Best features

Getting older means knowing more about yourself, your flaws and your attributes: Not just your character but also your physical appearance.

Every woman has at least one good feature. If it is your hair then spend everything you can on a good hairdresser. If it is your eyes then learn how to make them up properly. If it is your legs then wear a mini skirt and over the knee boots.

If you can remedy your worst feature then invest in fixing it. If not fixable then ignore or conceal it. What is the point of being miserable about it if you can't change it?

Things I've learnt (the hard way):

1. Flat shoes might be better. She's 5'11 but see Ines: Join the flat pack

2. Buy unique, dazzling things on holiday and invest in the basics at home

3. Keep a list of what is missing from your wardrobe and buy accordingly.

4. Having matching wallet, phone case, key ring, passport cover, cosmetic case in your bag looks terribly together. Love Smythson's for this even if they discontinued my lilac.

5. Learn about make-up. See Salli Hughes.

Death by Minibar

What hotel gets the minibar right? Let me know because I want to stay there! It as though by trying to appeal to everyone it ends up being a mish-mash of what no one in their right mind would ever eat. Don't hotels do focus groups on minibars?

Here is my dream minibar list:

Champagne that doesn't cost $75 (for a split!)
Pringles
Excellent chocolates (Better than Godiva)
Milk for tea!
Shortbread biscuits
Cheese
White wine
Vogue (not necessarily chilled but available in the room)


I could go on but not a minibar stuffed with sodas, peanuts and cheap chocolates. The sad thing is, after a day of meetings, the only real option is death by minibar. Who wants to deal with the prying eyes of room service or a dingy hotel restaurant?

Sali Hughes - Beauty writer for the Guardian

Not exactly ready to embrace the pale although at my age I should be! (I am sunburnt despite wearing 50 protection to walk along the sea).

Sali Hughes is the brilliant beauty writer for the Guardian. She doesn't back down and really says what she thinks. Thanks to her I bought the best mascara ever from Givenchy and actually know how to apply it. This is life changing.

Sali Hughes on wash off tans.

She also wrote an article on marriage I really recommend: More than just a Wife

Jaffa

Although the market itself was disappointing the streets of Jaffa, the restaurants and the divine Marilyn Monroe you can just see behind the car were terrific. It feels completely

different to Tel Aviv. Life is slower, fewer cars with the sound of footsteps from invisible walkers in the twisting, turning streets.

Aisha in Jaffa

Finally I understand the fuss over djellaba. In the window of a tiny story in Jaffa floated a diaphanous linen djellaba embroidered by the hands of fairies in orange. It looked as though it might take flight it was so delicate. I stumbled across a divine Moroccan store in Jaffa south of Tel Aviv on the edge of flea market. From the lingerie sachets to the lamps to the clothing everything in Aisha brims of exquisite taste.

The owner told me how she had gone to Morocco to learn about her father’s roots and fallen in love with the embroidery and craftsmanship. She has exquisite pieces – everything is chosen with incredible care and presented with love. Go!