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homemade pesto sauce

Hey Pesto!

Bringing unbelievable flavour to a multitude of dishes, from subtle right through to bold – herbs truly do break the mould. Brilliant basil Basil is the star of pesto, and to make a classic sauce, blend fresh leaves with pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Then stir […]

Fish pie with smoked haddock prawns salmon topped with potato mash

Tommy Banks’ Creamy Fish and Leek Pie

Michelin starred chef Tommy Banks understands why proper British fare is so important and this rich, creamy and comforting fish pie is testament to that expertise. Ingredients (serves four) For the mash topping 1½ kg Rooster or Maris Piper potatoes, unpeeled 200ml double cream 50ml milk 50g grated cheddar 50g grated parmesan For the fish […]

Portrait of two girls dressed in stripes posed near bushes

What You Ought to Wear

Top catwalk trends that will spice up your autumn/winter wardrobe. Hyper stripe Stripes. Do they ever go out of fashion? Will polka dots ever succeed them as fashion’s greatest pattern According to the style forecast, no. Stripes, in fact, are bigger and bolder than ever. Think Hamburglar, think human bumblebee, think more stripes than on […]

A middle-aged woman performing a yoga pose on a mat in a bright, airy studio. She is wearing comfortable, form-fitting yoga attire and has a serene expression on her face.

Hit a Nerve

Learning how to heal your vagus nerve can have a profoundly positive impact on your overall health. The vagus nerve, often referred to as the body’s superhighway, plays a crucial role in the parasympathetic nervous  system, influencing heart rate, digestion, and overall stress levels. Healing and maintaining a healthy vagus nerve can transform your life, […]

Fresh herbs from the garden and the different types of oils for massage and aromatherapy

Liquid Gold

A complete guide to plant oils. Sunflower oil Derived from sunflower seeds, sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids. Its mild flavour and high smoke point make it ideal for cooking and frying, while the antioxidant properties contained within are beneficial in skincare products. Flaxseed oil Flaxseed oil, also known as […]

Cute little red kitten sleeps on fur white blanket

Ahhh-Choose Wisely

How to pick a pet that won’t irritate allergies. Pets are part of the family, and that’s why you want to think long and hard before getting one. Things to consider often include the extent of a pet’s needs (long walks etc.), their long-term costs, and if you are the sensitive type, whether or not […]

Bees - AdobeStock_284303732

Bee Kind

How to support your local ecosystem during autumn. As summer fades and autumn takes hold, gardens undergo a stunning transformation. However, it’s important not to overlook the needs of local wildlife who need to prepare for the colder months. By making thoughtful choices and adjustments to your gardening practices, you can create a sanctuary for […]

Natural cleaning products lemon, bamboo dish brushs with notebook. Eco friendly. Zero waste concept. Plastic free.

Simple Swaps to Beat the Plastic

Local resident Marie Austen has created recipes for homemade eco products without using plastic. Marie Austen is on a mission. ‘I am running a war against single-use plastic,’ says Marie. ‘I want to demonstrate that you can make lots of products yourself or do simple swaps to limit the use of plastic.’ At an event […]

Old and New Lime Walk

A History of Lime Walk

Berkhamsted resident Jenny Thorburn, who is researching the history and geography of Berkhamsted Common, uncovers the 500-year-old history behind a part of Berkhamsted that will be familiar to many local walkers. One of the most direct routes to the beautiful countryside north of Berkhamsted is to go uphill from the castle side of the station, […]

Champneys Ladies Stretching

Champneys – 100 Years of Wellness

Now a go-to destination for celebrity clientele, Champneys’ story began with a determined boy from Latvia… In the tranquil heart of the countryside, near Wigginton, surrounded by 170 acres of rolling parkland, sits a luxury health resort that has quietly shaped the nation’s wellness landscape for a century. This year, Champneys Tring marks its 100th […]

Holiday image, person in hammock on sandy beach. Source: AdobeStock_435196429

Hotel in the Know

The dos and don’ts of choosing hotels and resorts. DO your homework The first step in choosing accommodation is setting a realistic budget. Once you’ve done that, you just need to work out how to get the most bang for your buck. Compare prices across booking platforms to find the best deals, plus look for […]