d also recommend checking out the huge range of pet beds in the range too.

Loungewear has got to be at its most popular after the year we’ve had, so if we fancy a bit of a change when it comes to comfy clothing, what does Cozee Home have to offer?

We really do have some treats in store! I’ve just been looking ahead at our latest designs for pyjamas and loving the coffee cups design! We’ve also been developing some new techniques and fabrics – like our premium Velvetsoft embossed pyjamas with a choice of star or heart designs in gorgeous shades of green, pink, blue, grey or navy. We’ve even added stretch to them to make them even more comfy to wear around the house. You seriously will never want to get dressed in the mornings! I’ve also added the new longer length Velvetsoft hoodie to my Christmas wish list already.

For us, Cozee loungewear pieces offer you the fabrics and quality that are always paramount in Cozee Home. We’ve all been buying a lot more online and you never know how the fabric is going to look and feel when you receive it, but with Cozee Home pieces, you are guaranteed to feel secure, cosy, comfortable and really wrapped up in a piece that instantly relaxes and comforts you.

Cozee Home has everything we need to take us from our beds to snuggling on the sofa or even round the fire pit in the garden. Layer a cape over your clothes when the chilly evenings are drawing in, pop a lounger on over your pyjamas whilst you make that first cup of tea or when you get in from a rainy walk, have the comfiest pyjamas on stand-by for those lazy Sunday mornings or snuggle up in a dressing gown with a film in the evening. There is a piece for every cosy situation!

As the little ones are finally getting back into a reliable routine, how can Cozee Home fit into the frantic bedtime routine to get them snuggling down and ready for sleep?

Wait until you see our new dino and unicorn throws – just keep them out in the light in the day and they will glow in the dark at night-time – I only wish I was still little to experience it myself!

Over the past year, what have been some home comforts you’ve relied on to make your space one you want to spend time in?

Definitely our Velvetsoft Supreme throw, which is coming back with added shades – it’s been my favourite to gift to friends too, as it’s ribbon wrapped and ready to go. I also just cannot live without the heated throws when it gets really chilly (we’ve even colour matched the control panel this year, so it’s looking really chic). With working from home being in focus, I have to admit I have been really enjoying product testing our selection of back support pillows that come in a wide range of styles and sizes to suit our needs. I’m a firm believer in looking after our posture, and spending time at home working has drawn our attention to upgrading our comfort when sitting for long periods of time.

We don’t like to put anyone on the spot, but… if you HAD to choose, what are your personal favourites from the new collection?

Ooh that’s the trickiest question you’ve asked me, but it’s probably a close call between the Geo Foil Duvet Set and the Ultra fluffy three-piece Duvet Set – perfect indulgence on a cold night with a long fibred faux fur in great shades like Silver Grey, Ivory, Charcoal and Blush. In fact, I might just have to book my duvet day early this year…

If you’re ready to sink into softness this season, discover the whole Cozee Home AW21 collection here.

The post Wrap up in softness – Cozee Home’s AW21 collection is here! appeared first on Stories.