With thanks to Country and Townhouse:

December 01, 2024 |

Dear Reader,

A good friend’s advice to me was, if your teen ever suggests watching something with them on TV, just do it (even if you’re itching to catch up on Wolf Hall: the Mirror & the Light), because the fact they want to hang out with you, even passively, is a bonus. So thus I’m spending many an evening watching the latest clutch of celebrities in the jungle (I found myself gagging when three of them had to squeeze the juice out of as many fish eyes as they could into a cup for two minutes – with their mouths). Which is my rather rambling opening gambit into, did you know how dirty your mobile phone is? Apparently, it carries more bacteria than a loo seat (and possibly a fish eye) – but combine those two together – because I bet a lot of us use our phones on the loo – and that little toxic machine we all carry around is not only zapping our mental health but could make us physically ill too.

Have a great week.

WHAT’S EXCITING ME THIS WEEK

Deliveroo Your Dress

Fashion rental site Hurr has upped its game by hooking up with Deliveroo –meaning that a dressing disaster can be avoided in as little as 20 minutes. Increasing the availability and convenience of renting clothes (instead of buying), I suspect this is one trend that will grow and grow.

How To Do A Sunday Reset

My most satisfying Sundays involve a dog walk, some pottering, clearing up some home admin – washing and the like – plus a bit of batch cooking for the week ahead. It helps me feel calm and collected – and it seems like I’m not the only one. Are you up for a Sunday reset?

Why Are UPFs So Addictive?

I’ve written before about Chris van Tulleken’s game-changing book Ultra Processed People, and now his new BBC documentary – Irresistible: Why We Can’t Stop Eating – is set to bring the subject even more alive and into our homes. It’s utterly shocking and disturbing and should be essential viewing.

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Sipsmith Origin 1639 Gin

Sipsmith’s new limited-edition gin is made using an original recipe recently discovered from 1639: infused with raspberries and strawberries, then rested in oak barrels in honour of traditional, 17th-century production methods. With its juniper-forward flavour and berry notes, this is gin as it was originally intended. sipsmith.com

BUY NOW

FIVE THINGS NOT TO MISS

Loved Dylan on Bake Off? You can try his kitchen wizardry at Five Fields restaurant in Chelsea, where he landed a job after the show.

Liberty is getting a magical makeover thanks to a new Wicked pop-up, which features a range of gifts and Oz-inspired creations. Open throughout December

Hugo Glendinning

Sign up to the pre-sale now to maximise your chances of securing a ticket for The Traitors: Live Experience, an immersive version of the hit BBC series.

Charity Farms For City Children is hosting a family-friendly festive pop-up at Nethercott House in Devon, complete with a three-course meal and mulled wine. 17 and 18 December, book here

If chilly runs aren’t your vibe, give TikTok’s 28-day wall pilates challenge a go – it requires no equipment, and plenty of wellbeing benefits.

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